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I have a BLI USRA Heavy Mikado factory-painted for the C&O. I got the engine as a gift and then did some research. Problem is, to the best of my knowledge the C&O never ran any USRA Heavy Mikados (well done there, BLI). I know the C&O had the in-house modified K-1, K-2, K-3, and K-3a class Mikados, but apparently no USRA spec ones to be seen. I want to modify and detail my Mike as either a K-2 or K-3 class engine, but I haven't been able to find some good info or images of what needs to be added or taken away. :| Has anyone kitbashed or custom built a C&O Mikado? or possibly have a brass one they can show some pics of? Not really sure how to get started on this project. Any help is appreciated. Thanks! 
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Perhaps this may help. I don't have a photo of the other side handy.
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Awesome! Thank you. Excellent looking engine. That helps quite a bit. Did you modify that yourself/is it a brass model?
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The Photo appears to be a class K3A. It was one of the heaviest built. I think it should have a Vanderbilt tender. You might try the C&O Historical Society. <!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.cohs.org">www.cohs.org</a><!-- w -->. I am sure they can help you with info and photos. I have some builders photos I will try to scan and send you.
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Kanawha, it is a brass loco, with no added details. Lester, the K3a's were indeed delivered with Vanderbilt tenders, but in 1930 29 of them received larger tenders, as on my model. The model was made available with both tenders, and I would have liked to have one of each, but couldn't afford two! I have C&O Power, and referred to it when selecting a road #, of the 50 bought, 25 had Elesco heaters and 25 has Worthington, I made sure to use a suitable #.
I took a few minutes tonight to take a picture of the other side, and am including a front shot as well. I just love those flying pumps!
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Indeed, that Mike's a real beauty. Thanks for the info! 
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Sorry, I quess I need to read more. I have the same book and love it. It is showing a lot of wear. It is no longer in print. Back to the topic. Check out C.O.H.S. they will be able to help. That is one beautiful loco. I guess I can dream
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Lester Perry Wrote:It is showing a lot of wear
Heh. I thought to scan a page from the book, but if I tried to open the book that wide, I'd have a lot of loose pages! I handle it with kids gloves! C&O steam is the best. Too bad I want to model the northeast!
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K3a, with vanderbilt tender, Bachmann has both sizes of this tender. I believe the one pictured is the larger 16,000 GAL version.
http://www.yesteryeardepot.com/CO2342.JPG
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That is one gorgeous loco...A real brute....But..
Whatever happened to the brass bell..?? 
Gus (LC&P).
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jglfan Wrote:C&O steam is the best. Too bad I want to model the northeast!
I have to agree with you on C&O steam. For most they have a definite look that says C&O POWER. I feel they could be called handsome locomotives. I model it because I grew up with C&O. Grandfather, Uncle, Cousin & Great Uncle. My father failed physical because he was color blind. I failed physical because I have an extra vertebrae in my lower back. I guess I must bleed enchantment blue & yellow.
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We always learn far more from our own mistakes, than we will ever learn from another's advice.
The greatest place to live life, is on the sharp leading edge of a learning curve.
Lead me not into temptation.....I can find it myself!
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[quote="Steamtrains"]Whatever happened to the brass bell..?? [/quote
Well, I may well be wrong, but as I looked at photos in both C&O Power and some shots I bought of #1254, it seemed the bell was painted, at least the tones in the black and white pics looked the same as the smokebox front. Revisiting the photos, I do find some where it looks like brass. I had assumed that perhaps only passenger power had brass bells and freight power had painted ones. Does anyone know for sure?
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All this has got me looking back at a project long on the shelf. A pair of C&O K2 Mikados. I had intended on using the Athearn USRA light, for a basis. The wheel base , and drivers are perfect, the boiler is just the slightest bit.....yeah, light.
The major changes would be the shape of the cab, the addition of Delta trailing trucks with boosters ( not all k2's had boosters, or elesco's ), Elesco feedwater heaters "on the brow", and a larger sand dome.
I'm thinking that the sand dome could be filled with lead shot, and the addition of two air pumps, and the feedwater heater, just might make it nose heavy enough to offset the Athearn's imbalance, and improve tractive effort. Not to mention the improved "look" of the beast.
I'll have to dig a bit to find the K2 drawing from Mainline Modeler. I don't have the magazine any longer, just the drawing.
Lester Perry Wrote:I have to agree with you on C&O steam. For most they have a definite look that says C&O POWER. I feel they could be called handsome locomotives.
.....and none more powerful looking than the H8 Allegheny.
We always learn far more from our own mistakes, than we will ever learn from another's advice.
The greatest place to live life, is on the sharp leading edge of a learning curve.
Lead me not into temptation.....I can find it myself!
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Sumpter250 Wrote:All this has got me looking back at a project long on the shelf. A pair of C&O K2 Mikados. I had intended on using the Athearn USRA light, for a basis. The wheel base , and drivers are perfect, the boiler is just the slightest bit.....yeah, light.
The major changes would be the shape of the cab, the addition of Delta trailing trucks with boosters ( not all k2's had boosters, or elesco's ), Elesco feedwater heaters "on the brow", and a larger sand dome.
I'm thinking that the sand dome could be filled with lead shot, and the addition of two air pumps, and the feedwater heater, just might make it nose heavy enough to offset the Athearn's imbalance, and improve tractive effort. Not to mention the improved "look" of the beast.
I'll have to dig a bit to find the K2 drawing from Mainline Modeler. I don't have the magazine any longer, just the drawing.
Lester Perry Wrote:I have to agree with you on C&O steam. For most they have a definite look that says C&O POWER. I feel they could be called handsome locomotives.
.....and none more powerful looking than the H8 Allegheny.
That sounds interesting I have 2 of them myself. I might try that on one of them. If I am successful I might try the second.
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I have used more than enough "Brasso" ! in my own lifetime.