Prototype Information:

The Heavy Mikado was conceived under the auspices of the United States Railway Administration abbreviated 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 twelve different steam locomotive designs, including both the Heavy Mikado and Light Mikado.

Both the Light and Heavy Mikado used the same 63 inch 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 locomotives are still in service today, employed mostly for tourist or railfan trips.

Model Featurers:

Kato's 20th anniversary Paint Scheme

Improved Electrical Pick up on all wheels

Kato Magnetic Knuckle coupler on the tender

Semi Auto Coupler on Pilot for Double Heading