This May, we are unlocking a staple of the Roundhouse: the B&O No. 21 passenger coach!
The B&O No. 21 was built for the Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ) by the Wason Manufacturing Company in 1868. It is similar to the passenger coaches used by the B&O and other railroads during the Civil War. The car was acquired by the B&O for the 1927 Fair of the Iron Horse, and it was later featured in several pageants, fairs, and motion picture films.
Though luxurious for its time, the No. 21 would be very uncomfortable by modern standards. Come visit this historic coach to experience what it was like to travel on the 19th century railroad!
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 car can answer any additional questions about the history and physical description of the rail car. Small children must be accompanied by an adult guardian at all times.
Admission:
Included with Museum Admission. Museum Members FREE.
America 250: Unlocked
Celebrate America’s Story—One Railcar at a Time
The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation’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 Museum Member and receive free admission for each collection piece. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the doors on these historic pieces!
Step inside the complete 2026 series!
American Freedom Train (AFT) No. 1
January 24, 25, & 28
The AFT No. 1 toured the United States with the 1975-1976 American Freedom Train in celebration of the United States Bicentennial.
B&O No. 3316 Pullman “Washington” Observation Tavern Car
February 25, 28 & March 1
Used on the Capitol Limited and other premier B&O passenger trains in the mid-20th century, the No. 3316 “Washington” observation tavern car represented the pinnacle of luxury rail.
B&O No. 600 John C. Davis
March 18, 21 & 22
Produced by B&O Master of Machinery in 1875, the No. 600 was the first “Mogul” type railroad intended for passenger services, and the largest locomotive in the world at the time.
B&O No. CE-10 Electric Switcher
April 15, 18 & 19
The B&O No. CE-10 once traversed the sharp turns and narrow street of Fells Point. Put into service at the dawn of the 20th century, the fully-electric locomotive was a revolution in green technology.
B&O No. 21 Passenger Coach
May 20, 23 & 24
Built by the Wason Manufacturing Company in 1868, the B&O No. 21 resembles the daytime passenger coach used by civilians and military personnel during the Civil War.
MARC No. 7100
June 17, 20 & 21
Built by GM-EMD in 1951, the MARC No. 7100’s diesel engine was replaced with a “head-end-power plant” in 1980. Now operating as an Auxiliary Power Control Unit (APCU), the No. 7100 is used solely for powering a train’s electrical systems.
American Freedom Train (AFT) No. 1
July 4, 15, 18 & 19
The AFT No. 1 will be unlocked again in honor of the nation’s 250th Independence Day, and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1975-1976 American Freedom Train.
C&O No. 490 Hudson
August 19, 22 & 23
Built by ALCO in 1926, the C&O No. 490 was one of the last passenger locomotives to operate on the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Nicknamed the “Yellowbelly,” this “Hudson” type locomotive is recognized for its stylish streamlined body.
B&O No. 445 “Royal Blue Coach”
September 16, 19 & 20
Built by the Pullman Company c.1890, the B&O No. 445 passenger coach was rebuilt in 1927 to represent a car from the B&O’s flagship Royal Blue passenger train.
B&O No. 3528
October 21, 24 & 25
Built in 1923 and retired in 1983, the B&O No. 3528 heavyweight coach was the last commercial passenger car to service former-B&O lines.
B&O No. 147 “Thatcher Perkins”
November 20, 21 & 22
Designed to traverse the steep Allegheny Mountains and unveiled in 1863, the B&O No. 147 “Thatcher Perkins” began its career pulling military trains for the Union Army.
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For the ultimate ticket to explore every hidden gem in the series!
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