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"Tom Thumb" Locomotive Model

American History Museum

Model, steam locomotive
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  • Model, steam locomotive
  • Model, steam locomotive

    Object Details

    Description (Brief)

    This model of the Tom Thumb Locomotive was made by Bathe & Williams of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1933. Greville Bathe was a machinist and steam engine hobbyist who would fashion his own parts to complete toy steam engines and models like this one. This model is a representation of the Tom Thumb Locomotive, and early American locomotive built by Peter Cooper in 1830 to prove that a steam-powered locomotive could navigate the hills and twists of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The model consists of an upright boiler, vertical engine, and geared drive.

    Location

    Currently not on view

    Credit Line

    Bequest of the Estate of Greville I. Bathe

    date made

    1933

    ID Number

    MC.329095

    catalog number

    329095

    accession number

    278175

    Object Name

    locomotive, Tom Thumb
    locomotive, tom thumb, model
    model, locomotive
    model, steam locomotive

    Physical Description

    wood, iron (overall material)

    Measurements

    overall-from catalog card: 10 in x 19 1/2 in x 9 in; 25.4 cm x 49.53 cm x 22.86 cm
    overall: 19 1/4 in x 19 3/4 in x 9 1/4 in; 48.895 cm x 50.165 cm x 23.495 cm

    Associated Place

    United States: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

    Related Publication

    Maass, Eleanor A.. Greville Bathe's "Theatre of Machines": The Evolution of a Scholar and His Collection

    See more items in

    Work and Industry: Mechanical and Civil Engineering
    Family & Social Life
    Engineering, Building, and Architecture
    Engineering Steam Toys and Models

    Data Source

    National Museum of American History

    Metadata Usage

    CC0

    Link to Original Record

    https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a6-8eb6-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

    Record ID

    nmah_847255

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