construction than either. The
boiler was of cast-iron. The engine was provided with a single cylinder
six inches in diameter, with a fly-wheel working at one side to carry the
crank over the dead points. Jonathan Foster described it to the author
in 1854, as "a strange machine, with lots of pumps, cog-wheels, and
plugs, requiring constant attention while at work." The weight of the
whole was about six tons.

When finished, it was conveyed to Wylam on a waggon, and there mounted
upon a wooden frame supported by four pairs of wheels, which had been
constructed for its reception. A barrel of water, placed on another
frame upon wheels, was attached to it as a tender. After a great deal of
labour, the cumbrous machine was got upon the road. At first it would
not move an inch. Its maker, Tommy Waters, became impatient, and at
length enraged, and taking hold of the lever of the safety valve,
declared in his desperation, that "either _she_ or _he_ should go." At
length the machinery was set in motion, on which, as Jonathan Foster
described to the author "she flew all to pieces, and it was the biggest
wonder i' the world that we were not all blewn up." The incompetent and
useless engine was declared to be a failure; it was shortly after
dismounted and sold; and Mr. Blackett's praiseworthy efforts thus far
proved in vain.

He was still, however, desirous of testing the practicability of
employing locomotive power in working the coal down to Lemington, and he
determined on another trial. He accordingly directed his engine-wright
to proceed with the building of a third engine in the Wylam workshops.
This new locomotive had a single 8-inch cylinder, was provided with a
fly-wheel like its predecessor, and the driving-wheel was cogged on one
side to enable it to travel in the rack-rail laid along the road. This
engine proved more successful than the former one; and it was found
capable of dragging eight or nine loaded waggons, though at the rate of
little more than a mile an hour, from the colliery to the shipping-place.
It sometimes took six hours to perform the journey of five miles. Its
weight was found too great for the road, and the cast-iron plates were
constantly breaking. It was also very apt to get off the rack-rail, and
then it stood still. The driver was one day asked how he got on? "Get
on?" said he, "we don't get on; we only get off!" On such occasions,
horses had to be sent to drag the waggons as before