ABSTRACT
Robert Stephenson's reputation was as much earned through his mechanical engineering talents, and his management of the manufacturing firm that bore his name, as for his railway, bridge and other engineering pursuits. Robert Stephenson had gained basic metalworking and machinery skills from his father, and his apprenticeship under Nicholas Wood had taught him more of machinery and material capabilities and limitations. In spite of this plea, Longridge continued to provide part-time direction over the factory's affairs until Stephenson's return. In taking over the factory from the beginning of 1828, the 24-year-old Robert Stephenson inherited the parallel objectives of making the business financially sound, and developing the technology of locomotive design to meet the anticipated requirements of main-line operation. From the experience with Rocket during and after the trials, Stephenson's development programme continued apace. The rapid rise in passenger and goods traffic experienced on early main-line railways called for a high level of locomotive reliability.
