Overview

• The newly restored engine completed the Shildon–Darlington leg on Friday, arriving at Hopetown on sections of the original line.
• Prince Edward rode in the Experiment carriage during the Shildon movement, with TV presenter Guy Martin among the crew.
• Organisers estimated about 15,000 people lined the route on day one, with further viewings scheduled at Skerne Bridge on Saturday and in Stockton on Sunday.
• Network Rail urged spectators to keep off the tracks and confirmed the replica would not carry public passengers on live main-line sections.
• The 1975-built locomotive replica underwent a two-year overhaul with testing and modifications to meet modern main-line requirements for the bicentenary run.