Model of the Rocket

Abstract

A FULL-SIZE replica of the locomotive Rocket, as originally designed and constructed by Robert and George Stephenson, has now been acquired for the National Collections in the Science Museum, and will be unveiled by Mr. L. Hore-Belisha, Minister of Transport, at noon on April 11. The model has been made by Messrs. Robert Stephenson and Co., the firm which built the original engine, and represents it, as nearly as possible, in form, materials and workmanship, as it originally appeared. The original engine was built to compete at the Rainhill Trials in October 1829, which was perhaps the most important event in early locomotive history. The success of Stephenson and Booth's Rocket, which won the premium of £500 offered by the directors of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway for the most improved locomotive engine constructed in accordance with certain conditions, definitely proved the suitability of the locomotive as a means of general railway haulage, and showed that speeds hitherto unapproached could be attained. The engine was entered by George and Robert Stephenson and Henry Booth. Its success was mainly due to the adoption of the tubular boiler, which was suggested to George Stephenson by Booth. While George Stephenson is popularly credited with the design of the Rocket, its actual construction, at Newcastle, was carried out by his son Robert, the father's time being fully occupied with the making of the railway itself.