“This Thing Still Works, Right?” Interpreting a Stationary Steam Locomotive

A Case Study of the Stirling Single No. 1

Authors

• Anni Shepherd University of Turku https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8208-3350

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33355/tw.103124

Keywords:

museums, trains, steam locomotives, cultural heritage, exhibitions

Abstract

This article deals with the preservation of steam locomotives as static objects in museum collections. In it I use the G-class 4-2-2 steam locomotive more commonly known as the Stirling Single No. 1, which is a part of the collection of the National Railway Museum in the UK, as a case study..

Through this case study I investigate the background of the locomotive as well as the reasons for its current static state of preservation. I argue that steam locomotives don’t need to be operational in order to be valuable and important museum objects and that their static state should be seen as a benefit and an advantage. My article examines these issues through the lens of museum education and learning.