Beschreibung:

AN IMPORTANT 8 3/4-in GAUGE MODEL OF GEORGE STEPHENSON'S "NO. 1" 0-4-0 "LOCOMOTION", perported to have been constructed by George Stephenson and 'a friend', the mahogany lagged and brass bound horizontal centre flue boiler is fitted with fire door, copper riveted back and front end plates, inspection door and lever safety valve. The two cylinders are set vertically in the boiler and are retained by flanges with the square nuts and bolts that appear throughout the construction. There is a central frame which supports the valve weighshafts actuated by lift-off eccentric connecting rods. The exhaust pipes run either side of the frame, have expansion joints between the cylinders and terminate in the crowned chimney. Parallel motion is imparted to the crossheads by three part pivoted horizontal links, retained by vertical braced rocking frames and pivot axles with return cranks. The four connecting rods have strapped gib and cottered big and little ends and drive both pairs of wheels at 90 degrees. The coupling rods are driven by extended stub axles at the rear and a return crank at the front. Finished in French polish, Stephenson red and black with polished brightwork, 21½in (55cm) high, 19½in (50cm) long Fußnoten The model was apparently acquired from the family in the 1840's and was exported to Australia, where it became part of a travelling show of "spectacular objects and curiosities". There are the remains of an Accession Number on the right-hand running board. "Locomotion" was the first of two locomotives ordered from George Stephenson for delivery in 1825 ready for the opening of the first railway, the Stockton & Darlington Railway. "Locomotion" remained in service until 1846 and then was used as a stationary pumping engine for a further 11 years. Fortunately the North Eastern Railway, which took over the Stockton & Darlington, had recognised the significance historically of this engine and ensured its preservation. Provenance: Property of The British Engineerium, Hove.