Gowan and Marx Locomotive

by John Swatsley

Title

Gowan and Marx Locomotive

Artist

John Swatsley

Medium

Painting - Watercolor On Cold Press Illustration Board

Description

Not long after the novelty of a new mode of transportation started to wane, businessmen began to seriously consider the railway system as a profitable enterprise. Not only could it transport people from one place to another, but it could also transport resources and supplies. The key to this type of railroad enterprise was power. And the more a train could carry, the more economical its use would be. Thus, designers almost immediately turned their thoughts to engine designs which enabled their prototypes to haul huge loads, but with the weight evenly enough distributed so as not to overburden the tracks. It was quite a challenge and many of America's railroad lines suffered much wear in the development and trial stages. There were successes, however. Among them was the "Gowan & Marx." Built in 1839, this engine was among the most powerful of all early locomotives. Its ability to haul great numbers of cars gave credibility to the claim the railroads would revolutionize industry in America. On a single trip, the "Gowan & Marx" was able to pull one hundred and one four-wheeled train cars, weighing 423 tons. The little engine thus was able to pull forty times its own weight. Suddenly, it seemed railroads would be the transportation of the future, offering inexpensive transference of goods through the rugged American wilderness. The settlement of the West was now reality.

Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.

Artwork Copyright © 1986 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB10100

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September 21st, 2022

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