The Brick Train

Michael and I took a trip down to Darlington today to stay with Jane and Tony. Jane had another operation last week, this time on her shoulder and she's currently recuperating. A wee weekend jaunt away to see how she's doing.

We had a full day planned, a trip to the Brick Train, followed by a visit to High Force, then dinner. As you can see, we made it to the Brick Train but then the weather took a turn for the worse and we didn't make it to High Force. Maybe tomorrow...

The Brick Train sculpture was created in 1997 by David Mach to celebrate the rich railway heritage of Darlington. The project cost £760,000, contains 185,000 bricks and it took 21 weeks to build. It is apparently modelled on the 1938 record setting, 126mph steam locomotive the “Mallard”. The structure is hollow and contains time capsules from local schools. Really interestingly, there are also 20 special ‘bat’ bricks built in at various places to encourage the nocturnal creatures to use it as their home.

I was ridiculously excited about visiting the train, but I have to admit that the location and setting spoiled the overall impression of it. It's just behind a supermarket and industrial estate.

We're just back from dinner and are now watching the Voice on catch-up. I'm missing my wee man, but getting snuggles from Rocky, Fletch, Louie and Indy is taking the edge off! Back home to Wes tomorrow!