Power type Steam Configuration 2-8-2 | Builder ALCO, Baldwin, Lima UIC class 1′D1′ h2 | |
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Total produced 625 originals plus 641 copies Gauge 4 ft 8 ⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge | ||
The USRA Light Mikado was a USRA standard class of steam locomotive designed under the control of the United States Railroad Administration, the nationalized railroad system in the United States during World War I. This was the standard light freight locomotive of the USRA types, and was of 2-8-2 wheel arrangement in the Whyte notation, or 1′D1′ in UIC classification.
A total of 625 locomotives were built under the auspices of the USRA, with a further 641 copies built after the end of the USRA's control. The first, for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, was completed in July 1918 and given #4500. The locomotives were considered well designed and modern, and were popular and successful. Large numbers remained in service until replaced by diesel locomotives. It was also called the McAdoo Mikado after William Gibbs McAdoo, head of the USRA.
With later copies, over 50 railroads used the type, including the following:
Copies:
6 examples of the USRA light 2-8-2 built under the auspices of the USRA are preserved. These are Frisco 4003 at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Frisco 4018 at the Sloss Furness in Birmingham, Alabama, Nickel Plate Road 587 at the Indiana Transportation Museum in Noblesville, Indiana, Baltimore and Ohio 4500 at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, Grand Trunk Western 4070 at Midwest Railway Preservation Society in Cleveland, Ohio, and Union Pacific 2537 at Jefferson Park in Walla Walla, Washington.
Model Trains
LGB produced a Light Mikado from 2001-2004 in G scale in multiple fallen flag railroad names.
In HO scale, Broadway Limited Imports has made the USRA Light Mikado (and USRA Heavy Mikado), and it has been featured with a variety of roadnames since its release in 2004. Athearn produced the USRA Light Mikado in 2001, but it was discontinued around 2003. Bachmann has recently announced that they will be making the USRA Light Mikado in HO scale starting in early 2016. Mike's Train House (better known as MTH) produced a USRA light Mikado a few years ago when it was starting its HO scale line of trains.
Lionel Trains LLC has produced a Mikado as part of its O-27 scale line in recent years, as well as a light Mikado for its S-gauge "American Flyer" line. Both appear to be based on the USRA Light Mikado.