Cut price train tickets across UK set to mark 200 years since the rail revolution

Steam filled the air as the Mirror relived the first locomotive-powered passenger rail journey in history. A joyous ring of a bell marked the start of a one-hour trip through the rolling countryside of Co Durham, and a step back in time.

We had been invited to witness the meticulous preparations for Sept 27 this year, and the 200th anniversary of the first ever passenger railway journey using steam locomotives. Back then, 450 people were carried along the Stockton and Darlington Railway at a speed of 15 mph. The beautiful working replica of Locomotion No.1 was waiting to take us on our trip of a lifetime.

Built by the rail pioneer George Stephenson of Newcastle, the original Locomotion powered that historic service back in 1825.

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Soon, the stunning replica will travel along parts of the original route, made possible through a partnership with Network Rail. The journey this September will be cheered on by spectators as part of a public programme of events.

Cut price rail travel is planned right across the UK, to get as many people as possible using the railway to mark the historic milestone.

We boarded in Stanhope, Co Durham, sitting in the tiny wooden carriage 'Experiment'. It carries the latin motto 'Periculum Privatum Utilitas Publica', 'Private Risk for Public Good', a tribute to those early investors in the future of rail travel.

There are two benches for seating, with a team of a dozen steam enthusiasts and volunteers making last minute checks on both the track and engine.

We reached 10 mph on a scenic journey to Bishop Auckland; at that speed, you could see hares running through fields, ducks paddling around babbling brooks and birdlife flying above the engine as it chugged its way through green pastures.

When those first ever passengers boarded the original trip 200 years ago, excited spectators lined the route. Journalists had travelled from around the country to witness the moment. Few could have predicted how it would transform modern life as we know it.

The ability to travel easily and cheaply led to the growth of our seaside resorts and tourism; commuting became an option for the first time, as residents of towns and cities were able to live further from workplaces; business prospered in the Industrial Revolution.

It standardised time, because of the need for rail timetables; previous 'local times' in different locations across the country ended.

People in towns and cities could travel easily and cheaply to see friends and families in rural locations for the first time. It was also key to fast, overnight postal services, newspaper and milk deliveries, even good old fashioned fish and chips.

Fresh daily catches were taken from our coastal fishing fleet inland for the first time. Reduced journey times meant the fish was still fresh.

The success of the Stockton and Darlington Railway demonstrated the viability of steam-powered railways as a mode of public transport, paving the way for the growth of our railway network

Steve Davies, 66, former colonel with The Queen's Lancashire Regiment, has masterminded the Locomotion No 1 project for SDR200.

"The lack of an enclosed cab on the engine means you feel very close to the noise and action as we start the train," he said.

"This project gives me a newfound admiration for the engineers and crews of 200 years ago. The original engine was made in Newcastle so they had to drag it with a wagon pulled by horses on a muddy road.

"This one will look amazing when it goes over Skerne Bridge and the iconic viaduct to mark the 200th anniversary.

"That is the oldest, longest serving railway bridge still in operation anywhere in the world." The pristine engine, his pride and joy, will be ready for a programme of events to mark the historic birth of the steam-powered rail travel two centuries ago.

The Locomotion will be seen on a 26-mile route between Shildon and Stockton via Darlington. Free tickets will be required at designated viewing locations in Shildon on Friday Sept 26, and Hopetown Darlington on Saturday Sept 27 this year.

SDR200 festival director Niccy Hallifax (c), said those first passenger trains had "democratised a whole host of different activities".

She added: "Now we are looking to the future, the climate crisis challenge and the exceptional role that railways have to play in hitting our net zero goal. This festival is a real showpiece.

"We will showcase opportunities in this region to enable young people to look for jobs in different industries." There will also be a series of events to mark the anniversary.

Ghost Train is a two-part outdoor performance; another outdoor show called Steam celebrates the ingenuity of George Stephenson and Edward Pease, pioneers of the S&DR; and there will be a line-up of ‘Next Generation Locos’ to recognise the future of rail.

* https://www.sdr200.co.uk/