Steam train returns to London Underground

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

Setting foot on the platform, will have you thinking you had travelled back in time and arrived in the golden age of steam. The smell of burning coal, the hissing of the steam and the clanking of the wheels as an engine is shunted back and forth but this is no 1930s fantasy it is Baker Street station - and it's all happening in the here and now.
For the first time in more than 100 years, a steam train was carried passengers.

A restored original locomotive hauls a Victorian first-class carriage through Baker Street station in a test run for London Underground's 150-year anniversary celebrations

 In a test run for London Underground's 150-year anniversary celebrations, a restored original locomotive hauled a Victorian first-class carriage from Earl's Court to Moorgate. Billowing clouds through the capital's oldest tunnels, the weekend's recreation followed some of the route of the world's first underground railway journey in 1863.Shortly after 1pm on January 9 in 1863 the inaugural train pulled out of Paddington station to begin a 3.5mile journey under the capital's streets and into the history books.

The weekend's recreation followed some of the route of the world's first underground railway journey in 1863

In all its glory: The train was built in 1898 and withdrawn from the tracks in 1963

The train was built in 1898 and withdrawn from the tracks in 1963.
HISTORY OF MET LOCO NO.1

1898

Built in 1898, Met Loco No. 1 is the only survivor of a class of seven engines designed by the Chief Mechanical Engineer of the Met, Mr T. F. Clark, for use on the Baker Street to Verney Junction service. It was the last locomotive constructed at the Met’s Neasden Works.
1904

On 4 July 1904, decorated with flags and bunting it headed the first passenger train on the opening of the Uxbridge branch from Harrow-on-the-Hill.
1933

The locomotive is taken into London Transport ownership when the Metropolitan Railway was taken over by the London Passenger Transport Board on 13 April 1933.
1936

The locomotive is renumbered L.44 and is repainted in London Transport livery.
1963

The locomotive was withdrawn, after a final moment of glory when in took part in the Metropolitan Centenary parade at Neasden on 23 May 1963, where it hauled four Ashbury bogie coaches and a milk van.

1964

Purchased by the Quainton Railway Society.
1975

The first major overhaul started on 13 August 1975.
1987

Met Loco No. 1 is loaned to the Mid Hants Railway in September 1987 for the line’s 10th anniversary.
2007

Met Loco No. 1 is loaned to the Bluebell Railway in July 2007 as part of the celebration of the completion of their rake of four Metropolitan Chesham vintage coaches.
2008

Met Loco No. 1 is loaned to Barrow Hill in August 2008 for their Rail Power 2008 event and to Llangollen Railway for their suburban weekend in October 2008.
2010

Met Loco No. 1 came to the end of its boiler certificate, with a special farewell event 17 October 2010.
2011

Start of restoration at the Flour Mill workshops in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.
2013

The return of steam to the London Underground and the first steam passenger journey on the original stretch of the Metropolitan line since 1905.
Source: London Transport Museum.

The ground-breaking line had been built and financed by a private company, the Metropolitan Railway, to link the mainline stations at Paddington, Euston and King’s Cross with the business district of central London.

The very first underground railway journey took place through the new tunnels of the Metropolitan line between Paddington and Farringdon, which are now part of the Circle & Hammersmith Line.

The opening of the railway took place only 26 years after Queen Victoria came to the throne and was considered a great novelty.

No 1 was the last locomotive to be built at Neasden in 1898 by the Metropolitan Railway. It will pull the Metropolitan Railway Jubilee Carriage No 353 - the oldest operational underground carriage in existence - which has also recently been restored with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as the Chesham Shuttle Coaches from the Bluebell Railway. It is complete with wood and gas light fittings.Former Metropolitan Railway electric Locomotive No. 12 Sarah Siddons will also be part of the train.
No. 1 will also run throughout the year across the Metropolitan line network on special occasions.

No 1 was the last locomotive to be built at Neasden in 1898 by the Metropolitan Railway

Shortly after 1pm on January 9 in 1863 the inaugural train pulled out of Paddington station to begin a 3.5mile journey under the capital's streets and into the history books

The last regular steam services ended in 1905 as electric alternatives were pioneered in the later Victorian era.