Four engines were entered on the list,—the "Novelty," the "Sans-pareil," the "Rocket," the "Perseverance."
Several others were built for the occasion in different parts of the kingdom, or rather projected and begun, but were not finished in time.
In order to afford ample opportunity for their owners to get them in good working order, the directors postponed the trial till October 6th. The day arrived, and a glance at the country around showed that an unusual occasion was drawing people together. Multitudes from the neighbouring towns assembled on the ground at an early hour. The road was lined with carriages, and a high staging afforded the ladies an opportunity of witnessing the novel race.
The "Novelty" and "Sans-pareil," though first on the list, were not ready at the hour appointed. What engine was? The "Rocket." Stephenson, next on the roll, was called for by the judges, and promptly the little "Rocket" fired up at the call. It performed six trips in about fifty-three minutes.
The "Novelty" then proclaimed itself ready. It was a light, trim engine, of little more than three tons weight, carrying its fuel and water with it. It took no load, and ran across the course sometimes at the rate of twenty-five miles an hour. The "Sans-pareil" also came out.
The "Perseverance," not able to go faster than five or six miles an hour, withdrew from the contest. As the day was now far spent, further exhibition was put off till the morrow.
What exciting discussions must have taken place among rival competitors and their friends! What a scrutiny of the merits and demerits, the virtues and defects of opposing engines!
Before the appointed hour the next day, the bellows of the "Novelty" gave out; and as this was one of its merits—a bellows to increase the draught of the air-blast—its builders were forced to retire from the list.
Soon after, a defect was discovered in the boiler of the "Sans-pareil." Mr. Hackworth begged for time to mend it; as there was no time, his request could not be granted, and he too withdrew his claims.
The "Rocket" alone stood its ground. The "Rocket," therefore, was again called for. Stephenson attached to it a carriage large enough to hold a party of thirty, and drove his locomotive along the line at the rate of twenty-five and thirty miles an hour, to the amazement and delight of every one present.