One of the L&N Railroad's notable "Big Emma" 2-8-4s, Baldwin M-1 class 1964, appears clean and freshly painted in this 1954 view at Barbourville, KY. The train is approaching the Cumberland Avenue crossing, with the town's business district off to the right. That’s old US 25E on the left. This is most likely a northbound (loaded) Loyall Turn, since the white flags denote an extra (unscheduled) train. Three miles ahead the 1954 will stop at Baileys long enough for a sister Big Emma to nuzzle up behind the caboose for a dramatic and thunderous assault on Emanuel Hill. L&N never called these engines "Berkshires," as did most other roads that owned the wheel arrangement. Some discussion was held in the early '40s at company headquarters to call them "Cumberlands," but nothing official came of it. "Big Emma" was a nicknamed bestowed by engine crews on L&N's "KY," between Corbin and DeCoursey/Cincinnati. They operated there the longest, between 1942 and 1956. Those who ran them offered nothing but the highest praise, so clearly they were the best, and last of L&N steam power. (John Krave Photo)
