In Ron Ziel's early book, "Twilight of Steam", he refers to the NKP Mikado at Hammond, Ind., as "two hundred tons of junk". I can't find a photo of the locomotive anywhere on the net. Does anyone have a picture they can either email to me or direct me to? What kind of shape is the big loco in these days?<br>



aurora7@juno.com

She's in VERY rough shape. Even aside from the vandalism (every bit of glass is gone, the cab is trashed, the ashpan is full of stuff), the wheels are worn beyond limits, and it looks like a real basket case. It's a damn shame.<p>We tried to get it, but of course the local "You can't take our heritage" group came out and argued that they would take wonderful care of it--and did squat. It just gets worse every time I look at it.<br>



Kevinmccabe@avenew.com

I am still looking for a photo of the loco. Does anyone have a scan on this unfortunate Mike?<br>



glueck@saturn.caps.maine.edu

Richard:<p>"Unfortunate Mikado" is not a good term to use because, after all, the locomotive WAS preserved (unlike most of the Nickel Plates Mikes; those were the unfortunate ones!) What IS unfortunate is what's happened to the locomotive since she's been in Hammond. IRyM isn't the only one to inquire about her availability; ITM has and so has our museum. By the way, she is the only preserved NKP steam locomotive that wears the "snowplow type" pilot (a few of the Mikes and a few of the Berks had them.) Perhaps with the money that Hammond is getting from "their" gambling boat, a little might make it to #625 to make her look better. But even if they put a roof over her (and the refrigerator car and South Shore caboose that are preserved with her), deterioration and vandalism probably will still occur. I'll see if I can locate one of the recent photos of the engine that I have taken.<p>Les Beckman (Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum/North Judson, IN)<br>



midlandblb@cs.com

Thanks! I have to agree, those that met the torch are lost forever. Considering her boiler and frame remain, there is always the hope that she could run again.<br>



aurora7@juno.com