Twenty-one years after Trevithick had first demonstrated that self-propelled steam engines could haul colliery wagons better than horses, the first public railway, the Stockton and Darlington, commenced operation. A machine which resembled a large iron grasshopper on wheels attracted the awe and attention of the local populace. Like the horses that still laboured in the service of Mankind the strange machine had a body heat that could be felt as the onlookers approached with wary steps. It smelled of hot iron and warm oil and above its tall chimney the air shimmered, enlivened by the rising gases from its furnace. Its attendant driver and grimy fireman performed arcane and unfamiliar acts standin aloof from the crowd on the small footplating fixed to the machine's barrel, and lo, the machine's metal limbs twitched and its breath came in gasps as it lurched into movement. With no horse in the shafts and dripping water that fizzed and spat at the flinching yet delighted audience, it slowly rolled forward, creaking, squeaking, its iron wheels bearing down on iron rails.

Ключови думи: Трайно намаление Taschen