Stevenson's Rocket

[pleasehelpme]

I read once that when the competition that Stevenson was involved in took place , organisers built fences up around the track because they feared people would die a gory death travelling at such high speeds and the organisers didn't want spectators to see this.
Is there any internet site that verifies this?
Thanks in advance.

[Tatty Rollox]

... and here is Stephenson's Rocket ....

[sddsddean]

I think you are getting confused with Richard Trevithick's "Catch Me Who Can", which was set up in Euston. As it was a commercial concern, he didn't want anyone to see the new fangled invention without paying their 1/-. See here http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp ?image=10300077&wwwflag=2&imagepos=2
The Rainhill Trials, where Rocket beat, amongst others, Sans Pareil and Novelty, were held on a section of track of the Liverpool - Manchester Railway at (surprise, surprise) Rainhill! As this was an open section of track, I can't imagine (and have certainly never heard) of the track being fenced off. (BTW, its spelt Stephenson)

[shammydodger]

Pleasehelpme

I seem to recall Adam Hart-Davis mentioning this in one of his "Local Heroes" programmes. Unfortunately, I can't remember enough about it to enlighten you, nor do I know the extent of the veracity of the story. But it's there somewhere in my occipital lobe, if that's of any moral support.

[treacle-tart]

Hi Pleasehelpme

It seems that it might not be true. Accoirding to this site a grandstand was even erected for people to view the contest.

http://www.newcomen.com/excerpts/rainhill/inde x.htm

Bekki

[pleasehelpme]

thanks for all the responses.