Diakosmosis's List: What is the story behind the Locomotion nameplate

• Locomotion No. 1 (originally named Active) is an early British steam locomotive. Built by George and Robert Stephenson's company Robert Stephenson and Company in 1825, it hauled the first train on the Stockton and Darlington Railway on 27 September 1825.

• In 1828 the boiler exploded, killing the driver. With advances in design such as those incorporated into Stephenson's Rocket, Locomotion became obsolete very quickly. It was rebuilt and remained in service until 1841 when it was turned into a stationary engine.

   

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• In 1857 it was preserved. Locomotion No. 1 was on display in Alfred Kitching's workshop near Hopetown Carriage Works from 1857 to the 1880s. From 1892 to 1975 it was on display on one of the platforms at Darlington's main station,

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• Birth Date:    21 Nov 1880              Birthplace:    Chicago, Illinois

• The procession was held on Thursday 2nd July 1925, rather than the anniversary date of 27th September, so it coincided with the International Railway Congress which brought delegates to Britain from around the world