History of invention, development and improvement of steam locomotive. The book is richly illustrated with drawings and photographs. A prototype steam locomotive was built in France in 1769 by the military engineer Nicolas-Jose Cunho. (The first tested sample is on display at the Musee des arts et metiers.) A second variant was built and tested in late 1770, but in December of that year the inventor and customer were sent into exile as opposition supporters. These developments were intended for the transportation of heavy military cargo (guns) and were more likely a steam car. The first rail steam locomotive was built in 1804 by Richard Trevithick. However, iron in those years was too expensive, and cast iron rails could not withstand a heavy machine.