HKWR Volunteers Build Eye-Catching Tribute to Stephenson’s Rocket to Mark 200 Years of Passenger Railways
Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway recently unveiled its handcrafted working simulation of iconic Rocket locomotive for nationwide Railway 200 celebrations.
HKWR knew the instantly recognisable Rocket would deliver the real “wow factor” for visitors. With only four members in HKWR’s scenery team, creating a fully functional replica was not feasible. Instead, the team cleverly disguised one of HKWR’s diesel engines to resemble the iconic Rocket.
Led by designer Roger Harris, an ex-BBC set and production designer, the team used reclaimed wood and metal to create a remarkably lifelike version of the Rocket. Most of the budget went on yellow paint, and even the barrel was sourced free via Gumtree.
“Back in television, I had teams of skilled craftsmen at my disposal,” said Roger. “For the HKWR Rocket, I had just three dedicated volunteers – construction expert John, jigsaw wizard Chris, and dynamic painter Dave—but their passion and talent brought it to life”.
The HKWR Rocket is proudly featuring at two major events in 2025, offering visitors a vivid and imaginative experience that captures the magic of early railways while showcasing the ingenuity of dedicated volunteers.