First Steam Journeys

Early Locomotives of the Panama Railroad: During its initial years of operation, the Panama Railroad used various models of steam locomotives, which were at the height of their development during the second half of the 19th century. The first model to operate on the railroad was the 4-4-0 with 54" drive wheels, built by Portland Locomotive Works. Ten units of this model were constructed between 1852 and 1856. Later, a small fleet of Baldwin locomotives, also in the 4-4-0 configuration, was introduced.

When the railroad came under French control during the existence of the Universal Company of the Panama Canal, 0-6-0 locomotives, such as the "Reclus" built by Hinkley and Williams Works, and 4-4-0 locomotives manufactured by Danforth Cooke were acquired. During the construction of both the French and American canal projects, a variety of steam locomotives with different track gauges were used, a topic that will be covered in a future installment.