B&O Unlocked: B&O No. 4500 "Mikado"

Get ready for a historic holiday treat this December!

This December, take a step inside the B&O No. 4500 “Mikado,” a locomotive steeped in both historical significance and festive cheer.

Shortly after the nationalization of railroads during World War I, the No. 4500 “Mikado” emerged as a pioneer. It was the inaugural locomotive crafted according to the stringent standards set by the United States Railroad Administration (USRA), setting a benchmark for excellence in locomotive construction.

But that’s not all — the Mikado doesn’t just shine with historical importance. During the holiday season, it undergoes a magical transformation, becoming the beloved Polar Express! Decked out in festive decorations and brimming with seasonal cheer, the Mikado comes alive to whisk passengers away on a magical journey to the North Pole.

Join us this December to climb aboard the B&O No. 4500 “Mikado”!

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. FREE for B&O Members.

More about the B&O Unlocked Series

Prepare to step into a world of exclusive access to a remarkable collection!

While these historical marvels have been glimpsed from afar, their doors have remained closed to most… until 2024. Each month the B&O Railroad Museum will be choosing an item from the museum collection and be unlocking it for a limited time.

Secure your seat on this unprecedented journey through history by purchasing a B&O Membership — the ultimate ticket to explore and experience every hidden gem among these iconic trains. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the rails to history!

Step inside the complete 2024 series!

No. CE-15 Tunnel Clearance Car

January 10, 13 & 14

The CE-15, nicknamed the porcupine, stands as a testament to innovation, marking a pivotal moment in locomotive design with its groundbreaking features.

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MARC No. 7100

February 14, 17 & 18

We’re celebrating this iconic locomotive for its pivotal role in modernizing commuter rail travel.

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SEH No. 4 “St. Elizabeth”

March 13, 16 & 17

The SEH No. 4 – known affectionately as the “St. Elizabeth” or “Little Lizzie” — was one of the last steam locomotives ever produced in the United States.

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B&O No. 908 “John T. Collinson” Office Car

April 10, 13 & 14

Before the era of private jets, the No. 908 was the pinnacle of luxury travel for business executives, celebrities, and politicians.

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PEPCO No. 43

May 8, 11 & 12

This exceptional locomotive isn’t your ordinary steam engine—it’s a unique “fireless” steam locomotive crafted by Heisler Works in Erie, PA.

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B&O No. 1961 Speedliner/BUDD Car

June 12, 15 & 16

This self-propelled streamliner revolutionized rail travel as a Rail Diesel Car (RDC) developed by the BUDD Company in 1949.

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B&O No. C-1775 Wooden Bobber Caboose

July 10, 13 & 14

Named for their bumpy and unstable riding conditions, “bobbers” served as business offices, mobile lookout towers, and sleeping quarters.

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B&O No. 7701 “Dreamland Sleeper”

August 14, 17 & 18

From a time when rail passenger services faced fierce competition from airlines and automobiles the BUDD Slumbercoaches were innovative creations designed to counter this threat.

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Pere Marquette No. 11 Diesel Switcher

September 11, 14 & 15

The PM No. 11 stands as a diesel switcher, purpose-built to navigate rail yards and industrial parks across short distances.

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B&O No. 1083 Pullman Diner

October 9, 12 & 13

The No. 1083 is no ordinary diner — it boasts a streamlined exterior reminiscent of the mid-century, while its interior design harks back to the 1940s.

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Domino No. 50 “Sweet Toot” Switcher

November 6, 9 & 10

The “Sweet Toot” was the powerhouse responsible for maneuvering freight cars loaded with liquid and granulated sugar within the confines of the iconic Domino Sugar refinery in Baltimore.

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