Hydram Engineering celebrates S&DR with Locomotion sculpture

Hydram Engineering, based in Chilton, and its apprentices are fabricating the public sculpture that will be installed at Hopetown, Darlington, one of the key heritage sites along the original Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) line.

The sculpture is set to be completed in time for the S&DR’s 200th anniversary in 2025.

The project is being carried out by a team of apprentices at the firm, with support from East Durham College.A model of Locomotion No 1 (Image: Hydram Engineering)

Those involved have said the sculpture is more than just a piece of art, it will be a ‘symbol of continuity’ connecting the region’s industrial past with its future engineers.

Lee Bailey, Hydram’s apprentice liaison officer and systems and software engineer, said: “We are really proud to be part of the S&DR200.

“For me personally, this assignment is particularly special.Locomotion No 1 taking shap (Image: Hydram Engineering)

“Having volunteered at the Hopetown site as a teenager, witnessing its transformation and now seeing Hydram’s apprentices contribute to its future with this depiction of Locomotion No 1 is truly rewarding.

“It’s a fantastic showcase of their abilities, a lasting tribute to railway history, and a piece that will complement Hopetown Darlington’s design beautifully.”

Hydram’s Locomotion No 1 will offer an artistic interpretation of the pioneering steam locomotive that in September 1825, hauled the first passenger-carrying train over the S&DR, marking the dawn of public railway transport.(Image: Hydram Engineering)

The sculpture of the Locomotion No 1 will be made out of weathering steel (Corten) – best known for being used in the Angel of the North – which will develop a rust-like patina over time to act as a protective layer.

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Leona White-Hannant, development director at Hopetown Darlington, said: “We are thrilled to be the permanent home for Hydram Engineering’s Locomotion No 1 model.

“As a key historical site on the original Stockton & Darlington Railway, Hopetown Darlington provides the perfect backdrop for this artwork, creating a powerful and tangible connection with the railway’s groundbreaking legacy and Locomotion No 1’s pioneering involvement.

“The choice of weathering steel also ensures a striking visual harmony with our revitalised grounds, which feature this distinctive material.”