Doncaster Built Locomotive Returns Home

Two steam locomotives to go on display at Doncaster’s new Danum Gallery, Library and Museum.

The first of two locomotives built in Doncaster has returned home, thanks to a partnership arrangement between the National Railway Museum and Doncaster Council.

The Great Northern Railway ‘Atlantic’ locomotive no.251 built at Doncaster Plant in 1902, is the first exhibit to be formally announced for the town’s Danum Gallery, Library and Museum.

After 45 years in service, No. 251 retired in 1947. The locomotive returned to steam in preservation once in 1953 to celebrate the centenary of the Doncaster Plant Works.

The locomotive will take centre stage in an exciting new rail heritage centre alongside another yet to be announced locomotive. It will also showcase an array of memorabilia from the Doncaster Grammar School Railway Collection and other fascinating items which celebrate the importance of rail for Doncaster.

Displayed on purpose-built rail tracks, people will be able to view through a virtual tour of the building which will go live in March prior to the building being opened for the public to get up close with exhibits later in the year. All opening plans are subject to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The locomotives will remain part of the national collection and will be loaned to the museum as static exhibits for an initial three-year period.

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, said:

“Danum Gallery, Library and Museum is going to be a wonderful community asset where local people and visitors to Doncaster can learn and explore a stunning selection of exhibits that celebrate our past, present and future. This locomotive is the first of many gems we will be revealing through a virtual tour in March, with the building opening its doors for people to explore later in the year, subject to the Covid-19 pandemic of course.”

Cllr Nigel Ball, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure and Culture, said:

“It’s a real honour to welcome the first of two Doncaster-built locomotives into our superb new Danum Gallery, Library and Museum. Doncaster is, and always will be, a rail town so it is fitting that we have two locomotives built at our famous plant works as the showcase attractions in what will be an incredibly enlightening rail heritage centre.

“We are delighted the National Railway Museum has supported us and I can’t wait to see these two classic locomotives on display. Packed with many never been seen before rail exhibits, the rail heritage centre, like the whole building, is going to be a real treat for residents and visitors. As a past worker at The Plant in the early 80’s I am really excited about this and what this means for Doncaster.”

Andrew McLean, Assistant Director and Head Curator at the National Railway Museum, said:

“We are thrilled to be working alongside Doncaster Council to share the stories of these fascinating locomotives. Although iconic in their own merits, for them to return to where they were built is truly special.”

Danum Gallery, Library and Museum is in Doncaster’s Civic and Cultural Quarter on the site of the former Doncaster High School for Girls.

It’s one of a number of council-led regeneration schemes helping to transform Doncaster town centre and benefit the whole borough.

The locomotive arrived at the new heritage centre on Sunday morning after travelling 90 miles via lorry from its current home at Locomotion in Shildon, County Durham. Here a team of specialist conservators and rail operations staff successfully manoeuvred the historic locomotive into place. 

The move was carried out under social distancing and following Covid-19 guidance.

The Friends of Doncaster Museum have assisted in the loan of the locomotives and their continued hard work and contributions to the Museum are very much appreciated.

More information is available at: www.doncaster.gov.uk/newlibraryandmuseum