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Creator

Melling, John Biography Biography
John Melling of Rainhill was a railway engine builder and was in charge of the locomotive shop of the London and Midland Railway in the 1830s, becoming in complete charge of the locomotive department in 1837, he was replaced by John Dewrance and then established the Rainhill Iron Works with his son. He was also Superintendent of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway’s Edge Hill Workshop. He promoted his ‘improved fireplace for a locomotive engine, with hollow bars, and ash pit constructed so as to form part of the boiler’ this was incorporated into his patent of 1837.

Scope and Content
This archive contains papers of John Melling and his descendants, including patent correspondence and locomotive engine lists.
Extent
1 box
Physical description
Fair condition, includes a patent and a wax seal in a metal case and leather wallet containing bundle of items
Language
English
Archival history
Transferred to the NRM from a private donor in 1997, the donor was a descendent of John Melling. The donation was part of a larger collection containing records relating to America, this material was returned to the donor.
Level of description
TOP
Repository name
National Railway Museum, York

Associated people and organisations

Liverpool & Manchester Railway Co Biography Biography
The Liverpool and Manchester Railway was first proposed by William James and Joseph Sanders in 1821. In 1826 George Stephenson was appointed chief engineer. The company originally intended to use fixed locomotives to pull freight trains between Liverpool and Manchester, but following the Rainhill Trial competition of 6 October 1829, locomotives in the style of Stephenson's Rocket were commissioned. The company opened the line between Liverpool and Manchester on 15 September 1830. The first passengers travelled along the line two days later and goods on 1 December. The Liverpool and Manchester Railway was absorbed into the Grand Junction Railway on 8 August 1845.

Subject
Railways
locomotives
Locomotive engineers
Stephenson's Rocket
Conditions governing access
Access is given in accordance with the NRM access policy. Material from this collection is available to researchers through Search Engine.
Conditions governing Reproduction
Copies may be supplied of items in the collection, provided that the copying process used does not damage the item or is not detrimental to its preservation. Copies will be supplied in accordance with the NRM’s terms and conditions for the supply and reproduction of copies, and the provisions of any relevant copyright legislation.

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