The locomotive that won the Rainhill Trials in 1829 was Stephenson’s Rocket.
George and Robert Stephenson designed Rocket for the competition held at Rainhill, near Liverpool. The trials tested locomotives for the proposed Liverpool and Manchester Railway, which needed a dependable form of motive power. Rocket won after meeting the trial requirements and demonstrating superior speed and reliability compared with its competitors.
Its design included a multi-tubular boiler, a separate firebox, and inclined cylinders driving the wheels. These features improved heating and power production and became influential in later steam locomotive development. Rocket was not the first steam locomotive, but its successful design made it an especially important milestone.
The Liverpool and Manchester Railway opened in 1830 and used Rocket during its opening ceremonies. The preserved locomotive is now displayed at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, although it has been altered and restored over time.