It is a remarkable truth, and, well applied, it might be profitable to
us, in helping us to make fair allowance for the differences between
the temperaments of different men--that every Locomotive Engine running
on a Railway, has a distinct individuality and character of its own.
It is perfectly well known to experienced practical engineers, that if
a dozen different Locomotive Engines were made, at the same time, of
the same power, for the same purpose, of like materials, in the same
Factory--each of those Locomotive Engines would come out with its own
peculiar whims and ways, only ascertainable by experience. One engine
will take a great meal of coke and water at once; another will not hear
of such a thing, but will insist on being coaxed by spades-full and
buckets-full. One is disposed to start off, when required, at the top
of his speed; another must have a little time to warm at his work, and
to get well into it. These peculiarities are so accurately mastered
by skilful drivers, that only particular men can persuade particular
engines to do their best. It would seem as if some of these “excellent
monsters” declared, on being brought out of the stable, “If it’s
Smith who is to drive me, I won’t go. If it’s my friend Stokes, I am
agreeable to anything!”
All Locomotive Engines are low-spirited in damp and foggy weather.
They have a great satisfaction in their work when the air is crisp
and frosty. At such a time they are very cheerful and brisk; but
they strongly object to haze and Scotch mists. These are points of
character on which they are all united. It is in their peculiarities
and varieties of character that they are most remarkable.
The Railway Company who should consign all their Locomotives to one
uniform standard of treatment, without any allowance for varying shades
of character and opinion, would soon fall as much behind-hand in the
world as those greater Governments are, and ever will be, who pursue
the same course with the finer piece of work called Man.