original template by Ray Lam, Fall 97

revised by Marisha 5/1/98

THE FIRST TRAIN: THE STEAM LOCOMOTIVE The steam locomotive was the first type of train. The original was basically a wheeled vehicle powered by a high pressure steam engine. The original locomotive actually looked quite simple. It had two wheels on either side of the engine which looked like a big oil basin on its side with a ÒchimneyÓ coming out of it. These wheels were moved by gears within them. As the gears turned, the wheels turned. The gears were turned by a larger gear which was bigger than the engine itself. But in fact, what made the large gear move was a smaller gear to its right (The big gear was in the middle of the train and the small gear was to the far right). This gear was connected to a long bar which spanned the length of the train. The bar was connected to the engine and was moved by it. It then moved the small gear in a circular motion, much like a bicycle. The locomotive resembled a horse drawn carriage, both in size and appearance. The invention of the locomotive was prompted by the owner of the Penydaren Ironworks, Samuel Homfray. He bet that Richard TrevithicÕs steam engine could not transport ten tons of iron 9 and 3/4 miles. Upon the challenge Trevithic built the worldÕs first steam locomotive. On Tuesday, February 21, 1804, TrevithicÕs locomotive traveled the necessary 9 and 3/4 miles in four hours and five minutes. The high-pressure steam engine which powered the locomotive worked upon the principles that when water becomes steam it expands to consume an area as much as 1,600 times the water itself. When in an enclosed area, like a engine cylinder, the steam turns into pressure. This pressure moves the piston forwards and back in the cylinder. This eventually made the long bar move, turning the gears and moving the wheels. As a result, the beginning of the railroad age was brought about. The locomotive was a major contributor to the industrial revolution.