Steam Trains Facts: Know How Steam Locomotive Changed The World

Did you know that Steam Trains have been around for over 150 years?

Steam Trains are a type of locomotive that uses steam to power the engine. This type of locomotive was used all throughout the world for many years, and it continues to be popular today.

In this article, we will discuss the history of Steam Trains, how they work, and some other interesting facts about them!

Origin And History Of Steam Trains

While today we mostly see trains running on diesel and electricity, there was a time when trains ran on steam engines.

Instead of using locomotives, the earliest railways in the world used people and horses to pull wagons along iron rails or wooden planks. This was not only a laborious task but was extremely time-consuming and dangerous.

With the invention of the steam engine, both difficulties were solved. Several breakthroughs and research projects enabled the use of steam as a locomotive.

It all began when in the first century BC, the Hero of Alexandria displayed an aeolipile, a steam-powered spinning sphere.

Eventually, an atmospheric steam engine was invented by Thomas Newcomen in 1712. James Watt, a Scottish engineer, further improved Newcomen's design of the steam engine that led to large-scale adoption of steam and paved the way for the industrial revolution.

However, the man who is credited with the invention of a steam locomotive is Richard Trevithick. He developed a high-pressure steam engine in 1802 that led to the creation of steam locomotives.

This steam train was used to move iron and ironworks in Wales. The first journey of Trevithick's steam locomotive was so successful that the colliery railways in northeast England became the very leading center for experimentation and development of the steam locomotive.

In 1814, an English engineer, George Stephenson, constructed the first public steam railway line in the world that connected Stockton and Darlington towns in England. These steam railways solely transported goods from the Killingworth coal mine, while passengers were transported in horse-drawn carriages.

He later developed another locomotive called 'Rocket' in 1829 with his son. It was one year later, in 1830, that steam power was used to carry both freight and passengers on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway.

While these developments took place in Britain, the Americans were also not far behind. In 1812, an American engineer John Stevens invented the first steam locomotive in America that ran on a circular track in 1825. Stevens also founded one of the first railroads in America, the Camden and Amboy Railroad.

In 1830, a New York-based inventor, Peter Cooper, created 'Tom Thumb' which became the first locomotive for passengers in America. In comparison to British steam engines, the American locomotives were cheaper as the labor costs were lower and less expensive cast iron was used in components.

Due to these factors, America soon became a major producer and exporter of locomotives around the globe.

Steam Train Components

The steam train is an ingenious and complex invention that includes several components.

The most important components of a steam train are a boiler, steam engine, steam regulator, running gear (brake, wheels, and axles boxes), locomotive frame, cylinder, and piston.

The working of a steam engine involves the creation of hot steam in the boiler that expands under pressure. A part of this heat energy is used to run the engine while the remaining heat is allowed to escape.

The most efficient performance is when the heat supply is secured by using a low condenser temperature and a high boiler pressure.

Uses

The invention of steam locomotives changed the course of history.

Prior to the use of the steam engine, the transportation of materials and passengers took several days or months as they were drawn on horses or foot. Steam locomotives with their attached coaches resulted in faster transport of freight and people, which also accelerated the industrial revolution.

Steam trains were also used during both First World War and Second World War to carry equipment and troops.

End Of Steam Trains

Steam trains were widely operational between 1830 and 1970 until steam locomotives started getting replaced by better and cheaper alternatives.

The invention of the petrol engine in the mid-19th century made oil the most preferred fuel. The steam engines were deemed to be highly inefficient as about 80% to 90% of all the energy produced from coal was wasted.

While the steam engine took several hours to fire up, it took less than a minute to run a diesel engine. Hence, diesel locomotives were considered a more convenient and efficient choice. However, steam locomotives are still used today in a few countries.

Other Miscellaneous Facts

Read some other facts about steam trains below.

Outside of the U.S. and the UK, the first steam engine railway service in France started in 1829 between Saint-Etienne and Lyon.

The first steam locomotive that operated in America was the Stourbridge Lion, built-in 1828 and imported from England.

In 2004, a new £2 coin was issued by the Royal Mint bearing the name and the ingenious invention of Richard Trevithick.

The Thinktank museum in Birmingham contains the oldest active steam engine in the world, which was designed by James Watt in 1778.

The top speed of a steam train ever recorded is 125 mph (201 kph).

FAQs

Who invented steam trains?

Steam locomotives were first invented by Richard Trevithick.

What were steam trains used for?

Steam locomotives were used for a variety of purposes, including passenger transport, freight transport, and power machinery in factories. Steam trains are still popular today for tourism and heritage railways.

How was the steam train invented?

The invention of the steam train would not have been possible without the works of several inventors and researchers like James Watt, George Stephenson, and Richard Trevithick. Each of them introduced creative changes to the inventions of their predecessors to make an operational and useful steam train.

How many steam trains are left in the world?

They are very few places in the world where steam trains run today as well. However, as many as 400 steam locomotives have been preserved in museums.

What was the first steam train called?

The first steam locomotive railway that incorporated a locomotive was constructed by Richard Trevithick and named Penydarren.

How did the steam train change the world?

The steam locomotive revolutionized transportation by enabling humans to ship things and travel at a faster rate than ever before. In many countries, steam locomotives were a symbol of the industrial revolution.

How many steam trains are left in the U.S?

The Grand Trunk Railroad deployed the last steam locomotive in the United States in 1961. Except for special excursion services, the country had completely abandoned steam by 1961.

How much coal does a steam train use?

Approximately 9 tons (8.1 met ton) of coal were used in a steam train.

Why did the steam train end?

Steam trains became unpopular after the discovery of more efficient, convenient diesel and electric engines.