Background

Also in 1815, George Stephenson and Ralph Dodd’s patented an improved method of driving (turning) locomotive wheels using pins attached to the spokes to act as cranks. The driving rod was connected to the pin using a ball and socket joint, previously gear wheels had been used. In 1829, George Stephenson and his son Robert invented a multi-tubular boiler for the now-famous locomotive "Rocket".
 * Born: ** 9-Jun-1781
 * Birthplace:** Wylam, Northumberland, England
 * Died:** 12-Aug-1848
 * Location of death:** Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England
 * Cause of death:** unspecified
 * Gender: ** Male
 * Occupation:** Engineer
 * Nationality: ** England
 * Executive summary:** Early railroad builder
 * When the Train was made ** - In 1813, George Stephenson became aware that William Hedley and Timothy Hackworth were designing a locomotive for the Wylam coal mine. So at the age of twenty, George Stephenson began the construction of his first locomotive. It should be noted that at this time in history, every part of the engine had to be made by hand, and hammered into shape just like a horseshoe. John Thorswall, a coal mine blacksmith, was George Stephenson's main assistant.
 * Other Inventions ** - In 1815, George Stephenson invented a new safety lamp that would not explode when used around the flammable gasses found in the coal mines.