In 1803, Richard Trevithick brought out the carriage shown in [Fig. 3], which could run, but was artistically a failure. Moreover, the machinery was such as would soon give out, even if well designed, on account of its exposed position.
Fig. 4. Steam Coach, Made by James and Anderson, about 1810.
Between 1805 and 1830, quite a number of steam vehicles were invented and put into practical operation. [Fig. 4] shows a very elaborate coach of this period, which was invented by W. H. James, and constructed with the assistance of Sir James Anderson, Bart. The machinery used in this design consisted of two powerful steam engines, one being connected with each one of the hind wheels in a manner similar to that employed in locomotives at the present time. The wheels were not fast upon the axle, hence they could revolve at different velocities in rounding curves. In this respect this invention embodied one of the features commonly used by automobiles of the latest design. Two boilers were provided, one for each engine, and the record says that with one boiler the speed was six to seven miles per hour.
Fig. 5. Steam Omnibus, Made by Hancock.
[Fig. 5] shows an omnibus invented by Hancock. This vehicle ran on a regular route, carrying passengers from Pentonville to Finsbury Square, London. [Fig. 6] shows a carriage invented by Burstall and Hiel, which attracted a great deal of attention. It was probably the most complete and perfect mechanically of any invention that had been made up to that time.
Fig. 6. Burstall and Hiel’s Steam Carriage, Made Prior to 1825.
[Fig. 7] shows a carriage invented by Squire and Maceroni, who had been for a long time in the service of Goldsworth Gurney, one of the most noted experimenters of his day in steam propulsion. A number of carriages were made by these workers, on designs similar to [Fig. 7], and it is said that they ran at a high rate of speed, probably ten miles per hour.