Pigtown in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Chessie's Famous "Big Mike"
C&O NO. 2705
— Built by American Locomotive Co., 1943-C&O Class K-4, 2-8-4 type —
Photographed By Don Morfe, April 16, 2011
1. The Chessie's Famous "Big Mike" Marker
“Steam’s finest hour” was one railroad writer’s summation of the superb locomotives built on the eve of the diesel era---and this sophisticated brute was one of the reasons why. An excellent example of “superpower” design, it was capable of turning out high horsepower at sustained speed without running out of steam. Big but flexible, No. 2705 and 89 identical C&O 2-8-4 locomotives were equally comfortable with coal drags, merchandisers, and main line passenger trains.
C&O modern fleet of 2-8-4’s was built to handle booming wartime traffic and supplant obsolescent 2-8-2 Mikados. They were based on almost-identical powerful, high-speed freighters of two other C&O affiliates---the Nickel Plate Road and the Pere Marquette.
Called “Berkshires” elsewhere, the big 2-8-4’s were “Kanawhas” on C&O---named for the West Virginia river that winds through its territory. But to their affectionate and admiring crews, they were simply called “Big Mikes”
Engine weight: 230 tons
Driver diameter: 69 inches
Cylinders: 26 x 34 inches
Tractive effort: 69,350 pounds (without booster) 83,750 pounds (with booster)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed.
this page online
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Mount Clare Shops (a few steps from this marker); The Underground Railroad (a few steps from this marker); The National Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Old Relay Station and Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); First Stone of the Balt. & Ohio Rail Road (within shouting distance of this marker); The Car That Carried Ike on His Last Trip (within shouting distance of this marker); Pullman Troop Sleeper No. 7437 (within shouting distance of this marker); Luther G. Smith (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Photographed By Don Morfe, April 16, 2011
2. The Chessie's Famous "Big Mike" Marker
Photographed By Don Morfe, April 16, 2011
3. The Chessie's Famous "Big Mike" Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 484 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 9, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
