The complex is due to open later this year

The T3 class locomotive, which was built in 1919, arrives at Shildon on Wednesday morning ahead of the opening of the new �11m museum in September.

The Shildon Railway Village will be an outpost of the York-based National Railway Museum.

It is hoped the complex will breathe new life into the former coal and rail village of Shildon.

Recycled rainwater

The T3 class locomotive was the most powerful engine built at the North Eastern Railway's Darlington works.

It was renamed Q7 when the NER was absorbed into the London and North Eastern Railway and had a working life of more than 40 years

The new museum will house up to 60 historical carriages from the national collection, along with a "living workshop" where local apprentices will be trained to restore and conserve trains and engines.

The new building will also recycle rainwater for use in steam locomotives.

The project has received �2m from the European Regional Development Fund as well as grant aid from a number of regional and national funding bodies, including development agency One NorthEast.

It is part of a �70m government funding deal for museums across the country.