[2][1] It had a bench along either side that faced outwards, while the driving force was provided by a horse running on a treadmill in the center, connected to the axles by a series of gears.

[5] Allen was appointed to the role of chief engineer in September 1829 and in November presented a report on relative costs of horse and steam power.

This was partly based on the expectation that there could be no great improvement in the breeding of horses but significant advances in steam locomotive technology were anticipated.

[5] The first sail-powered vehicle ran on March 19, 1830, and carried 13–15 passengers at speeds of 10–15 miles per hour (16–24 km/h), though it also suffered an accident with its mast blown overboard.

[5][3] Although the Best Friend of Charleston's career ended with a June 17, 1831, boiler explosion the railroad replaced it with another steam engine and never returned to horse-powered locomotives.