Trains & Locomotives Gallery 9

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In 1819 the Patton Colliery, in Durham, was altered into a locomotive railroad, and Mr. Stephenson ap pointed its chief engineer. He soon began his labors, and on the 18th of November, 1822, the road was opened for the first time for locomotives. Crowds came from all directions to witness the experiment. Five of Mr. Stephenson's engines were upon the road that day, each engine drawing after it seventeen wagons loaded, averaging sixty-four tons, at the rate of four miles an hour.

Mr. Stephenson next became chief engineer of the Stockton and Burlington Railway, another coal-road about being constructed. On account of the nature of the ground over which this road would pass, and the limited means put into Mr. Stephenson's hands for its construction, he was compelled to adopt the incline plane system in those places where too much labor and money would be required. Other parts of the road were made for horse or steam power, which of the two had not as yet been determined upon. The success of Mr. Stephenson's locomotives had been tried and proved practical, although as yet not a saving in the expense of transportation. But Mr. Stephenson's views prevailed, and when the road was finished, on the 27th of September, 1820, he had three engines ready for its use, They were built at his works, the first ever established for locomotive manufacture. The Active, No. 1, was the first built at this establishment. A great deal of excitement and speculation arose throughout the country when the trial-day approached. The road was ready, as we have stated. Great crowds were assembled from every direction to witness the trial; some, more sanguine, came to witness its success, but far the greater portion came to see the bubble burst. The proceedings began at Brusselton incline, where the stationary engine drew a train up the incline on one side and lowered it down on the other. These wagons were loaded.

At the foot of this plane a locomotive, driven by Mr. Stephenson himself, was attached to the train. It consisted of six wagons loaded with coal and flour, next a passenger-coach (the first ever run upon a railroad) filled with the directors and their friends, then twenty One wagons fitted up with temporary seats for passengers, and lastly came six wagons loaded with coal, making in all twenty-eight vehicles. The word being given that all was ready, the engine began to move, gradually at first, but afterwards in parts-of the road, attained a speed of twelve miles an hour. At that time the number of passengers amounted to 450, which would, with the remainder of the load, amount to upward of ninety tons. The train arrived at Darlington, eight and three-quarter miles, in sixty - five minutes. Here it was stopped, and a fresh supply of water was obtained, and the six coal-cars for Darlington detached, and the word given to go ahead. The engine started, and arrived at Stockton, twelve miles, in three hours seven minutes, including stoppages.

By the time the train reached Stockton, the number of passengers amounted to over 600.