Built in 1898 by the Metropolitan Railway at Neasden in London as a passenger tank engine No.1 was one of seven E class 0-4-4 tank locomotives designed for the Metropolitans Baker Street to Verney Junction line. No.1 was to be the last locomotive built at the Neasden works and as electrification of the Metropolitan line extended and more powerful steam locomotives were obtained the E class were allocated lighter duties.
Four E class engines were still in service when London Transport was formed, by then mostly used on goods and engineering trains and No.1 was numbered L.44 in the LT locomotive series. Taking part in a number of celebration events including the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Uxbridge line, the last day of steam service on the Chesham branch and the Metropolitan Centenary in May 1963.
An appeal had been established in 1962 to preserve a Metropolitan locomotive, originally planing to purchase F class 0-6-2T L.52. However the F class were prone to cracked frames, a fate which caused the withdraw of L.52 and L.44 was purchased instead.
Always popular with enthusiasts No.1 has featured in numerous events at it's home base of the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, on other heritage lines and on London Transport, attending depot open days and 'Steam on the Met' events.
Following the end of its boiler certificate in 2010 No.1 was overhauled at the Flour Mill in the Forest of Dean in time for it's next booked appointment.
On January 10th 2013 Metropolitan No. 1 kicked off the 'Underground 150' year, hauling restored Metropolitan Railway 4 wheel first class Coach 353 and the Bluebell Railway's four-coach Chesham set and Metropolitan Railway Bo-Bo electric locomotive 12 Sarah Siddons. The train carried 75 passengers, mostly LT staff and invited guests, from Earl's Court to Moorgate, via Baker Street in the early hours of the morning. Official events began with on the 13th with a VIP special, followed by public trips on the 20th.
Model Specifications
- Designed from original works drawings and a wealth of photographic >material
- Sound-fitted versions available
- Quality mechanism
- Next18 decoder socket
- NEM coupler pockets
- Sprung buffers
- Key detail changes between individual models