Trevithick's locomotive

Richard Trevithick's locomotive, built in 1804, was an early steam-powered vehicle designed to move along rails. It used a powerful steam engine to turn wheels, reducing human effort and enabling more efficient transportation. Unlike earlier stationary engines, Trevithick's locomotive was self-propelled and could carry passengers or cargo, marking a significant step toward modern railways. Although it had limitations—such as rough ride and limited capacity—this invention proved that steam engines could power vehicles on tracks, paving the way for the development of integrated railway systems.