Brother Jonathan Locomotive
by John Swatsley
Title
Brother Jonathan Locomotive
Artist
John Swatsley
Medium
Painting - Watercolor On Cold Press Illustration Board
Description
The early 1830s were marked by innovation and improvements in the railroad industry. As American engineers began to take part, the American-type locomotive emerged. A man named John B. Jervis was among the innovators. Jervis was the chief engineer for the Mohawk and Hudson Railroad and, in 1832, he made major improvements which would become standard in locomotives throughout the country. His idea was to lighten the engine by removing the rigid front axle with its single pair of wheels and substituting a front truck with two axles and four wheels. The "Experiment" was built at the West Point Foundry according to Jervis' new design, and was the first locomotive to employ a leading truck. The truck sported small front wheels to guide the engine along the tracks. The "Experiment" was a success and Jervis' concept was adopted almost immediately. The engine itself was renamed "Brother Jonathan" and, achieving top speeds of 60 miles per hour, became the fastest locomotive in the world. Of sturdy design as well, the "Brother Jonathan" was later converted to an eight-wheel construction and served for many years along the rails of America's early history. Jervis had thus paved the way for "Americanization" of the railroads to suit the native landscape, and other engineers, such as Henry Campbell, James Brooks and Matthias Baldwin quickly followed suit. The result was a dramatic period of prosperity and progress for the railroad industry.
Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.
Artwork Copyright © 1986 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB10099
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September 21st, 2022
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