A
steam locomotive is a
railway locomotive that produces its
pulling power through a
steam engine. These locomotives are fueled by burning combustible material—usually coal, wood, or oil—to produce steam in a
boiler. The steam moves reciprocating
pistons which are mechanically connected to the locomotive's main wheels (drivers). Both fuel and water supplies are carried with the locomotive, either on the locomotive itself or in
wagons (tenders) pulled behind. The first steam locomotive, made by
Richard Trevithick, first operated on 21 February 1804, three years after the road locomotive he made in 1801.