This August, we invite you inside the cab of the C&O No. 490, one of the most popular engines in the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation collection!
The C&O No. 490 was constructed by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway (C&O) in 1926. It was one of five 4-6-2 “Pacific” type locomotives built for the C&O. Like its siblings, the No. 490 began its career pulling mainline passenger trains like the Sportsman and George Washington. In 1946, the C&O’s five “Pacific” engines were sent to Huntington, WV and rebuilt as 4-6-4 “Hudson” type locomotives. Nicknamed “Yellowbellies,” the No. 490 and its siblings served the C&O Chessie line connecting Washington, DC and Cincinnati, OH.
The No. 490 is notable for its stylish streamlined “shell” over the boiler. It is the only surviving L-1 class “Hudson” locomotive from the Huntington shops, and the last remaining engine with a Franklin poppet valve. It is also one of the last engines to ever pull a passenger train on the C&O.
Come to the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation for a behind-the-scenes look at this fan-favorite engine!
Tours:
Tours will be available between 10 AM – 4 PM.
Admission:
Included with Museum Admission. Museum Members FREE.
America 250: Unlocked
Celebrate America’s Story—One Railcar at a Time
The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation’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 Museum 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!
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.
B&O No. 3316 Pullman “Washington” Observation Tavern Car
February 25, 28 & March 1
Used on the Capitol Limited and other premier B&O passenger trains in the mid-20th century, the No. 3316 “Washington” observation tavern car represented the pinnacle of luxury rail.
B&O No. 600 John C. Davis
March 18, 21 & 22
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.
B&O No. CE-10 Electric Switcher
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.
B&O No. 21 Passenger Coach
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.
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.
American Freedom Train (AFT) No. 1
July 4, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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For the ultimate ticket to explore every hidden gem in the series!
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WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM:
“The Underground Railroad exhibit particularly made an impression. You can learn about the enslaved people who passed through Mount Clare Station as their last stop before reaching the northern states. Sobering and inspiring stories.”
Alison J.
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