B&O Unlocked: B&O No. 147 “Thatcher Perkins”

This November, we are unlocking the B&O No. 147 “Thatcher Perkins” in honor of Veteran’s Day!

Unveiled by the B&O in 1863, the No. 147 was one of 11 ten-wheeler locomotives designed by Thatcher Perkins, the railroad’s Master of Machinery. The engine and its siblings were exceptionally strong, as they were intended to pull heavy passenger trains through the grueling Allegheny Mountains.

The B&O No. 147 began its career pulling military trains for the Union Army. Between 1863 and 1865, it carried countless Union troops and supplies through the Potomac River Valley. In the decades proceeding the Civil War, the “Thatcher Perkins” was assigned to several B&O passenger and freight trains. Following its retirement in the early 1890s, the engine was presented as several pageants, including the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and the 1927 Fair of the Iron Horse.

Come see the B&O No. 147 “Thatcher Perkins” to learn more about this famous iron warhorse!

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Tours:

Tours will be available between 10 AM – 4 PM.

Please note: This tour requires participants to climb stairs and walk on uneven pathways. A virtual tour will be available on-site via QR code. Docent Tour Guides stationed near the locomotive can answer any additional questions about the history and physical description of the locomotive. Small children must be accompanied by an adult guardian at all times.

Admission:

Included with Museum Admission. B&O Members FREE.

America 250: B&O Unlocked

Celebrate America’s Story—One Railcar at a Time

The B&O Railroad Museum’s annual Unlocked series returns—this year with a special tribute to America’s 250th anniversary. Each month, step inside a different piece of rail history and experience the stories that helped build a nation. In honor of this milestone, American Freedom Train No. 1 will be opened twice in 2026—January and July—offering a rare chance to celebrate the spirit of freedom and innovation that defines America’s rail legacy.

You’ll also have the opportunity to step inside the newly restored B&O No. 3316 “Washington” Observation Tavern Car.

Become a B&O Member and receive free admission for each collection piece. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the doors on these historic pieces!

Step inside the complete 2026 series!

The American Freedom Train. A head-on shot of a black train with a red and gold sign that reads "The American Freedom Train"

American Freedom Train (AFT) No. 1

January 24, 25, & 28

The AFT No. 1 toured the United States with the 1975-1976 American Freedom Train in celebration of the United States Bicentennial.

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B&O No. 3316 “Washington” Observation Tavern Car

February 18, 21, & 22

Used on the Capitol Limited and other premier B&O passenger trains in the mid-20th century, the No. 3316 “Washington” observation lounge car represented the pinnacle of luxury rail.

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B&O No. 600 John C. Davis

March 19, 22 & 23

Produced by B&O Master of Machinery in 1875, the No. 600 was the first “Mogul” type railroad intended for passenger services, and the largest locomotive in the world at the time.

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B&O No. CE-10

April 15, 18 & 19

The B&O No. CE-10 once traversed the sharp turns and narrow street of Fells Point. Put into service at the dawn of the 20th century, the fully-electric locomotive was a revolution in green technology.

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B&O No. 21

May 20, 23 & 24

Built by the Wason Manufacturing Company in 1868, the B&O No. 21 resembles the daytime passenger coach used by civilians and military personnel during the Civil War.

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MARC No. 7100

June 17, 20 & 21

Built by GM-EMD in 1951, the MARC No. 7100’s diesel engine was replaced with a “head-end-power plant” in 1980. Now operating as an Auxiliary Power Control Unit (APCU), the No. 7100 is used solely for powering a train’s electrical systems.

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American Freedom Train (AFT) No. 1

July 15, 18 & 19

The AFT No. 1 will be unlocked again in honor of the nation’s 250th Independence Day, and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1975-1976 American Freedom Train.

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C&O No. 490 Hudson

August 19, 22 & 23

Built by ALCO in 1926, the C&O No. 490 was one of the last passenger locomotives to operate on the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Nicknamed the “Yellowbelly,” this “Hudson” type locomotive is recognized for its stylish streamlined body.

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B&O No. 445 “Royal Blue Coach”

September 16, 19 & 20

Built by the Pullman Company c.1890, the B&O No. 445 passenger coach was rebuilt in 1927 to represent a car from the B&O’s flagship Royal Blue passenger train.

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B&O No. 3528

October 21, 24 & 25

Built in 1923 and retired in 1983, the B&O No. 3528 heavyweight coach was the last commercial passenger car to service former-B&O lines.

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B&O No. 147 “Thatcher Perkins”

November 20, 21 & 22

Designed to traverse the steep Allegheny Mountains and unveiled in 1863, the B&O No. 147 “Thatcher Perkins” began its career pulling military trains for the Union Army.

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