ballast-engine

Updated: May 15, 2025

At this period he had the advantage of occasional days of leisure, to which he was entitled by reason of his nightwork; and during such leisure he usually applied himself to reading and study. It was about this time that William Fairbairn made the acquaintance of George Stephenson, while the latter was employed in working the ballast-engine at Willington Quay.

Samuel Smiles - Industrial Biography, Iron Workers and Tool Makers