Overview

• A newly restored replica set off from the Locomotion museum in Shildon on Friday, carrying the Duke of Edinburgh in the Experiment carriage after a brief delay.
• Thousands are expected to line sections of the original Stockton and Darlington Railway over the three days, with the engine passing through Newton Aycliffe and Darlington before reaching Stockton on Sunday.
• Network Rail warned against trespass and told the public to watch from approved areas, citing hidden dangers on the live railway.
• Heavy traffic and queues built around Shildon as visitors arrived, while several viewing zones — including Skerne Bridge by day and Stockton Station — are ticketed with some already sold out.
• The wider Railway 200 programme includes Saturday’s York–County Durham steam special hauled by LMS Stanier Black 5 No. 44871, alongside exhibitions, screenings and town‑centre festivities.