First Steam Locomotive!

In 1814 English engineer George Stephenson introduced his first steam locomotive, a traveling engine designed for hauling coal on the Killingworth wagonway, named Blücher.

George Stephenson was an English civil and mechanical engineer, known as the "Father of Railways" for his pioneering work in the development of steam locomotives and the construction of the world's first public intercity railway line. His innovations in railway engineering played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution, transforming transportation and shaping the modern world.

We have hundreds of books and pamphlets about all forms of transport, but publications about railways and trains remains our largest section.  Rail travel, especially on steam trains, evokes a real sense of nostalgia.  Despite them producing vast quantities of steam and noise, as well as soot in our hair, most of us will smile when a steam train comes chuff, chuff, puffing along.

One of my favourite childhood memories is sitting in front of the fire with my Mum and watching ‘Ivor the Engine’.  "Ivor the Engine is a British cutout animation television series created by Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin's Smallfilms company. It follows the adventures of a small green steam locomotive who lives in the "top left-hand corner of Wales" and works for The Merioneth and Llantisilly Rail Traction Company Limited. His friends include Jones the Steam, Evans the Song and Dai Station, among many other characters." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivor_the_Engine.

Another favourite character of mine was Idris the Dragon who sings in the community choris.  As well as singing, he could cook fish and chips with his fiery breath! 

If you love trains or any other form of transport, then please do come and visit us.  I'm sure you'll find a book or pamphlet that will interest you.  Or, like me, you may enjoy childhood stories and grab a few Thomas the Tank Engine stories from our children's department. 

“Chuff, chuff, chugga-chugga”