Stephenson's Rocket

Stephenson's Rocket was an early (but not the first) steam-powered railroad locomotive, built by George Stephenson in the early 19th century.

It was the first of the 'modern' locomotives, as it used a multi-tubular boiler. Previous boilers consisted of a single pipe surrounded by water. Other innovations included in the design were such things as venting the exhaust steam up the chimney to pull fresh air into the fire - increasing the heat of the fire and the pressure in the boiler, making the Rocket quicker.

It was designed and built to compete in the Rainhill Trials. A competition to select the locomotive type for the Liverpool and Manchester Railway in October 1829. The Rocket won by default as all of the other competitors failed to complete the course.