George and the Iron Monster | Adventures in Research (1952)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "George and the Iron Monster | Adventures in Research (1952)"

Podcast Information

• Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
• Host: Andrew Rynes
• Episode: George and the Iron Monster | Adventures in Research (1952)
• Release Date: May 18, 2025

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Introduction

Old Time Radio Westerns brings listeners back to the golden age of radio with digitally restored classic Western dramas. In the episode titled "George and the Iron Monster," host Andrew Rynes narrates the compelling story of George Stephenson, a determined English coal miner whose passion for steam power led to the creation of the steam locomotive.

George Stephenson's Early Struggles

The episode opens with an introduction to George Stephenson, a miner from Newcastle-on-Tyne who struggled with literacy until the age of 18. Despite his humble beginnings, Stephenson's fascination with steam engines ignited his ambition to revolutionize transportation in England.

Notable Quote:

"He couldn't read or write until he was 18. Yet this English coal miner had steam on his mind and nothing was going to stop him..."
— Narrator [01:26]

The Proposal of the Steam Railroad

In 1825, Stephenson presents his groundbreaking idea of a steam-powered railroad to influential figures, including Mr. Cameron and Lord Goverly. Despite skepticism, Stephenson is undeterred and seeks support to bring his vision to life.

Notable Quote:

"I have built a locomotive that runs on steam. You won't need horses."
— George Stephenson [03:35]

Opposition in Parliament

Stephenson's proposal faces fierce opposition in Parliament, primarily from stakeholders in the canal industry who fear the decline of their businesses. Lord Goverly emerges as the main antagonist, vehemently opposing the steam railroad and launching a scathing attack on Stephenson's locomotive, dubbed "Puffing Billy."

Notable Quotes:

"What can be more ridiculous than the prospect of locomotives travelling twice as fast as stagecoaches?"
— Lord Goverly [06:03]

"Treason, my lord, to allow such a thing."
— Lord Goverly [07:23]

Overcoming Challenges

Despite the relentless criticism and apparent defeat in the Parliament session, Stephenson remains resolute. His innovative approach, including the invention of the steam blast to enhance combustion and improve locomotive power, begins to bear fruit. The episode highlights Stephenson's technical ingenuity and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.

Notable Quotes:

"Not so, sir. I have a principle of applying the waste steam of the engine to increase the intensity of combustion in the boiler."
— George Stephenson [09:21]

"Maybe the ocean cannot support a man either. But it can support a boat. Why can I not just float a road over the bog?"
— George Stephenson [12:43]

Success and Legacy

Eventually, Parliament grants approval for the steam railroad, marking a significant victory for Stephenson. The locomotive, now operational, successfully traverses challenging terrains, including peat bogs and mountainous regions. Stephenson's innovations pave the way for the expansion of railroads across England and the continent. The episode concludes by honoring Stephenson's legacy, emphasizing his modesty and enduring impact on transportation.

Notable Quotes:

"Stephenson's locomotive, the Rocket, went 29 miles an hour."
— George Stephenson [13:41]

"What I have declared today will come to pass just as surely as you have heard me."
— George Stephenson [12:26]

Legacy and Final Reflections The narrative wraps up by reflecting on Stephenson's retirement and his lasting influence on the mining community and the broader engineering field. His commitment to improving everyday life and his refusal to seek personal accolades, such as knighthood, underscore his dedication to his work and community.

Notable Quote:

"George Stephenson didn't need it, Al. A man knighted by God didn't need it."
— Mr. Cameron [15:40]

Conclusion

George and the Iron Monster serves as a tribute to George Stephenson's pivotal role in the advent of railroads. Through meticulous storytelling and dynamic performances, the episode captures the essence of Stephenson's challenges and triumphs, offering listeners an immersive glimpse into the transformative era of the steam locomotive.

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Additional Notes:

• Host's Closing Remarks: Andrew Rynes encourages listeners to engage with the podcast by subscribing, rating, and joining their community through various platforms.
  "This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed..." [17:06]

• Advertisements: The episode includes advertisements for Grainger and Expedia, which are seamlessly integrated and excluded from the content summary as per instructions.

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This detailed summary encapsulates the key themes and narrative arcs of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened. Through vivid storytelling and historical insights, Old Time Radio Westerns effectively honors the legacy of George Stephenson and the birth of the steam railroad.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

Adventures in Research. He couldn't read or write until he was 18. Yet this English coal miner had steam on his mind and nothing was going to stop him till he had spun a web of iron across England. This is the story of George and the iron monster.

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[Narrator]

This is Paul Shannon bringing you another transcribed story of science produced as a public service in cooperation with the Westinghouse Research Laboratories and today telling you the story of George Stephenson and the steam locomotive. Stevenson was a miner at Newcastle on time, but his mind was on steam, the force that could drive machines. And in 1825 came his opportunity.

[Mr. Cameron]

Yes, Mr. Stevenson, thou hast heard correctly. The Society of Friends hath fictitious in Parliament for permission to build a carriage route from Stockton to Darlington. But what concern is it of thine, Mr. Cameron?

[George Stephenson]

I have in operation a railroad that I would like to see, my friend.

[Mr. Cameron]

Although we have not yet received permission from Parliament for our railroad. If thy horses are of sufficient speed and hardiness.

[George Stephenson]

Not horses, sir. A steam railroad, Mr. Cameron. I have built a locomotive that runs on steam. You won't need horses. So far everybody has laughed at me. But before you lie, won't you won't.

[Lord Goverly]

You have a look at it.

[Narrator]

I.

[Mr. Cameron]

My, my friend, you have startled me. A steam railroad. What next I ask thee? Imagine, a steam railroad. But surely, Mr. Stevenson, we shall study your steam railroad.

[George Stephenson]

Fine, fine. I just want you to see Puffing Billy because once you see my locomotive.

[Mr. Cameron]

Puffing who, sir?

[George Stephenson]

Puffing Billy. So that's what I call the locomotive. I suppose it's strange to call an iron boiler by a name but truth, I have an affection for it.

[Mr. Cameron]

Indeed, Mr. Stevenson, if thou tell us when we may view this iron railroad of thine, we shall be most happy to study thy puffing William.

[Narrator]

Mr. Stevenson's locomotive seemed to pass the test and Parliament soon convened to consider the new railroad. At that time in England the bulk of commercial traffic was carried by ships through canals. So when a land railroad was suggested between Stockton and Darlington, everyone associated with the canals was ready to fight it tooth and nail. Why we'd be ruined if things like this started. That's why we have to band together. I'm confident that we can get Parliament to see the light on this.

[George Stephenson]

Of course, of course.

[Lord Goverly]

Now Lord Governor will handle the examination. And surely you know Lord Coverley is the best in it. Why won't he get this Stevenson on the witness stand? Coverley will cut him to ribbons.

[George Stephenson]

Now don't worry.

[Narrator]

Well, get Goverly to work. I didn't find out about this project. We have to stop this upstart if it takes every penny in our fund.

[Lord Goverly]

Now don't worry. I tell you, Stevenson will regret the.

[Mr. Cameron]

Day he ever thought up this foolish notion.

[Narrator]

The obscure mining engineer continued tinkering with his iron locomotive unaware of the storm that was gathering over his head. When the bill for the railroad came up before Parliament, the opposition was ready. The great Lord Governor stood before the body. His long white wig twisted, popping this surly sneer on his lips.

[Lord Goverly]

Milords, we are asked to consider a most extravagant request. A nightmare of a dull witted mechanic. What can be more ridiculous than the prospect of locomotives travelling twice as fast as stagecoaches? We would as soon expect people to permit themselves to be fired off upon a rocket as trust themselves to the mercy of such a machine going at such a rate. What person would ever think of paying anything to be conveyed from Stockton to Darlington or Manchester to Liverpool by a roaring steam engine? Do I hear anyone say he would volunteer for such a venture? Of course not. But there are yet other factors to be considered. Let us consider the plight of the people who will be affected. You are a farmer, Mr. Trenton? Ay sir. What would you say to an iron locomotive? Well, I. If by such means horses would become extinct in England. And of course, no horses, no market for oats and hay. Abomination.

[George Stephenson]

Twould ruin us.

[Mr. Cameron]

An invention of the devil.

[Lord Goverly]

That will be all. Step down. You would not like to have your verdant green fields besmirched with iron tracks, would you, sir? I put it to you. Would not this boisterous, rattling, puffing machine stop your cows from grazing, your hens from laying? Treason, my lord, to allow such a thing.

[Narrator]

Treason.

[Lord Goverly]

Consider such a machine running near your home with fire belching from its stacks to be caught by a wayward wind onto your roof. Suddenly your cottage is ablaze. You have a family, sir?

[Narrator]

Ay. Two daughters and a baby son.

[Lord Goverly]

Ah, yes, and your baby son trapped by the raging flames spread by this juggernaut. Would you ask that Parliament vote for such?

[Narrator]

Hanging's too good for the men that thought.

[Lord Goverly]

And now, if it please me, lords, I have summoned to the witness stand a George Stephenson, a mining engineer from Newcastle on Tyne, who seems to be laboring under the idea that this locomotive of his is feasible and practical. And now, Mr. Stevenson.

[George Stephenson]

That is my name.

[Lord Goverly]

You are aware that you are the only engineer in England who has come forward to argue the cause of this steam railroad? I gather, sir, that you think you are right and all the other great intellects of England are wrong.

[George Stephenson]

Oh, I do not.

[Lord Goverly]

Ah, then you admit you might be wrong?

[George Stephenson]

I do. My engine will run, sir.

[Lord Goverly]

Yes. Now, if such a railroad should be built, you would supervise the construction. Very well then perhaps you could explain a few things to me. Lord, Isn't it a matter of common knowledge, something known by every schoolboy with any understanding of mechanics, that such a locomotive could not get up sufficient power to move in the teeth of a fair sized wind?

[George Stephenson]

Not so, sir. I have a principle of applying the waste steam of the engine to increase the intensity of combustion in the boiler. And that will develop more power in the engine.

[Lord Goverly]

Other men have devised steam locomotives before, have they not? And none of them have ever thought of this before?

[George Stephenson]

Not that I know of.

[Lord Goverly]

I see. Did not a man named Trebethic build a steam engine that ran on cast iron rails? And if I recall, they held a test and the engine crushed the rails into fragments.

[George Stephenson]

Maybe so, but it won't happen to this one of mine. No, providing the rails are sufficiently strong, why, there's no limit to the speed a properly built engine might get. You see, my lords, all the other inventors who've worked on a steam railroad, they said that the locomotive wouldn't be able to bite upon the rails unless the wheels had teeth. But I've experimented, and the wheels will stick to a smooth rail. There's enough friction.

[Lord Goverly]

You need not trouble us with such technical jargon, Mr. Stevenson. We are not interested in such things. Is it not true, I put it to you, that these locomotives in the past have barely gone along at the rate of six miles an hour?

[George Stephenson]

But I've taken care of that. I. I invented a steam blast. I have a patent on it. That will get more.

[Lord Goverly]

You have done all this by yourself? It is your opinion, then, and only your uncorroborated opinion, that my railroad will run. I tell you, Mr. Stevenson, I call your attention to this map proposed line of this steam railroad. Is that right?

[Mr. Cameron]

Now I ask you, look at the.

[Lord Goverly]

Place I have marked with red where your steam railroad will travel. Do you know that this is a bog? A peat bog 12 square miles in size? A bog that will not hold up the weight of a single man. You propose to put your iron behemoth across a bog that will engulf one man? I beseech you, Mr. Stevenson, in the name of sanity and humanity, forget this wicked idea. Forget this. This iron monster.

[George Stephenson]

My railroad will run.

[Narrator]

Lord Goverly had indeed confused and abused the mining engineer. George Stephenson left the witness box with a defeated, beaten look on his face. Even his friends turned from him. It did sound silly, an iron railroad puffing steam across England. But the promoters were adamant. They had invested too much money to stop now. And finally Parliament gave in, granted the right to build a steam railroad, and George Stephenson went to work.

[George Stephenson]

I venture to tell you, people will live to see the time when railroads will become great highways for the king and all his subjects. It will be cheaper for a working man to travel on a train than to walk. What I have declared today will come to pass just. Just as surely as you have heard me.

[Narrator]

What about this peat bog, Mr. Stevenson? What about that peat bog? Insufficient to support a man. How could Stevenson's iron locomotive cross it?

[George Stephenson]

Maybe the ocean cannot support a man either. But it can support a boat. Why can I not just float a road over the bog?

[Lord Goverly]

You said something, Mr. Stevenson.

[George Stephenson]

I said float a road over it. Float. We'll dig drains on all sides, build a foundation like a basket of moss and cover it with clay. We'll fill it in with moss and clay until our road is higher than the bog.

[Narrator]

Stevenson compressed 700,000 cubic yards of moss into a ridge of 270,000 cubic yards. He overcame other obstacles along the route. Tunneled under Liverpool for a mile and a half, scooped two miles through mountain rock, built 63 bridges, and oh, yes, he also built the locomotive. Did you hear the news?

[George Stephenson]

Stephenson's locomotive, the the rocket went 29 miles an hour.

[Narrator]

Yes, the iron horse was here at last, thanks to George Stephenson, who invented a steam blast to increase combustion of the fuel, built an improved, more efficient boiler, and devised many other features that made the locomotive possible. Yet George Stephenson did not rest on his laurels. He supervised railroad construction all over the continent. Stevenson called to Austria to construct new railroads. He continued to improve his locomotives.

[Lord Goverly]

Stevenson's new locomotive reaches speed of 80 miles an hour.

[Narrator]

Yet this humble engineer was never too busy to attend to the minor things of life which he considered important.

[George Stephenson]

But, Mr. Stevenson, the scarf joint problem.

[Narrator]

Demands your immediate attention.

[George Stephenson]

Oh, not now. Can't you see I'm busy writing a letter to my son Robert? You'll be happy to hear that a pair of robins have built their nest in one of the upper rooms.

[Narrator]

At 60, honored and eulogized, the man who perfected the English railroad, retired to a country estate to live in peace and to grow pineapples as big as pumpkins. In 1848, he quietly passed away. And the miners he knew so well followed his coffin to its final resting place. And perhaps the greatest tributes given him were by these men he had grown up and worked with.

[Lord Goverly]

I, George was the working man right to the end. Imagine, he even refused to be knighted by the queen.

[Mr. Cameron]

George Stephenson didn't need it, Al.

[Narrator]

No, sir.

[Mr. Cameron]

A man knighted by God didn't need it.

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[Narrator]

And that's today's Adventures in Research. Produced in cooperation with the Westinghouse Research Laboratories, these programs are broadcast to Armed Forces personnel overseas through the facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. Join us again next week for another transcribed story of science on Adventures in Research.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve Technogod and Craig who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[George Stephenson]

It.