Bank engine
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A bank engine, banking engine, helper engine or pusher engine is a railway locomotive that temporarily assists a train that requires additional power or traction to climb a gradient. Helpers/bankers are most commonly found in mountain divisions, where the ruling grade may demand the use of substantially greater motive power than that required for other grades within the division.
SZ Taurus pushing a freight train on the grade between Koper and Hrpelje-Kozina in Slovenia. An SZ class 363 is leading the train. July 2007.
1915 photo of a quadruple header (four front locomotives) train with a rear helper, climbing the Denver & Rio Grande Western's grade up Soldier Summit
1949 photo of a Black Five climbing the Lickey Incline in Worcestershire with MR 0-10-0 Lickey Banker 'Big Bertha' providing banking at the rear of the train. In the present day, almost all trains can climb the incline unassisted, though heavier freight trains still require bankers.
Uncoupled banking service: BDe 4/4 multiple unit separating from the Voralpenexpress after assisting on the 5 percent grade
MR 0-10-0 Lickey Banker
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In 1919, the Midland Railway built a single 0-10-0 steam locomotive, No 2290. It was designed by James Anderson for banking duties on the Lickey Incline in Worcestershire, England. It became known as "Big Bertha" or "Big Emma" by railwaymen and railway enthusiasts.
2290 descending the Lickey Bank, 1947