Prototype
Information: - 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.
- One
of the first undertakings of the USRA was to develop locomotive (and rolling stock)
designs that the railroads could share.
- 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.
- The USRA ultimately
created 12 different steam locomotive designs, including both the Heavy Mikado
and Light Mikado.
- 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.
- 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.
- Some Mikado steam engine
are still in service today, employed mostly for tourist or railfan trips.
| Model
Features: - Kato would like to thank all of you
who have been supporting Kato's products for the last 20 years. As a 20th anniversary
model, Kato has selected the USRA 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado to celebrate this special
occasion.
- Original 20th anniversary Kato locomotive paint scheme
- All
detail parts factory installed
- Kato magnetic knuckle coupler on tender
- Double
Heading capability
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