Great Northern Class O-8 Mikado

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum but have subscribed to "Trains" for over 30 years. I'm looking for information on Great Northern's O-8 Mikados. I thought "Trains" had even run a piece on them, but I have not been able to find the article in my back issues of the magazine. (They go back to 1973.) Can anyone offer assistance?

Thank you!

AndyE

[Anonymous]

CLASS O * MIKADO * 2-8-2

The popular Mikado (2-8-2) was best exemplified on Great Northern by the celebrated O-8. The first three engines in this sub-class (3397-3399) were GN-built in 1932, and were the only locomotives constructed in the U.S. that year for domestic service. The O-8 was not only the heaviest Mikado type ever built, but the heaviest on axle of any steam locomotive, aggregating 81,250 pounds per axle. Originally designed steam pressure was 280 pounds, but this was later reduced to 250 pounds. Twenty-two rebuilt O-7's joined the O-8 class in 1944-46.

[kenneo]

Didn't the GN have more that 25 O-8 class engines? I understand that they were supposed to replace most of their older articulated steam engines, but they came along too late to do that.

[Anonymous]

It just so happens I'm currently looking for info on GN Class O-8's too. The Trains article is in the January 1969 issue. I don't have it and it's not orderable from the Trains website though I have sent them an email asking if a reprint of the article is availble.

Good luck finding it.

Bill

[kenneo]

Try your local library. If you live near a large city, their system will have the magazine, and it may be available from the storage stacks if you ask for it.