Description
Met 1 was built at the Metropolitan Railway’s Neasden works in 1898, apparently from spare parts left over from the construction of Nos 77 and 78 two years earlier. As such it became the third of TF Clarke’s ‘E’ class to enter service, although on paper it was officially the rebuilt ‘A’ 4-4-0T, which had been scrapped after an accident at Baker Street.
‘Met 1’ worked the opening train on the Uxbridge branch on July 4 1904. As London Transport No. L44, it worked the 50th anniversary train in 1954. It would work LT’s last steam-hauled passenger train in 1961 before taking a starring role in the Metropolitan Centenary Parade at Neasden on May 23 1963.
It was rather fitting that it would work some of the first ‘Steam on the Met’ specials in the 1990s as well as being the engine of choice to mark significant anniversaries in the 21st Century.
As No. 1 was built between the main batches of ‘Es’(Nos. 77-78 in 1896 and 79-82 in 1900/01), it featured detail differences not found on Nos. 77-78 (built Neasden, 1896) and 79-82 (built Hawthorn Leslie, 1900/01). The ‘Es’ also received numerous modifications over the years, so, consequently, our model only depicts ‘Met 1’ in its London Transport and preserved conditions. We’re also pleased to be able to announce that classmate No. L48 (formerly Metropolitan No. 81) was close enough in detail to be able to offer that too.
Spec for this loco :-
Metropolitan Railway ‘E’ Class
No.1
Metropolitan Livery (as seen between 2013 and 2020)
Die-cast metal and injection moulded plastic construction
High quality motor and mechanism
Next18 decoder socket
High level of detail with plenty of separately fitted parts
Era specific air brake equipment fitted within the cab
Optional user fitted tripcocks, airbrake and vacuum hoses included
NEM coupler pockets
Sprung buffers
