If you register, you can do a lot more. And become an active part of our growing community. You'll have access to hidden forums, and enjoy the ability of replying and starting conversations.

"Rocket"

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by nick813, Dec 16, 2016.

  1. nick813

    nick813 Well-Known Member Loco Owner

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2010
    Messages:
    1,503
    Likes Received:
    1,503
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    poole dorset
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    What is the current state of the Rocket replica?
    What would it take to return to Steam?


    Nick
     
  2. LMS2968

    LMS2968 Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2006
    Messages:
    2,987
    Likes Received:
    5,084
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Lecturer retired: Archivist of Stanier Mogul Fund
    Location:
    Wigan
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    There are many parts missing, and many of those that are there are either non-original or modified from original. Some photos of it as now are here:

    https://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/.../uploads/2014/01/stephenson3.jpg&action=click


    https://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/...etScienceMuseumLondonJan2008.jpg&action=click

    It bears little resemblance to its condition at Rainhill.

    It won't be steamed agai, but there have been many, some working, replicas built. It earned its keep in the 1830s so deserves a rest!
     
  3. nick813

    nick813 Well-Known Member Loco Owner

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2010
    Messages:
    1,503
    Likes Received:
    1,503
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    poole dorset
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Should have asked
    Replica 'Rocket'!
    Was used on the GCR in 2011?
     
  4. Dan Hill

    Dan Hill Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2008
    Messages:
    2,576
    Likes Received:
    545
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Brick Machine Operator
    Location:
    Haywards Heath
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    I thought the replica built in 1975 effectively became a new build when it returned to steam in 2009/10 so would have be in good condition. Isn't it currently stored in the tent outside the Great Hall at the NRM?
     
  5. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2006
    Messages:
    16,510
    Likes Received:
    7,753
    Location:
    1012 / 60158
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Earlier this year ...

    image.jpeg
     
  6. Steve

    Steve Resident of Nat Pres Friend

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2006
    Messages:
    11,930
    Likes Received:
    10,088
    Occupation:
    Gentleman of leisure, nowadays
    Location:
    Near Leeds
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    That's got to be one up on Liverpool. There they just take the wheels.
     
  7. Miff

    Miff Part of the furniture Friend

    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2008
    Messages:
    2,857
    Likes Received:
    2,793
    I've occasionally wondered, what was the original inspiration for Rocket's name, back in the 1820s? Was it somebody's accidental whim or a product of marketing genius?
    A Rocket in those days was a military weapon, not a vehicle of space travel, yet this choice of name for a locomotive somehow resonates through the ages to this day perhaps like no other.
     

Share This Page