Letter from Timothy Hackworth, New Shildon to Robert Stephenson

New Shildon
Sir
I have duly received yours of the 17th Inst. also, the statement you allude to, that a complete L M will take out 10 tons at 10 miles per hour, it is quite at variance with facts; as an opinion merely this, I would forgive. 4 of our waggons laden for Depots, frequently take 12 to 13 tons of coals; exclusive of the waggons. Our Engines never take less, than 16 laden waggons in Winter & in Summer from 20, to 24, & to 32, laden, and, can maintain a speed of 5 miles per hour, except in case of stoppage by means of Horse Waggons, at the passing places. Engines thus loaded have frequently travelled at 9 miles per hour, sometimes more. It is unsafe to aim at speed upon a single line of Railway, the danger, is, at the passing places. I am verily convinced, that a swift Engine upon a well conditioned Railway, will combine profit – simplicity and, will afford such facility, as has hitherto been known. I am well satisfied, that an Engine, the weight you mention, will convey on a level in Winter 30 tons of goods, 10 miles per hour, exclusive of carriage, & 40 tons in summer, exclusive of carriage. The six wheeld Engine fit up at the Cos. works generally takes 24 waggons, 54 cwt. to 3 tons of coals each speed 5 miles per hour, empty waggons 24 cwt. each.

The six wheels, by R S & co. 20 waggons 5 miles per hour, weight as above.
My general opinion, as to the L M System. I believe, it, is in a comparitive state of infancy – swift Engines upon a double way I am convinced, may be used, to the utmost advantage – improvements, upon anything yet produced of greater importance, in all respects, are clearly practicable, & I am sure this will prove itself, by actual remuneration to such parties as prudently yet diligently pursue the execution of this kind of power.

With their eyes open, to those alterations & advantages which actual demonstration of local circumstances point out.

Stationary Engines, are by no means adapted to a public line of Railway. I take here no account of a great waste of Capital, but you will fail in proving to the satisfaction of any one not conversant with these subjects, the inexpediency of such a system- it never can do for coaching – passengers cannot be accomodated – if endless ropes are used, there will be both danger, and delay – What provision can be made to answer the stretching of ropes? I have known a rope 1¼ mile long, stretch 70 Fathom in one day. What sort of Aperatus, will be found practically applicable to give the rope proper tention? admit it be possible? who dare to be near when a mass of matter, standing at rest, say 20 to 30 tons, is first put in motion, by a rope moving at the rate of 10 to 15 miles, per hour, it need not be added what will follow? a scene of endless confusion.

I hear the Liverpool C0. have concluded to use fixed Engines. Some will look on with surprise; but as you can well afford it, it is all for the good f the science, & the trade, to try both plans. Do not discompose yourself, my dear sir, if you express your manly, firm decided opinion, you have done your part, as there adviser. and, if it happen to be read someday in the newspaper------whereas the Liverpool & Manchester Railway – has been strangled by ropes, we shall not accuse you of guilt in being accessary either before or after the fact.

Yours very respectfully
April 9th 1829