What was the primary factor limiting the efficiency of early steam traction on existing rails?
Answer
The struggle to translate engine force into motion on existing infrastructure
While the high-pressure engines were capable of producing significant force, translating that raw force into consistent, efficient motion on existing rails proved difficult. The tracks of the early 19th century were not designed for the weight or mechanical stress of steam engines. The issue of adhesion—ensuring the engine could pull a load without the wheels slipping or destroying the track bed—was a major barrier that persisted for years, highlighting that successful rail transport required both a powerful engine and a compatible, robust rail infrastructure.
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