A water crane is a device used for delivering a large volume of water into the tank or tender of a steam locomotive.[1][2][3] The device is also called a water column in the United States and Australia.[4] As a steam locomotive consumes large quantities of water, water cranes were a vital part of railway station equipment, often situated at the end of a platform, so that water could be refilled during a stop at the station.
- ^ US patent 709376, John W. Thomas, Jr., "Stand-pipe for railway uses", issued 1902-09-16
- ^ US patent 847494, James F. Murphy, "Railway stand-pipe", issued 1907-03-19
- ^ US patent 958504, Patrick Henry Knight, "Stand-pipe for railway water-supply", issued 1910-05-17
- ^ Railway and Locomotive Historical Society, Marietta, GA (2008). "The Railroad Station Water Column." Railway and Locomotive Historical Society Quarterly, Vol. 28, No. 4 - Vol. 29, No 1. p.6.