Locomotive No. 1 brings to life the age of steam travel, which began in 1855 when this very locomotive hauled New South Wales’ first train. It is extremely rare for any country or state to retain its first locomotive. This locomotive is one of the most significant objects in the MAAS collection, and has been in the Museum’s possession for more than 120 years. Built in England by Robert Stephenson & Co., Newcastle-on-Tyne, it was designed by J. E. McConnell of the London and North-Western Railway Company, and is a very rare survivor of a McConnell goods express locomotive of the early 1850s. It is believed to be the only known example of its type in the world.
Volunteer Insights and Talking Points
Locomotive No. 1 brings to life the age of steam travel, which began in 1855 when this very locomotive hauled New South Wales’ first passenger train. The vastly different first, second- and third-class carriages tells us fascinating stories of the class system at the time, and how different classes travelled in the 1800’s.
It is extremely rare for any country or state to retain its first locomotive. This locomotive is one of the most significant objects in the Powerhouse’s collection and has been in the Museum’s possession for more than 120 years.
Locomotive No. 1 is the only locomotive designed by James McConnell to have been preserved. It arrived by ship on 13 January 1855 and hauled to a temporary shed for assembly on the site of the Eveleigh Railway Workshops. The engine commenced running on 15 May 1855.
On the first day of operation 3,554 passengers were aboard. The fares to Parramatta were 4 shillings, 3 shillings and 2 shillings respectively for 1st, 2nd and 3rd class. The event attracted crowds of people dressed in their finery eager to be the first passengers.
Question to engage general visitors:
Looking at the carriages, first, second and third class. What type of people would be travelling on these different carriages?
Question to engage younger audiences:
Can you imagine travelling in summer on the 3rd class open carriage, while the steam train is running?
It must had been hot, sooty and rather uncomfortable.
Question to engage enthusiasts:
What train line did Locomotive 1 mainly operate on?
Answer: The Sydney to parramatta train line. It carried goods and people between Sydney, Campbelltown, Richmond and Penrith.
Training Resources
Learn more about Locomotive No. 1 on the Powerhouse website