1875 B&O 2-6-0 "JC Davis" (B&O Railroad Museum)

Shortly after the Civil War, the United States experienced an industrial boom and the railroad industry established itself as the country's first big business. Unregulated business practices allowed investors and businessmen to acquire unheard of wealth. Paralleling the industry's success, locomotive technology continued to develop. In 1875, J.C. Davis, the Master of Machinery for the B&O, created the 2-6-0 freight locomotive. Due to the power and success of the railroad industry, these locomotives were known as "Moguls." 

Originally the 2-6-0's were designed for freight service; however Davis also decided to use the powerful and versatile locomotives for passenger service.

In 1884, during a renumbering system, the No. 600 was stripped of its original number and became the No. 918. In 1893, the No. 918 officially retired from service. During the Fair of the Iron Horse in 1927, the No. 918 was restored to its original number and given the name of its creator, J.C. Davis.

During the nation's centennial in Philadelphia, exhibits honored the nation's industrial progress. The B&O featured the No. 600 as a state of the art steam locomotive. There it won first prize for its attractive design and color scheme.

During the 2003 Roundhouse roof collapse at the B&O Railroad Museum, the No. 600 "J.C. Davis" was severely damaged.

That paint job though!

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