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Locomotives - 2-8-2 Articles

A USRA Mikado in Brass 1

This article starts a series in which the author shows how to scratchbuild a steam locomotive in HO-scale. This article discusses the tools needed, finding suitable drive wheels, gears and gearing, motors, and frame design. Also includes a parts listing.

A USRA Mikado in Brass 2

This installment covers the construction of the frame and drivers.

A USRA Mikado in Brass 4

This installment covers the engine's trucks and coupler.

A USRA Mikado in Brass 5

This installment covers the boiler and cab construction.

A USRA Mikado in Brass 7

This installment covers running gear and frame details, including pilot construction.

A USRA Mikado in Brass 8

The series concludes with this installment that covers the construction of the tender.

B&O's Light Mikado #4500

This locomotive was the first of all the USRA designs. Includes a prototype photos and scaled drawings.

D&RGW Standard-gauge Mikados

Variations on individual engines maintain a family appearance. Many prototype photos of Mikados.

Fabricating a USRA Mikado

The author started with a Tyco Mikado kit and shows how he super-detailed and painted it.

Glacier Park Mike

Painting a black Great Northern. Includes two GN prototype photos.

Illinois Central Mikado

History, photos, and scaled drawings of this engine.

Modeling a Frisco USRA 2-8-2

The article describes how the author bought a PRR Akane brass engine, and converted it into the Frisco model.

Modeling a Northern Pacific W-3 Mikado

After a brief history about the engine, the author describes how he super-detailed a Rivarossi USRA Mikado. What is interesting about this article, even if you are not interested in this particular prototype, is that there are lots of close-up detail photos with each of the parts identified by name. A great way to learn more about steam locomotives in general.

Modeling PRR L1S #520

The author starts with modeling the 90F81A BLI L1S tender.

NYC Class Ho10a 2-8-2

Photos, history, and drawings (S-scale) of this NYC engine as built by Lima.

Painting a Brass Steam Locomotive

The author takes you through all the steps required to paint a brass steam locomotive.

Repowering Mantua's Camelback Mikado

The author describes how he upgraded the engine's motor with a Sagami can motor.

Soo Line #1003

History and photos of the Soo Line #1003, which is a 2-8-2 L-1 class Mikado steam locomotive built by Alco in 1913. Includes a scaled diagram.

Southern Ry.'s Ms-4 Mikados

Prototype photos and scaled drawings accompany this brief article.

The Last PRR Two-Digit Steamer

PRR #26 was the last L1 in the system with a two-digit number. This brief article includes many photos of the engine in action.

What's on Your Workbench?

In progress photo of a Denver and Salt Lake 400 series Mikado the author is building.