Wanderlust World Wanderlust World All steam locomotives are powered by a boiler. This boiler uses a coal-driven fire to turn water into pressurized steam, which is then forced through a series of components to generate power for the locomotive's wheels. Steam trains are fed by a nonpressurized fuel tank, which needs to be refilled at stops along the route. Steam pressure had to be carefully monitored to prevent explosions and other mechanical failures.
It takes at least two people to safely monitor and operate a steam locomotive. The driver is responsible for starting and stopping the locomotive as well as controlling its speed. The fireman handles fuel for the fire, monitors the pressure of the boiler, and watches for issues with the fuel tanks or other important parts. This crew normally operates from inside the cab of the locomotive.
Steam locomotives could pose serious risk to those that work on them as well as to the environment through which they pass. Boilers that were allowed too much pressure could explode, killing and injuring nearby crew members. The working parts of the steam engine were also known to throw sparks in all directions, making them a hazard to any wood structures or trees near the train.