Motive power depot, usually abbreviated to MPD, is a name given to places where locomotives are stored when not being used, and also repaired and maintained. They were originally known as "running sheds", "engine sheds", or, for short, just sheds. Facilities are provided for refuelling and replenishing water, lubricating oil and grease and, for steam engines, disposal of the ash. There are often workshops for day to day repairs and maintenance, although locomotive building and major overhauls are usually carried out in the locomotive works.
MPDs in Britain are now often known as traction maintenance depots.
Read more about Motive Power Depot: German Practice, Engine Sheds in The Steam Era, Engine Sheds in The Modern Era, Stabling and Fuelling Points
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