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It sparked a global railway revolution – now the world’s oldest model locomotive has returned to Leeds

The world's oldest locomotive model was made in Leeds, now it has finally returned home

Georgina Pellant - 23rd September 2021

The world’s oldest model locomotive has returned to Leeds more than 200 years after it sparked a global railway revolution.

Made in 1811 by famous engineer Matthew Murray, the precious model has arrived safely at Leeds Industrial Museum and will now take pride of place in an exhibition celebrating some of the city’s greatest inventions.

The historic miniature is a replica of the very first commercially viable steam locomotive, the twin cylinder Salamanca, which Murray built a year later.

Murray used his detailed model to explain to investors and fellow designers how his engines would work at a time when the locomotive industry was still in its industry.

His Salamanca model ultimately proved to be a massive commercial hit, with each engine selling for £350 - a huge sum at the time.

This then lead to further Murray models, which then inspired the great George Stephenson’s later designs.

The innovative model is now on display in Leeds Industrial Museum’s Leeds to Innovation exhibition, alongside another model of a flax ‘heckling’ machine that won Murray the gold medal from the Royal Society in 1809.

John McGoldrick, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of industrial history, said: “Murray was a true pioneer, whose ideas revolutionised the freight industry and inspired a whole new generation of locomotives.

“This model is the physical manifestation of his early vision for the future of locomotives and would have been an invaluable aid in explaining his brilliance to others who he needed to help him bring that vision to life.

“It’s an absolute honour to have Salamanca back at the museums and for this important piece of railway history to take its rightful place alongside the ingenious creations of other great Leeds minds.”

Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s member for economy, culture and education, said: “The history of Leeds includes some truly remarkable minds who each played their own distinct part in establishing the city’s reputation as a centre of creativity and ingenuity.

“It’s wonderful to see those pioneers celebrated in this exhibition and to think that their efforts might inspire the next generation of incredible Leeds inventors.”

Other notable Leeds inventions that are on display as part of the exhibit, which features objects and stories from great inventors past and present, include  Scootacars, space food and Spirographs. Walter Teasdale, who is thought to have taken the first-ever selfie against the backdrop of Kirkstall Abbey, also features.

To find out more, visit the Leeds to Innovation website page here.

Feature image - Leeds City Council