Steam locomotive

A steam locomotive is a type of railway locomotive whose engine is powered by a steam engine. It is among the best inventions of the so-called "Age of Industrialization", which grew into an impetus of technological development and an emblem of the 19th-century revolution in transport.

The basic principle of a steam engine as a power source is to boil water in a boiler to produce steam. The pressure of the steam forces pistons, and these, by a series of mechanisms, turn the locomotive wheels.

The first practical steam locomotive was built in 1804 by British engineer Richard Trevithick. His engine was able to pull wagons in South Wales (United Kingdom).

The greatest breakthrough took place in 1825, when George Stephenson built "Locomotion No. 1" - the first steam engine locomotive that was employed on a passenger railway between Darlington and Stockton in England.

Stephenson introduced the legendary "Rocket" locomotive in 1829 that would be a template for future steam engines. The "Rocket" locomotive possessed the speed of up to 48 km/h - an incredible speed during those days.

The highest speed achieved by a steam locomotive is 203 km/h. This is achieved by the "Mallard" locomotive (1938, United Kingdom).

In the 19th century, steam locomotives emerged and propagated rapidly across the globe. They facilitated the building of the initial intercity railway routes, encouraged trade, and reduced travel time significantly.

By the mid-20th century, steam locomotives were being phased out by diesel and electric engines that were cheaper to operate and had lower maintenance requirements. The final steam locomotives were built in the 1950s-60s, but a few survived longer in certain countries.

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