Robert Stephenson and Co: Experiment
Engine delivered by Robert Stephenson and Co to the Stockton and Darlington Railway on 30th January 1826 with inclined cylinders which meant that it could be mounted on springs. Originally four wheeled, it was modified for six.
The 6th engine from Robert Stephenson and Co and delivered in January 1828 (E L Ahrons says this locomotive was the S&DR's 6th engine). The main features of this remarkable locomotive were as follows :-It was the first to have two horizontal cylinders; they were placed within the boiler with back covers a almost flush with the fire end. The piston -rods were attached to swinging lever arms, which caused a transverse rocking shaft above them to oscillate. Other layers on this shaft were coupled to the connecting-rods, which drove the crank pins on the leading wheels. [1]
Known by the railwaymen as 'Old Elbows'
John Nicholson was sent with the engine to get it to work properly
For many years the engine was driven by Michael Law
In 1830 the engine which had always been troublesome was entirely remodelled by Timothy Hackworth, with return flue, and the engine was then fashioned after the construction of the Royal George and remained in use until 1839.
1828 Engine built by Robert Stephenson and Co and designed by them for the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The engine driver was Michael Law. [2]
See Also
Sources of Information
- Timothy Hackworth and the Locomotive by Robert Young. Published 1923.