Also called the cowcatcher, the pilot precedes the locomotive and often actually protrudes beyond the front-most part of the locomotive coupler. Originally developed to nudge animals and objects away from the slow-moving early trains, the pilot is now largely decorative although it does prevent small objects from obstructing the lead truck. It is mounted on the pilot beam, a thick iron, steel, or even wood, cross brace the width of the locomotive, which supports front-end necessities.
Quick facts
Protection from bumps
Extra equipment