The John Bull is an HO model of the world's oldest operational locomotive manufactured by Bachmann. A complete an ready-to-run HO-scale replica of one of America's earliest Trains. Made for ages 8 to adult.

This HO scale model of the John Bull honors the world's oldest operational locomotive, built by Robert Stephenson and Co. of New Castle, England for Robert L. Stevens, chief engineer of the Camden and Amboy Railoroad. The John Bull arrived disassembled in Philadelphia in August 1831. In just ten days, the locomotive was reassembled in Bordentown, New Jersey. Thanks to the remarkable efforts of a mechanic named Issac Drips. Limited service began in 1832, with regular service instituted in 1833.

Locomotive History...1832.
As built, the John Bull was a standard, British-style locomotive intended for a level, well-fenced right of way with no grade crossings. Conditions in the United States vastly differed from those in England, requiring the locomtive to undergo several modifictions to meet the specific demands of America's terrain. Around 1840, the John bull was fitted with a headlight, a bell, a whistle, as well as a cab to protect the crew from the elements. When it was discovered that the wood used to generate steam was emitting burning embers along the rails, it was kept in storage until being refurbished for exhibition and operation at the 1876 Centennial Exposition. The the 1876 Centennial Exposition was held in Philadelphia to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the United States.

Realizing that long-term preservation required a secure home, the John Bull was presented to the Smithsonian Institute in 1885, making it the museum's first major artifact pertinent to the history of engineering. In 1893, the locomotive was loaned by the Smithsonian to be readied for its longest journey since crossing the Atlantic in 1831...a trek from Jersey City to Chicago for show at the World's Fair Columbian Exhibition. To celebrate the John Bull's 150th anniversary in 1981, the locomtive made one last run along Washington DC's Old Georgetown Branch rails. Currently on permanent display in the Smithsonian, the John Bull is celebrated as a locomotive that was instrumental in opening the railway age in the United States.