The History of B & O Passenger Cars

First Cars

In 1830, Richard Imlay, a Baltimore carriage maker, adapted his mail coach design for use with sets of wheels provided by the B&O. His first passenger car was named the Pioneer. A local newspaper review mentioned rooftop seats. The 15 foot car had 2 trucks (axles), seated 15 and weighed 2 tons. In 1833, the B&O installed reversible seat backs, so passengers would not have to ride backwards at such great speeds. By 1838, the double-truck (4 axle) passenger car was standard on all US railroads.

In 1856, B&O's chief mechanic designed a 4 axle car with seating for 50 under an arched ceiling that allowed tall people to stand straight in the center aisle. Small ventilator windows high on the car freshened the air inside without opening windows. Amenities included a toilet, water cooler, seat cushions, padded seat backs and footrests. The passenger compartment measured 40 feet in length, had wooden floor frames and sat on a wheelbase only 51 inches wide. The trucks had interlocking brakes.

In 1861, B&O operated 75 engines, 2,000 freight cars and 100+ passenger cars. B&O was capitalized in excess of $30 million. In the spring, the 6th Massachusetts Infantry en route to Washington fought its way through Confederate sympathizers in the streets of Camden, New Jersey to board the B&O. In May, Stonewall Jackson seized 300 B&O cars and 56 locomotives. In June, Jackson destroyed 42 engines at the B&O Martinsburg, Virginia yard. The B&O closed regular operations until September, 1863, when seven B&O trains transported 25,000 troops to hold Chattanooga after the Union lost at Chicamaugua.

In 1923, B&O launched all-Pullman New York to Washington and New York to Chicago service as a luxury market position. For day coach passengers who might otherwise drive, B&O gave careful attention to comfortable and generous dining cars. After the Wall Street crash of 1929, B&O discontinued unprofitable services and focused on amenities to retain ridership. By 1936, all passenger cars were air conditioned. The B&O borrowed under the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, which preceded the New Deal, to purchase streamline, lightweight passenger cars.

After World War II, few rail passenger cars were purchased. In 1949, B&O dropped 34 unprofitable runs, saving $2 million annually. In 1950, 20 passenger lines were dropped. By 1956, low bus fares on the new interstate highway system pushed rail passenger levels below the Depression Era. Long distance Pullman service was priced out of the market by low airfare. In 1970, to preserve remaining passenger service, Congress created the National Railroad Corporation. Amtrak took over all B&O passenger service in 1971.