Isambard Kingdom Brunel

Isambard Kingdom Brunel (April 9, 1806 – September 15, 1859) was a British engineer. An important figure in the history of engineering, he was noted for the creation of the Great Western Railway, a series of famous steamships, and important bridges. Though they were not always successful, his projects often contained innovative solutions to longstanding engineering problems. He generated much publicity for his endeavours and his achievements are still widely celebrated today.

Brunel's "atmospheric caper"

Another of Brunel's interesting though ultimately unsuccessful technical innovations was the atmospheric railway, the extension of the GWR southward from Exeter towards Plymouth (technically the South Devon Railway (SDR), though supported by the GWR). Instead of using locomotives, the trains were moved by Clegg and Samuda's patent system of atmospheric (vacuum) traction, the evacuation being done by stationary engines at a series of pumping stations. The section from Exeter to Newton (now Newton Abbot) was completed on this principle, and trains ran at approximately 20 miles per hour (32 km/h). 15 inch (381 mm) pipes were used on the level portions, and 22 inch (559 mm) pipes were intended for the steeper gradients. Unfortunately the technology required the use of leather flaps to seal the vacuum pipes, the leather had to be kept supple by the use of tallow, and tallow is attractive to rats; the result was inevitable, and air-powered vacuum service lasted less than a year, from 1847 (experimental services began in September; operationally from February 1848) to September 10 1848. The accounts of the SDR for 1848 suggest that the atmospheric traction cost 3s 1d per mile (£0.10/km), compared to 1s 4d (£0.04/km) for conventional steam power. The pumping station at Starcross, on the estuary of the River Exe, remains as a striking landmark, and a reminder of the atmospheric railway — which is also commemorated in the name of the village pub. A section of the pipe, without the leather covers, is preserved in Didcot Railway Centre.

Related Topics:
Atmospheric railway - Plymouth - Locomotive - Vacuum - Stationary engine - Newton Abbot - Tallow - Rat - 1847 - February - 1848 - September 10 - Starcross - River Exe - Pub - Didcot Railway Centre

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