Happy 193rd birthday, the steam locomotive.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Locomotion No. 1

Locomotion No. 1 (originally named Active) was an early steam locomotive built by the pioneering railway engineers George and Robert Stephenson at their manufacturing firm, Robert Stephenson and Company. It became the first steam locomotive to carry passengers on a public rail line, the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

Locomotion was originally ordered by the Stockton and Darlington Railway Company on 16 September 1824; its design greatly benefitted from the experience that George Stephenson had acquired during the construction of the previous series of Killingworth locomotives. Weighing a total of 6.6 tonnes, extensive use of cast iron was made throughout the vehicle, although some elements, such as the engine frame, were composed of timber instead. Fitted with a total of four driving wheels, it is believed that Locomotion was the first locomotive to make use of coupling rods to link together its driving wheels for greater adhesion and less slippage when accelerating. However, the adoption of a centre-flue boiler proved to be a weakness, providing for a poor heating surface compared to subsequently-built locomotives.

On 27 September 1825, Locomotion hauled the first train on the Stockton and Darlington Railway, becoming the first locomotive to run on a public railway; after this occasion, it was routinely used by the railway. On 1 July 1828, it was heavily damaged as a result of a boiler explosion while at Aycliffe Lane station, resulting in the death of its driver, John Cree. It was rebuilt but, as a consequence of the rapid advances in the capability of locomotives, Locomotion became obsolete within the space of a decade. It was used on the line up until 1841, after which Locomotion was adapted to function as a stationary engine. During 1857, as a consequence of its historical importance, Locomotion was preserved and subsequently put on display. Between 1892 and 1975, it was on static display at one of the platforms at Darlington Top Bank railway station. It is presently at the Darlington Railway Centre and Museum, now known as Head of Steam. A working replica of Locomotion has also been built and is currently at Beamish Museum.

For those of you who have never seen a steam locomotive, they are, hands down, the most fascinating machines ever built. I have ridden both behind and on big mainline steam. I am so fortunate.

So, videos. Fast forward to 3:30:

How in the world does this thing keep from flying apart?

6,000 horsepower, give or take:

These locomotives had only a few more weeks -- maybe only days -- in service. Look at the people lined up to see them:

[Major Nikon]

1. They are fascinating, but not without their down sides

Traveling in an open car is a miserable experience, especially the closer to the engine you are. You basically get coated by coal ash constantly. Traveling in an enclosed car in the summer isn't much better as the windows are open. They also have to make frequent stops to refill the water tank.

Back in the day, travel by steam engine would have been better than most alternatives, especially when travel by boat wasn't practical. It is something that gives you a good appreciation of pretty much all modern methods.

[LanternWaste]

2. So you were just ReallyQuiet about it?

[Major Nikon]

3. So you are just adding drama to The Lounge?

Stay classy.