Common Steam& Diesel Locomotive Wheel Arrangements

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The system employed in Britain and North America for describing steam locomotive wheel arrangements is known as the Whyte system. Locomotives are described by the number of leading, driving, and trailing wheels (while in Europe and other countries the classifications are based on the number of axles).

Below are listed the most common British wheel arrangements together with any applicable nicknames (as well as a few commom diesel wheel arrangements for comparison purposes). The letter "T" following the numerical calssification indicates a "Tank" engine. "PT" indicates a "Pannier Tank", while "ST" refers to a "Saddle Tank" locomotive, for example 2-6-2T would be describing a Prarie Tank engine such as a Great Western Class 45xx small prarie. Picture