ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Fireman (steam engine)

Imagine a big metal machine that looks like a long bus, with many wheels and a big chimney on top. This is called a steam engine, and it needs a special person to keep it running smoothly - that person is called a fireman.

The fireman's job is to make sure that the steam engine has enough fire and pressure to keep going. They do this by shoveling coal into a furnace at the bottom of the engine. When the coal burns, it creates heat, which boils water in a big tank called a boiler. The steam that comes from the boiling water is what powers the engine's pistons and moves the wheels.

The fireman has to shovel a lot of coal to keep the fire going, but they also have to be careful not to add too much coal, or the fire will get too hot and the boiler could explode. That's why the fireman always keeps a close eye on the pressure gauges and the temperature of the engine.

It's a very hot and dirty job, but the fireman is a very important part of making the steam engine run. Without them, the engine wouldn't have enough power to move and would quickly grind to a halt. So the next time you see a steam engine chugging along, remember that there's a hardworking fireman behind the scenes, making sure everything stays on track.