The Stockton and Darlington Railway was the first public steam railway in the world. Stephenson ensured that steam locomotives were used on the line, although most trains were hauled by horses for some years. The ceremonial first train on 27 September 1825 was powered by Locomotion, built by Robert Stephenson & Co. at Newcastle upon Tyne. The locomotive was used for hauling loads of about 60 to 70 tons at an average speed of 5 mph. It ceased running in 1846, but was preserved and is now part of the National Collection.

This presentation model of Locomotion is one of several made for the North Eastern Railway in 1875 to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

Inv. 1896-89