Themes

Technology and invention

Transport

Transport

Look closely at the wheels in the first group of photographs.

What are the wheels of each vehicle made from?

What development is shown by the wheels of the second group of vehicles?

These early railway trains were steam powered.

Why is the first train carrying so much wood behind the engine?

What is the purpose of the strange cover over the funnel of the second train?

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FURTHER INFORMATION: Steam was used to power trains and many machines in industry. Enormous amounts of wood or coal were used to produce steam to power the engines. Some trains were fitted with special covers to prevent sparks flying out of the funnel and starting fires. Steam trains were gradually replaced by diesel and electric trains between 1910 and 1950.