RAILWAYS TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES

The railway industry developed rapidly because of two major innovations: 1. Iron rails instead of wood. 1. Iron rails instead of wood. 2. Stephenson’s Locomotion – steam driven engine reaching speeds of 30 miles per hour 2. Stephenson’s Locomotion – steam driven engine reaching speeds of 30 miles per hour

From that point on technology improved considerably 1834 Signals introduced 1834 Signals introduced Track divided into blocks each controlled so that trains could not enter together. Track divided into blocks each controlled so that trains could not enter together. Wood’s signal showing danger Wood’s signal showing clear

Telegraph was used to send messages to help prevent accidents. Telegraph was used to send messages to help prevent accidents.

1873 – Sleeping cars were introduced on the North British Railway 1873 – Sleeping cars were introduced on the North British Railway

1874 Heated carriages on the Midland Railway 1874 Heated carriages on the Midland Railway 1874 Tay Railway Bridge built Tay Railway Bridge built.

Restaurant cars were introduced on the Great Northern Railway Restaurant cars were introduced on the Great Northern Railway

1881 electric lighting was introduced on the London to Brighton railway electric lighting was introduced on the London to Brighton railway Forth Railway bridge was built 1890 Forth Railway bridge was built

1892 lavatories in corridor trains on Great Western Railway 1892 lavatories in corridor trains on Great Western Railway

Continuous braking system in all carriages to prevent them running away. Continuous braking system in all carriages to prevent them running away.

Electric light and push button signalling controlled 100 miles of track from Electric light and push button signalling controlled 100 miles of track from Dead Man’s handle fitted on every engine in case the driver lost control. Dead Man’s handle fitted on every engine in case the driver lost control.

1920s Express trains began. 1920s Express trains began.