fall plate

plural fall plates · alternative fallplate

1. datedrail transportA metal plate resting on the cab floor of a steam locomotive, between engine and tender.

   Unlike the earlier standard designs, in which the whole of the footplate was on the engine, fall plates are re-introduced and these are hinged from the front of the tender to rest on the rearward extension of the cab floor.

   1954 March, “New Class "9" 2-10-0 Locomotives”, in Railway Magazine, page 166