L&MR Stephenson's Rocket - Display Set

As submitted to the Bricklink Designer Program Series 4.

NOTE: Black rails are near impossible to get as they only came in Krennec's Shuttle (this wouldn't have been a problem for BDP), so I'd swap them out for Dark Bluish Grey. See render with the colour swap here

v1.1 updates (no parts added)
- removed rigid coupling (3L technic liftarm and pins) between carriages as it held the carriages too closely together to navigate R40. The chain linkage and buffers do their jobs perfectly without the rigid linkage.
- removed one 1x1 brick with axle hole under boiler as it was preventing the dish from connecting.
- removed one 1x2 plate (DBG) as having two there didn't allow boiler to connect properly.
- changed the build order of Rocket to make it easier to assemble.

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Step back in time to the dawn of the railway era with this meticulously crafted set, paying homage to one of the most iconic and influential locomotives in history - George Stephenson's Rocket - and the carriages it pulled on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway (L&MR) line in the 1830s.

"a remarkable journey of engineering, innovation and design"

Broad and diverse cross-sections of the AFOL community - including multiple LEGO train groups - were engaged to provide feedback and input during the redesign of Stephenson's Rocket for BDP Series 4.

FEATURING

Design based on original blueprints (requiring many innovative techniques)
LEGO-gauge scale
motorisable first-class carriage (additional pieces needed for conversion - instructions to follow)
physically tested carriage door mechanisms
magnificent gold nameplate and realistic piston movement
historic L&MR 1st and 3rd class carriages (exactly as displayed and run by the National Railway Museum)
original 1800's cast-iron 'fishbelly' rails on stone sleepers
2 uniformed rail crew (driver, fireman)
5 passengers
fully-original scenery designs throughout including Victorian-era lamp post, English-style gardens, and rural setting with animals
84 studs / 67cm long


A Journey Through History

Stephenson's Rocket marked a turning point in transportation, revolutionizing the way people, goods and mail travelled. Now, you can relive this historic moment in brick-built detail. This set beautifully recreates the locomotive, tender, and a selection of carriages, providing a glimpse into the past like never before.

"...designed to provide the most enjoyable building experience possible."

Building Experience

The instructions have been carefully designed to provide an incredibly enjoyable and interesting building experience. Each section of track is built prior to each major train section, starting at the rear of the train and working up to the Rocket itself. There is something different to discover in each track section, and the whole build is finished with the custom-designed display plaque.

Educational Value

Stephenson's Rocket: An Historical Journey is not just a display piece; it's an educational tool. Learn about the early days of steam locomotion, the innovations that made Rocket legendary, and the impact it had on society. It's a fantastic way to engage children and adults alike in the wonders of history and engineering.

Join the Journey

Thank you for support in building history together! Share this project with friends, family, and fellow LEGO enthusiasts to ensure that the story of Rocket continues to inspire generations to come!

Happy building!
~Matt