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This detailed model of Stephenson’s groundbreaking steam locomotive represents a major step forward in the history of transport.
Date
1937
Made in
Northampton
Made by
Messrs Basset Lowke Ltd
Scale
One and a half inches to one foot
Acquired
Purchased from Bassett-Lowke Ltd
Museum reference
On display
Window on the World, Level 5, National Museum of Scotland
Did you know?
When taking part in the Rainhill trials, the ‘Rocket’ reached a speed of 29 mph.
Stephenson’s ‘Rocket’ was the first modern steam locomotive, born during a short frantic period of development from 1828 till 1830. The reason for this was the proposed opening of the world’s first inter-city passenger railway, the Liverpool & Manchester Railway in 1830.
A trial was held at Rainhill, Merseyside, in October 1829 to choose a contractor to build the locomotives for the railway. Of the 10 entered, only five locomotives actually appeared and of these only the ‘Rocket’ completed the trial to win the £500 prize and the contract.
Above: Contemporary drawing of the 'Rocket'.
Built by Robert Stephenson & Co in Newcastle upon Tyne, the ‘Rocket’ incorporated a number of new features, the most notable of which was the first use of a multi-tube boiler and separate fire-box. Its advanced design became the blueprint for all steam locomotives built in Britain until the 1960s.
The name ‘Rocket’ is thought to have been inspired by the speed of military rockets, while the yellow and black colour copied the fastest stage-coaches of the time. ‘Rocket’ continued in use until 1840 and it is now preserved in the Science Museum in London.
Above: Working model of Stephenson's Rocket.
This working model was purchased from the well respected company Bassett Lowke of Northampton in 1937 for display in the Hall of Power in the Industrial Museum of Scotland, as the National Museum of Scotland was called at the time. The model is built on a scale of one and half inches to one foot, and is sectioned to show the internal workings of the engine.
The model is currently on display in the Window on the World at National Museum of Scotland.
This high-resolution 3D model of the Rocket was created by the Science Museum to mark the unveiling of George Stephenson’s Rocket at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, where it was on display in 2019.
