The E-27 was the last class of 2-8-0 Consolidations acquired by Baltimore and Ohio in 1905. These were the first 2-8-0s built specifically for the B&O. All the other 2-8-0s prior to the E27s were acquired secondhand from railroads the B&O had absorbed. A total of (228) E27’s were produced. They were so large, they were almost as big as the railroad’s ‘Q’ Class 2-8-2s. Saddled high above (8) 60″ drive wheels, they steamed at 205psi and produced a massive 49,000 lbs of tractive effort. They were usually assigned to the districts and branches where the track was too light to handle larger, heavier locomotives. In 1923, a total of (165) E27s were put though a major upgrade, increasing boiler pressure to 215, and tractive effort pushed up to 50,800 lbs. By the mid 1950s, they had been displaced by modern diesels and switchers.
Unfortunately, none of the (228) E27’s were saved.
B&O E27 Consolidation set includes: Engine and Tender