Prototype
Information:
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The
Heavy Mikado was "conceived" under
the auspices of the United States Railway Administration
(USRA), an agency established during WWI to
regulate the railroad industry during the war. |
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One
of the first undertakings of the USRA was to
develop locomotive (and rolling stock) designs
that the railroads could share. |
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This "common
design" program was highly successful
in streamlining production, and many USRA engines
were used long after the war was over, essentially "outliving" the
agency that conceived them. |
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The
USRA ultimately created 12 different steam
locomotive designs, including both the Heavy
Mikado and Light Mikado. |
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Both
the Light and Heavy Mikado used the same 63" drivers
and running gear, but the Heavy Mike had a
fatter boiler and put out more pounds on the
drivers. This resulted in a more powerful locomotive. |
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Under
the USRA's watch, 233 Heavy Mikados were built.
Including copies built later, the total number
of Heavy Mikes was 957 units, purchased originally
by 23 different railroads, primarily in freight
service. |
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Some
Mikado steam engine are still in service today,
employed mostly for tourist or railfan trips. |
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Model Features:
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