
A water trough, or track pan is a device to enable a steam locomotive to replenish its water supply while in motion. It consists of a long trough filled with water, lying between the rails. When a steam locomotive passes over the trough, a water scoop can be lowered, and the speed of forward motion forces water into the scoop, up the scoop pipe and into the tanks or locomotive tender.
Full Answer
How do water troughs work on steam locomotives?
When a steam locomotive passes over the trough, a water scoop can be lowered, and the speed of forward motion forces water into the scoop, up the scoop pipe and into the tanks or locomotive tender . Ramsbottom water troughs on a four-line stretch of the West Coast Main Line, England in 1904.
How does a ballcock work on a trough valve?
The ballcock or trough valve is the bit that prevents overflow. The traditional version is a float (the ball) on a lever attached to a valve on the inlet pipe. When the ball is floating near the top of the trough, the lever holds the inlet valve closed and no water enters the trough.
How does a Waterer work in the summer?
In the summer the water comes up cooler and in the winter it is warmer because the water in the waterline is buried in the ground. Clean water at the right temperature is pleasing for animals to drink. This means more water consumption and results in healthier animals. How much does the automatic waterer system cost?
What is another name for a water trough on a train?
For the trough used to provide drinking water for animals, see Watering trough. A water trough ( British terminology), or track pan ( American terminology) is a device to enable a steam locomotive to replenish its water supply while in motion. It consists of a long trough filled with water, lying between the rails.

What is the function of water trough?
A watering trough (or artificial watering point) is a man-made or natural receptacle intended to provide drinking water to animals, livestock on farms or ranches or wild animals.
How do you set up a water trough?
1:192:35JFC Agri Fast-Fill Water Trough Install - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing. Some PTFE tape to create it for. You. Ensure the fourth valve and the elbow are facingMoreUsing. Some PTFE tape to create it for. You. Ensure the fourth valve and the elbow are facing straight down cut the pipe insert. The insert if needed jump up into the elbow.
What do you put in a water trough to keep clean?
Add a Small Amount of Bleach A small amount of bleach added to a water tank shouldn't affect the water's taste so much that livestock won't want to drink it, but it will affect algae's ability to thrive. Try 2 to 3 ounces of bleach per 50 gallons of water, per the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
Do metal water troughs get hot?
In areas that get especially hot, you may need to provide a means of cooling the water because metal conducts heat all too well.
How do you haul water a cow?
3:584:50Hauling water to the cows - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI just let it slowly fill. And takes a couple hours that way it doesn't overwork the well pump. ThemMoreI just let it slowly fill. And takes a couple hours that way it doesn't overwork the well pump. Them. So there we go cows or water it'll be good till tomorrow. Morning sunshine on the water.
How do you make a log out of a trough?
0:329:40How To Make a Log Watering Trough - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's going to have a flat top. We want one like this tree right here that first 5060 feet is notMoreIt's going to have a flat top. We want one like this tree right here that first 5060 feet is not having limbs on it. This is the real good water crop tree right here and so we're going to take you at.
How often should you clean water troughs?
about once a weekClean water troughs often: You should clean troughs about once a week by emptying all water from the tank and scrubbing it clean, making sure to scrape off any dirt, debris or algae. Then rinse the trough with a 10 percent bleach solution and rinse twice more with regular water.
Why is my water trough turning red?
The most common cleanliness issue with water troughs is algae, and some of it can even be dangerous for your animals. Generally, red or brown algae is OK, but blue or green algae releases toxins into the water. To be safe, just clean it all up.
Will goldfish keep water trough clean?
Oh, yes. Goldfish can also help keep your horses' water trough clean—under the right conditions, of course. Goldfish can live off the algae growing on the trough walls and floor, and they will also eat mosquito larvae (yay!), as well as some insects that may fall into the water. This great, right?
Do troughs need drainage holes?
Drainage is probably the most important point to remember. Make sure the trough you use has adequate holes in the bottom. If using a sink then there will be only one hole.
Which is better water tank white or black?
Black water storage tanks are preferred over white or other light-colored tanks because they block exposure to sunlight, which can create conditions conducive to the growth of algae.
Do galvanized water troughs rust?
Galvanized water troughs can still rust but the process is much slower than non- galvanized water troughs. Once the trough is galvanized, it will not rust for a long time.
What is water trough laboratory?
Water trough used for containing water when collecting gases. Retort stand used for hanging apparatus. and supporting apparatus during experiments. Gas jar used for collecting gases.
What is water trough in chemistry?
noun. chemistry. a shallow dishlike vessel filled with a liquid, usually water, and used in collecting gases by displacement of liquid from a filled jar held with its open end under the surface of the liquid.
What is a cow trough?
A water trough is the “final” component in a livestock watering system. In its simplest sense, a watering trough is merely a water container, and anything that holds water without affecting its quality can probably be used as a watering trough.
What is a water trough?
A water trough ( British terminology), or track pan ( American terminology) is a device to enable a steam locomotive to replenish its water supply while in motion. It consists of a long trough filled with water, lying between the rails. When a steam locomotive passes over the trough, a water scoop can be lowered, ...
What is a steam locomotive water trough?
A water trough ( British terminology), or track pan ( American terminology) is a device to enable a steam locomotive to replenish its water supply while in motion.
What did Ramsbottom show about water?
Ramsbottom arranged some experiments and showed that the forward motion of a scoop in a trough of water would force water up a connected pipe and into a tank . He calculated the quasi-static head produced by the forward motion:
How deep does a scoop dip into water?
The scoop may be lowered at any distance before it arrives at the trough, and will run clear of everything until, by a very simple and ingenious arrangement, it dips automatically into the water to the required depth of 2 in [5 cm].
What happens when a steam locomotive passes over a trough?
When a steam locomotive passes over the trough, a water scoop can be lowered, and the speed of forward motion forces water into the scoop, up the scoop pipe and into the tanks or locomotive tender .
What would happen if the usual stop on the road to take in water could be avoided?
It was clear that if the usual stop on the road to take in water could be avoided, an important point would be gained; but there were no tenders of sufficient capacity to hold the quantity of water required to enable an engine to run through without stopping.
Where did the Ramsbottom water trough originate?
Origin. Ramsbottom water troughs on a four-line stretch of the West Coast Main Line, England in 1904. Steam locomotives consume a considerable amount of water, and the tender or side tanks need to be replenished at intervals. Traditionally the engine water was replenished during station stops, but if it was desired to run long distances without ...
What is water trough treatment?
If water trough treatment is used for grass tetany prevention, it is essential that there are no other sources of water available to the cattle. The most common soluble salts used for water treatment are the chloride and sulphate salts. The water can be treated by two methods – dispensers and pumps.
How does the size of a water trough affect cows?
Water Troughs. The size of a water trough depends on whether the herd is taken for watering periodically or is given water on a continuous basis. If water is limited, the length of the trough should be such that all the cows can drink at the same time.
What kind of vessel should pastured horses drink from?
What sort of vessel should pastured horses drink from? The variety includes the simple (dew on the grass; puddles) to the new and complex (insulated, heated, frost-free, stainless-steel, and plastic manufactured waterers). Feed and farm supply stores carry a variety of the latter. See Information Sources listed later for a list of manufacturers. Helpful hints on selection and installation of pasture waterers can be found in Equisearch (2017). For large numbers of animals, large troughs or open tanks can be used. Open tanks and troughs should have a mechanism to regulate the level of water in them, unless you like standing beside them with a hose while they fill up. There are many different mechanisms available from agricultural and plumbing supply businesses. Some float mechanisms are hidden under a housing that is an integral part of the trough or tank. Since bored animals will sometimes play with and destroy devices attached to the side of a water trough, some design that either hides or blocks access to the water level regulator (often a float attached to a valve) should be included. Since there will be a lot of hoof traffic around them, permanent water tanks are normally installed in the middle of a packed gravel, crushed stone, or concrete pad. Fig. 15.59 shows a permanent, stationary (on demand) waterer on a gravel pad that is typical of many thoroughbred farms near Lexington, Kentucky. Water comes into the device from an underground pipe. Gravel and crushed stone in the surrounding pad will allow water to drain down through them, rather than flow to the edge like it would from concrete. Unless the pad is very big, there is usually some bare soil around the pad, due to hoof action. If the pad is concrete, there is a higher probability that the soil around the pad will be muddy much of the time. Grazing consultant Jim Gerrish has suggested that the pad surface should (1) be about 12 inches (30 cm) above the surrounding ground and (2) have a big enough radius that the largest animals can have all four feet on the pad, back up a couple of steps, then turn around, while still on the pad ( Gerrish, 2016 ). This central part of the pad should be fairly level, and the outer portion should slope down to grade level. So he suggests that the distance from the edge of the watering device to the outer rim of the pad should be about 15 feet (4.6 m). Some people have installed water tanks on bare ground, then piled up crushed rock for a protective pad around them. Gerrish (2016) explained with photos that this can cause livestock to push the rock backward with their feet, causing a circular dam outside the pad. This causes water from spills, overflows, and rain to build up and create a ring-shaped mud hole. With a lower than normal height of the tank or trough, animals may be tempted to walk right into it.
What are the two metrics used to assess the significance of water trough and gateway affected areas as potential hotspot?
One of these was a measure of their contributions to the total farm N 2 O emissions. The other was a measure of the percentage increase in the contribution relative to the baseline contribution from these areas.
How many cows can fit in a trough?
A trough space of between 0.6 and 0.7 m should be allowed for each cow. For free choice, the trough should be sized for two to three cows at a time. One trough should be provided for every 50 animals. A float valve installed on the water supply pipe controls the level automatically.
What is the minimum flow rate for cows?
A float valve installed on the water supply pipe controls the level automatically. A minimum flow rate of 5–8 l min −1 for each cow drinking at any one time is desirable. To prevent contamination of the water trough with manure, the trough should preferably have a 300–400-mm-wide step along the front.
How to reduce N load in gateway areas?
To reduce N loading to gateway areas, care should be taken, if possible, to avoid N fertilizers and farm effluent/manure application near the gates. Urease inhibitors, nitrification inhibitors, or a combination of both, could be used in gateway areas to reduce N loss and the availability of N for N 2 O production.
What is the control system in a water trough?
The major components of the control system in your water trough are: the trough valve or ballcock (like the one in your toilet); a stop valve (also known as an isolating valve); and a check valve or backflow protection valve. You will probably also want a valve protector to prevent stock from damaging the water inlet valve.
Why do you put a water trough in a paddock?
Most of these are to control the flow of water into the trough and thus keep water always available for your animals while avoiding overflow and water loss .
How does a float valve work?
The traditional version is a float (the ball) on a lever attached to a valve on the inlet pipe. When the ball is floating near the top of the trough, the lever holds the inlet valve closed and no water enters the trough. As the level drops, the ball moves down with the water, the lever tilts and allows the inlet valve to open.
Why do you need a stop valve?
A stop valve allows you to isolate one trough so you can work on it, while keeping all the other troughs on your property functioning normally. Because the valve is on the outside of the trough, it needs to be housed in a stock-proof box to prevent damage by nosy animals .
Why is a backflow valve important?
A backflow prevention or check valve is particularly important if your house water supply is linked to the farm supply, and your house is below the level of the highest trough.
How many bar does a trough valve have?
There are many variations on the theme, depending on whether the water enters the trough from the top, the side, or the bottom, and on the operating water pressure in the system (which can range from 0.2 to about 12 bar). Trough valves can fail, so regular checking and maintenance is needed to make sure they keep working properly.
What affects what kind of trough you buy?
The nature of your water supply (gravity feed from tanks, or pumped under pressure) may also affect what kind of trough you choose to buy. Most farm supply firms will be able to help you make a sensible decision.
How do stock troughs work?
It is quite simple when you first receive your trough, you will connect your water system to the float valve. As it fills up, the ball will start to float. As it nears the top of the trough, the lever holds the inlet valve closed, and water will stop entering.
Why is it so hard to choose a water trough?
Choosing the best water trough can be difficult because you want to make sure you’re investing in a quality product. To help you, we have compiled some helpful information to make your decision easier.
What does a trough mean in a dam?
A trough means that stock has access to high-quality water. Dams often experience storm water run-off and animal manure. Stock will drink more water if they have a water trough compared to a dam. This is due to instincts that make them cautious of large bodies of water.
Why are cattle paddocks hard to clean?
However, they are highly porous, hard to clean, and can deteriorate due to cattle saliva and enzymes found in their food. Metal – Allows movement among paddocks, although they should be placed under shelter as they are prone to rust. They can also be damaged by boisterous stock and can rust over time.
What is a stock water trough made of?
Stock water troughs are typically made from one of three materials: Polyethylene – Convenient to move, easy to clean, UV resistant and will ‘bounce back’ to retain its shape against any unwanted behaviour from your stock. Concrete – Is the most common trough, ideal if you want it to stay in a permanent position.
Does stock watering trough increase dry matter intake?
The upside to this is that when stock has an increased intake of water, this will increase their dry matter intake, positively impacting their overall condition. Depending on the herd size would depend on the size of your stock watering trough you purchase. Polymaster has a range of troughs for all sizes to meet your needs.
Can cattle drink from a water trough?
Unfortunately, no. Providing stock with a water trough has a multitude of positive effects. Agriculture Victoria report that stock perform better when drinking from troughs. Research indicates that when cattle are provided with high-quality water, they will: Gain weight quicker.
How to train a horse to drink from a waterer?
Training Animals to Drink From the Automatic Waterers. Training horses to drink from the Bar-Bar-A is easy. After installation remove all other water sources. Lead your horse over to the unit and push on the paddle. Rub some water on the nose and then get out of the way. Horses are typically curious and it takes about an hour for them ...
What happens when you push on a paddle?
Pushing on the paddle the animal receives and drinks water. After finishing drinking the remaining water drains back into the ground leaving an empty bowl. This means that there is no water left behind to freeze in the winter, get hot in the summer, and grow algae or mosquito eggs.
Why is water warmer in the winter?
In the summer the water comes up cooler and in the winter it is warmer because the water in the waterline is buried in the ground. Clean water at the right temperature is pleasing for animals to drink. This means more water consumption and results in healthier animals.
How long does it take for a horse to figure out what is in the water?
Horses are typically curious and it takes about an hour for them to figure it out. For cattle and other animals place a bucket of water next to the Drinker. This trains the animal to go to the Drinker for water. After a few days remove the bucket from the area.
Is automatic watering self cleaning?
The Automatic Waterers are Self-Cleaning. With no standing water the opportunity for algae to grow is non-existent. This means there is no weekly cleaning associated with this product.
What is a chicken waterer?
Also known as a chicken drinker, a chicken waterer is essentially the device that holds your flocks water in which they drink from. However, as mentioned above, it is not quite as simple as it sounds, with the chicken waterer needing to be superiorly designed so that it is not easily tipped over by the chickens, which will often make all manner of a mess. As well as being sure dirt and debris can’t be easily raked in, making drinking for your girls a quite difficult and not nearly as refreshing. So the key to a quality grade chicken waterer is - one that is not susceptible to being messed or spilt, while being simple for your feathered friends to drink from.
What is the best thing about chicken waterers?
The great thing about this style, is that they can be easily hung up which means contamination is at a minimum. This style of chicken waterer is increasing in popularity - it provides ease of access for your girls, require little maintenance, contamination or becoming messed is rare, and waste very little water.
Can chicken waterers be messed?
So the key to a quality grade chicken waterer is - one that is not susceptible to being messed or spilt, while being simple for your feathered friends to drink from.

Overview
Origin
Steam locomotives consume a considerable amount of water, and the tender or side tanks need to be replenished at intervals. Traditionally the engine water was replenished during station stops, but if it was desired to run long distances without stopping, the requirement to take water was a significant limitation. The Railway Magazine reported a development by John Ramsbottom:
Locomotive equipment
A scoop was fitted to the underside of the locomotive's tender (or the locomotive itself in the case of tank locomotives) in such a way that it could be raised or lowered, by a hand-operated screw or a power mechanism. The scoop fed into a vertical pipe that discharged into the water tank. The scoop was purposely made of light construction so that, should it strike an obstruction, it …
Operational considerations
The LNWR quickly installed water troughs at other locations, but other companies were slow to adopt the new apparatus. The Great Western Railway (GWR) did so from 1895, and subsequently all the major railways in Great Britain, with the exception of the lines south of the River Thames, installed the equipment.
Taking water at speed results in considerable spray behind the scoop; this risks drenching pass…
Use by diesel locomotives
Diesel locomotives were introduced in the United Kingdom by British Railways in the 1950s, working alongside steam traction until 1968. Passenger vehicles were heated by steam from the locomotive boiler at that time, and the early diesel locomotives were provided with auxiliary boilers to provide the steam. Locomotives intended for long non-stop runs (such as the Class 40 and Class 55) were fitted with water scoops to allow them to replenish the steam generator's water supply …
Locations
A map showing the location of GWR troughs in the 1930s is reproduced in the book 'The Great Western Railway'. They are typically at spacings of 40 to 50 miles (64 to 80 km), but with some wide variations. There are a few instances of trough locations very close to major stopping points; for example Fox's Wood, near St Annes Park, two miles from Bristol Temple Meads; however this was installed when trains to South Wales travelled via Bath and Filton, using these troughs; after t…
Continuous water trough supply
The Railway Magazine writer, quoted above, contemplated nearly-continuous water troughs, avoiding the transport of large quantities of water in the train:
The question has been discussed as to whether it would be possible to have a continuous supply of water all along the lines, and so obviate the necessity for tenders. Some years ago a writer in the "Engineer" put it in this way; One ton of coal will last a heavy goods train 40 miles [64 km], an…
Alternative techniques
Railway companies were well aware of the cost of installing and maintaining this equipment, and the provision of tenders with a large water capacity was an alternative employed in some cases. The London and South Western Railway in England used large 8-wheel tenders nicknamed "water carts".