There is but one tantalising reference to an auto/locomotive vehicle which precedes William's "Steam-Devils" of 1784. The reference comes from none other than the industrialist Mathew Boulton, senior partner in the firm of Boulton & Watt. 

REFFERENCES :

1784 - July 22nd - Mathew Boulton, senior partner, writing to James Watt

".......... I have talked to him a little about Chariots which I find is a family madness. His father and him were about one with a corn engine some years ago..."

The mention of the corn-engined chariot comes mid-way between the wooden horse and the steam devils, so we can suggest the basic chassis layout would be similar to all three vehicles. 

The positioning of the steam-engine in the steam-devil would suggest this was a lesson learned from the positioning of the power unit on the corn-engined chariot. 

Remember also that "Newcomen" type single acting steam-engines were already being used in the Ayrshire coal and agricultural fields since 1771. Was a "corn-engine" one of these agricultural type steam-engines (used mainly to pump water), but much smaller and adapted to the already existing mechanics of the "Wooden Horse"? 

Another possibility is that it may have been a power unit of similar type to the "Smal Fire Engines" which John had installed at Birnieknowe and Gasswater.

If the Corn-Engined chariot did exist, is this an even earlier form of  "rotative motion" than Williams "Sun & Planet" Gearing (which was incorporated into the Watt patent in the 1780's)? 

If you think you can solve this engineering problem and come up with a mechanical solution, and therefore an idea of how the "Corn-Engined Chariot" would have looked and worked, The William Murdoch Project would like to hear from you. 

Please send an e-mail with your suggestions, comments or drawings. Everything we receive will be carefully considered and if published on the web site will be properly accredited to you. 
 
 
 

Chronology