The first full-scale working railway steam locomotive was built in 1804 by British engineer Richard Trevithick

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The first full-scale working railway steam locomotive was built in 1804 by British engineer Richard Trevithick. On February 21, 1804, his engine made its debut in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, successfully pulling 10 tons of iron, five wagons, and 70 people along a tramway. 

Here is how these early steam trains worked:

• The Boiler: A large tank of water was heated by a fire. The fire turned the water into steam (a gas created when water boils).
• The Piston: Trapped steam expands and pushes forward with heavy force. This force was used to push a sliding metal rod back and forth, much like your legs pushing pedals on a bicycle.
• The Wheels: The metal rods were connected to large gears that turned the wheels and pushed the train forward. 

If you're interested, I can also:

• Explain how a modern steam engine differs from these early trains
• Share the story of how George Stephenson built the first passenger railway train
• Tell you when the first steam locomotive arrived in the United States

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https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Steam_locomotive

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