The 4-8-0 or Twelve-Wheeler type was a rarity during the steam era of the twentieth century in North America. The Norfolk & Western, the last major steam holdout, owned 56 engines of this type as late as 1953. No. 444, shown in this photo taken at Cincinnati in September 1954, was a representative of class M, built by Baldwin and Richmond in 1906-1907. These engines weighed 206,200 pounds and mustered 40,163 pounds of tractive effort. They had 56-inch drivers, 21x30-inch cylinders, and 200 p.s.i. of boiler pressure. Note that the combination lever is behind the crosshead, the original position of this member in the Baker valve gear, whereas most later applications have the combination lever between the crosshead and the cylinder. Photos reveal that many examples of older N&W steam power retained this feature. Originally built for main line service, these 4-8-0s ended their years in branch line and switching duties. The photo by an unknown photographer was in my late brother's collection.