Trains LIVE — Mikados — 3-29-2024 — As rail traffic expanded in the early 1900s, the 2-8-0 steam locomotive class had reached its apex. The railroads, however, needed more power, which meant expanding steam-generating capacity. More steam meant having a larger fire and firebox to hold it. Fireboxes became wider, moving behind the last driving wheel. This new weight was supported by a trailing truck — the 2-8-2 wheel arrangement.
The next installment in the Great American Steam Locomotives series talks about the 2-8-2 or Mikado class of locomotives. Today, Kevin Gilliam, Trains video producer, chats with us about the new video production. Our discussion dives into the origin of the class name, why the class was so popular, and where you can see a Mikado today.
Come along as Trains LIVE talks about Mikados.
Trains LIVE is a regular video program, recorded live and unscripted from Kalmbach Media. The series began in July 2022.
Trains LIVE features Bob Lettenberger, Trains associate editor, Kalmbach Media staff, and guests talking about railroads and trains in a casual, behind-the-scenes format. On Trains LIVE we will ask the questions you would like to ask and take you into places normally not open to the public. Trains LIVE also takes you on the road to museums, trackside locations and other railroad-related venues.
You can watch and listen to new episodes every other Friday at 2 p.m. Central time. Trains LIVE is now available as a podcast and in full video versions. The podcast can be found on RSS.com, Apple Podcasts, and Listen Notes. The full video version is a membership benefit for Trains.com Unlimited members.
If you have questions or comments, please log-in and leave a comment in the area at the bottom of the page. We will attempt to answer questions during future episodes. All aboard! It’s time for Trains LIVE!
