LB&SCR A1X class 55 Stepney

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LB&SCR A1X Class 55 Stepney is a preserved steam locomotive based at the Bluebell Railway in Sussex, England. Named after the Stepney district of London, Stepney was the first standard‑gauge engine to be based at Bluebell, arriving in May 1960. The Bluebell’s junior members’ club is called the Stepney Club in its honor.

Built by William Stroudley at the Brighton works, Stepney entered service in 1875 and was rebuilt in 1912. It has a 0-6-0T wheel arrangement, standard gauge, driver diameter 48 inches, wheelbase 12 feet, and about 26 feet in length. It worked for the LB&SCR, later for the Southern Railway and British Railways, and was withdrawn in May 1960.

After preservation it returned to service on the Bluebell in May 2010 for light duties, but a main steam pipe failed in early 2014. It is now on static display at the Bluebell, awaiting new cylinders and work on the frames and boiler. Stepney wears Stroudley Improved Engine Green today, after previously being in lined black during the 1960 season.

Stepney has appeared in popular culture, including Tracey Ullman’s Move Over Darling video and The Railway Series book Stepney the Bluebell Engine, as well as its TV adaptation Thomas & Friends. A 2-inch scale model of Stepney was built in 1954 by Father H. T. Brown.