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Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
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 1908.
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Science Museum: Making the Modern World Gallery
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Details
- Category:
- Road Transport
- Object Number:
- 1876-1269
- Materials:
- asbestos, brass (copper, zinc alloy), metal (unknown)
- Measurements:
-
overall (from outside case): 380 mm x 270 mm x 180 mm,
- type:
- steam engine
- taxonomy:
-
- visual and verbal communication
- furnishing and equipment
- tools & equipment
- engine - power producing equipment
- credit:
- Bennet Woodcroft Bequest
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