North Eastern Railway (NER) No. 66 Aerolite’s history is one of modification and change.  Originally a 2-2-2WT (well tank), 66 was constructed in 1869 as a replacement to another locomotive with the same name that had been destroyed in a collision in the previous year.  The first modification came in 1886 when side tanks were added. In 1892 it became a 4-2-2T, the well tank was removed and two-cylinder Worsdell-von Borries compounding system installed. Another upgrade came in 1902 when it was converted to a 2-2-4T.

It’s role was rather fitting, given that Aerolite had been a replacement locomotive that was regularly re-engineered. It was used as motive power for the Mechanical Engineer’s saloon!

Aerolite became an LNER machine in 1923, who classified it as X1. It was finally withdrawn and preserved in 1933 and is now a member of the National Collection.

To read about other exhibits to be found in the National Railway Museum during this visit in 2013, please click here.