2-8-2 TYPE

CLASS S MIKADO 2-8-2

The Maine Central owned 32 Mikado type locomotives numbered 601 to 632. All were built by ALCO in Schenectady. Six of the 2-8-2's, numbers 621-626, were built for the United States Railroad Administration which controlled the railroads during and somewhat after World War I.

Three of the Maine Central designed Mikado's were built in 1914, seven in 1915, six in 1916, four in 1918 and six in 1924. The six USRA designed engines were built in 1919. Eighteen of the 2-8-2's lasted until the 1950's.

The Maine Central and USRA designs had similar specifications. The Maine Central design had 26 1/2 x 30 cylinders while the USRA engines bore was only 26 inches. However, the Maine Central design operated off 185 lbs. of steam pressure while the USRA design used 200 lbs. and therefore produced somewhat higher starting tractive force. Nevertheless, only three of the Maine Central designed engines were not equipped with boosters on the trailing truck and consequently most produced substantially more tractive force at slow speeds than the USRA design.

Comparison of the First Maine Central 2-8-2 and the Last Group

630 was built with a Delta cast trailing truck with an auxiliary engine (booster). 601 would later receive the same. Note also the different valve gear, reverse gear , sand dome location, and tender.

MAINE CENTRAL DESIGNED 2-8-2's

The first S Class. Built in 1914. Scrapped May 1949.

In this photo 601 has a new power reverse, Delta truck and Booster.

602 Built 1914. Scrapped 1949. Photographed in Portland in 1939.

603 Built 1914. Scrapped 1949. Photographed at Bangor April 22, 1946.

604 Built 1915. Scrapped June 1952.

Note the Worthington BL type feedwater heater and the stoker engine under the cab.

606 Built 1915. Scrapped November 1952.

Retains original trailing truck but has a Coffin feedwater heater

607 Built 1915. Scrapped 1948.

610 Built 1915. Scrapped 1948

611 Built 1916. Scrapped October 1953. Rigby April 24, 1946.

Lacks Delta trailing truck and booster but has a Coffin feedwater heater in the smokebox.

611 with Coffin feedwater heater in the smokebox covered by a black plate.

613 Built in 1916. Scrapped in 1951. Note the Worthington feedwater heater.

Photographed at Bartlett in 1950 by Dwight A. Smith, Jr.

616 Built 1916. Scrapped November 1953. Retains original trailing truck.

618 Built 1919. Scrapped 1948. Photographed at Bangor April 23, 1946.

629 Built 1924. Scrapped May 1952. Photographed at Woodsville, NH. by M.J.Stearns.

631 Built 1924. Scrapped 1951.

631 and 616 at West Falmouth November 9, 1936. Photo by H. W. Pontin.

631 at Livermore Falls in 1935

MAINE CENTRAL 2-8-2's DESIGNED BY THE UNITED STATES RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION (USRA).

621 Built 1919. Scrapped December 1952. Photographed at Woodsville, NH. by M.J.Stearns.

622 Built 1919. Scrapped May 1952. Photographed at Bartlett September 27, 1938.

623 Built 1919. Scrapped January 1956. Photographed at Woodsville, NH by M. J. Stearns.

625 Built 1919. Scrapped January 1956.

625 Built 1919. Scrapped January 1956.

626 Built 1919. Scrapped 1951. Photo from 1931 by Mr. Kendall.