Railway Pioneers

Presented by S&DR200, three iconic locomotives will be on show in the Exhibition Hall

The locomotives are showcasing the advancements of rail technology in the early 19th century as well as the engineering innovation which led to the opening of the S&DR. These early locomotives were critical to future rail success, and Railway Pioneers is a unique opportunity to see them all in one place.

The original preserved Locomotion No. 1 will be returning to Darlington as one of these engines. This iconic engine, designed and driven by George Stephenson on the historical first journey in 1825, is an integral part of Darlington’s history, included both on the town’s coat of arms and the badge on its football team.

Joining Locomotion No. 1 are two other classic locomotives the PenyDarren, designed by Richard Trevithick in 1804, and Steam Elephant, designed by John Buddle and William Chapman in 1815.