The project to learn about the history and rebuilding of the locomotive that started operation on the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 1825 was undertaken on behalf of the National Railway Museum.

A close examination of each component of the locomotive and tender was accompanied by a lengthy trawl through contemporary papers relating to the locomotive and the combination of the findings from both these studies revealed much about the locomotive that had previously been overlooked.

The operation of the locomotive between 1825 and 1841 was in three phases, with a substantial rebuild between each. Preparation for its post-operational display on a plinth outside Darlington North Road station from 1857 required a further rebuilding to a form that has been readily recognised since that time.

About the Speaker

Michael Bailey and Peter Davidson, both members of the Newcomen Society, have collaborated on three previous early locomotive archaeological projects, ‘Killingworth Billy’, Hetton ‘Lyon‘, and ‘Invicta‘; their findings have also been presented to the Society in previous years.

The authors’ expertise in early locomotive history and engineering has revealed much new knowledge on the subject. Michael Bailey is a Past President of the Newcomen Society and the current President of the Stephenson Locomotive Society and the British Overseas Railways Historical Trust.