Description:
The Bachmann HO American Type 4-4-0 Steam Locomotive Baltimore & Ohio 703 models the classic 4-4-0 American Type steam locomotive. The 4-4-0 was called the "American" Type because it was the most common locomotive design through much of the 19th Century. From the patent of the 4-4-0 received by Henry Campbell in 1836, the American Type locomotive developed through technological improvement to become the most popular locomotive type in the US. By 1872 approximately 85% of the locomotives on US railroads were 4-4-0s. In the latter part of the 19th Century increasing load requirements had the railroads seeking more power and hence larger engines. (Note: Baldwin Locomotive Works, founded in the 1830s, was a huge and successful steam locomotive builder all through the Steam Era). This model represents with its colorful livery the 1890s Era.
Road Name and History:
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad: The City of Baltimore recognized by the 1820s without a canal to the West it was trailing other seaport cities. In 1828 ground was broken on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, America's first common carrier railroad. Reaching the goal of the Ohio River at Wheeling, VA, in 1853, under the leadership of John Garrett in the latter part of the 19th Century the B& O expanded to have lines covering much of the Midwest. Baltimore & Ohio (along with the Pennsylvania, New York Central, and Erie) was one of the four major Eastern Trunk Lines. The B&O entered receivership in 1896, emerging from bankruptcy in 1899. A steady, conservative, well respected railroad, in 1964 Chesapeake & Ohio bought 90% of B&O's stock, combining the railroads as Chessie System in 1973. Most of B&O's major routes are still busy traffic arteries under CSX to this day.
Fun Fact: When the Potomac River became so narrow there was not room for both the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, the City of Cumberland, Maryland, with regional coal deposits wanted the canal because railroads were a new and untried technology! Of course a way was eventually found to fit both.
Features:
Specifications:
Locomotive: L 4 1/2 " (118 mm) X W 1 1/4" (32 mm) X H 2" (51 mm)
Tender: L 3" (76 mm) X W 1 1/4" (32 cm) X H 1 1/2" (38 mm)
Recommended for Ages 14 and Up.
Performs best on 18" radius curves or greater.