The marvels of Meccano come to Darlington this weekend thenorthernecho.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thenorthernecho.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Ranging from 1761 to 1953, the oldest artefact is a weathered admission ticket for the crowning of King George III and Queen Charlotte - at Westminster Abbey in London - from 262 years ago.
Excavating the ruins of gunpowder mills destroyed during explosions can be dangerous but provide research material on the industrialization of industries in Britain.