32. The Opening of the Metropolitan Railway in 1887 heralded a new era in the town's history. The early trains were hauled by Beyer Peacock condensing tank engines that had been built for service on the steam underground. At first they worked to the wilds of the Chilterns without protective cabs for the crews. This is locomotive 45 (built 1870). In the first month of operation 262 return tickets were sold from London to Rickmansworth - a fairly good number considering the remoteness of the town.

Rickmansworth & Chorleywood in old picture postcards