light engine
noun1
Rail transport, Railways, Transport A locomotive running on its own, or with other powered locomotives, with no wagons or carriages attached.
- After a week's manœuvrability tests at Winwick, the locomotive was to undergo three weeks' trials, light engine and loaded, between Whitchurch and Tattenhall Junction.1960 December, “Motive Power Miscellany: London Midland Region”, in Trains Illustrated, page 767:
- On February 24, 99003 undertook its first solo main line test - as a light engine - on both routes. 99004 followed suit on March 2.2026 March 18, “More GBRf Class 99s arrive”, in RAIL, number 1057, page 13: