The First Steam Engine in the World

[Phill]

In 1804, Richard Trevithic's "Penydarren" made history by hauling 10 tons of iron and seventy passengers on five wagons from the Iron works to the canal. Unfortunately it broke the cast iron rails and the project was abandoned. I have some pics of the only working replica of this great lumbering beast.... .
http://wildlifeandotherphotos.fotopic.net/c408258.html

[PolskiFran]

Great pics Phill! I have a plastic model of this. My father wants me to build a working miniature of this. I believe someone has started on a version in 7 1/4-7 1/2 gauge. I remember seeing a pic in LS magazine sometime back. I see the replica was built using flanged wheels. I believe the original had flat wheels and ran on rails with the flange on the inside of the rail.

Frank

[Phill]

Thanks for the comments Frank!! I dont know the ins and outs about the flanges, but I was well impressed with the smoothness of its operation! It and other interesting machines were on display at our Bi-Centinary Rail -Fest last year. I have many other pic,s from this event, and would be happy to share on here if theres any interest, and no objection!.
Phill

[PolskiFran]

There are no objections from me. I always like to see things that are historic technology.
Frank

[Phill]

Just as an aside, if anyone would lik a copy of any of these, please dont download from the site, just ask, and I'll mail you a high res copy for free.
Phill

[Phill]

I've added 2 more pics to this gallery.

http://wildlifeandotherphotos.fotopic.net/c408258.html

1= Sanspareil, This early loco was built to compete against Rocket at Rainhil! But one of the Stevenson built cylinders burst, some thought sabotage!!..

2=Agenoria, Built in 1829, one of the last of the old designs, but its ineficient boiler couldnt compete with Rockets multi tubed arangement.

[PolskiFran]

The Agenoria looks like a twin to the Stourbridge Lion. If I remember correctly the Lion was imported from England to the USA in 1829 and was the first locomotive to run in the US at Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The locomotive was not a success and was converted to a stationary steam plant. I did get to see the original boiler from the Lion in the B&O Railroad museum in Baltimore MD a few years back.

Frank

[Phill]

Frank, Your knowledge of these early loco,s is impressive! I managed to get a ride on the Rocket replica, and was blown away by the sheer "train like" experience! Have you ever done anything like that? The rest of my stuff is pre and post ww2.

Phill

[PolskiFran]

Phill, I've always had an intrest railroads, locomotives, etc. since I was very little. The coal trains from the collieries used to pass to the rear of our house. I have tried to go for rides on all the tourist railroads and excursion trips, either steam or diesel, that are local. The oldest locomotive I have ridden behind was built about 1920. You had a great opportunity to ride on a rocket type. I believe the last great get together in the US of historical locomotives and replicas was in 1929 for the 100th anniversary. I think it was called The Fair of the Iron Horse (not sure though). I remember seeing some movie footage of the ancient locomotives, under their own power parading between two sets of grandstands.

Frank