'Living, breathing pageant of steam'

SIX ICONIC STEAM LEGENDS TO LINE UP TOGETHER TO WOW RAIL ENTHUSIASTS

- By KIRSTIE MCCRUM

DARLINGTON is set to play host to a 'living, breathing pageant of steam' that will wow railways fans with the 'thunderous reunion of six iconic steam legends'.

Hopetown Darlington will be front and centre of the S&DR200 festival this autumn.

Standing proudly side by side, each locomotive is a roaring monument to Britain's engineering might.

From the nimble 78018 BR Standard Class 2 to the rugged 62005 LNER K1 and the freight hauling 63395 LNER Q6, the line-up is a masterclass in steam power.

The elegant 65894 LNER J27 and stalwart 63395 LNER Q6 bring the charm of the North Eastern Railway, while the mighty 60163 Tornado and the legendary 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley steal the spotlight with their speed and majesty.

Organisers said: "This is more than a line-up - it's a living, breathing pageant of steam where history hisses, whistles wail, and the spirit of the rails roars once more.

"Experience a close-up view of the elegant 65894 LNER J27 and mighty 63395 LNER Q6 within the Hopetown Darlington site, where you can also view Sir Nigel Gresley, Tornado and the 62005 LNER K1 in light steam from a purpose-built viewing area looking across the railway line.