In the early hours of Sunday 28 September 2025, LNER proudly welcomed the world-famous replica of Locomotion No. 1 into Darlington station as part of celebrations to mark the two hundredth anniversary of the modern passenger railway.

Midway through its three-day journey between Shildon and Stockton, the newly renovated replica of the historic engine arrived at Darlington station in spectacular style.

Echoing the first passenger railway journey made by George Stephenson’s original engine two hundred years ago, an audience of special guests witnessed a once in a generation moment, as Locomotion No. 1 pulled alongside the LNER Azuma ‘Darlington’ – named in honour of the town’s world-changing contribution to the railway.

David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, said: “It’s an absolute privilege to welcome the replica of Locomotion No.1 to Darlington, and for our own Azuma ‘Darlington’ to be involved in such an historic moment. These two icons of rail are not just feats of engineering; they are reflections of the transformative power of innovation. Seeing them side-by-side shows the spirit of progress continues to thrive in the railway industry today.”

Historian and television presenter, Tim Dunn, said: “Watching this extraordinary train arrive at Darlington Station, recreating its iconic journey, is like seeing history come alive. Locomotion No.1 is a powerful reminder of how innovation and vision can change the world. To witness it and its “Experiment” wooden carriage and wagons pulling into the station alongside an Azuma, a high-speed workhorse of the modern railway, shows us just how far the industry has come, how it collaborates to produce great things, and how proud we should be of our railway heritage.

A special nine-month festival is taking place to mark the two hundredth anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

Niccy Halifax, S&DR200 Festival Director, said: “The journey the replica of Locomotion No.1 is making this weekend is a reminder of the North East’s place in history as the birthplace of the passenger railway, and of the profound influence rail has had on how the world traded, how people travelled, and communicated. This celebration has brought people together from across the globe, all united in the shared pride of the pioneering spirit of the railway.”