Latest news with #Locomotion
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Cut price train tickets across UK set to mark 200 years since the rail revolution
The Mirror joined a beautiful replica of Locomotion No.1 - which made the historic first ever steam trip was on Sept 27, 1825 - with exciting plans to celebrate the birth of the railway. Steam filled the air as the Mirror relived the first locomotive-powered passenger rail journey in history. A joyous ring of a bell marked the start of a one-hour trip through the rolling countryside of Co Durham, and a step back in time. We had been invited to witness the meticulous preparations for Sept 27 this year, and the 200th anniversary of the first ever passenger railway journey using steam locomotives. Back then, 450 people were carried along the Stockton and Darlington Railway at a speed of 15 mph. The beautiful working replica of Locomotion No.1 was waiting to take us on our trip of a lifetime. Built by the rail pioneer George Stephenson of Newcastle, the original Locomotion powered that historic service back in 1825. Soon, the stunning replica will travel along parts of the original route, made possible through a partnership with Network Rail. The journey this September will be cheered on by spectators as part of a public programme of events. Cut price rail travel is planned right across the UK, to get as many people as possible using the railway to mark the historic milestone. We boarded in Stanhope, Co Durham, sitting in the tiny wooden carriage 'Experiment'. It carries the latin motto 'Periculum Privatum Utilitas Publica', 'Private Risk for Public Good', a tribute to those early investors in the future of rail travel. There are two benches for seating, with a team of a dozen steam enthusiasts and volunteers making last minute checks on both the track and engine. We reached 10 mph on a scenic journey to Bishop Auckland; at that speed, you could see hares running through fields, ducks paddling around babbling brooks and birdlife flying above the engine as it chugged its way through green pastures. When those first ever passengers boarded the original trip 200 years ago, excited spectators lined the route. Journalists had travelled from around the country to witness the moment. Few could have predicted how it would transform modern life as we know it. The ability to travel easily and cheaply led to the growth of our seaside resorts and tourism; commuting became an option for the first time, as residents of towns and cities were able to live further from workplaces; business prospered in the Industrial Revolution. It standardised time, because of the need for rail timetables; previous 'local times' in different locations across the country ended. People in towns and cities could travel easily and cheaply to see friends and families in rural locations for the first time. It was also key to fast, overnight postal services, newspaper and milk deliveries, even good old fashioned fish and chips. Fresh daily catches were taken from our coastal fishing fleet inland for the first time. Reduced journey times meant the fish was still fresh. The success of the Stockton and Darlington Railway demonstrated the viability of steam-powered railways as a mode of public transport, paving the way for the growth of our railway network Steve Davies, 66, former colonel with The Queen's Lancashire Regiment, has masterminded the Locomotion No 1 project for SDR200. "The lack of an enclosed cab on the engine means you feel very close to the noise and action as we start the train," he said. "This project gives me a newfound admiration for the engineers and crews of 200 years ago. The original engine was made in Newcastle so they had to drag it with a wagon pulled by horses on a muddy road. "This one will look amazing when it goes over Skerne Bridge and the iconic viaduct to mark the 200th anniversary. "That is the oldest, longest serving railway bridge still in operation anywhere in the world." The pristine engine, his pride and joy, will be ready for a programme of events to mark the historic birth of the steam-powered rail travel two centuries ago. The Locomotion will be seen on a 26-mile route between Shildon and Stockton via Darlington. Free tickets will be required at designated viewing locations in Shildon on Friday Sept 26, and Hopetown Darlington on Saturday Sept 27 this year. SDR200 festival director Niccy Hallifax (c), said those first passenger trains had "democratised a whole host of different activities". She added: "Now we are looking to the future, the climate crisis challenge and the exceptional role that railways have to play in hitting our net zero goal. This festival is a real showpiece. "We will showcase opportunities in this region to enable young people to look for jobs in different industries." There will also be a series of events to mark the anniversary. Ghost Train is a two-part outdoor performance; another outdoor show called Steam celebrates the ingenuity of George Stephenson and Edward Pease, pioneers of the S&DR and there will be a line-up of 'Next Generation Locos' to recognise the future of rail. *
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
The new ‘nine month festival' launching in the UK with historic walking trail, world's first railway and AR games
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW 'nine month festival' is taking place across County Durham and Tees Valley this year, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the first journey on the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR). As part of the S&DR200 festival, there will be an interactive walking trail between Shildon and Stockton via Darlington - along the rail route which opened on September 27, 1825. 4 Heighington Station is the world's oldest railway station Credit: Jonathan Ratcliffe FSDR 4 It will feature on the new interactive walking trail Credit: Thomas Nugent / Wikipedia Along the route will be one of the world's most important groups of surviving early railway buildings including the Grade II* Heighington Station - the world's oldest railway station. The trail will also include an AR game, which will allow players to "learn more about the pioneering innovations of the S&DR via augmented reality and explore key locations in immersive and dynamic way", according to the festival's website. The S&DR Trail of Discovery is a public walk and cycling path which follows sections of the original S&DR route in County Durham, Darlington and Stockton. It stretches approximately nine miles in total. Along the path, visitors will be able to see highlights from the original route include the world's first train platform, the oldest railway bridge and sites that formerly houses cutting-edge technology of the time. There will also be three museums along the route - Locomotion in Shildon, Hopwtown in Darlington nad Preston Park Museum in Stockton. The first of the three museums is home to Europe's largest collection of early locomotion's. The second is a reimagined site with interactive experiences telling he story of the early rail. The final museums is set in 120 acres of parkland and is home to many curiosities of local life, as well as a new gallery. The first phase of the Trail will be completed during 2025 which will see a continuous route in County Durham from the very start of the line in Witton Park to Heighington Station. New European Sleeper Train Route Goes Through 15 Destinations This part of the trail will be particularly picturesque. In Darlington, the route will run from Hopetown Museum and pick up the original 1825 route all the way to Middleton St George. Then in Stockton, the route will pick up at Eaglescliffe Station and take you on a journey to Stockton Riverside, via Preston Park, where you can still see remnants of the 1825 line. Also in the summer, 17 illustrated panels will be placed be along the route that tell the story of this pioneering historic event that changed the way the world travels, trades and communicates. The full trail will eventually be fully completed by 2027. 4 The trail will be fully complete by 2027 Credit: Mick Garratt / Wikipedia Then on September 27, 2025 the official 200th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) in the north east of England, which gave birth to the modern railway, will be marked with a re-enactment of the first journey. As part of the celebration, the nine-month festival - which began in March - there will be a number of other events, exhibitions and activities open to the public. To date, £57 million has been spent developing the region's cultural infrastructure ahead of the festival. You can also explore three historic train stations as part of new UK tour – but only until the end of the year. Plus, the first ever direct trains from London to Switzerland move even closer to launching.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
The new ‘nine month festival' launching in the UK with historic walking trail, world's first railway and AR games
A NEW 'nine month festival' is taking place across County Durham and Tees Valley this year, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the first journey on the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR). As part of the S&DR200 festival, there will be an interactive walking trail between Shildon and Stockton via Darlington - along the rail route which opened on September 27, 1825. 4 4 Along the route will be one of the world's most important groups of surviving early railway buildings including the Grade II* Heighington Station - the world's oldest railway station. The trail will also include an AR game, which will allow players to "learn more about the pioneering innovations of the S&DR via augmented reality and explore key locations in immersive and dynamic way", according to the festival's website. The S&DR Trail of Discovery is a public walk and cycling path which follows sections of the original S&DR route in County Durham, Darlington and Stockton. It stretches approximately nine miles in total. Along the path, visitors will be able to see highlights from the original route include the world's first train platform, the oldest railway bridge and sites that formerly houses cutting-edge technology of the time. There will also be three museums along the route - Locomotion in Shildon, Hopwtown in Darlington nad Preston Park Museum in Stockton. The first of the three museums is home to Europe 's largest collection of early locomotion's. The second is a reimagined site with interactive experiences telling he story of the early rail. The final museums is set in 120 acres of parkland and is home to many curiosities of local life, as well as a new gallery. The first phase of the Trail will be completed during 2025 which will see a continuous route in County Durham from the very start of the line in Witton Park to Heighington Station. New European Sleeper Train Route Goes Through 15 Destinations This part of the trail will be particularly picturesque. In Darlington, the route will run from Hopetown Museum and pick up the original 1825 route all the way to Middleton St George. Then in Stockton, the route will pick up at Eaglescliffe Station and take you on a journey to Stockton Riverside, via Preston Park, where you can still see remnants of the 1825 line. Also in the summer, 17 illustrated panels will be placed be along the route that tell the story of this pioneering historic event that changed the way the world travels, trades and communicates. The full trail will eventually be fully completed by 2027. Then on September 27, 2025 the official 200th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) in the north east of England, which gave birth to the modern railway, will be marked with a re-enactment of the first journey. As part of the celebration, the nine-month festival - which began in March - there will be a number of other events, exhibitions and activities open to the public. To date, £57 million has been spent developing the region's cultural infrastructure ahead of the festival. You can also explore three historic train stations as part of new UK tour – but only until the end of the year. Plus, the first ever direct trains from London to Switzerland move even closer to launching. 4
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
nyt strands puzzle today: NYT Strands answers for May 14, 2025: Today's full puzzle breakdown, theme clues, and explained step-by-step
What is today's NYT Strands theme? Which clue words unlock hints in today's puzzle? ADVERTISEMENT CARE SANE LEAN BOLT BOLTS LOAN COLT MOLT SOON LOOT TOOL MALT NOOSE What are all the theme answers in the May 14 NYT Strands puzzle? HUSTLE WOBBLE MACARENA FOOTLOOSE LOCOMOTION ADVERTISEMENT What is today's NYT Strands spangram? ADVERTISEMENT Why was today's NYT Strands puzzle tricky? How does Strands work and why is it getting so popular? What are some of the hardest NYT Strands puzzles so far? Jan. 21 – Dated slang Hardest word: PHAT Hardest word: PHAT *Jan. 15 – 'Thar she blows!' (Marine theme) Hardest words: BALEEN, RIGHT Hardest words: BALEEN, RIGHT Jan. 9 – Sea creatures Hardest words: BIGEYE, SKIPJACK Today's Strands puzzle (May 14, 2025) FAQs: If you're trying to solve today's NYT Strands puzzle for May 14 (#437), you're not alone. Many players found it tricky, especially if dance terms aren't your strong suit. But don't worry—this guide breaks everything down for you. We've got the full list of Strands answers, today's spangram, helpful hints, and bonus words that can unlock the in-game main keyword here is: 'Boogie woogie woogie.'If that doesn't immediately give it away, here's another clue: 'Everybody dance, now.'Yes, this puzzle is all about dance-related words—from popular moves to classic party steps. Even if you're not a dancer, we'll walk you through playing NYT Strands, discovering any three words with four or more letters will trigger a free hint. Here are some clue words that worked in today's puzzle:These words don't tie into the theme but help unlock the answers. Feel free to try similar words if you're still Strands puzzle answers include iconic dance moves from pop culture and party history. These are the theme words you need to complete the board:Each word fits the theme of dancing, with some being the name of actual songs and others being popular moves across spangram is the long theme word that spans across the board, touching opposite sides. For May 14, the spangram is:To locate it, start from the 'L' four letters in from the left on the top row, then move downward to complete the path. This word connects all the other dance terms together, tying in perfectly with the players found this puzzle tougher than usual because not all the terms are instantly recognizable unless you're familiar with a wide range of dance trends—from classic line dances to quirky moves like the 'Wobble.' According to the source, the Macarena and Locomotion were easier to guess due to their mainstream popularity, but terms like WOBBLE or FOOTLOOSE might throw off non-dancers or international NYT Strands game is one of the newest daily puzzles from The New York Times. It challenges players to find words hidden in a letter grid, all centered around a single theme. When you guess three unrelated four-letter words, you get a free theme word hint. The catch? You need to find every themed word and use all letters in the grid by the end of the puzzles from previous months have really challenged the community. Here are a few notable tough ones, as listed by CNET:These puzzles tested specific knowledge, making them difficult unless players were familiar with niche you didn't know all the dance terms, don't worry—you're not alone. The NYT Strands answer for today required a mix of cultural knowledge and some puzzle-solving luck. With practice and a few strategic guesses, you'll be dancing your way through these puzzles in no spangram is, running across the board in today's theme is, titled 'Boogie woogie woogie.'
Courier-Mail
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Courier-Mail
Feisty hot hatch that is one of the best drives you'll find for $55k
Don't miss out on the headlines from Business. Followed categories will be added to My News. Kylie Minogue transformed from the girl next door doing the Locomotion to sultry pop and indie stardom. This is the car which has achieved the same feat for Hyundai. Evolving from cheap runabouts to mainstream vehicles of all shapes and sizes, a couple of years before the pandemic took hold a fire-breathing version of the humble i30 hatch delivered a new persona. The i30N is unadulterated fun which has injected performance into the otherwise family-friendly portfolio. It's paved the way to N derivatives of the i20 and Ioniq electric car. Over the past five years the N products from Hyundai have developed a cult following. Not unlike the original Alfa Romeos and pre-China MGs. Nicknamed Nthusiasts, there are planned track days at some of Australia's best circuits where owners gather to test the limits of their prized possessions. Prices originally started below $40,000 when a manual transmission was the only option. Improvements have been made in recent years, along with the introduction of an auto box, while the cost has also escalated, with 2025 variants requiring $54,250 once on-roads are covered. It may sound steep, although close to a Subaru WRX, while it's a bargain compared to the Honda Civic Type R which is beyond $70k. Our family sampled the i30N Premium with a self-shifter, which is just under $60,000 on the road. What do you get? Some of the upgrades for 2025 deliver a much-needed modern edge, including the 10.25-inch digital driver instruments which matches the central infotainment touchscreen size. Other inclusions are dual zone aircon, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front bucket seats covered in leather and suede, satnav, three USB-C ports (two in the back) and shiny black finishes around the gear shifter External updates include a redesigned grille with red-accented intake inserts and red features on the side skirts – which also match the brake calipers. Trainspotters will also note the matt grey colour option for the 19-inch alloys, along with Hyundai's flat-style badging in matt black. Warranty coverage remains at five years and unlimited kilometres, even extending to untimed track days. Prepaid servicing is solid value with an average price of $377 if taking the five-year package. The 2025 Hyundai i30N starts from about $55,000 drive-away. How was the drive? From the moment you press the start button there is a sense of occasion. The throaty exhaust note is testament that the body kit and big brakes hidden behind the alloys shod with low-profile rubber are more than just for good looks. Straight line speed is quick at 5.3 seconds for the 0-100kmh sprint. Although that figure is no longer regarded fast up against a raft of performance EVs which hover around three seconds for the same task. But it's the sum of the i30N's parts which tell the story. Balance and confidence work hand-in-glove with twisty terrain best showcasing its ability. Fun is delivered in spades. Pirelli P-Zero rubber bites into the bitumen for rail-like prowess in the bends. Steering wheel N buttons offer changes in personality, with custom modes allowing for bespoke changes in suspension, stability control, exhaust sound and transmission settings (auto). There is also a 'N Grin Shift' button which delivers a 20 second boost to maximum power and torque. Fuel consumption varies depending on how much you enjoy that acceleration soundtrack. Our test saw the i30N drink more than 10 litres of premium unleaded for every 100km. Fun is delivered in spades when it comes to the Hyundai i30N. Would you buy one? Kel: Great looks and an even better sound, the i30N is a great blend of performance and practicality. Using comfort mode the ride wasn't too firm and the external styling isn't outrageous. Although being a mature mother and not one to push the performance envelope, it's probably not where I'd spend my $60k. Grant: While I may be even more mature (in age), I remember test driving editions of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and Subaru WRX. The i30N delivers that level of excitement which seems long forgotten. For those who love to drive, this is outstanding value for money. Love the exhaust note. Love the acceleration. Love the theatre. It's love and lust.
