Skip to Content

Search

Entire Collection

Replica of Robert Stephenson and Co. ‘Rocket’ Locomotive

Specifications

Replica of Robert Stephenson and Co. ‘Rocket’ Locomotive

Category

Transportation

Classification

CHENHALL - Distribution & Transportation Objects - Rail Transportation Equipment - Rail Vehicles - Locomotive - Locomotive, Steam
CHENHALL - Communication Objects - Documentary Objects - Other Documents - Reproduction - Replica

Object Origin
Inventor:

Robert Stephenson and Co.

Date Built:

1931

Date Original design:

1829

Physical Characteristics

Object Description: Full-scale replica of the 'Rocket' steam locomotive. Comprised of a locomotive portion with chimney stack, cylindrical boiler, two large wheels at the front and two smaller wheels at the back. There is a car attached behind with equal sized wheels and a second barrel. The majority of the replica is painted yellow with portions of the steam equipment and wheels black. Some additional pieces of copper are on the locomotive including pipes and ribbi...

Materials:

metal

wood

Marks: "ROCKET"

Measurements: Dimensions with base removed:
    Height: 10 ft 7 in, Length: 24 ft, Width: 95 in

Credit

Museum Purchase, 31.906

Display Status

On Exhibit

Replica of Robert Stephenson and Co. ‘Rocket’ Locomotive

About: Replica of Robert Stephenson and Co. ‘Rocket’ Locomotive

About: Replica of Robert Stephenson and Co. ‘Rocket’ Locomotive

The Rocket locomotive earned its place in history on October 29, 1829, for winning an experimental locomotive contest, the Rainhill Trials. Many steam locomotives of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries were patterned after the Rocket’s pioneering design. Built by the Robert Stephenson and Company, the Rocket used a boiler that produced steam and burned fuel efficiently. The company owners and father-son duo, George Stephenson (1781–1848) and Robert Stephenson (1803–1859), knew they could increase locomotive power by improving how a boiler produced steam. The Rocket’s boiler had twenty-five copper tubes that carried the hot gases from the firebox directly to the smokestack. The tubes increased the surface area through which heat could be conducted in the water which increased the amount of heat delivered for a given amount of fuel and sped up the production of steam. This improvement along with others made the Rocket fast, reliable, and lightweight, and demonstrated that rail transportation could be a practical and potentially profitable industry. 


The scientific and cultural importance of the Rocket stems from its role in transforming transportation. It helped make it possible for trains to travel faster and more efficiently than ever before. In this manner, it sped up industrialization and played a key role in the development of many modern industries. It also laid the foundation for the widespread use of the railroads and had a profound impact on the Industrial Revolution. The legacy of the Rocket still exists today, showing how innovation can bring about profound changes in science, technology, and society. 

Additional information

Copyright information

The objects and content presented on this website have been reviewed for the copyright status to the extent possible. However, if you believe that any material has been used improperly or without proper authorization, please contact us. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights and will address any concerns promptly.

 

Have a question or comment about this object? Contact us.