Talk:Jackshaft (locomotive)

Why use them?
Why not just use connecting rods (or side rods", as they're called in this article) to connect the crankshafts of the electric motors directly to the drive wheels? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 24.6.66.193 (talk) 09:20, 4 March 2007 (UTC).
 * The issue is addressed in the newest revision. Douglas W. Jones (talk) 21:34, 19 July 2013 (UTC)

Origin of term
There is no evidence to support this quote. In fact, there is no evidence that the term jackshaft originated in the railroad domain. All the evidence we have (see jackshaft) points elsewhere, into the world of New England textile mills, water wheels and stationary engines. So, I've deleted that from the article. Douglas W. Jones (talk) 21:23, 19 July 2013 (UTC)
 * The name may come from a combination of "jack," a slang term for a locomotive, and a rotating shaft.