The first of a series of lectures for members and the general public organised by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society who have been organising science talks in York for over 200 years.
In this lecture Roger Backhouse will look at the atmospheric railway used by Brunel for the South Devon Railway in the 1840’s. (previously used in Ireland, London and later in Paris) Atmospheric railways worked by exhausting air from a cylinder between the rails those hauling a piston attached to a carriage along.
The railway world became excited by atmospheric railways, many were proposed as they offered greater reliability than steam locomotives of the day, and didn’t inflict smoke and smuts on the passengers. The then Prime Minister Robert Peel was enthusiastic.
Although considered a failure the four lines built converted to steam locomotive traction for reasons other than the limitations of the atmospheric system. Railway politics etc played a role. George Hudson was opposed. Two of the systems lasted 10 years. It was revived in the late 20th century with a line in Brazil (A promotional film survives) though it appears that has ceased operation. History repeating itself.
7pm in the Tempest Anderson Lecture Theatre, in the Yorkshire Museum, at 7pm on Tuesday 25 February. All welcome. Free for Society Members and £5 non members. No need to prebook.