The Mighty Baltimore and Ohio EM-1, Built for Power!

While the Baltimore & Ohio’s (B&O) EM-1 2-8-8-4 class, an articulated design (meaning that either one, or both sets of driving wheels pivots to better and more safely negotiate curves), was not the most powerful of the large steam locomotives built during the motive power’s twilight in the 1930s and 1940s although it was unquestionably a sight to behold. Not only was the locomotive capable of holding its own on steep grades with a coal drag in tow (something it was designed and built for by the Baldwin Locomotive Works) but also it was arguably one of the most beautiful (from an aesthetic standpoint) large steamers ever built.

(Please note that the above locomotive is a Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Class M-4 2-8-8-4 but it gives you an example of what a Yellowstone Type steamer looked like.)

The EM-1 was developed during the very end of the steam era and accordingly would carry the latest technology available. Thirty of these locomotives would be built and were delivered to the B&O at the end of World War II between 1944 and 1945. One interesting note is that the B&O actually wanted and would have preferred newer diesel technology for this latest locomotive order and not steamers. However, because the country was in the middle of WWII diesel-electric construction had been halted to focus on the war effort and was not available for purchase. Likewise, the B&O (as did almost all of the railroads during this time) needed locomotives and lots of them to keep up with the blizzard of demand during war time and so they settled on the next best thing, a well designed steam locomotive.

And well built the locomotive was. It had a rather low boiler pressure comparative to other models in its class but this low pressure had a great benefit, a high factor of adhesion (4.22). This high ratio allowed the locomotive to start rather efficiently in that it was not as susceptible to wheel slippage as other designs. For instance, this added incentive was an extra benefit in the type of service the B&O originally designated the EM-1, the torturous grades of the railroad’s West End (its Cumberland Division), through the Appalachians. The locomotive did a marvelous job at this, having little trouble hauling merchandise or coal drags over the steep climbs of Cranberry Grade, along the West Virginia/Maryland border, or over Sand Patch in Pennsylvania.

The B&O EM-1 was a true sight to behold if one was lucky enough to witness it trackside at work. A classic example is the locomotive working upgrade over Sand Patch. The engine exemplified what made the steam locomotive such an admired and respected machine, even outside the railroad and railfan community. The pure power and deafening sound by a locomotive of the EM-1’s size is perhaps something words, pictures and maybe even videos can never truly replicate without the fortune of being there in person to witness such for yourself. While the size of the EM-1 is enough in itself to instill awe, seeing it in person illustrates the point that much more.

According to John Patton, "the EM-1s were said to be easy steamers to operate and crews liked them. With minor stay bolt trouble they were perfect for the B&O in every way possible. As said upon delivery by head of machinery, they had everything, all wheels had roller bearings and were top of the line for steam on the B&O."

The below specifications of the EM-1 are courtesy of John Patton.

The B&O Class EM-1

Builder: Baldwin Locomotive Works

Series: 7600-7619

Cylinders: Diameter x Stroke (4) - 24" x 32"

Driver diameter: 64 Feet

Boiler pressure: 235 PSI Grate Area: 117.5 Feet

Weight on drivers: 485,000 Pounds

Total engine weight: 628,700 Pounds

Lastly, these B&O Articulateds were 1,010,700 pounds, laden; carried 22,000 gallons of water and 25 tons of coal.

For more information on the B&O's EM-1 steam locomotive consider one (or both) of the books below. Guide to North American Steam Locomotives by author George Drury includes nearly 500 pages of information on virtually all of the steam locomotive wheel arrangements and designs (including streamlined steamers) ever developed. The book is a great resource on steam locomotives and a fine reference tool; you should find it very useful.

Also, consider the book American Steam Locomotives from author Brian Solomon. While this publication does not include quite as much technical data as Guide to North American Steam Locomotives it is still a very good resource with lots of information and best of all, is loaded with photographs!

The EM-1 would be short-lived, however. By the late 1950s the locomotives had been renumbered to make room for new diesels that the B&O could finally purchase after the war had ended, and the EM-1 was shifted from the mountain regions to the Ohio River and the railroad’s Pittsburgh Division. This time period also spelled the end for steam itself throughout the nation’s railroads. After less than twenty years of service (in steam locomotive years this is very young) the final EM-1 was dropped from the roster around 1960. However, according to John Patton, "the last one off the roster was to be saved for the B&O Museum in Baltimore, but it never happen due to lack of funding and the museum not being open to try an reserve funding for such."

Unfortunately for both railfan and historian alike, not one EM-1 is preserved for future generations to tour and see.

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