The Lion (locomotive)
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The Lion (locomotive) | |
 The Lion in the Maine State Museum, Augusta, Maine, July 2013 | |
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| Location | Maine State Museum, Augusta, Maine |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 44°18′22″N 69°46′57″W / 44.30611°N 69.78250°W |
| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1846 |
| Architect | Hinkley & Drury |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000118[1] |
| Added to NRHP | December 15, 1976 |
The Lion is a historic steam locomotive at the Maine State Museum in Augusta, Maine, USA. Built in 1846 for use on a logging railroad, it is the oldest known American-built locomotive in New England. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.[1]
The Lion is set on display, prominently located near the entrance to the Maine State Museum. Its main frame is 12.5 feet (3.8 m) long and 7 feet 4.5 inches (2.248 m) wide, made of solid oak timbers with iron strapping. Mounted on this frame is a five-section boiler, with a dry steam dome near its center from which steam is piped to the steam chest and then to the pistons. The boiler and cylinders were insulated with a thin layer of wood, which was covered by a thin layer of iron. The main stack is located at the front and has an unusual inverted cone shape, intended to deflect sparks and cinders from the exhaust.[2]
It has been stated that the Lion cost originally $2,700, exclusive of the tender. The bore and stroke of its cylinders are 9+1⁄2 and 17 in (240 and 430 mm) respectively, with the four driving wheels being 42+1⁄2 in (1.08 m). The locomotive alone weighs 9 short tons (8.2 t; 8.0 long tons).[3]
