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.
