What was Stephenson's Rocket?
Stephenson's Rocket was an early steam locomotive built by George and Robert Stephenson in 1829. It won the Rainhill Trials, a competition to choose engines for the new Liverpool and Manchester Railway.
The Rainhill Trials were held in October 1829 near Liverpool. Several locomotives competed to prove they were reliable and fast enough to pull trains.
Rocket was the only engine to complete the trials successfully, reaching speeds of about 30 miles per hour.
Innovative design
Rocket combined several innovations, including a multi-tube boiler, which improved heat transfer, and a blast pipe that increased the draft through the fire. These features became standard in later steam locomotives.
The Liverpool and Manchester Railway opened in 1830 as the world's first inter-city railway with steam-powered passenger trains.
On the opening day, politician William Huskisson was struck by Rocket and died of his injuries, one of the first railway fatalities.
The original Rocket is preserved by the Science Museum Group. George Stephenson is often called the father of railways.
Replicas of Rocket have been built for museums and anniversary events.