A new temporary exhibition, 70 Years of the Railways, is being launched at Locomotion, Shildon to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The exhibition, which runs from 28 May until 5 June, will explore the links between Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and some of the iconic rail vehicles on display at the museum. Visitors will be able to look back on a pivotal time of change as the railways largely moved from steam power to diesel and electric alternatives.
The English Electric Deltic, designed in the 1950s to haul passenger services, led the way for this transition, and were still pulling prestige services twenty years later. Other items in the museum’s collection, such as the Class 142 Pacer, the prototype High Speed Train and record-breaking 125 power car will show how the railways developed during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.
Locomotion railway museum also has its very own royal connection. The saloon of Queen Alexandra, built in 1902, is on display in the museum’s Main Hall. Designed by J. C. Park and built at the London & North Western Railway works in Wolverton, the carriage includes a day saloon, two dressing rooms, a bedroom, and a lavatory. It was repainted in London, Midland & Scottish Railway livery during World War II to make it less conspicuous.
Sarah Price, Director of Locomotion, said: “We’re really excited for visitors to come and explore our new exhibition to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Locomotion’s fascinating collection tells the stories of the railways starting hundreds of years ago, but so much has developed during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and we hope that visitors can learn more about stories from more recent times.”
Locomotion also sees the return of Meccano Magic, presented in association with the North Eastern Meccano Society. Visitors can explore displays of a wide-range of Meccano models. The public can also have a go at creating Meccano models themselves with a competition for the best one.
There will also be free, family learning activities for visitors to try between 30 May and 5 June. These include, a special Platinum Jubilee Trail featuring influential women from around the Commonwealth, Floating Paperclips and Bridge Building.
Museum admission is free and admission tickets are no longer required to be booked in advance,
However, free tickets for Meccano Magic are advised to be booked prior to visiting via the museum’s website due to spaces being limited.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
