The Mikado-type locomotive, a unique and iconic freight locomotive from the golden age of steam, has a rich history in American railroads. Its distinctive wheel arrangement was first seen in a group of Japanese type 9700 2-8-2 locomotives, built in 1897 by Baldwin Locomotive Works for Nippon Railway of Japan (3 ft 6 in gauge.)
In the early 19th century, the Emperor of Japan was often referred to as ‘the Mikado’ in English. This name continued to be used until the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, when it was replaced with the name ‘MacArthur’ during the war to describe the locomotive type.
This locomotive, one of the more prevalent configurations in the first half of the 20th century, was a testament to the era of steam locomotives. Locomotives of this wheel arrangement saw service around the world.
Built by renowned companies such as Baldwin, American Locomotive Company(ALCO), and Lima Locomotive Works, these locomotives were a common sight on the tracks. Today, only a handful of these locomotives have been preserved, serving as static display pieces or steam excursion stars, a testament to their enduring legacy.
The influence of railroad tycoon E. H. Harriman on the standardization of locomotive designs is a fascinating chapter in the history of American railroads. After gaining control of the Southern Pacific, Harriman implemented a revolutionary mandate-all new locomotives were to be built to standard designs, incorporating the best features of the time. This move, known as the Harriman standard Mikados, was a groundbreaking step towards standardizing the main freight locomotive.