Return of 'Rocket' replica

The world's only working replica of the iconic Rocket locomotive has returned to the National Railway Museum in York after undergoing a major restoration.

The engine was made in 1979 and has been restored during six months at a Gloucestershire-based locomotive repair workshop, The Flour Mill, and will be joined by fellow Stephenson replica, Locomotion, which has been loaned to the NRM by the Beamish Museum in County Durham.

Visitors to the York museum during the half-term break will be able to take part in activities that have been themed around the world-famous locomotive, which reached speeds of 24mph during the 20 laps of the 1829 Rainhill Trials.

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A show will tell the story of Fanny Kemble, a famous Georgian celebrity who rode on Rocket at the opening of the Liverpool-Manchester Railway. Another event will tell of Rocket’s success at the Rainhill Trials. Picture: Mike Cowling

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