The first big order of the New York Elevated were fifty 0-4-0 saddle tank locomotives built by Baldwin. After the first tram locomotives built for trials only weighed ten tons, these were considerably heavier, but still small. They had cylinders of 12 by 14 inches and weighed 30 tons when fully loaded.
Deliveries started in 1878 and each locomotive was normally coupled to four bogie cars. They were followed by 50 larger Baldwin 0-4-0ST and by 0-4-4T Forneys. Steam traction ended after electrification of the elevated in 1902 and 1903. 