Read more about ‘Active’, the first locomotive to haul a train on the Stockton and Darlington Railway in September 1825.
Originally named Active, Locomotion Number 1 was built by George and Robert Stephenson and was the first locomotive to haul a train on the Stockton and Darlington Railway on 27th September 1825.
With the arrival of the more advanced Rocket, Locomotion quickly became obsolete. It was rebuilt and remained in service until 1841 when it was converted into a stationary engine.
In 1857 it was preserved, going on display in Alfred Kitching's workshop near Hopetown Carriage Works and later at Darlington's main station, Bank Top.
Today, as part of the National Collection, Active can be seen at the Darlington Railway Centre and Museum on long-term loan from the National Railway Museum.
Header image courtesy of Steve Nixon.
Posted on Wednesday 4th May 2011 | 4:38 PM
One of the first (if not the first) locomotive to use coupling rods rather than chains or gears. These coupling rods were responsible for linking together the 0-4-0 wheel arrangement on this locomotive. I have attached a link to one of my favourite pictures of the Active, which I happened to find on flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/25459770@N03/3196641006/