Rocket locomotive. Engraving of the Rocket steam locomotive built by British engineer Robert Stephenson. During 1829 he built a novel boiler design which been suggested to his father, George, by Henry Booth. Robert incorporated this engine into the Rocket and the three men entered the locomotive in the Liverpool and Manchester Railway's (L&MR) Rainhill Trials in October 1829. This competition offered a #500 prize for the best locomotive. The 4.2-tonne Rocket beat its competi- tors, surpassed all the performance demands of the trial's organisers, & demonstrated the practical- ity of long-distance steam travel. When the L&MR opened in 1830, the age of steam had truly begun.