Victorian Railways No.1 (1857)

Victorian Railways No. 1 was a 2-2-2T steam locomotive built by Robert Stephenson and Company in Newcastle upon Tyne, England for the Victorian Railways in Australia. It was one of the first locomotives to operate on the Victorian Railways system, imported along with a small batch of similar engines to initiate railway services in the colony of Victoria.

The locomotive was delivered in 1854, but due to delays in completing the railway line, it did not enter service until 1857. It initially operated on the Melbourne to Sandridge (now Port Melbourne) line, the first steam railway in Australia. The line was constructed to connect Melbourne with its major port, facilitating the transport of goods and passengers.

As a 2-2-2T configuration, Victorian Railways No. 1 possessed two leading wheels, two driving wheels, and two trailing wheels, all contained within a tank engine design (the "T" designation). This tank engine configuration meant the locomotive carried its water and fuel on board, negating the need for a separate tender. This made it suitable for short-distance passenger services.

The locomotive's lifespan was relatively short compared to some other engines, as it was gradually replaced by more powerful and efficient designs as the Victorian railway network expanded. It was eventually withdrawn from service and subsequently scrapped, leaving no preserved examples of this pioneering locomotive class. Its historical significance lies in its contribution to the establishment of rail transport in Victoria and Australia.