kettle question

[Alistair G.]

What do the numbers mean when describing a steam engine. For example 0-6-0 (might be a real one, might not?!)

I'm sure they have something to do with wheel arrangement but never understood it yet!

 

[Zoidberg]

Wheels on leading bogie / driven wheels / wheels on trailing bogie.

In your example, no leading or trailing bogies, six driven wheels.

On an A4 Pacific like Mallard, 4-6-2.

 

[Monty]

It is indeed to do with the wheel arrangement, a 0-6-0 for example would have no carrying wheels at the front (be it a pony truck or bogie), six driving wheels and no carrying wheels at the rear.

 

[33056]

See here for a description of the Whyte notation used to classify steam locos by wheel arrangement.

 

[Alistair G.]

Thanks guys!. Appreciate that, bit more knowledge to add to the memory banks