A replica of Richard Trevithicks last locomotive, Catch Me Who Can, in Bridgenorth.
Image credit:nigelmenzies/Flickr
Richard Trevithick was a pioneer of the steam engine.
His most significant contribution was the development of the first high-pressure steam engine.
The pressure difference created by the vacuum drove the piston and thus the engine.
Trevithicks idea was to use steam at high pressure and the expansive power of the steam drove the pistons.
Once Watt’s patent expired in 1800, Richard Trevithick started building high-pressure steam engines.
His first steam locomotive was meant to be used on road.
This was the first demonstration of transportation powered by steam.
Three years later, Trevithick built another locomotive, this time to be used on rails.
This was the first railway journey.
Trevithick called it the Steam Circus.
Trevithick designed a completely new locomotive for the demonstration which he namedCatch Me Who Can.
Lack of patronage and diminishing public interest disheartened Trevithick.
In frustration, Trevithick stopped making locomotives and focused his energies into making stationary steam engines instead.
He also built a barge powered by paddle wheels and several dredgers.
Trevithick continued to experiment but found it difficult to find financial backing and make money from his inventions.
He died penniless in a hotel room after being taken ill with pneumonia.
One of his colleagues raised money and gave Trevithick a funeral.
