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The Lunar Men who shaped the future |
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DESCRIPTION Murdock's Miniature Model of Steam Road Locomotive
MANUFACTURER William Murdock (1754-1839), Scottish
INVENTOR/DESIGNER William Murdock (1754-1839), Scottish
DATE c.1784
MATERIAL Steel, copper alloy, wood, hard stone
DIMENSIONS 430x555x230
PROVENANCE c.1784-1883: Murdock family; 1883-1933: Richard & George Tangye, then Birmingham Chamber of Commerce; 1933-1951: Birmingham Public Libraries; 1951: Transferred from Birmingham Public Libraries
LOCATION Thinktank
CAT. NO 1951.S.00088.00008 | |
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Murdock locomotive | © Thinktank Trust | Come and see it in the Power Up gallery at Thinktank
This miniature locomotive was the very first self-propelled vehicle in England. Steam moved a tiny 20mm piston inside a small cylinder, which gave power for the vehicle to travel. It was designed in about 1784 by William Murdock, a friend and employee of Matthew Boulton and James Watt, members of the famous Lunar Society of Birmingham.
Between about 1760 and 1800, the ‘Lunar Men’ made many experiments, discoveries, innovations and inventions. Because of them industrial Birmingham also became known as an intellectual and scientific centre.
Find out more about the Society and its members... MORE |
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