Recently there has been something of a commotion over Locomotion No1 and the plans by the National Railway Museum to move it from the Head Of Steam Museum in Darlington to their own collection at Shildon, named no less – Locomotion! With the bi-centenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway less than 5 years away I’m sure we can expect more letting off of steam over this in the coming weeks!
I suspect that very few people know that we have our very own Locomotion No1, albeit, a very impressive artwork in Spring Street off Yarm Road? The sculpture was designed by artist Andrew McKeown who has completed many large sculptures and artworks within the Tees Valley and all with a theme of growth, change and renewal often combined with historic references as here were the old terrace housing alongside the railway track was demolished to make way for a new modern development. This was the first time that I had seen the sculpture without any obstructions in front of it and thought it too good to miss.
Photographs and details courtesy of David Thompson.
Picture Stockton Archive 
I too spent many happy hours there trainspotting in the 1950’s, but I have yet to see this sculpture. My grandparents lived in Kensington Road. Must have a look at it the next time I visit Stockton.
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Why didn’t they do the sculpture on the Marlborough Road side of the bridge. I’m sure lots more people would see it going to and from Ropner Park. This is the first I have heard of this picture.
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When are we going to get a plaque commemorating the North Shore Branch? This was far more important to the growth of Stockton than the S&D
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Love this picture and will make sure I visit next time I’m up thanks for the picture and info. Mal
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Spent many a happy hour ‘train spotting’, steam trains back then from the bridge at the end of Spring Street.
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I’ve tried many times to photograph this sculpture only to find people cannot read and park their cars in front of it.
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….and in recognition of the Stockton-on-Tees railway connections Tees Rowing Club’s fleet of boats includes those named Locomotion, Rocket, Mallard, Tornado.
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Will have to go and see this next time I visit my brother who lives just around the corner
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