Bogie is a term that is commonly used to refer to the wheels of a railway vehicle. It is a British term that has been in use since the early days of railway transportation. The term is used in the United States as well, but it is not as common. Many people are curious about the origin of the term and why it is used to refer to the wheels of a railway vehicle. In this article, we will explore the history of bogie and how it came to be associated with railways.
What is bogie?
Before we dive deep into the history of bogie, it is helpful to define what it means. A bogie is a chassis or framework that supports a railway vehicle''s wheels. The bogie is attached to the vehicle''s body and is responsible for keeping the wheels in line with the rails. Bogies come in various designs, and their primary function is to provide stability and improve the ride quality of railway vehicles.
The origins of the term bogie
The word bogie has its origins in Scotland. In Scottish English, bogie is a term used to describe a ghost or goblin. The term bogie is also used to describe a type of marshland that is difficult to traverse. It is unclear how the term made its way from being a Scottish term for a ghost to becoming a term used to describe the wheels of a railway vehicle. However, there are a few theories about how the term came to be used.
Theory 1: The term bogie was borrowed from the marine industry
One theory is that the term bogie was borrowed from the marine industry. In the early days of steamship transportation, the term bogie was used to describe a small wheeled carriage that was used to move cargo between the dock and the ship. The bogie was essentially a trailer that was attached to a horse or a steam engine, and it was used to transport cargo from the dock to the ship. It is possible that the term was borrowed from the marine industry and adapted to describe the wheels of a railway vehicle.
Theory 2: The term bogie was borrowed from the coal industry
Another theory is that the term bogie was borrowed from the coal industry. In the early days of coal transportation, coal was transported in small carts that were pushed along rails. These carts were called bogies, and they were designed to be lightweight and easy to maneuver. It is possible that the term bogie was borrowed from the coal industry to describe the wheels of a railway vehicle.
Theory 3: The term bogie was borrowed from the military
A third theory is that the term bogie was borrowed from the military. In military slang, the term bogie was used to describe an enemy aircraft or a target. The term was also used to describe anything that was difficult to identify or to track. It is possible that the term bogie was borrowed from the military and adapted to describe the wheels of a railway vehicle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the origins of the term bogie are somewhat unclear. It is possible that the term was borrowed from the marine industry, the coal industry, or the military. Whatever its origins, the term bogie has been in use in the railway industry for over a century, and it continues to be used to describe the wheels of a railway vehicle. Its precise origins may be somewhat ambiguous, but its continued use underscores its importance in the history of railway transportation.
