Invicta (locomotive)

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Invicta
Invicta
Power type Steam
Designer Robert Stephenson
Builder Robert Stephenson
Build date 1829
Configuration 0-4-0
Gauge 4ft 8½in (1435mm)
Driver size 4 feet (1,219 mm)
Locomotive weight 6¼ Tons (6,350 kg)
Boiler pressure 40lb/in2 (2.81 kg/cm2)
Heating surface: Total 192 square feet (17.8 m²)
Cylinders 2
Cylinder size 10x18 inches
(254x597 mm)
Career Canterbury and Whitstable Railway
First run 3 May 1830
Retired 1836
Current owner Canterbury Museum
Disposition static display

Invicta is an early steam locomotive built by Robert Stephenson and Company in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1829. She was the twentieth locomotive built by Stephenson, being built immediately after Rocket.[1]

[edit] History

Invicta was built for £635[2] to work on the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway. She was named after the motto on the Flag of Kent, "Invicta", meaning undefeated. She was shipped by sea from Newcastle to Whitstable[2] and hauled the inaugural train into Whitstable Harbour station on 3 May 1830.[3] Modifications were carried out in 1835, but these were not successful.

[edit] Survival

Invicta was retired in 1836 as the stationary engines proved adequate to work the line. She was offered for sale in October 1839 but did not find a buyer and Invicta was put under cover.[3] She came into the ownership of the South Eastern Railway and was exhibited at the Golden Jubilee of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1875 and at the Newcastle Stephenson Centenary in 1881.[4]

Restoration started in 1892 and for many years Invicta was displayed in the Dane John Gardens, Canterbury. It wasn't until 1977 that a full restoration was undertaken, with help from the National Railway Museum. Invicta returned to Canterbury in time for the 150th anniversary of the Canterbury & Whitstable Railway on 3 May 1980.[2]

Invicta is currently on display at Canterbury Museum, cosmetically restored..

[edit] References