2009
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Steam Locomotive 2009 |
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Baltimore & Ohio Class EM-1 Articulated ("Yellowstone"-type) |
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As with so many other late-built steamers, Baltimore and Ohio's Class EM-1 2-8-8-4 came about thanks to World War Two. As with other roads, the war put increased traffic burden on existing equipment. More road power was needed. Although diesels were desired, the War Production Board limited the numbers of diesels available. Modern steam was the answer. The B&O had success with with earlier articulateds in heavy drag service, and other roads had success with simpled articulateds in high speed freight service. Thus, the B&O Engineering Department felt that simple 2-8-8-4s would provide heavy hauling at higher speed. It was a darned good guess!
Though designed for the west end grades of the Cumberland division, wartime saw the 7600s anywhere in the division, pulling nearly anything the war effort required - coal drag, fast freight or passenger service. This versitility continued through the end of steam operations (and beyond - #651 and #659 serving to deliver steam at a chemical plant into 1960). In spite of their short life, many steam fans consider the EM-1s the best-looking articulateds ever built.
The first 20 (nos. 7600-7619) were constructed in 1944, with 10 more (nos. 7620-7629) built in 1945.
As with other "war babies", the EM-1s had a short service life, all being retired by 1957. Renumbered the year before
their retirement, we will ignore the re-numbering and concentrate on the "7600s" in the mid-1950s. The Division Point and
Boo-Rim Precision will produce a limited quantity of these husky beauties, so best contact your dealer NOW!
from Ken on June 17, 2009:
OK, OK, we'll offer the renumbered units too!
from Jack on June 21, 2009:
To Division Point fans and loyal B&O freaks everywhere . . . not only will we do
the renumbered EM-1s, but we will model details untouched by other importers . . . like twin sealed beam headlights given
to more than a few EM-1s and . . . Pyle National headlights (we have photo evidence) were on at least two 7600-numbered
locos and two re-numbered ones. Very limited numbers, and they will be "right"! With the last EM-1s built
by Samhongsa and being very good pieces, we have a tough act to follow . . . ours will be better and (with used Samhongsa
EM-1s selling for around $3500.00) - cheaper!!). Stay tuned for more details and get those orders in!
| As usual, we are indebted to those folks who publish the information and photos we need. We urge you to buy their books and photos. |
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| We'll do the following: | ||
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| DP-9600 Baltimore & Ohio Class EM-1 2-8-8-4 #7600 to 7619 DP-9600.00 Road number 7600, other road numbers to be determined |
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| DP-9620 Baltimore & Ohio Class EM-1 2-8-8-4 #7620 to 7629 DP-9620.20 Road number 7620, other road numbers to be determined |
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| DP-9605 Baltimore & Ohio Class EM-1 2-8-8-4 #650 to 669 (Nov. 1956 renumbering) DP-9605.50 Road number 650, other road numbers to be determined |
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| DP-9605.57 Baltimore & Ohio Class EM-1 2-8-8-4 #657 (Nov. 1956 renumbering) with twin sealed-beam headlights |
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| DP-9615 Baltimore & Ohio Class EM-1 2-8-8-4 #670 to 679 (Nov. 1956 renumbering) DP-9615.70 Road number 670, other road numbers to be determined |
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