Trevithick's model road locomotive engine
- Made:
- 1796-1802 in United Kingdom
Trevithick's original model road locomotive engine, unsigned, British, 1796-1802. This model is possibly constructed by either Richard Trevithick, or Whitehead & Co., of Manchester.
This is a working test model made by Richard Trevithick, constructor of the world's first steam railway locomotive. Trevithick had developed a compact high-pressure steam engine to provide Cornish ore mines with a more fuel efficient pumping engine than the standard Watt type, and soon turned his attention to self-moving engines. The success of this model encouraged Trevithick to manufacture full-sized road and rail locomotives. The first railway locomotive ran in 1803, and Trevithick's third machine, 'Catch Me Who Can', was demonstrated on a circular track near Euston Road, London, in 1808.
Details
- Category:
- Road Transport
- Object Number:
- 1876-1269
- Materials:
- brass (copper, zinc alloy), metal (unknown) and asbestos
- Measurements:
-
overall (from outside case): 380 mm x 270 mm x 180 mm,
- type:
- model - representation and steam engine
- credit:
- Bennet Woodcroft Bequest
