Page 5 - Gen Mag Online November 2020

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The Novelty was a locomotive, and some modern engineers think it was the first tank engine created.
Built by the partnership of John Ericsson and John Braithwaite, it certainly was a ‘novel’ idea. However
its design was apparently weak. Perhaps if the pair had had more time to prepare the engine, it could
have been a force to be reckoned with. As it happened the engineers only had around 7 weeks to
do something - they only found out about the trials very late.

The Perseverance unfortunately got off to bad start. Seemingly it was damaged on the way to
Rainhill, and so only managed to compete on the last day. The engine itself only managed a top
speed of 6 miles per hour. The engineers - John Reed Hill of London and Timothy Burstall of Leith
must have been devastated, but presumably a consolation prize of £25 was welcomed.

The San Pareil, which means without equal was
built by Timothy Hackworth. Like George
Stephenson he came from the Northeast of
England - Shildon, Durham.

Unfortunately for Timothy the engine was no
match for the eventual winner as its engineering
was basically antiquated.

Hackworth had been the first Superintendent on Stephenson’s Rocket
the Stockton to Darlington Railway, so it might
have been thought he knew his locomotives.

Moreover, the San Pareil was the only engine to be disqualified because of weight issues. It was
slightly heavier than the required weight. This might seem harsh given the engine apparently
performed well in the trials, but the engine broke down as a result of a cracked cylinder.

The eventual winner of the Rainhill Trials was the Rocket, designed by George and Robert
Stephenson. Built at the family workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne, the Rocket was a steam
locomotive. It wasn’t the first. but it seems the design of it was far more modern compared to others
being used at the time.

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Steam technology in the 19 century was on the rise, so perhaps it was fate that enabled
Stephenson’s Rocket to take the ascendancy. The original is on show in the Science Museum.

There has been some dispute as to who should get the credit for the design and hence the win. It is
suggested that the major credit should go to Robert Stephenson, son of George. Robert had recently
returned home after working abroad in South America. It is said that on his return to the family
business, he essentially took charge of the designing and building of the engine.

The prize for the winner was £500.

First Railway Accident

Ironically, while Rainhill is the place of the first Railway trials, it is also the place of the first railway
accident.

The Liverpool and Manchester Railway Company was officially created on the 15 September 1830.
The ceremony was attended by many well known celebrities of the time including the Duke of
Wellington, who was by then Prime Minister.

A number of engines were on display including the now famous Rocket. But the evenyt was marred
by the death of William Huskisson, MP for Liverpool. He was seemingly standing on the line when
he was struck by the Rocket and killed.

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Huskisson was born at Birtsmorton Court, Malvern in Worcestershire on the 11 March 1770. He
was the son of William and Elizabeth Huskisson, both members of prominent Staffordshire families.
William had four brothers.