12/07/2025
Happy 100th Birthday, Locomotive No. 40!
One century ago this week, No. 40 rolled out of the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, beginning a journey that would span states, railroads, and generations. Yesterday, our team celebrated the milestone with cake — and our Steam CMO, Grayson, ensured No. 40 shared in the festivities… with a little help from the firebox.
Completed on December 2, 1925, the 2-8-0 “Consolidation” entered service just three days later on the Lancaster & Chester Railroad in South Carolina. It served there until after WWII, then moved to the Cliffside Railroad in North Carolina, working as a switcher until its retirement in 1962. After its freight career ended, No. 40 headed north — first to Wilmington, then St. Clair, PA — before arriving in Bucks County in 1966. Restored in the 1970s and rebuilt again in 1990, it has been the heart of our fleet ever since, pulling excursions and creating memories for thousands of riders.
There are still plenty of chances this month to ride behind this iconic engine aboard Santa’s Steam Train. Tickets and details are available at newhoperailroad.com. Here’s to the next century of steam at the New Hope Railroad!
📸 Mark Turkovich
