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Could't help peruse Lionel's 2014 catalog this morning. I noticed the listed length for the new Heavy Mikado at 30" which seems out of line when comparing it to the H-7 and Y3 2-8-8-2's and Steam Turbine that are listed as 30" as well. I am not familiar with the Heavy Mikado so is the Lionel listed length accurate? The listing does claim that the minimum radius is 054.

Any input here?

 

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Wes

 

30 inches is a mistake. 20 is closer.

 

The MTH version of the USRA light mike is listed at 21".  Lionel's version of the old K-Line light mike in from the 2011 catalog is listed at 20 3/4".  Lionel appears to be using the same 8 wheel tender and running gear from the light mike with a new boiler for their heavy Mikado.  The overall length should be similar to the light mike models.

 

The USRA Mikado and Pacific models are great for many layouts because they give operators the option of having a scale model that is about the same size as a post-war classic like the 726 Berkshire.  Be advised that the newer scale models may have broader curve requirements.  MTH lists their light mike as O-42.  Lionel lists the light mike as O-36 but the heavy mike is in this catalog as O-54.  Those curve requirements tend to be conservative and I wouldn't be surprised to hear that the heavy mike can handle less than O-54.

 

 

 

 

Originally Posted by Ted Hikel:

 Those curve requirements tend to be conservative and I wouldn't be surprised to hear that the heavy mike can handle less than O-54.

 

 

 

 

I have found that to be true as well. I have been able to get an MTH premier PRR J-1 and T-1 to negotiate O-48. They are both listed as O-72. Many of Lionel's engines listed for O-54 will easily do O-48.

A really impressive new catalog, in particular for including the Heavy mikado, and I expect the Lionel follow-up next issue will be just as impressive for many.

 

Unfortunately I have reached the point where being old and lame I am disposing of my trains instead of buying. Five years I ago would have purchased one of the very expensive catalogued USRA Heavy Mikados and spent additionally to modify it to more closely resemble a Southern Ms-4 Class 2-8-2 [relocate/remove a few things, generator, Worthington, etc, mount an Elesco Feedwater Heater atop the smoke box and ship it off to Jeff Sohn for decoration and paint according to Southern's freight engine scheme as posted in TIES]. 

 

I griped and begged for over 20 years trying to get one imported to no avail. But nowadays, if operating at all on my small layout, I will be reduced to 5-6 engines running 7 car freights and 4-5 car passenger consists behind 2-8-0s and Ten Wheelers or a stinking lone A diesel. Anyway, the Household Domestic CEO monitors the IRA/401 income much more closely than in the past and I am afraid no degree of sneaking and lying would work for a costly Mikado + $$physical upgrade.

 

Nevertheless, I am glad to see Lionel finally importing a Heavy 2-8-2 and perhaps the very active O-gauger who bought my 990 Legacy System a few weeks past will spring for one.

Last edited by Dewey Trogdon

I saw one today in the new catalog, and was pleased to discover the CNJ among the road names listed, though I was a bit disappointed that it was the "C.R.R. of N.J." rather than the later "Miss Liberty" that they've put on the camelbacks.

 

Well, that's nothing a little paint and some CDS dry transfers can't fix. And since the real one likely would have been over-painted, I don't have to remove the old lettering, as it showing through will make it all the more authentic.

 

Way to go Lionel! Now, about those Baldwin double-enders.........

According to the schematics in "Southern Steam Power", the 4800 series SRR Ms-4 Heavy Mikado engine is 2'-2" longer than the 4500 series SRR Ms-4501 when measured from pilot axle center to trailing truck center. Overall [engine +tender], the Heavy is 82'-0-3/4" and the Ms Light 77'-0-7/8" measured pilot to rear coupler. 

The Heavy's boiler has 32% greater heating surface than the Light Mikado.

Last edited by Dewey Trogdon

I wished we could get one of the company's Lionel or MTH to do a C&O K-3 or K-3a Mikado. When I was a kid there was a K-3 with a short Vandy Tender, and all the rest were of the 26tons coal and 21,00o gal h20 vintage, that use to come into my home town. I'd see them on a daily basis. Lionel could do it pretty easy, as they already did the F-19 Pacific, and could use that boiler front, and boiler and tender from their 2-8-4 Berks. Shorten a F-19 tender and also do an K-2. Now guys those K-3/K-3a were some Heavy Mikados.  

I saw that 30 inch listing and just knew it was complete claptrap.  Lionel has never had really good proofreading of its catalog listings, in my experience.  In that same catalog, I think the length listed for the M1a (30 1/2") is also off: its more likely 23 - 26 inches long.  

 

Anyway, I decided to pass on pre-ordering both.  They are scale or very close enough, I suspect, and both are about the size (around 20-252 inches I expect) that works out best on my layout, but I've never really liked the look of Mikados, and the MIa is nice by PRR is not my thing . . . so while both will be fine locos, no doubt, even if not 30 inches long, neither is worth $1300 to me.  

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