Designed and intended as a significant part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad’s march into post-war luxury travel, the steam-turbo-electric Class M-1 was taken from drawing board to reality in an era that marked the end of production of steam reciprocating locomotives and the evolution of the diesel locomotive as the primary power source, especially for first-class, high-speed passenger service. Rather than diesel power, the Chesapeake and Ohio opted for a coal-fueled locomotive true to the roots of the region that was home to this railroad’s heritage. In 1946, the Chesapeake and Ohio orderd three steam-turbo-electrics to power high-speed passenger service.

The C&O turbine served for several years in both passenger and freight service. Memorable in the history of the American locomotive, built from actual railroad drawings and data, Challenger and Samhongsa combine their efforts to bring you two true monster locomotives, memorable for size, design, and color.

C&O yellow, dove gray, and silver, our two versions will be:

2296.1 Chesapeake and Ohio Steam-Turbo-Electric Class M-1. Locomotive #500. As delivered configuration with solid forward hood doors at front of locomotive.

2297.1 Chesapeake and Ohio Steam-Turbo-Electric Class M-1. Locomotive #501. Including replacement modification of solid forward hood doors by screened forward hood doors made necessary to provide adequate ventilation