The iconic steam locomotive has been around for well over a century, and has given the world many technological advances that continue to benefit us today.
So, how did the steam locomotive change transportation? The steam locomotive changed transportation by allowing us to ship goods and travel faster than ever before. It gave us the ability to create new industries and mold transport into what it has become today.
The steam locomotive was an icon of the industrial revolution in many countries throughout the world. It allowed freight to be shipped across land in a timely manner.
Background
Ever since the beginning of railroads, the steam locomotive has been an icon of the rails. It provided us with the opportunity to travel in comfort and speed. First developed in the United Kingdom, the steam locomotive craze was alive and well as many individuals began constructing their own prototype. Richard Trevithick was the builder of the first steam engine, named the “Coalbrookdale” locomotive, who tested this example in the early 19th century. Due to Trevithick’s success, many others followed suit, and twenty years later, the first steam engine was hauling passengers on a revenue rail line. This engine, named “Locomotion No.1”, was built by George Stephenson.
Changing Transportation
The steam engine kickstarted a new era in transportation. It allowed passengers to travel in comfort and speed, with many amenities travelers have never seen before. Freight was easily transported across land, as the steam locomotive was extremely powerful, as even early steam engines could pull up to thirty cars. Before the advent of the steam locomotive the only option for travel was by horseback or maritime. For many, railways were much more convenient as they were easily accessible, and in most cases, quicker than maritime travel.
When steam locomotives were first introduced, people around that time were in awe of its power and size, as in the early nineteenth century, there were not many machines with similar power and size. People began to catch on to the idea of the steam engine, and many railways were built throughout the world. The United States, seeking western expansion, built towns and businesses along the railway to ship their goods and travel. The steam locomotive did not just change transportation, it changed the way people lived.
Impact on The Industrial Revolution
Steam locomotives had a monumental impact during the industrial revolution in both Europe and North America. Steam locomotives allowed shipments to be made quickly and conveniently. Many farmers would establish their land near railway tracks in order to ship their products to be sold at market. The railroads were especially prominent to farmers, as the railway was fast enough as their crops would not spoil before they were able to be sold. Additionally, towns filled with other businesses eventually used the railways as well, which improved the quality of life for many, as food was fresher and healthier to eat.
To fuel these machines, early steam locomotives used wood, however, later when coal began being used to fire steam locomotives, coal mines were built and hired many workers, further expanding industry. Coal was an important commodity of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, as not only steam locomotives, but factories, power plants, and other industries used coal as their mainstay for fuel.
Additionally, due to the rapid interest in rail travel, the lumber and steel industry was booming, as rail companies ordered these commodities in bulk to build their infrastructure. The steel and lumber industries hired many workers as well, and many large businesses developed. Additionally, the railroads were used to transport these commodities as well.
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An Engineering Marvel
The steam locomotive is an impressive machine. Most drivers on steam locomotives are largest than the tallest man, and are capable of pulling tons of freight. The steam locomotive harnesses almost unlimited power and tractive effort, as in most cases, only one locomotive was needed to haul a lengthy train.
Many have wondered how steam locomotives operate effectively. To operate effectively, a number of events must take place within the locomotive. The first order of business is for the locomotive to create steam.
This begins by the creation of fire in the firebox, which then turns into gases once they are burned. From the firebox, the gases that were creating transition into the boiler, which are sent into the boiler’s flues, which are pipes within the boiler. The hot gas from the flues brings the water to a boil, and the steam created travels to the top of the locomotive to the dome. The dome is where the throttle controls are linked, and this is where the amount of steam to the cylinders is managed.
Afterwards, the steam created enters the dry pipe, into what’s called a “valve chest”, which then pushes the steam through to the pistons. The pistons then release the steam after it was utilized, and exits through the smokestack.
How Did The Steam Locomotive Change Society?
The steam engine changed society by giving people the option to travel at a faster rate than ever before, and allowing them to travel safely. Interestingly, when the steam locomotive was first introduced, people were skeptical of its ability to be used as a reliable mode of transport. Many people stuck to their wagons for transport until the steam locomotive, and railroads in general, became the ideal form of transportation.
The steam locomotive changed how people traveled to work, because residents did not have to live near the workplace, they could take the train from a small rural town, to a big city. This was a convenience and opened up many more opportunities for people, and increase the potential for an individual’s livelihood for them and their family.
Additionally. the steam locomotive allowed companies to boost their revenues by hiring more skilled workers from nearby towns, which in turn, increased the progression of business. Additionally, the railroads were a great source for work as well, as they were constantly growing in exponential numbers. Many people worked as track maintainers, locomotive engineers and conductors, and in various ticket offices.
Do They Still Use Steam Locomotives?
Although steam locomotives are no longer the mainstay of modern railways, and have been phased out since the fifties and sixties, steam locomotives continue to garner the interest of enthusiasts young and old. Many locomotives around the world are preserved, kept in operating condition, and serve as a testament of engineering many years ago, on display for the observance of current and future generations.
In the United States, there are many operating examples of steam locomotives. Just to name a few, the Strasburg Railway in Lancaster, Pennsylvania offers steam train rides. Additionally, the Strasburg undertakes revenue freight operations, and uses steam as their mainstay of motive power. The Durango and Silverton in Colorado offers steam train rides and allows customers to take a trip on their narrow gauge railroad.
In the United Kingdom,quite a few example of steam are preserved and operational. For example, the Class of A1 “Tornado” style locomotives, built between 1948-1949, were often seen around the rail network until the mid-sixties. No examples of this locomotive were preserved, and most were retired by 1965. In 1994, the A1 locomotive Trust organized a rebuilt Tornado locomotive, and built a new locomotive from the original builder diagrams. This locomotive can be seen hauling excursions on the mainline, as well as tourist railways.
Additionally, the “Flying Scotsman” has been restored and returned to service by the National Railway Museum in York. It was restored to working order in 2016 after many years of work. It can be seen at the National Railway Museum as well as hauling excursions throughout the country.
Related Questions
How has the steam locomotive changed over time? Over time, the steam locomotive has evolved from a small prototype with a completely opened cab, tiny boiler, and lesser pulling power. However, it has evolved into locomotives that weigh hundreds of tons, and are capable of pulling trains of 100+ cars. Later, steam locomotives adopted streamlining, allowing them to reach higher speeds and travel faster than ever before.
What is the largest steam locomotive? The largest steam locomotive ever built is the Union Pacific “Big Boy”, a 4-8-8-4. Built in 1944, the locomotive weighed in at a colossal 1,208,750 lbs. This locomotive is articulated, and can be fueled by either coal or oil. There were twenty-five examples produced.
