[9급 지방직 영어 2015년 19번]

George Stephenson gained a reputation for working with the primitive steam engines employed in mines in the northeast of England and in Scotland. In 1814, Stephenson made his first locomotive, 'Blucher.' In 1821, Stephenson was appointed engineer for the construction of the Stockton and Darlington railway. It opened in 1825 and was the first public railway. In October 1829, the railway's owners staged a competition to find the best kind of locomotive to pull heavy loads over long distances. Stephenson's locomotive 'Rocket' was the winner, achieving a record speed of 36 miles per hour. The opening of the Stockton and Darlington railway and the success of 'Rocket' stimulated the laying of railway lines and the construction of locomotives all over the country. Stephenson became engineer on a number of these projects and also participated in the development of railways in Belgium and Spain.