Class (locomotive) - Class Names

Class Names

Most locomotives were given simple codes, but some classes were named, formally or not.

  • The Union Pacific Big Boy class was said to have been given that name when it was scrawled on the smokebox of one at the factory.
  • The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad P-7 class was referred to as the "President" class because initially each locomotive had the name of a U.S. President on the cab.
  • Also on the B&O, the S and S-1 classes were referred to as "Big Sixes" because the road numbers began with 6.

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