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| The Locomotive: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The engine design was based on Trevithick's unique sturdy cylindrical high-pressure cast iron boiler with an internal firebox and a return flue. Also internal to this boiler was a double-acting single vertical cylinder, which operated under unconventionally high steam pressure (40 psi) for power. 'This gives four times the power per size of the old atmospheric engines' explained Trevithick. An eight-foot diameter flywheel maintained continuous cycling of the 8 1/4-inch diameter piston with a 54-inch stroke. Gears and axles transferred power from the crankshaft to all four smooth wheels on rigid suspension. The exhaust steam was directed up the chimney inducing a draft on the fire. The engine and water weighed 5 tons. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Railway: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In response to congestion on the upper part of the Glamorgan Canal, the Dowlais, Pen-y-darren and Plymouth ironworks of South Wales completed the 9 1/2 mile Merthyr Tramroad with an average gradient of 0.69% (0.4 deg.) and a maximum of perhaps over 5.5% (over 3 deg.) in 1802 An 1832 Boundary Commission report includes the plan map showing the track connecting Pen-y-darren, Merthyr Tydfil to Abercynon. The rails were made of short cast iron plates with an L-shaped cross-section. A notch at each end enabled a spike to secure two joining plates to a stone sleeper, which maintained a 4ft. 4in. gauge distance between the wheel sides of the inside mounted rail flanges. Horses were used as the motive power. "I have the satisfaction to inform you that the Tram Road Engine goes off very well - we have made a Journey on our Tram Road nine and a half miles in length - it took 10 Tons long wts of iron & about 60 or 70 people riding on the Trams which added 4 or 5 tons more to the wt - it goes very easy 4 miles an hour, & is as tractable as a Horse, will back its load, & move it forward as little (& slow) at a time as you please . . . ." Samuel Homfray Feb. 27, 1804 |
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| The Inventor: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Richard Teague Trevithick Jr. was born in Illogan, Cornwall in England in 1771. He grew to be known as one of the best wrestlers in Cornwall. With a Cambourne education and mining experience, he developed high-pressure steam engines, which worked so well that he eventually earned ridicule from some of the old steam engine inventors who warned of the explosive dangers. In 1805, he built a flanged wheel locomotive for the Wylam railway but it (and perhaps another) proved too heavy for the wooden rails. In 1808, he ran his latest railway locomotive at 12 mph on London's Circular Railway at Euston Square charging one shilling for a ride. Later his mine engines were so successful that he was able to buy his own silver mines in Peru. In 1826 war broke out and he was forced to flee and leave all behind. New railway locomotive prodigy George Stephenson endeavored yet failed to petition the House of Commons to grant a very well deserved government pension to Mr. Trevithick for his contributions. Richard continued to develope other inventions including refridgeration, propellers for water-craft and building heating units, without financial support and died in poverty in Dartford in 1833. The locals saw to it that he received a decent burial in Dartford Churchyard and his Creator is still praised. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Pen-y-darren locomotive completed just a few journeys before it broke too many of the brittle iron plates for Mr. Homfray to continue its use. Had they upgraded their tracks instead of demanding that the locomotive wheels be grooved and studded, this may have also been the first steam railway in regular service. However, this is the oldest account of a locomotive successfully performing as its intended design (earning profit) and of any pulling a train. Railroad enthusiasts and historians from all over the world have prepared to walk some of the original right-of-way in remembrance of Earth's birthday of working railway locomotives. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Few References and Sources: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Also see the References and Contributors page) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Many Thanks to Trevithick 2004 and the Trevithick Society for their support and images. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| "Trevithick 2004" http://www.trevithick2004.co.uk/ | (Visit these sites for more details and better images) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| "The Trevithick Society" http://www.trevithick-society.org.uk/trevithick.htm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| -or- http://www.zawn.freeserve.co.uk/ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| http://rail200.com/history.php | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| http://www.nrm.org.uk/html/NRM_Railfest_2004/why.asp | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/southeast | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/RAtrevithick.htm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| http:www.glamorganwalks.com/ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| "The Brookland Society" http://www.brooklands.org.uk/ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| http://alangeorge.co.uk/PenydarrenLocomotive.htm | http://www.cottontimes.co.uk/trevithicko.htm | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IN REMEMBRANCE OF OUR ANCESTORS' BLESSING: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Pen-y-darren drawing by Richard's son Francis Trevithick. courtesy of "Trevithick 2004" |
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| The "International" arrives at Port Huron, Michigan Feb. 21,2004. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The original portion of this monument was dedicated on the 100th anniversary of Richard's death. The model on top was added lately. Original plate rails and stone sleepers can be seen. courtesy of "Trevithick 2004" | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| July 30 - August 1, 2004 in Dennison, Ohio. The Ohio Central Railway will be running at least 5 steam engines with daily excursions! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| http://www.trainfest2004.com/ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Visit | [Back] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||