tender-first

tender-first (not comparable)

1. (rail transport, also used adverbially) Of a steam locomotive with a tender (a tender locomotive), when it is operating in reverse, with the tender leading.
   • 1947 March and April, “L.M.S.R. Locomotive Developments”, in Railway Magazine, page 66:

     In spite of their small size and low weight, many technical developments which have proved themselves in main-line service have been incorporated, and a novelty in the 2-6-0-type is a tender cab to improve the conditions of tender-first running.

   • 1962 August, “Motive Power Miscellany: London Midland Region: Central Lines”, in Modern Railways, page 136:

     For the first time known in over 10 years, a Stanier Pacific travelled the Windermere branch on June 23, when 46255 (12A) was seen at Aikrigg on an early afternoon local; it had to return tender-first as the Windermere turntable could not accommodate it.