Following stints with several prominent railroads and locomotive manufacturers, Matthias N. Forney went to work for the Illinois Central Railroad in 1861, where he designed and patented the first of the "Forney" types of locomotives. Characterized by a trailing truck positioned under the coal bunker/water tank, Forney designs integrated the locomotive and fuel bunker on to one frame, allowing for smooth operation in tight curves. Ideal for fast-paced railroad operation, Forney's were produced by many locomotive manufacturers to serve urban elevated railroads and narrow gauge short lines during the middle to late steam era. Two examples are the Baldwin 2-4-4, offered in inside and outside-frame versions.

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