The life of George Stephenson, railway engineer - Lighthouse ...

274: LIFE OF GEORGE STEPHENSON. [chap. xxir.
As promised by the engineer, a single line was ready by that
day ; and the " Rocket," with a carriage full of directors, engi-
neers, and their friends, passed over the entire length of Chat
Moss, and also along the greater part of the road between Liver-
pool and Manchester. The coal traffic had already been commenced
at different parts of the railway ; but the passenger
traffic was delayed until locomotives and carrying stock could
be constructed, which involved a considerable additional expen-
diture. In consequence of the wetness of the season, the com-
pletion of the works was somewhat postponed ; but in the
meantime Mr. Stephenson and his son were engaged in improv-
ing and perfecting the locomotive, and in devising new arrange-
ments in those which were in course of construction in their
workshops at Newcastle for the purposes of the railway. It
was soon found that the performances of the " Rocket " on the
day of competition were greatly within the scope of her powers ;
and at every succeeding effort she excelled her previous feats.
Thus, in June, 1830, a trial trip was made between Liverpool
and Manchester and back, on the occasion of the board meeting
being held at the latter town. A great concourse of people
assembled at both termini, and along the line, to witness the
spectacle. The train consisted of two carriages filled with about
forty persons, and seven wagons laden with stores—in all about
thirty-nine tons. The "Rocket," hght though it was as com-
pared with modern engines, drew the train from Liverpool . to
Manchester in two hours and one minute, and performed the
return journey in an hour and a half. The speed of the train
over Chat Moss was at the rate of about twenty-seven miles an
hour.
The public opening of the railway took place on the 15th of
September, 1830. Eight locomotive engines had now been
constructed by the Messrs. Stephenson, and placed upon the
line. The whole of them had been repeatedly tried, and with
success, weeks before. A high paling had been erected for
miles along the deep cuttings near Liverpool, to keep off the
pressure of the multitude, and prevent them from falling over in
their eagerness to witness the opening ceremony. Constables
and soldiers were there in numbers, to assist in keeping the rail-