Did steam engines have air brakes?
Did steam engines have air brakes? Although air brakes weren't invented until 1869, most locomotives and railroad cars didn't have them until the 1880's. Apparently it was cheaper to hire brakemen than it was to fit existing equipment with air brakes. Yes, the first air brakes were installed on steam locomotives.
Did steam locomotives have toilets?
In the earliest years of steam railways trains did stop frequently, so all the facilities could be found at the station: Toilets, refreshments, sale of meals into the train. As the trains went on longer distances with fewer, shorter stops, they also had toilets installed.