The life of George Stephenson, railway engineer by Smiles Samuel 1812-1904 & Stephenson Robert 1803-1859

Author:Smiles, Samuel, 1812-1904 & Stephenson, Robert, 1803-1859
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Stephenson, George, 1781-1848, Railroads, Collection locomotives
Publisher: Boston, Ticknor and Fields
Published: 1858-03-25T05:00:00+00:00

and he often wished he could procure heads and hands on which he could rely, as easily as he could manufacture locomotives; As it was, Stephenson's engine-men were in request all over England, and they never were in want of remunerative employment. Indeed, for many years after, the Newcastle school of engineers, of which he was the head, continued to furnish the chief part of the locomotive superintendents and drivers on railways, not only in this country, but all over Europe ; preference being given to them by the directors of these undertakings, in consequence of their previous practical experience, as well as their generally excellent qualities as steady and industrious workmen. Mr. Stephenson had, no doubt, a warm heart for Northumberland men; and who will blame him for it ? But that he ever permitted his love for canny Newcastle to bias his judgment or stand in the way of his duty to his employers in recommending the best men for appointment to the offices under him, those who knew him best most confidently deny.

Before leaving the subject of the Liverpool and Manchester railway, we may briefly mention that Mr. Stephenson's ingenuity continued for some time to be employed in perfecting the working arrangements of the line. The springs of the carriages were improved: buffers were contrived to prevent that hard bumping of the carriage ends, which was felt to be a very objectionable feature in the first passenger trains; and everything was done that was calculated to diminish friction or jerking, and make travelling comfortable and easy. Amongst Mr. Stephenson's other inventions of this time were his method of lubricating carriage axles, his spring frames for the carriages, his buffers, and his railway breaks.

Like the engine power and the carriage arrangements, the road was for some time in an experimental state, and was gradually brought into a condition of practical efficiency. As the power and weight of the locomotives were increased, and the speed at which the trains travelled steadily advanced, it soon became clear to Mr. Stephenson that a considerable modification in the road was absolutely necessary. The fish-bellied rails, first laid down, were of the weight of only thirty-five pounds to the yard, and calculated only for horse traffic, or at most for

engines like the " Eocket," of very ligbt weight. In the course of a short time it was found necessary to have the road relaid with stronger rails of greater weight and improved form, though at a very considerable expense to the Company. Mr. Stephenson was determined, however, to the best of his power, to fulfil his promise to the Committee of the House of Commons, that he would make his railway as perfect as possible.

■ CHAPTER XXV.

EXTEJTSION OP THE RAILWAT SYSTEM. THE LONDON AND

BIRMINGHAM LINE.

When Mr. Stephenson had completed the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, and brought the locomotive engine, by means of which it was to be worked, into a state of practical efficiency, he may be said to have accomplished the great work of his life.

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