Experimental Electric Locomotive Built by Thomas Edison at Menlo Park, N.J., 1880
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This experimental machine built by Thomas Edison represented an early American attempt to design a non-battery electric locomotive. Fed by electricity sent through the rails, the locomotive operated over a three-mile track at Edison's Menlo Park, New Jersey, laboratory, hauling passengers at speeds up to 40 mph. The locomotive and two cars were given to The Henry Ford in 1929.
This experimental machine built by Thomas Edison represented an early American attempt to design a non-battery electric locomotive. Fed by electricity sent through the rails, the locomotive operated over a three-mile track at Edison's Menlo Park, New Jersey, laboratory, hauling passengers at speeds up to 40 mph. The locomotive and two cars were given to The Henry Ford in 1929.
Artifact
Electric locomotive
Date Made
1880
Creators
Edison, Thomas A. (Thomas Alva), 1847-1931
Place of Creation
United States, New Jersey, Edison, Menlo Park
Creator Notes
Designed by Thomas Edison; engine made by machinist John Kruesi in Menlo Park, New Jersey.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
29.1980.629
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Edison Pioneers.
Material
Iron (Metal)
Wood (Plant material)