The Rocket

The year is 1829 and the Rainhill Trials  had been won by George Stephenson’s Rocket. It was the very first steam locomotive to use a multi-tube boiler configuration, the standard by which all steam locomotives would be made regardless of location.

Note also the angle of the cylinders. They were originally inclined at 35 degrees which reduced the swaying motion brought about by vertical placement. Eventually, they were moved to a horizontal position which virtually eliminated any tendency to sway. This was another feature which became the standard for nearly all that followed.