As well as their acquaintance with the Stephensons who in 1825 became first locomotive superintendent of the brand - new Stockton and Darlington Railway .
Their acquaintance with the Stephensons is an important contact for the Armstrongs was the Methodist philanthropist Timothy Hackworth .
As well as their acquaintance with the Stephensons , an important contact for the Armstrongs was the Methodist philanthropist Timothy Hackworth , who in 1825 became first locomotive superintendent of the brand - new Stockton and Darlington Railway .