John Melling (locomotive engineer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Melling
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A photo taken of John Melling (locomotive engineer)
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| Born | 1782 |
| Died | 1856 |
| Nationality | British |
| Engineering career | |
| Employer(s) | Liverpool and Manchester Railway |
John Melling (born 1782, died 1856) was an important engineer for the Liverpool and Manchester Railway (L&MR). He was in charge of the railway's locomotives. Melling also created new inventions for trains. He played a big part in the early days of this famous railway.
Contents
John Melling's Life
John Melling was born in 1782. He became a key person in the early railway world.
Working for the Railway
In 1833, the first locomotive foreman at the L&MR was dismissed. John Melling then took over two important jobs. He became the Superintendent of the Engine Shops and the Locomotive Foreman. This meant he was in charge of keeping all the train engines working.
Historians like Dawson have called him an "unsung hero." This is because Melling worked hard to keep trains moving. He held these important roles until January 1840.
New Ideas and Inventions
In 1833, Melling designed a better firebox for locomotives. A firebox is where the fuel burns to create steam. His design used hollow, water-filled bars inside the firebox. It also had a special ash-pit built into the boiler.
The L&MR management liked his idea. They ordered this new "model firebox" to be put into a locomotive called Experiment.
Leaving the Railway
In December 1839, Melling was told his time at the L&MR would end soon. John Dewrance took over his roles in January 1840. After leaving the railway, John Melling and his son Thomas started their own business. They opened the Rainhill Iron Works.
John Melling passed away in 1856.
His Family
John Melling had a son, also named John. This son worked for the Dublin and Kingstown Railway (D&KR) in Ireland. He helped manage the company's mechanical side. He worked there until January 1840. He received praise for his work. However, he resigned due to some issues with bookkeeping.
Melling's other son, Thomas, was once his assistant. Thomas later left to work for the Grand Junction Railway.
