Long steam tricycle

The Long steam tricycle appears to be one of the earliest preserved examples of a steam tricycle, built by George Alvin Long around 1880 and patented in 1883.^[1][2][3] One example was built, which after some years of use was dismantled and the parts dispersed. In 1946, one John H. Bacon, with assistance from the 96-year-old Long, reassembled the machine, which is now on display at the Smithsonian Institution.^[3] The example at the Smithsonian has been noted as the "oldest completely operable self-propelled road vehicle in the museum".^[4]

Long steam tricycle

Manufacturer	George Alvin Long
Production	c. 1880
Class	Steam tricycle
Engine	Gasoline-fired steam, 2-cylinder, 90-degree, V-twin engine
Bore / stroke	Unk.×1 5/8"
Transmission	Two speed, rear-wheel drive via quasi friction drive
Frame type	Steel tubular
Suspension	Solid; full-elliptic springs suspending independent, height adjustable seats
Brakes	2×Spoon brake (front)
Tires	Front: 2×36 in (910 mm) Rear: 60 in (1,500 mm) Solid tires on spoked wheels
Weight	350 lb (160 kg) (wet)

In 2004–2010, the item was displayed at Blackhawk Museum in northern California.^[5][6]

Specifications

Specifications in the infobox to the right are from the Smithsonian Institution America on the Move collection.^[3][7]

Steering the two front wheels was accomplished via two independent tillers which would have made simultaneous steering and control of the brake levers difficult for a single individual.^[3]

See also

• List of motorized trikes
• List of motorcycles of the 1890s
• History of steam road vehicles
• Steam engine