We were proud to contribute to the Stockton Flyer, a celebrated kinetic sculpture located on Stockton-on-Tees High Street. Conceived by mechanical sculptor Rob Higgs, the piece pays homage to the town’s pivotal role in railway history and the legacy of George Stephenson’s Locomotion No.1
Our team was responsible for the design and manufacture of the bespoke hydraulic systems that animate the sculpture. At precisely 1:06 p.m. each day—a nod to the delayed arrival of the original locomotive—the Flyer emerges from its stone plinth in a theatrical display of motion, sound, and steam.
The hydraulic mechanism had to meet rigorous demands: precise timing, smooth and reliable motion, and seamless integration within a complex mechanical structure. We engineered a robust, low-maintenance solution capable of daily operation in a public setting, ensuring the sculpture's dynamic performance remains consistent and captivating.
Unveiled in 2016 as part of Stockton’s £38 million High Street regeneration project, the Stockton Flyer has become a landmark attraction, delighting visitors with its imaginative fusion of engineering and artistry .
