Steam Locomotive

A lot of us love Steam Locomotives and some just enjoy watching the trains pass us by ( as long as we don't have to wait too long) on their way to somewhere else.
   Steam trains were largely responsible for driving the American industrial machine although has its origins in England, with the first patented version credited to Richard Trevithick and Andrew Vivian in 1802.  
  Trevithick's earliest example went into service in 1804 on the Merthyr-Tydfil Railway in South Whales where it pulled loads of iron ore along a tramway.  Two decades would pass before the first contemporary design appeared thanks to George Stephenson.  Its initiation here began in 1826 when Colonel John Stevens showcased his "Steam Waggon" (basically a steam-powered horse carriage) on a small circular track at his estate in Hoboken, New Jersey.   
In the succeeding years ever-larger types were conceived to handle increasingly greater demand.  The argument persists to this day regarding whose were more impressive, American or British?
Unquestionably, American designs were the most powerful, particularly after the introduction of articulation, which led to enormous variants like the 2-6-6-6 "Allegheny," 4-6-6-4 "Challenger," and 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy."  
Today, preserved steam locomotives, both large and small, can be found throughout the country and their sustained popularity has led to numerous restorations.  They remain so well-liked that even Union Pacific maintains a small fleet for public relations.
If you would like to see my shot of Big Boy  click this link...Big Boy in AZ
  My husband was over the moon to see Big Boy  when we visited the kids in Tucson AZ.     Joe has his trains up year around and if any of you are ever in the area, Joe would love to show you his trains! 
   Thanks for dropping by and thanks to Laurie 54 for hosting this month!!