Urban switcher-steamers in Baltimore

[DigitalGriffin]

When steam was still around, what did they use as industry switchers in downtown Baltimore?

Did they have tank engines? What would be the closest approximation I could kitbash?

[ndbprr]

the classic 0-4-0 saddle tank switcher done by a number of manyfacturers is a B&O prototype. not being a B&O follower I can't answer your question about downtown but they were used in the Baltimore dock area for sure.

[dehusman]

Most railroads used 0-4-0's and 0-6-0's with tenders. Tank engines were used on occaision and there were a couple locations the curves and trackage was such a tight fit the B&O need those 0-4-0T's. But they were only used in Baltimore on the docks. Everyplace else it was conventional tender engines.

Dave H.

[jimrice4449]

Oh boy have I been at this a while? Back in olden times in MRRing EVERYBODY had B&O "Dockside" switcher. Varney started it in HO right after WWII w/ a cute little 0-4-0 tank switcher for $15 and it's no exageration to say that it was the UNIVERSAL HO engine. Other manufcturers brought them out in N, S and O. It's no stretch to say that there were probably hundreds of thousands of the things(B&O owned 2 real ones, both used in the Baltimore waterfront.) I haven't seen one offered in years but given the vast number built you might be able to pick one up on eBay.