A class steam locomotive, 1866

© Transport for London
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The Museum's oldest railway engine is the only surviving locomotive from the world's first underground railway. These locomotives had condensing apparatus added to adapt them for use underground. Engine No.23 was built in 1866 by Beyer, Peacock of Manchester to haul passenger trains. After electrification of the sub-surface lines in 1905 it was used on goods trains and on the Brill branch in rural Buckinghamshire. It was finally withdrawn in 1948 and restored to its 1903 condition for the Underground centenary celebrations in 1963.