An insight into the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the iconic steam locomotive.
Stephenson's Rocket is one of the most famous steam locomotives of all time. Designed by Robert Stephenson, with input from this father, George, Rocket set the fundamental design template for almost all the locomotives that followed it. The original locomotive is owned by the National Railway Museum, and is currently on display at the Science Museum in London. Two working replicas of the locomotive have been built. The most advanced steam engine of its time, Rocket was built in 1829 for the Rainhill Trials held by the Liverpool & Manchester Railway (LMR) in order to evaluate locomotive designs and choose the best one for use on this new railway. Five locomotives took part in the trials and Rocket was chosen as the winning design. Published in association with the Science Museum, this manual, illustrated with a wealth of photographs and technical drawings, provides a fascinating insight into the design, construction and operation of Rocket.