The world of
steam engines
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A steam locomotive is a railway locomotive that produces its pulling power through a steam engine. These locomotives are fueled by burning combustible material, usually coal, wood or oil, to produce steam in a boiler. The steam moves reciprocating pistons which are mechanically connected the locomotive's main wheels. Both fuel and water supplies are carried with the locomotive, either on the locomotive itself or in wagons (tenders) pulled behind.
Steam locomotives were first developed in Great Britain during the early 19th century and dominated railway transport until the middle of the 20th century. From the early 1900s they were gradually superseded by electric and diesel locomotives.
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The first railways
George the engineer
George was very clever. He invented a lamp for miners to use underground. But his real interest was in steam engines.
Some steam engines drove machines in factories. One or two were made to run on wheels, along roads. Steam powered road engines were slow and could not go up hills.
George worked out that a steam engine needed to run along rails.
First railways
In 1814 he made his first 'railway locomotive'. In 1819 George was asked to build a small railway at Hetton Colliery. The track was 8 miles long.
In 1820 George married again. His second wife was Elizabeth Hindmarsh.
Locomotion No. 1
In 1825 a new railway was opened between the towns of Stockton and Darlington. George and his men built the track and the locomotive. It was the first passenger steam railway in the world.
George drove the first train. The engine was called 'Locomotion No. 1'. It pulled a train with 450 passengers at a speed of 15 miles an hour.
Liverpool to Manchester
In 1829, another railway was planned, between the cities of Liverpool and Manchester. Not everyone was pleased. Some farmers did not want the railway to cross their fields.
George Stephenson built the railway. He built track across a bog called Chat Moss. The owners of the railway wanted to find the best locomotive. They offered a prize of £500. Trials were held at Rainhill, near Liverpool. Crowds came to watch.