Stockton & Darlington No. 175 “Contractor”

After Shildon Railway Works had reached its limits, the Stockton & Darlington set up new shops at Darlington. These were the foundation of the railway industry that was later found in this town. The first locomotive ever to be built in the new North Road Works in 1864 was No. 175, named “Contractor”. It was a 0-6-0 goods locomotive with a wheel base of 11 ft 8 in and a driving wheel diameter of five feet. It is hard to get more detailed information about its cylinders and boiler. Locomotive Magazine only stated that the boiler had a diameter of four feet and included 158 two-inch tubes. Additionally, the firebox had a water-filled mid-feather for more efficient coal burning. It was withdrawn in 1908.