Stephenson's Rocket

Stephenson's Rocket is an early 0-2-2 steam locomotive built in Newcastle at the Forth Street Works of Robert Stephenson and Company in 1829. Rocket is perhaps the most famous engine in the world, launching the steam age at the Liverpool and Manchester Railway's Rainhill trials of 1829. The real Rocket, now rebuilt, lives at the Science Museum in London while a replica, built in 1979, lives at the National Railway Museum in York. There is also another replica Rocket living at the NRM, built in 1935 as a sectionalised reproduction, numbered 4089.

During 2007, the 1979 replica was withdrawn because his ten-year boiler certificate had expired. In addition to this, the museum plans to fit a new boiler with a riveted copper firebox and more accurate frames. The NRM managed to raise funds for Rocket's next overhaul at the Flour Mill Boiler Works in the Forest of Dean, which was completed in January, 2010. Now, Rocket is back at the National Railway Museum giving rides on the demonstration line.

Trivia

 * The Rocket is also Stephen's brother.