The Locomotive Arrives

Locomotive Belfast No. 1 was an imposing triumph of heavy industry.

It rode on six massive, coupled driving wheels linked by heavy forged steel side rods that rose and fell in flawless mechanical harmony. A long, riveted steel boiler dominated the superstructure, wrapped in dark Russia iron jacketing. A cast-iron smokebox sat forward beneath a tall stack, flanked by brass safety valves and a prominent steam dome. Behind the boiler stood a fully enclosed steel cab, followed by a heavy three-axle coal-and-water tender.

It was not decorative; it was functional, industrial power. Painted in clean white lettering along the dark tender were the words:

BELFAST NATIONAL RAILWAY

And beneath the cab window:

No. 1

Samuel took a step toward the platform edge. "We built that?"

"Our industries built that," Ernest corrected.

The locomotive slowed as the driver engaged the steam brakes.

CHUFF... CHUFF... CHUFF...