What was George Stephenson's Rocket?

George Stephenson's Rocket was a steam-powered locomotive, which won speed trials in 1829 and then powered the first inter-city railway line between Liverpool and Manchester in 1830.

How did Stephenson's Rocket work?

Robert Stephenson's Rocket locomotive was powered by steam, the principle being that heated water creates steam which increases in volume to drive a piston wheel.

What was the top speed of Stephenson's Rocket?

The top speed of Robert Stephenson's Rocket was around 48 km/h or 30 mph without pulling any carriages.

Stephenson's Rocket

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Definition

The Rocket was a pioneering steam-powered locomotive invented in 1829 by the British engineer Robert Stephenson (1803-1859). For a cash prize, extensive competition trials were held to find the best locomotive in the Rainhill Trials. Rocket won and so was used to pull carriages on the first inter-city train line from Liverpool to Manchester, which opened in September 1830.

More about: Stephenson's Rocket

Timeline

1829
Rocket, the pioneering steam-powered locomotive, is invented by the British engineer Robert Stephenson.
Oct 1829
Stephenson's Rocket locomotive wins the Rainhill Trials to become the engine for the Liverpool to Manchester railway line.