Expansion West
One of the most influential aspects of the Industrial Revolution was the use of steam to power engines used in locomotives. Steam powered trains became a popular method for transportation of freight as well as passengers.
For locomotives to be powered by steam, a steam engine must first be developed. The evolution of the steam engine dates back to the late seventeenth century when Thomas Savery created a steam engine used to remove water from mines. The engine was later improved upon by Thomas Newcomen, and finally by James Watt. James Watt's contributions led to the invention of the steam-powered train.
The steam engine operates using water and fire, thus creating heat. Fuel used for the fire was typically coal or wood which was held in the firebox, or "the area on the boiler where the fuel is burned and is made with a door that could be opened to add coal or wood for fuel". Steam from the water is released into a cylinder which moves the pistons that are connected to the wheels of the train.
In Britain in 1813, George Stephenson began to work on the construction of his first locomotive. At this time, all parts had to be made by hand, and after ten months his locomotive was completed. It was tested on the Cillingwood Railway on July 25, 1814. The engine hauled thirty tons of coal four-hundred fifty feet uphill. George Stephenson also built the Stockton and Darlington railway in 1825, and Liverpool-Manchester railway in 1830, which were the world's first public railways.
Steam-powered trains evolved greatly to become more efficient than their original design. Improvements such as passenger cars, larger sizes, and gears helped to make the steam-powered train transportation inventions of the Industrial Revolution. However, diesel and electric trains began to take the place of steam locomotives
For locomotives to be powered by steam, a steam engine must first be developed. The evolution of the steam engine dates back to the late seventeenth century when Thomas Savery created a steam engine used to remove water from mines. The engine was later improved upon by Thomas Newcomen, and finally by James Watt. James Watt's contributions led to the invention of the steam-powered train.
The steam engine operates using water and fire, thus creating heat. Fuel used for the fire was typically coal or wood which was held in the firebox, or "the area on the boiler where the fuel is burned and is made with a door that could be opened to add coal or wood for fuel". Steam from the water is released into a cylinder which moves the pistons that are connected to the wheels of the train.
In Britain in 1813, George Stephenson began to work on the construction of his first locomotive. At this time, all parts had to be made by hand, and after ten months his locomotive was completed. It was tested on the Cillingwood Railway on July 25, 1814. The engine hauled thirty tons of coal four-hundred fifty feet uphill. George Stephenson also built the Stockton and Darlington railway in 1825, and Liverpool-Manchester railway in 1830, which were the world's first public railways.
Steam-powered trains evolved greatly to become more efficient than their original design. Improvements such as passenger cars, larger sizes, and gears helped to make the steam-powered train transportation inventions of the Industrial Revolution. However, diesel and electric trains began to take the place of steam locomotives
Works Cited
Bellis, Mary. "George Stephenson - The First Steam Locomotive Engine." About.com Inventors. About.com, 16 Apr. 2014. Web. 28 Apr. 2014.
Johnson, Ben. "Steam Trains and Railways." The History of Steam Trains and Railways in Britain. Historic UK, n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2014.
"Transportation History: The Steam Locomotive." Transportation History: The Steam Locomotive. Custom QR Codes.net, n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2014.
Bellis, Mary. "George Stephenson - The First Steam Locomotive Engine." About.com Inventors. About.com, 16 Apr. 2014. Web. 28 Apr. 2014.
Johnson, Ben. "Steam Trains and Railways." The History of Steam Trains and Railways in Britain. Historic UK, n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2014.
"Transportation History: The Steam Locomotive." Transportation History: The Steam Locomotive. Custom QR Codes.net, n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2014.