Letter from John Urpeth Rastrick, Stourbridge to Timothy Hackworth, New Sheldon [sic]
Requests details of costs of keeping Stockton and Darlington locomotive engines in repairs for one year' and for particulars of the coal and water consumed during an experiment with the Royal George', and 'the No. of each of your Locomotive Engines - with the Men's Names who work them, that I may know ... one from the other'. He makes passing reference to Nicholas Wood at Killingworth, and mentions 'American Gentlemen' and tests carried out for them on Hackworth's engine between Stockton and Darlington. Mention is made of a set of wrought iron tyres which had been used at Killingworth for nine months without perceptible wear. Referenced in Robert Young, Timothy Hackworth and the Locomotive (London: Locomotive Publishing Company, 1923), p. 172.
Details
- Extent:
- 1 item
- Identifier:
- HACK/1/1/17
- Transcription:
-
Show
Mr Timy Hackworth Stonebridge 3 Feby 1829
Sir)
I am now returned home and as I am now setting to work to consider the subject of the expence [sic] of Locomotive Engines – and as I am still at a loss for the Expences [sic] incurred, in keeping the Locomotive Engines in repair – I will thank you to send me an account of the materials used for the Repair of your Engines (Locomotive), for the last 12 months, distinguishing each Months expences [sic] separately – and any further information you may think proper =
I find Mr Nichl Wood of Killingworth has had a set of Wt Iron Tire on the 4 feet Cast Iron Wheels, of one of their Locomotive Engines in wear for 9 months & I did not percieve [sic] any perceptable [sic] wear –
Please to send me the No of each of your Locomotive Engines – with the Mens [sic] names who work them, that I may know how to distinguish the one from the other
We just had an opertunity [sic] of seeing the American Gentlemen at Darlington as we came thorough on our Return –
I understand they tried, the Quantity of Coal & Water your Engine consumed in going from Darlington to Stockton – with a load, as well as in returning with the empty Waggons – the [?] the Stroke in every Quarter of a mile, & took the Time –
I shall be glad if you would send me the particulars, of this Experiment, the Coal & Water consumed, the speed & time – the number of loaded Carriages taken down & the number of empty Carriages bought &c &c if you have got it –
And any further Information you may choose to favor [sic] me with
I am Sir your servant [?]
John U. Rastrick
New Shildon
Near West-Auckland
Durham