“The Rocket” proves Victorious.

It was apparent that Stephenson's “Rocket” was an outstandingly superior engine to any of the other entrants, and to the designers of this machine, therefore, went the prize of £500 offered by the Liverpool and Manchester directors. To Timothy Burstall for his locomotive “Perseverance” went a consolation prize of £25. The “Rocket” was at once put into traffic on the Liverpool and Manchester line on its opening on September 15th, 1830, and for six years it performed useful service. In 1836 the “Rocket” was sold to James Thompson, of Carlisle, for £300, and after working in colliery service for some years, it was handed over to the Science Museum, South Kensington, London, in 1862. The firebox of the “Rocket” has unfortunately disappeared, but the whole of the original engine, page 23 with this exception, may to-day be seen at South Kensington. The “Sans Pareil” locomotive also is on show at this famous institution—to which we are indebted for the accompanying pictures—while another exhibit consists of the original wheels of the “Novelty” locomotive.