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Events on Wednesday 14 October 1829 1
1829Rainhill Trials won by Stephenson's RocketLocomotive competition decides the future of rail tractionThe Liverpool and Manchester Railway held a competition at Rainhill to select the best locomotive design for its new line. George and Robert Stephenson's Rocket won decisively, proving the superiority of steam locomotives over fixed engines and horses. The result shaped the design of railway locomotives for the rest of the century.