Engine number may refer to an identification number marked on the engine of a vehicle or, in the case of
locomotive
A locomotive or engine is a rail transport vehicle that provides the Power (physics), motive power for a train. If a locomotive is capable of carrying a payload, it is usually rather referred to as a multiple unit, Motor coach (rail), motor ...
s, to the
road number of the locomotive. The engine number is separate from the
Vehicle Identification Number
A vehicle identification number (VIN) (also called a chassis number or frame number) is a unique code, including a serial number, used by the automotive industry to identify individual motor vehicles, towed vehicles, motorcycles, scooters ...
(VIN).
Automobiles
Every vehicle
engine
An engine or motor is a machine designed to convert one or more forms of energy into mechanical energy.
Available energy sources include potential energy (e.g. energy of the Earth's gravitational field as exploited in hydroelectric power gen ...
is marked with an engine number by the factory. The engine number includes coded information, which can be decoded to reveal, for example, year of manufacture, country of manufacture, and engine type.
Trains
The term is also used in train terminology.
In this instance, it refers to the
road number assigned to motive power by the operator, as opposed to a constructor's or builder's number (equivalent to a vehicle VIN number).
See also
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Aircraft engine position number
An aircraft is a vehicle that is able to fly by gaining support from the air. It counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil, or in a few cases the downward thrust from jet engines. C ...
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Builder's plate
A builder's plate is usually a metal plate that is attached to railway locomotives and rolling stock, bogies, construction equipment, trucks, automobiles, large household appliances, bridges, ships and more. It gives such information as the name of ...
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Number plate
A vehicle registration plate, also known as a number plate (British English), license plate (American English), or licence plate (Canadian English), is a metal or plastic plate attached to a motor vehicle or trailer for official identificatio ...
References
Auto parts
Engine technology
Rolling stock
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