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In 1814, an English engineer called George
Stephenson invented a steam locomotive.
It pulled coal up a hill. It travelled at six
kilometres an hour. It was the best locomotive
of the time. -
It transported people from Manchester to
Liverpool.
George and his son, Robert
Stephenson, designed a famous locomotive for the line. It was called Stephenson’s
Rocket. -
In the 1850s, steam locomotives were more comfortable.
They had heating, lighting and toilets.
Some long-distance trains were very luxurious.
They had bedrooms and restaurants. -
In 1863, the “Metropolitan” was the first railway built
under the streets of London. -
In 1879, Werner Von Siemens invented the first electric
train with passengers. -
In 1930, electric trains were very
popular. They used electric motors to drive the wheels.
They were cleaner and faster than steam locomotives. -
Today, in the 21st century, trains are longer, faster and more comfortable than in the past. There are high-speed trains that travel at more than 400 kilometres an hour. That’s very fast!