Imported in 1831 from England for use on the first rail link between New York and Philadelphia, the John Bull was originally a 0-4-0. Due to a tendency to derail on the uneven American tracks, a set of "guide" wheels was added to the locomotive, thus solving the problem. The Camden & Amboy Railroad engine is displayed on a section of the first iron railroad bridge, built in 1845 by the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad to cross a small creek in West Manayunk, Pennsylvania.
The John Bull was donated to the museum by the Pennsylvania Railroad and the bridge was a gift of the Reading Company.
