New Zealand - Traction engine - Henderson - Side view of part of an abandoned traction engine on an empty section between Thomas Street and Edsel Street - 1951 - Photographer: Diamond, John Thomas A traction engine - A steam-powered tractor used to move heavy loads on roads, plough ground or to provide power at a chosen location - The name derives from the Latin tractus, meaning 'drawn', since the prime function of any traction engine is to draw a load behind it - They are sometimes called road locomotives to distinguish them from railway locomotives – that is, steam engines that run on rails. - Traction engines tend to be large, robust and powerful, but also heavy, slow, and difficult to manoeuvre - Nevertheless, they revolutionized agriculture and road haulage at a time when the only alternative prime mover was the draught horse. (Reference: Wikipedia) -------------------- Image source: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections JTD-14G-00617-3 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/50373