Oct. 14th, 1872, the first railway in Japan was opened. The trains operated by steam locomotive from Shinbashi (=shiodome) to Yokohama (=Sakuragicho). Currently, the section operates by JR East as Tokaido line and Negishi line.
The #12 is one of the steam locomotives for the section, manufactured by SHARP STEWART & CO. #2421 in 1874.
Currently, MEIJI village museum (Inuyama city, Aichi pref.) preserves #12 and operates short train as exhibition.