 The rails were surfaced with a half-inch thick, two and a half inch wide () iron strap screwed to the top.After a short time in service, the hemlock was discovered to be too soft, and a wide hardwood board was positioned under the iron.On August 8, 1829, the railroad performed a trial of the first steam locomotive in America, the Stourbridge Lion, over the stretch of track from Honesdale to Seelyville, where a low bridge prevented further travel.