On this day, 6 October 1829, trials began at Rainhill for a locomotive to use on the Liverpool to Manchester Railway. On 8 October 1829, Stephenson’s Rocket was declared the winner.

RAILWAY SONG by Roy the Taxi Driver     Rainhill trials

From Newcastle to Liverpool down came the Rocket man.
To start a revolution had long since been his plan.
To get the world a moving for years had been his dream,
On two long tracks all made of steel, and an engine powered by steam.

So plans were made and tracks were laid for the Rainhill loco trials,
And crowds had gathered down the course that stretched out for three miles.
It was to be a contest, a test of strength and speed,
George Stephenson arrived that day aboard his iron steed.