Hi all:

Received my new NYC 2-8-2 H6 Mikado Steamer (37970) today. All functions perform very well, just top speed is a bit slow [xx(] - although decoder is adjusted to maximum speed. Slow in relation to my new BR18.4 Orient Express Loco (she's really fast, just as her name implies), or even my new ALCO PA-1 Diesel Freighter, who's still a tad faster. Well, all moving parts are o.k., loco runs fine, she's reasonably oiled, gave her a short break-in, too ...

In your opinion, what may be the cause for that relatively slow top speed:

1. It is a Freight Steamer and as such imitats same low top speed as Prototype, and gear ratio is according to that ?

2. That new can-type motors don't run faster ?

3. Who from us owns same model, what are your experiences ?

4. What was the Prototype's top speed ? (did a lot of Googling, couldn't find any information)

Perhaps speed is as it should ...

Many Thanks
John

John:
Doing a little more searching. Found this site: http://www.o-keating.com/rrt2/locomotives.htm
Go almost to the bottom of the page for the Mikado. It says the top speed was 55mph/87kph

John:
I didn't realize it until after I had sent you the link, but that site is from the "Railroad Tycoon" game. It appears to be authorititive, though. Most of those games have pretty good data in them. I'm not sure now if the 55/87 is max speed or normal road speed, but either way it is a slow freight lok.

John,
Found this link.
http://www.mikado1244.ch/englisch/technik.htm
These locos were brought to Europe by the USATC in 1944/45.
AFAIK they were built by the Canadian Alco plant MLW, now being a part of Bombardier.
Top speed is rated at 100kph=62.5mph.

Regards,
Manfred

Manfred, many thanks for that link - nice web site, and great help from your side, too [:p] !!!
Well, I guess the MONTREAL LOCOMOTIVE WORKS version of BALDWIN's 2-8-2 is a tad faster because of the high-talented fine tuning skills of our Canadian friends . Mine is the (slow [|)]) U.S. version - that's for sure - but, nevertheless, I really like her, she is cute.
Would be a nice marketing idea for M who until today have never released just a single model of that most beautyful Canadian Steamers. If they wanna be a global player in their business they must sell most of the world's important models - and M enthusiasts from every nation will gladly come and buy. And there are so many models ... I think it is a big mistake M neglecting that GREAT MARKET where they could make LOTS OF CASH [:p][:p][:p]. And then there are the most beautyful locos from Australia (the huge "Garratt", f.e.), England, Europe, New Zealand and South America - waiting to be built ...
BTW, saw in one "BigBoy"-book that "Mikado" stands synonymous for the whole family of 2-8-2 steamers, didn't know before. That's another nice advantage of our great Forum: every other day I gladly learn something new

John

Roland - very interesting, many thanks for information ! (I just think we M lovers live in good very times)

John

Manfred, MANY THANKS for posting - those are really SUPERB LINKS [:p]!!!
Great offers, too - but since they're DC my shopping cart stays empty ... [xx(]

John

Yep, Jacques - we really like those old steamers [:p]!!!

Best Regards
John

Ron,
I think designations like "Pacific", "Atlantic", "Mikado", "American",
"Hudson", "Northern", and the like have become generic names for certain axle arrangements. I`ve observed their use even for venerable
European steamers like the bavarian S 3/6, DRG/DB class 18.4, a Pacific in Nort American parlance.

Regards,
Manfred

Ron, never mind, and many thanks for being so helpful, anyway. I guess you & your grandson really enjoyed the ride [:p]