First Locomotive to Reach 112.5 mph
On May 10, 1893, the Empire State Express, operated by the New York Central Railroad, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first locomotive to reach a speed of 112.5 miles per hour. This remarkable feat occurred on a straight stretch of track between Batavia and Buffalo, New York, where the train, powered by Engine No. 999, was driven at full throttle to set a new speed record. The development of practical locomotives began in early 19th century England, and by the time of the American Civil War, trains were capable of speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour. The desire for faster travel spurred continuous improvements in locomotive design, leading to the Empire State Express's groundbreaking achievement, which was later honored with a commemorative two-cent stamp by the United States Post Office. While this speed record has since been surpassed by modern high-speed trains, the achievement marked a significant moment in the evolution of rail travel. The Empire State Express remains an important part of railway history, illustrating the advancements in technology and engineering during that era.
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First Locomotive to Reach 112.5 mph
First Locomotive to Reach 112.5 mph
On May 10, 1893, the New York Central Railroad's Empire State Express became the first locomotive to reach the then-unheard-of speed of 112.5 miles per hour.
The first practical locomotives were built in England during the early 19th century. By 1830, the first locomotives for commercial use on early railroad lines had gone into service in both England and the United States. Both countries began to build railways, but those in the United States were much larger, due to the country's vast distances. Speed to cover these distances quickly became an important factor in locomotive design, and the early steam engines were constantly improved and increased in size. By the American Civil War locomotives could travel faster than 70 miles per hour. After the Civil War, design improvements continued apace, and on May 10, 1893, a new speed record was set. The Empire State Express of the New York Central railroad, just fitted out with the newly constructed Engine No. 999, was traveling on a length of straight track between the cities of Batavia and Buffalo in the state of New York. Under orders to try for a record, the engineer opened the engine's throttle wide along the 36-mile length of straightaway. For one mile he was clocked as reaching 112.5 miles per hour, breaking all previous speed records.
The Empire State Express's achievement was commemorated on a two-cent stamp issued by the United States Post Office. The record has long since been broken, of course; high-speed trains in France and the Japanese “bullet trains” routinely travel much faster.