Hydram Apprentices Create Locomotion Monument for S&DR200

Specialist North East sheet metal fabrication company, Hydram Engineering, is proud to commemorate the 2025 bicentenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR) with a unique project.  Our talented metal fabrication apprentices, supported by East Durham College, are designing and fabricating a half-size, stylized sculpture of the iconic Locomotion Number 1.  This impressive artwork will be a permanent feature at the Hopetown Darlington, the award-winning railway-themed visitor attraction.

A Bicentenary Tribute

The initiative stemmed from a railway-enthusiast apprentice manager at Hydram, who envisioned a meaningful contribution to the S&DR200 celebrations.  Leveraging Hydram’s fabrication expertise and commitment to developing young engineers, the Locomotion No.1 sculpture project was launched.  Hydram’s apprentices are immersed in all stages of this unique undertaking, from the initial design concepts through to the welding and fabrication.

“We are really proud to be part of the S&DR200,” says Lee Bailey, Hydram’s Apprentice Liaison Officer and Systems & Software Engineer.  “For me personally, this assignment is particularly special.  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.”

Honouring a Pioneering Locomotive

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.  Its prominent position at Hopetown Darlington, the site of an original S&DR station at Darlington North Road, will provide visitors with a tangible connection to the railway’s revolutionary heritage.

A significant and carefully considered detail is the choice of material: weathering steel (Corten).  This is the same distinctive grade renowned for its iconic use in Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North, forging an interesting link between this new sculpture and the celebrated North East landmark.  Corten steel possesses the unique property of developing a rust-like patina over time which acts as a protective layer, preventing further corrosion and ensuring the monument’s longevity without the need for additional coatings.

“We are thrilled to be the permanent home for Hydram Engineering’s Locomotion No.1 model,” says Leona White-Hannant, Development Director at Hopetown Darlington.  “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.”

Investing in Future Engineers

This endeavour underscores Hydram’s commitment to community engagement and the development of future engineering skills through this, our first undertaking with a distinct heritage element.  By entrusting this significant task to their apprentices, Hydram is providing them with exceptional experience and fostering pride in their input to a major historical milestone.

Follow the Progress

The exciting project is now underway at Hydram Engineering, brought to life by our dedicated team of apprentices.  To follow their progress and see updates on the stylized Locomotion No.1’s sculpture, please visit Hydram Engineering’s LinkedIn page.  www.linkedin.com

About Hydram Engineering:  Sheet Metal Fabrications: Established in 1977, Hydram Engineering Ltd is a leading UK-based subcontract precision sheet metal fabrication company.  It offers a comprehensive range of metalwork services, including laser cutting, CNC punching, metal forming, fabrication, machining, powder coating, and assembly.  Hydram supplies high-quality components to various sectors, including the rail industry and actively supports the development of future talent through its apprenticeship programme.

About the Stockton & Darlington Railway Bicentenary (S&DR200):  The 2025 bicentenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway marks 200 years since the opening of the world’s first public railway to use steam locomotives.  This momentous anniversary will be celebrated throughout the North East with the S&DR200 Festival, a 9-month international festival from March to November 2025 in County Durham and Tees Valley, featuring free large-scale outdoor spectacles, events, exhibitions, and new art commissions.  This commemorates the S&DR’s pivotal role in shaping modern transportation and its enduring legacy.  www.sdr200.co.uk

About Hopetown Darlington:  Hopetown Darlington, a key historical site on the original Stockton & Darlington Railway, is at the heart of the 2025 bicentenary celebrations.  Recent investment of £37 million into Darlington’s Rail Heritage Quarter, which includes Hopetown, has revitalised the former Head of Steam Museum, creating new visitor experiences, interactive exhibits, and improved infrastructure to enhance its role in presenting the S&DR’s story.  This makes it a particularly fitting and prominent location for the permanent installation of Hydram Engineering’s Locomotion No.1 monument.  www.hopetowndarlington.co.uk