Trevithick patent drawing for his Coalbrookdale Locomotive, 1802. The design incorporated a single horizontal cylinder enclosed in a return-flue boiler. A flywheel drove the wheels on one side through spur gears, and the axles were mounted directly on the boiler, with no frame. On the drawing, the piston-rod, guide-bars and cross-head are located directly above the firebox door, thus making the engine extremely dangerous to fire while moving. Richard Trevithick (April 13, 1771 - April 22, 1833) was an English inventor, mining engineer and early pioneer of steam-powered road and rail transport. His most significant contribution was to the development of the first high-pressure steam engine. He also built the first full-scale working railway steam locomotive. During the prime of his career, he was a well-respected and known figure in mining and engineering, but near the end of his life and after he fell out of the public eye. He died from pneumonia in 1833 at the age of 62. He was penniless, and no relatives or friends attended his bedside during his illness. His colleagues at Hall's works made a collection for his funeral expenses and acted as bearers. |