footplate

American  

[foot-pleyt] / ˈfʊtˌpleɪt /

noun

1. Carpentry.  a plate running beneath and supporting a row of studs; mudsill.

2. a platform or special floor area on which workers stand to operate a machine.

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footplate British  

/ ˈfʊtˌpleɪt /

noun

1. 1. a platform in the cab of a locomotive on which the crew stand to operate the controls

   2. ( as modifier )

      a footplate man

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Etymology

Origin of footplate

First recorded in 1840–50; foot + plate ¹

Example Sentences

After countless trips to Home Depot looking for the right material to secure her feet to the chair’s footplate during dances, “I finally found the perfect Velcro,” she laughed.

From Los Angeles Times

Organisers of the free event said the public will be able to step on to the 97-tonne engine's footplate.

From BBC

"We pay £200 per tonne of coal now. In normal circumstances our engines use three to four tonnes a day, even with footplate crews being economical."

From BBC

There was also a thought to bring the strut — the part that runs up the back of his calf and connects to the footplate — closer to his leg.

From Washington Post

Couple after couple perch together, heels of their feet barely balancing on the footplate.

From The Guardian