Now almost all the old steam locomotives that remained on Earth can only be seen as monuments, and once upon a time a whole story began with them. The first records in speed, power and carrying capacity were set by these huge, sending puffs of black smoke into the sky, deafeningly rumbling vehicles. Like cars, steam locomotives have come a long way before being recognized and become popular for a while. Although it cannot be said that today people have lost interest in them.
History of creation: the very first steam engine in the world
The history of steam locomotives begins in 1803, when an engineer from Britain, Richard Trevitik, decides to equip a trolley rolling on rails with a steam engine. It was then that the world's first steam locomotive was created , more precisely, its likeness. Trevitik built a real train a year later, after conducting a test, during which he attached several more trolleys to his creation. The invention was patented, and therefore officially considered the first and oldest steam locomotive in the world.
Of course, the resulting vehicle did not deserve public confidence. However, the skepticism quickly faded with the advent of the Stephenson machine. It became clear: the heavier the locomotive, the better its smooth wheels will run along smooth rails. So, in 1825, Locomotion No. 1 passed along the world's first railway . It is considered the oldest in the world, and it can still be seen at the Darlington Railway Museum. Thanks to him, the first term related to railway appeared - a locomotive.
The oldest locomotives in the world
In 1900, the American company Richmond Locomotive Works developed the H2-293, which is included in the list of the oldest steam locomotives. 13 years later, it was acquired by the Finland Railways Authority. This engine is considered the most revolutionary, because in 1917, V.I. Lenin helped to hide from the Provisional Government. On the ninth of August, the driver Yalava transferred Vladimir Ilyich to Finland, and on the seventh of October of the same year he returned him in a similar way to Petrograd. Now H2-293 is in eternal parking in a glazed pavilion on one of the platforms of the Finland Station in St. Petersburg.
Old steam locomotives also include the Soviet “E” class locomotive, launched in 1912 in Lugansk. It is considered the most massive - for 45 years, 11 thousand copies have been produced. As much as no steam locomotive plant has ever produced.
The surviving Olympic locomotives were launched in 1935 by Berlin-based Borsig. There were only 3 of them, and the steam locomotives were intended exclusively to serve the participants and guests of the Olympics in the German capital. These locomotives boasted a futuristic look: streamlined shapes, closed body, red color. It was the Borsig locomotive that set the speed record in 1936 - 200.4 km / h.
Steam locomotives in the USSR
Above, we have already touched on the topic of old steam locomotives of the USSR. But we can not help but mention the locomotive P38. It was a real giant, the hardest in the history of Soviet steam locomotive construction. He is considered the last in the Soviet Union.
P38 were produced in 1954-1955. The model was 4 freight steam locomotives equipped with the Mallet system. The locomotive was a lite version of the world's heaviest American steam locomotive.
Another noteworthy locomotive was also created in Lugansk in 1934. “AA” (“Andrey Andreev”) became the only steam locomotive in the world with seven moving axles on a rigid frame, although usually there were 5. This is the most straightforward locomotive. He walked perfectly in a straight line, but he did not fit on turntables. On the arrows, he generally went off the rails. So his fate was predetermined.
"IP" is the most unique engine. Locomotive “Joseph Stalin” was created in 1932. Steam locomotives were fast, gaining speed up to 115 kilometers per hour. The locomotive was streamlined. The uniqueness was that the IS became the most powerful passenger steam locomotive in Europe.
Amazing world steam locomotives
The Olympic locomotive speed record was broken in 1938 by a British-made Mallard steam locomotive - this is one of the most amazing locomotives in the world. It accelerates to 202.7 km / h. Designed to drive over 160 km / h, the Mallard had a streamlined body and wheels with a diameter of more than 2 m. It remained the fastest in the world.
The most powerful and heavy steam locomotive was developed in the USA in 1941. A series of locomotives bore the name "Healthy". The total length of the vehicle was more than 40 m, and the giants weighed at least 500 tons. However, they were considered quite quiet, when compared with other locomotives.
The most unique and interesting steam locomotives
The Orient Express is a true legend. Wagons decorated in the Art Deco style from the moment of their appearance (XIX century) to this day are incredibly popular among filmmakers, photographers and writers. Here a romantic atmosphere reigns, mixed with luxury and riddled with mystery. These locomotives still travel to the most beautiful European cities to tell people the history and rich culture of each of these settlements.
Interesting Facts
- The first steam wagon was invented in 1769 by the Frenchman Nicolas Cugno.
- The first underground railway was opened in London in 1863.
- The USSR spent at least $ 1,500 million on the issue of the steam engine P38.
- The longest flight entered in the Guinness Book of Records begins in Moscow and ends in Pyongyang. The train covers a distance of more than 10 thousand km.
- You can ride old steam locomotives in several places: Belgrave station in Australia, Merichansky sugar factory on Java, Heilongjiang province in China, Earls Court metro station in London, and the Main railway station in Lviv.