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Built in 1898, Metropolitan No.1 is the sole surviving example of the E-Class 0-4-4 designed by the Chief Mechanical Engineer of the Metropolitan Railway T. F. Clark, for use on the Baker Street to Verney Junction service.
She is a truly unique locomotive and, although currently stripped for overhaul, will hopefully be steaming again at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre in the not-too-distant future, funds permitting.
In 2019, with 18 months or so to run on her 10-year boiler ticket, Met 1, as she is colloquially known, was taken out of service early due to the condition of the Crown Stays. Several assessments have been carried out at Quainton, including the removal of the cab, fittings and boiler, and the non-destructive testing that has flagged up necessary firebox repairs.
She should enter the workshops later this year or early 2023. Meanwhile, tube removal and other less weather-sensitive elements are continuing as and when skilled labour or financial resources permit.
To this end, Quainton Railway Society hopes to raise £70,000 to get Met 1 back on the rails for her 125th birthday, sometime in 2023. Any donation will be gratefully received to help get this graceful old lady, a firm favourite among members and visitors, back on her wheels.
How to donate to the appeal
To donate to the Met 1 Appeal, please visit: www.bucksrailcentre.org
You can make a payment over the telephone by calling 01296 655720, or send a cheque made payable to Quainton Railway Society Ltd to Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Station Road, Quainton HP22 4BY.
(Please enclose a note clearly stating that the cheque is to go towards the work on Met 1.) All funds received will be held in a protected account and only used on returning this unique locomotive to working order.
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