Another USRA Mikado Question

[Kanawha]

Did the C&O ever operate a standard issue USRA Mike without their K-2 or K-3 modifications? I've searched through the C&O historical society photo archive without much luck. I ask because I have a C&O USRA Mike which is a great engine, but I can't help but feel like its a road name rebadge and not representative of an actual prototype. :cry:

 

[gna]

I don't think so, but I am by no means a C&O expert or a steam expert. Check here.

They seem to be a little bigger than the standard USRA designs, though if you want to call a USRA heavy a K-2 you'll get no argument from me.

 

[Kanawha]

Yeah, the K-2 is a heavy mike, but the one I have is a heavy USRA mike as well. But it has the standard centered headlight and no C&O style flying pumps. It turns out they did have a few that resembled mine, but they were second hand from the Pere Marquette it would seem. I might try to modify mine to be a K-2. Thanks for the help! :mrgreen: