Stourbridge Lion

The Stourbridge Lion was a pioneering steam locomotive that holds a special place in railroad history. Built in 1829 by Foster, Rastrick and Company in Stourbridge, England, it became the first steam locomotive to operate on a railroad in the United States. Built in 1829 in Stourbridge, England. Imported by the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company for use on its railroad in Honesdale. Made its historic first run on August 8, 1829, under the control of engineer Horatio Allen. Named for a lion's head painted on its front. Why it wasn't a success Although the locomotive itself performed well, it weighed about 7.5 tons, nearly double the maximum weight anticipated for the track. The wooden-and-iron rail construction could not reliably support it, so it was never put into regular service hauling coal. Horses and mules continued to do most of the work. The locomotive was eventually dismantled. Over time, most parts were lost or scrapped, and only the boiler and a few components survived. These remnants were later acquired by the Smithsonian Institution and are now displayed at the B&O Railroad Museum. Interesting connection to Britain A very similar sister locomotive, the Agenoria, survives today at the National Railway Museum, giving a good idea of what the Stourbridge Lion looked like when new. In short, the Stourbridge Lion was not a commercial success, but its 1829 test run marked the beginning of steam-powered railroading in the United States. Here is the Stourbridge Lion on my North Rd Station test layout, includes a few other locomotives and yes! at some point I will model the Agenoria. But for now two video's of the LIon and some photo's i took in 2003 of the Agenoria.