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!
C&O No. 490 Hudson:
Wednesday 8/19, Saturday 8/22, Sunday 8/23 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
This August, we invite you inside the cab of the C&O No. 490, one of the most popular engines in the B&O Railroad Museum 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 B&O Railroad Museum for a behind-the-scenes look at this fan-favorite engine!
You may also like the following events from B&O Railroad Museum:
Also check out other
Workshops in Baltimore.
