Hey guys: Back with another newbie question. I see the term “pilot” referred to in relation to locomotives. I have searched everywhere I can think of and can’t find out what a “pilot” is. Help!!!
On a steam loco it’s the small set of wheels at the front of the engine. On a 4-6-4 it would be the first 2 axels with 4 wheels, for 2-6-0, 1 axel, 2 wheels. On a diesel I think it also referes to the leading set of wheels.
“Pilot” also referes to what is otherwise known as the cowcatcher on a steam locomotive and the coupler skirt on a cab unit diesel. On some steam engines and most hood unit diesels, the pilot is the set of steps facing forward for the use of the trains crews. Some hood units have snow plows fixed to their pilots.