The opening of the Liverpool and

Position 1: Within two decades, this proof of concept had inspired a railway-building mania that would connect virtually every major city in Britain.

Position 2: It was the first line to rely entirely on steam traction, to operate a published timetable, and to carry both passengers and freight at commercial scale.

Position 3: On opening day, the locomotive Rocket achieved speeds that astonished observers and demonstrated that steam power could safely transport human beings.

Position 4: The opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway in 1830 is widely regarded as the dawn of the modern passenger rail era.

Position 5: The engineer George Stephenson designed the route, overcoming the formidable obstacle of Chat Moss bog by floating the track on a raft of brushwood and rubble.