A typical 1870's era North American steam locomotive.

Once in a while, I enjoy using photos that obviously weren't taken by Myself.

I bought this photo at either a flea market, or postcard stamp collectors swap meet many years ago.

Locomotives from the 1800's, primarilly before the 1880's, were very colorfull and ornate. Judging by the tall size of the driving wheels, this locomotive may have been used in passenger train service. Notice the single stage air pump in front of the cab. These were used on a then new inovation known as the Westinghouse air brake. Wooden cabs and pilots were standard fixtures.