C&O 490

[CB&Q Fan]

I was going through old pictures and scanning them to disc and came across C&O 490. I am looking for the history of this locomotive. All I have found so far is that it was built by the Chesapeake & Ohio railroad in West Virginia for use in passenger service. The time frame I believe is the 50's. I am hoping one you C&O historians can point me in the right direction.

[chessie]

I have always admired the 490. I think it was an experimental coal turbine unit (?). I'd have to look it up to be sure...

Harold

[oldrk]

http://www.chessieshop.com/database/ndbsearch.pl?start=176&handoff=STREAMLINED%20C&stype=AND&sbc=1

http://www.steamlocomotive.com/bomuseum/co490.jpg


http://cgi.ebay.com/Norm-Wright-Customized-C-O-shielded-Hudson_W0QQitemZ320027794014QQihZ011QQcategoryZ486 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Some pictures

In 1946 four 25 year old F-19 C&O Pacifics were converted by the C&O to class L-1 Hudsons (490-493). They had stainless steel and orange shrouds. 490 was the only one to see service after 1950. Its orange cowl was repainted yellow. C&O crews called these locomotives Yellowbellies. 490 is now on display at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland

[BoxcabE50]

How did they perform after the conversion? Did the crews like them? Is the term "Yellowbellies" complimentary? Or their way of saying they didn't care for these locos?

:D

Boxcab E50