By Railfan & Railroad Staff

BALTIMORE — The B&O Railroad Museum has completed the restoration of a historic streamlined diesel locomotive: EA 51. The Electro-Motive built in 1937 was the first streamlined diesel-electric.

The restoration took five years, according to museum officials. The restoration team even built an “English wheel tool” to recreate the curved stainless steel ornament on the front of the locomotive that gives it its modern art deco lines.

“This was a labor of love for all of us at the B&O,” said Kris Hoellen, Executive Director. “The Museum’s restoration team are true artists and of course, mega railroad fans. We are proud to bring such an important and beautiful locomotive back to her original glory when she rolled out in 1937 and thrilled to share this important piece of American railroad history with everyone.”

The locomotive will be on display inside the B&O Roundhouse along with its original blueprints during the month of February. For more information, visit BORail.org.