Built in 1829 by Timothy Hackworth for the Rainhill Trials, 1t weighed 4 tons
After being retired in 1844 it was used as stationary boiler until 1863’
Sans Pareil is French meaning without equal.
Shildon referred to as the cradle of the railways is on the first railway between Stockton and Darlington railway (S&DR) and is where George Stevenson had his factory and engine works.
In 1824 Timothy Hackworth occupied the position as a “borrowed man” or relief manager at the factory; on the recommendation of George Stephenson he was appointed as locomotive superintendent of the S&DR
Hackworth was influential in the development of the loco, named Active now known as Locomotion No 1. Through his persistence that operating difficulties were solved and the engine put into service.
In 1829 the Rainhill Trials to find a suitable locomotive for use on the Liverpool to Manchester railway. (L&M)
Hackworth worked with Stevenson on the Rocket which was the outright winner of the trials because it was the only one to stay the course
Hackworth with his own limited time and resources built the Sans Pareil, unfortunately a faulty cylinder prevented it finishing the course. Hackworth stayed on after the trials repairing Sans Pareil, after showing the L&M management that it more than met their requirements they purchased the locomotive.
During the Trials Hackworth was completely unbiased, maintained both the Rocket and Sans Pareil
