Cycloped was built by Thomas Shaw Brandreth. The locomotive was unique in its kind, but was disqualified by the Rainhill competition management for several reasons. However, despite the disqualification, Cycloped was showcased to the public on a few occasions.

Cycloped was powered by a horse trotting on a rolling track, which was connected to one of the wheel axles via gears. There were two gear ratios, providing two different speeds.

Some sources indicate that Cycloped was driven by two horses, but the model is based on a contemporary depiction where the locomotive only accommodates one horse.

Horses would continue to be used as draft animals on tracks for a long time, but in a more conventional manner, walking on the ground and pulling the wagons behind them.