Early Rail Pioneers
You've probably heard of the Stephenson's, but what about these other innovators?
The Opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (1825) by Brown, J.R.National Railway Museum
The early 19th Century was a period of rapid change and invention. Many people contributed to this explosive growth of the railway, yet most didn't become household names.
Let's meet some of these pioneers!
Richard Trevithick: A Tenacious Trailblazer
Richard Trevithick was an engineer born in Cornwall, 1771. He began his engineering career in the mining industry, where he first started experimenting with high-pressure, or "strong steam", engines.
Drawing Produced by John Llewellin of a Tram Engine Designed by Richard Trevithick (1803-12) by Llewellyn, JohnNational Railway Museum
A Steam Revolution?
Steam engines had generally been limited to stationary structures.
However, strong steam engines could use smaller cylinders. This made the whole system lighter and more compact, suitable for mounting on wheels.
Setbacks
Trevithick's first engine was designed to run on a road. 'Puffing Devil' was a success, but burned down days after its debut. Not to be deterred, Trevithick continued to create steam engines.
On a Roll!
Trevithick built many different engines. The highlights include:
1802: Pen-y-Darren
1802: Coalbrookdale Locomotive
1808: Catch Me Who Can
These engines helped to inspire the next generation. Trevithick paved the way for locomotive engineers for years to come!
Legacy
Trevithick was the first in a line of successful engineers. His son Francis, continued in his footsteps. The next generation also entered the rail industry. The Trevithick's influenced the British railways for years to come, and, interestingly, the Japanese railway as well!
George Hudson: The Railway King
Hudson was a businessman, politician and railway financier. Born in 1800 just outside York, he trained as a draper and helped run a successful business. This success paved the way for his entry into politics, and eventually into the railway industry.
Background
As plans for a rail network were being developed, it became clear that lines would favour Leeds, excluding York. As a York native, Hudson was determined that the city should share in the benefits of the emerging railways. He successfully lobbied for York to become a key rail hub.
How He Reigned and How He Mizzled: A Railway RailleryNational Railway Museum
The Rise
After this, Hudson became involved in many early railway companies. This put him in a position to exercise great influence on the burgeoning rail network. As the network grew, so did his notoriety and his wealth. Hudson earned the nickname of the 'Railway King'.
How He Reigned and How He Mizzled: A Railway RailleryNational Railway Museum
The Fall
However, Hudson had a rather spectacular fall from grace in 1849 when details of his financial dealings became public. Hudson was accused of serious incidents of fraud, and it was revealed that most of his wealth had been built on questionable business practices.
Illustration of York Station (1840) by RockNational Railway Museum
Legacy
Despite this controversy, Hudson played a significant role in shaping the British rail network as we know it. Without his influence, the National Railway Museum might not have been established in York! It's appropriate then, that 'Hudson Boulevard' runs alongside the museum.
Sans Pareil (1829) by Hackworth, TimothyNational Railway Museum
Timothy Hackworth: The Shildon Superstar
Hackworth was an engineer born in Wylam in 1786. Wylam, a thriving colliery community, gave Hackworth the perfect environment to develop and experiment with steam engines.
Early Beginnings
It was at the Wylam collieries that he helped to create 'Puffing Billy' around 1813.
'Puffing Billy' was one of the first steam engines. It survives to this day and is one of the oldest surviving locomotives in the world.
Rocket', 'Novelty' and 'Sans Pareil' at the Rainhill Trials (1829) by UnknownNational Railway Museum
Rainhill Rival
Later Hackworth became the locomotive superintendent of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. In the famous Rainhill Trials, Hackworth entered the competition with 'Sans Pareil'. Although he didn't win, his engine was bought by the Liverpool and Manchester Railway.
Full Steam Ahead
He may not have won the Rainhill Trials, but Hackworth was a talented engineer with an impressive work history. Alongside his work at the Stockton & Darlington Railway, he established his own company to build locomotives.
Legacy
In later life, Hackworth shipped many of his locomotives overseas. His engines ended up as far afield as Canada and Russia. Not only did Hackworth leave his mark on the British locomotive industry, he helped to shape the railways of the world.
Canterbury and Whitstable Railway (1830) by Baynes, Thomas Mann, Hullmandel, Charles Joseph, and Ward, HenryNational Railway Museum
The building of the railways was made possible by the vision and talent of many people in the 19th Century. Although these people are unknown to most, their legacy is in the fabric of our railways. Their influence is still here, and will be part of the railways for years to come.
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