It is generally thought the first photograph was taken in 1826. In 1829 the first practical steam locomotive was produced. You can then say that for the next 120 years, B&W photography and steam locomotives grew up together. After 1950, however they both started to fade from the consciousness of the public. Both were thought old fashioned and due for replacement. Lets face it, we do not see in black and white; it is a limitation of the technology and diesel is so much cleaner then steam.
And yet…
B&W and steam are forever going to be a perfect match.