Episode 03 Evolution of Locomotives

The 1840s marked a significant shift as American engineers moved away from British designs. The breakthrough came with the introduction of the 4-4-0, a locomotive with four leading wheels and four driving wheels—a configuration that provided both stability and speed. This innovative design, created by the collaborative efforts of manufacturers like William Baldwin and engineers like Henry R. Campbell and William Norris, optimized the locomotive for America’s uneven and often unpredictable tracks.

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