reversing gear

English

Noun

reversing gear (plural reversing gears)

1. A mechanism used to control the direction of travel of a steam locomotive.
   • 1961 February, Cecil J. Allen, “Salute to the "Claud Hamiltons" & "Directors"”, in Trains Illustrated, page 115:

     A new type of air-inducing ring improved considerably the atomising and distribution of the oil fuel in the firebox, and it was advanced practice for the period that the new engine was equipped with compressed air operation of both the reversing gear and the water-scoop.

See also

• reverse gear