motive was refurbished in 1893, are 49 V2 inches in diameter 

 and contain 20 round metal spokes staggered around the 

 hub. Published descriptions of the Rocket refer to 41%-inch 

 wheels, but this figure probably applies to an earlier set, pos- 

 sibly that installed in 1862. The Rocket was formerly driven 

 by all four wheels, but today only the rear two wheels are 

 drivers. 



The cylinders of the locomotive, which are inside, have a 

 10V2-inch bore and a 16-inch stroke. The wheelbase is 58 

 inches and the weight was originally 8.4 tons. This was 

 raised during the 1862 rebuilding to 1 1.8 tons. The gauge is 

 standard — 56V'2 inches. The present smokestack is not orig- 

 inal, and a headlight was not installed until recent years. 

 The tank and cab added in 1862, as well as the bell, were 

 removed at the time of the refurbishment. 



After its retirement in 1879, the Rocket stood neglected at 

 Reading until it was placed in condition for exhibition and 

 permanent preservation at the time of the World's Colum- 

 bian Exposition in 1893. It was exhibited in 1904 at St. 

 Louis, and then was housed for many years in the Reading's 

 Columbia Avenue station in Philadelphia. It appeared at 

 the Fair of the Iron Horse in 1927 (figure 52), after which it 

 was taken to the Reading Terminal in Philadelphia. In Oc- 

 tober 1933 the Rocket was lent to The Franklin Institute in 

 Philadelphia, where it has since remained on exhibition. 



Figure 52. — Rocket at the Fair of the Iron Horse, October 7, 1927. Note 

 shortened smokestack. 



62 



