Whyte classification

American  

[hwahyt, wahyt klas-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / ʰwaɪt, ˈwaɪt klæs ə fɪˌkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. a system for classifying steam locomotives according to the total number of wheels on the front trucks, drivers, and rear trucks, in that order. For example, a Pacific locomotive is designated as 4-6-2.

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Etymology

Origin of Whyte classification

After U.S. railroad engineer Frederick M. Whyte (1865–1941), who devised the system for the New York Central Railroad c1900