B&O Unlocked: B&O No. 1961 Speedliner/BUDD Car

This June, visitors of the B&O Railroad Museum are invited to climb inside the iconic B&O No. 1961 Speedliner, also known as the BUDD Car.

This self-propelled streamliner revolutionized rail travel as a Rail Diesel Car (RDC) developed by the BUDD Company in 1949.

In 1956, the B&O recognized its potential, ordering two RDC trains for long-distance journeys. These innovative cars weren’t just sleek; they were believed to be more efficient, especially for short-haul commuter services in areas with lower traffic density.

Over the years, these RDCs transformed commuting, refining routes and even eliminating certain stops. The result? A remarkable 90-minute reduction in commuter run times, reshaping the way people traveled.

Join us in June to discover the legacy of the B&O No. 1961 Speedliner.

Tours:

Tours will be available between 10 AM – 4 PM.

Please note: This tour requires participants to climb stairs and walk on uneven pathways. A virtual tour will be available on-site via QR code. Docent Tour Guides stationed near the car can answer any additional questions about the history and physical description of the rail car. Small children must be accompanied by an adult guardian at all times.

Admission:

Included with Museum Admission. FREE for B&O Members.
Visit on Wednesday, June 12 for $10 Admission Day!

More about the B&O Unlocked Series

Prepare to step into a world of exclusive access to a remarkable collection!

While these historical marvels have been glimpsed from afar, their doors have remained closed to most… until 2024. Each month the B&O Railroad Museum will be choosing an item from the museum collection and be unlocking it for a limited time.

Secure your seat on this unprecedented journey through history by purchasing a B&O Membership — the ultimate ticket to explore and experience every hidden gem among these iconic trains. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the rails to history!

Step inside the complete 2024 series!

No. CE-15 Tunnel Clearance Car

January 10, 13 & 14

The CE-15, nicknamed the porcupine, stands as a testament to innovation, marking a pivotal moment in locomotive design with its groundbreaking features.

Learn More

MARC No. 7100

February 14, 17 & 18

We’re celebrating this iconic locomotive for its pivotal role in modernizing commuter rail travel.

Learn More

SEH No. 4 “St. Elizabeth”

March 13, 16 & 17

The SEH No. 4 – known affectionately as the “St. Elizabeth” or “Little Lizzie” — was one of the last steam locomotives ever produced in the United States.

Learn More

B&O No. 908 “John T. Collinson” Office Car

April 10, 13 & 14

Before the era of private jets, the No. 908 was the pinnacle of luxury travel for business executives, celebrities, and politicians.

Learn More

PEPCO No. 43

May 8, 11 & 12

This exceptional locomotive isn’t your ordinary steam engine—it’s a unique “fireless” steam locomotive crafted by Heisler Works in Erie, PA.

Learn More

B&O No. 1961 Speedliner/BUDD Car

June 12, 15 & 16

This self-propelled streamliner revolutionized rail travel as a Rail Diesel Car (RDC) developed by the BUDD Company in 1949.

Learn More

B&O No. C-1775 Wooden Bobber Caboose

July 10, 13 & 14

Named for their bumpy and unstable riding conditions, “bobbers” served as business offices, mobile lookout towers, and sleeping quarters.

Learn More

B&O No. 7701 “Dreamland Sleeper”

August 14, 17 & 18

From a time when rail passenger services faced fierce competition from airlines and automobiles the BUDD Slumbercoaches were innovative creations designed to counter this threat.

Learn More

Pere Marquette No. 11 Diesel Switcher

September 11, 14 & 15

The PM No. 11 stands as a diesel switcher, purpose-built to navigate rail yards and industrial parks across short distances.

Learn More

B&O No. 1083 Pullman Diner

October 9, 12 & 13

The No. 1083 is no ordinary diner — it boasts a streamlined exterior reminiscent of the mid-century, while its interior design harks back to the 1940s.

Learn More

Domino No. 50 “Sweet Toot” Switcher

November 6, 9 & 10

The “Sweet Toot” was the powerhouse responsible for maneuvering freight cars loaded with liquid and granulated sugar within the confines of the iconic Domino Sugar refinery in Baltimore.

Learn More