USRA Light Mikado

USRA Light Mikado
Type and origin
Power type	Steam
Builder	ALCO, Baldwin, Lima
Total produced	625 originals plus 641 copies
Specifications
Configuration	2-8-2
UIC classification	1′D1′ h2
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Leading wheel diameter	33 in (0.84 m)
Driver diameter	63 in (1.60 m)
Trailing wheel diameter	43 in (1.09 m)
Wheelbase	locomotive: 36 ft 1 in (11.00 m) + tender: 71 ft 4 1⁄2 in (21.76 m)
Weight on drivers	220,000 lb (99,800 kg)[1]
Locomotive weight	292,000 lb (132,000 kg)[1]
Fuel type	Coal
Boiler pressure	200 psi (1.38 MPa)
Cylinders	Two
Cylinder size	26 in × 30 in (660 mm × 760 mm)
Valve gear	Walschaerts
Performance figures
Tractive effort	54,724 lbf (243.42 kN)
Career
Preserved	121

General arrangement drawing.

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 USRA Light Mikado type locomotive donated to the Museum of Transportation by the Chicago and Illinois Midland Railway

A total of 625 locomotives were built under the auspices of the USRA,^[1] 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:

References