[steamer_ctn]

As part of the Manual Braking coding, a number of test scenarios have been developed, and this is the first demonstration scenario for operating manual braking. In this scenario no brakes are fitted to the train, and operation of the reverser is required to stop the train. Naturally this was not a very satisfactory arrangement, and lead to Stephenson inventing a steam brake for the locomotive a number of years later.

It is also an interesting piece of railway history as the Rocket was used to demonstrate and develop "modern" locomotive design, and capability. It was the first locomotive to have multiple fire tubes in the boiler, which improved the steam production over its competitors. During its life a number of changes were made to its design to improve its operation.

A test mini route (with basic track layout and rolling stock - if anybody would like to contribute some scenery, I would be happy to add it) has been developed, and is available on the CTN site. This all in one pack has a number of activities which describe the different tests undertaken with the Rocket, and documented in the LMR railway reports. There are two version of the Rocket, one represents the first version used during the trials, and the second one represents the improved version which had some design modifications, and was used for subsequent tests after the Trials.

There is a briefing document included in the pack which provides more information.

I hope that this inspires you to look further into the history, and implications of the Rainhill trials.