What specific innovation allowed Richard Trevithick to make his steam engine practical?
Answer
The use of high-pressure steam
The core innovation that distinguished this locomotive from earlier, impractical road vehicles was the utilization of high-pressure steam. Previous experimental designs frequently relied on lower-pressure systems, which required significantly larger cylinders and bulky condensers. These components made the resulting engines far too heavy and cumbersome for effective traction. By contrast, the high-pressure system enabled the construction of a smaller, lighter engine that was still capable of generating the immense force required to move substantial weight.
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