Vulcan Foundry facts for kids
The Vulcan Foundry was a famous factory in the United Kingdom that built locomotives, which are the engines that pull trains. It was located in Newton-le-Willows, a town in Lancashire. The factory first opened its doors in 1832.
It started as a company called Charles Tayleur and Company. At first, they didn't build whole trains. Instead, they made strong metal beams called girders for bridges. They also made other important parts for railways, like switches and crossings. This was right after the Liverpool and Manchester Railway opened, which was one of the world's first inter-city railways.
In 1832, a very important person joined the company: Robert Stephenson. He was the son of George Stephenson, who is often called the "Father of Railways." Robert Stephenson was a brilliant engineer himself.
History of the Foundry
The company's name changed a few times over the years. In 1847, it became The Vulcan Foundry Company. Later, in 1864, it gained "limited liability," which is a legal term meaning the owners' personal risk was limited. This was a common step for growing businesses.
Then, at the start of 1898, the name changed again to The Vulcan Foundry Limited. They simply dropped the word "company." This factory continued to build many different types of locomotives for railways all around the world.
Joining English Electric
In 1957, The Vulcan Foundry became part of a larger group called English Electric. English Electric was a big British company that made many different kinds of electrical equipment and machinery, including trains. This marked a new chapter for the historic foundry.
Images for kids
-
A Chinese KF7 locomotive, built by Vulcan, on display in the National Railway Museum in York.
-
A preserved Vulcan-Frichs railcar at Plains Vintage Railway in Ashburton, New Zealand.
-
Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, metalworking, and the forge. The factory was named after him!
