Locomotion No.1

Tales from the Rails

Welcome to the fifth episode of Tales from the Rails, our monthly podcast commemorating the Stockton and Darlington Railway. As we approach the 200th anniversary in 2025 of the opening of the S&DR, hosts Caroline Hardie and Archie MacKay delve into the fascinating history and legacy of this pioneering railway.

In this episode, we take an in-depth look at Locomotion No.1, the the Stockton & Darlington Railway’s first locomotive which opened the railway on the 27th September 1825.

Our special guest this month is Dr. Michael Bailey who has co-written a report on the engine with Peter Davidson for the National Railway Museum. Michael has kindly shared the research and findings, shedding light on the engine's fascinating past and its numerous rebuilds. Who actually designed and made it? How do you get a locomotive from the manufactory in Newcastle to the S&DR? Who were its first passengers? What colour was it on the opening day? When did it get its various names, No.1 and Active? How was it altered over time and what survives, if anything, of the original 1825 locomotive?

Additionally, we spotlight James Stephenson, also known as Jem, Locomotion No.1's first regular driver and brother of the famous George Stephenson. Discover more about this less well-known Stephenson and some of the colourful anecdotes associated with him.

Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events, news from the past month, and how you can get involved in the preparations for the 2025 celebrations. Join us for another engaging journey through the history of the railway that got the world on track.

This podcast is brought to you by the Friends of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. For more information, visit our website at www.sdr1825.org.uk.