Used in railway terminology, understanding 'footplate' requires familiarity with train operations. During the tour, we were briefed on footplate safety.
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Driver's Area
'Footplate' often signifies the specific area where train drivers operate the machinery. He was proud to work on the footplate of the old steam engine.
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Not Always Literal
In some contexts, 'footplate' can imply involvement in train driving, not just the physical platform. She spent a day on the footplate, learning the routes.