The Iron Horse

The “iron horse” may have been cumbersome, but it was fast – allowing people to get from point A to B. The steam engine itself was marvel, an entire locomotive was basically a large device producing as much energy as a thousand horses.

So how does it work?

Well, the actual ‘engine’ is really a giant boiler on wheels, with a furnace, pistons and a vent. 1st, the firebox is chocked-full of coal. 2nd, this coal burns to heat the kettle, which drives the pistons, Step 3. Last part of Step 3,the pistons drive the wheels, which propels the vehicle forward. Finally, Step 4, when the piston reached the end of the cylinder, excess steam is released through the chimney. None of this would be possible without the tender, a rail car towed right behind the engine that supplies it with coal and water, though not indefinitely.

The Verdict?

Few other inventions could have had a more applicable impact than the locomotive, which has now been largely replaced by vehicles that know no rails. Still, the speed and steam they brought to a horse-drawn society made transportation much easier, though no cleaner.