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Baldwin Locomotive Works : Overview

This guide is intended to help researchers worldwide discover available resources about Baldwin Locomotive Works in DeGolyer Library.

Historical Note

Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was the most successful builder of locomotives in the world. The company was founded by Matthias W. Baldwin, who was a jeweler before he began producing steam engines for locomotives in 1832. Over the years the company formed many partnerships, before filing for bankruptcy in 1972.

  • 1831 Matthias W. Baldwin
  • 1839 Baldwin, Vail & Hufty
  • 1841 Baldwin & Vail
  • 1842 Baldwin & Whitney
  • 1846 M. W. Baldwin
  • 1854 M. W. Baldwin & Company
  • 1867 M. Baird & Company
  • 1873 Burnham, Parry, Williams & Company
  • 1891 Burnham, Williams & Company
  • 1909 Baldwin Locomotive Works
  • 1911 The Baldwin Locomotive Works
  • 1951 Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton Corporation

Primary Resources in DeGolyer Library

The Collection of Baldwin Locomotive Works records, 1856-1956 contains the bulk of all Baldwin materials in the DeGolyer Library. Most research requests from railroad historians, locomotive restorers, and people who make model railroads ask for these specific resources:

Researchers can first look for their locomotive in these PDF files:

Erecting drawings – Over 4000 erecting drawings of locomotives are either a side elevation, cross section, or a combination of side elevation and cross section.

Detail drawings – Over 5700 detail drawings for locomotives include various parts of the locomotive.

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