Cherepanov steam locomotive

The first model of the locomotive was completed in 1834, after around six months of work within the duo's free time.^[4] In August of that year, people gathered to watch an exhibition of the locomotive on track that measured around 854 meters. The locomotive was noted to have transported 3.2 tons of cargo at a speed of around 15 kilometers per hour. That weight would have required around 50 to 60 workers to transport, and around 30 minutes. The locomotive was able to do it in four minutes. It was measured at 30 horsepower. Their second model, built in March 1835 and gifted to Saint Petersburg, improved upon those statistics, carrying a weight of around 1,000 poods at a speed of around 16.4 kilometers per hour.^[5][6][7] The first model stayed in the factory, on a two-kilometer track from the factory to a nearby mine. This track was the first steam railway in Russia.^[2][8]

The development of the locomotive would give Yefim his freedom and Miron would be freed three years later.^[7] They were denied a patent for their invention and the pair had died not long after, Yefim in 1842 and Miron in 1849.^[6]

The main problem with the exploitation of their locomotives was lack of coal in the area, and after all the wood nearby had been cut down and getting firewood from afar had got expensive, the line had to be converted to horse traction.

The first state-sponsored railways in Russia actually imported locomotives from other countries to start. It was not until 1857 when a Russian-built locomotive was used outside of a factory.^[2]

The locomotive is still represented and honored in modern history. Its history can be found in an exhibit of The Nizhny Tagil Museum of Regional History^[9] and the Polytechnic Museum.^[10] It was also featured on several postage stamps.^[11]