Replica of Locomotion No. 1 Sets Off for Bicentenary Journey

A remarkable replica of the historic Locomotion No. 1 steam locomotive has embarked on a special journey to commemorate the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. This event celebrates the railway’s first passenger train journey, which took place on September 27, 1825, and is widely regarded as the dawn of modern rail travel.

During a test ride, passengers experienced the charm of steam-powered travel as the replica locomotive chugged along the tracks near Shildon. The brief yet exhilarating journey offered a taste of the sensations that defined early railway travel, complete with the sounds of steam billowing and the rhythmic clanking of metal.

Driver Christopher Cubitt, a railway professional since 1961, expressed his satisfaction with the locomotive’s performance, stating, “It’s behaving itself, that’s all that matters.” Cubitt, who has held various roles on the railway, noted that while each locomotive has its unique features, fundamental care is essential for optimal performance.

This initial ride is just a preview of a more extensive 26-mile journey planned over the weekend, retracing the path from Shildon to Darlington and finally to Stockton. The event marks a significant milestone in railway history, showcasing how far technology has advanced over two centuries.

Enhancements and Safety Measures

Project manager Steve Davies, who has been involved in the project for two and a half years, shared insights about the replica’s construction. According to Davies, the locomotive was initially built for the 1975 celebrations but has undergone extensive improvements to enhance its performance. “We’ve ended up with what I call the GTX version of Locomotion No. 1,” he quipped, while also emphasizing the importance of safety certifications from both Network Rail and HM Railway Inspectorate.

The accompanying coach, which seats 15 passengers, mirrors the director’s coach from the railway’s inaugural journey. Davies highlighted the significance of the motto of the Stockton and Darlington Railway—”periculum privatum utilitas publica,” which translates to “through private enterprise, public good”—painted on the side of the coach.

Davies remarked on the historical importance of the event, stating, “We are the nation that invented the railways and gave it to the world.” He noted the contrast between the locomotive and modern trains, underscoring the technological journey over the past two centuries.

A Celebration of Railway Heritage

Festival director Niccy Hallifax emphasized the transformative impact of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, stating, “It was the first time a locomotive with metal tracks on a gauge we still use today really came into fruition.” Hallifax explained that the railway facilitated quicker movement of goods and enabled greater travel opportunities for the public, laying the groundwork for the modern transportation landscape.

The weekend’s festivities will culminate in the locomotive’s arrival at Stockton Station on September 28, 2025. Visitors are encouraged to gather at Rochester Road by 11:00 to witness the train’s arrival, which will be celebrated with a military gun salute. Following this, the town will host a series of events, including an outdoor theatre production titled “Ghost Train: The Arrival,” scheduled for 19:30 on Sunday evening.

While the public will not have the opportunity to board the Locomotion during the event due to safety concerns, Hallifax noted that future chances may arise. She explained, “It’s the fact you can lean out of the windows, so it’s dangerous. What we’d hate to have is an accident.”

Among the visitors at the museum was Jane Hackworth-Young, a descendant of Timothy Hackworth, the superintendent engineer of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Hackworth-Young expressed her pride in her ancestor’s contributions to the railway, having been closely involved in the construction of the original Locomotion.

The event has drawn interest from railway enthusiasts worldwide, including retired train guards and volunteers from the Train World Museum in Brussels. Their passion for railway heritage underscores the enduring legacy of the locomotive and its impact on society.

As the community prepares to celebrate this historic milestone, Councillor Nigel Cooke of Stockton Council highlighted the significance of the event. “Sunday, September 28 will be a truly iconic day to remember,” he stated, promising a memorable day filled with entertainment and cultural activities for all ages.

The bicentenary journey of the Locomotion No. 1 serves not only as a celebration of the past but also as a reminder of the innovations in transportation that continue to shape modern society.