Editing Chief mechanical engineer (section)

==Functions==
The chief mechanical engineer was responsible for all aspects of locomotives and that included their design, testing and modification of existing designs.

The early mechanical engineer was concerned with mechanical moving parts and for many years this responsibility also included [[railway signalling]], particularly [[Railroad switch|points]] and [[Railway semaphore signal|semaphore signals]], as these were entirely mechanically operated. With the introduction of low-power electricity to the railways, various new systems such as [[Electrical telegraph|telegraphs]], telephones and electrical signalling systems were introduced; and responsibilities of these systems were transferred to the signal and telegraph (S&T) department.