Caption says 1975, but it looks like a pretty old photo:

http://abpr.railfan.net/abprphoto.cgi?f ... anColl.jpg

Locomotion Enterprises of Springwell did indeed complete a replica of Locomotion in 1975 for the Beamish Open Air Museum; so I think the date is correct. The picture itself, not to mention the scene (if you ignore the telegraph pole) have been backdated.

I don't think that this is the 1975 replica. There was, I think, an earlier replica and the general ambience of the picture suggests the 1925 Centenary procession............

Have a squint at this link - http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/DRE.n ... ington+Rly

This is not a photograph of a replica, but the original "Locomotion" built by George Stephenson for Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825.

This locomotive has been preserved in Darlington since 1857, first on a plinth at North Road Station, then at plinth Bank top Station and now (since 1975) at the Darlington Railway Museum in the former North Road Station. It was however got out from time to time for display elsewhere.

The photograph was taken on 2nd July 1925 at the time of the Railway Centenary Celebrations to mark 100 years since the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Powered by an internal-combustion engine in the tender and with oily waste in the grate to provide smoke it brought up the rear of the procession (hence the number 54 displayed on the front), with a train of old chaldron wagons and a replica of the first passenger coach, carrying passengers in period dress.

Previous excursions from Darlington took "Locomotion" to Philadelphia in 1876, the Stephenson centenary in Newcastle in 1881, Chicago in 1883, Liverpool in 1886, Newcastle in 1887, Paris in 1889 and Edinburgh in 1890. I believe that also spent the Second World War in a "safe place".

Does anyone know more about the events that took this locomotive to foreign lands in the days of our great grand parents.

Thanks for filling in the gaps in my knowledge.

Was "Locomotion" the engine used in Titfield Thunderbolt?

Wesley

No, that locomotive was "Lion" which is original, not a replica. Built, I think, about 1835 but a lot more advanced.