World's first steam locomotive - GIF

World's first steam locomotive. Replica of Richard Trevithick's 1802 design.

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More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Trevithick

Previously:

https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...370#post142445
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...990#post149127
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...831#post148413
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...727#post147982
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...626#post147532
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...604#post139555
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...799#post133292
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...710#post108194
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...1817#post75199
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...717#post143724

Brilliant.

It would appear that fuel, probably coal, is loaded via the door in the front of the locomotive (the end opposite where the driver stands). The tender carrying the fuel would have to be in front of the engine, an awkward design. Perhaps this was a proof of concept design to evaluate the engine and power transmission components. A smaller and heavier flywheel could replace the giant and match its moment of inertia but perhaps the fabrication of such a design was beyond the abilities of the machine shops of the time.

Regardless, to design and build something of this engineering complexity in 1802 is proof positive of Trevithick's genius. His statue should be erected on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar square.