History: The light
Mountains were the last of the USRA line to be completed. In May of 1919
they were delivered by Alco, with Baldwin soon following suit.
Many of the parts were interchangeable with other USRA engines. Cylinders
were 27" x 30", the drivers were 69" in diameter, boiler
pressure was 200 pounds, the locomotive weighed 327,000 pounds, and these
engines had a tractive force of 53,900 pounds. The running gear for the
USRA light is the same as on the heavy Mountain except for the weight
of springs and certain other small parts.
Copies of the light model began to be produced in 1920 by Alco. Feedwater
heaters were now added to the original version, along with copies of the
original. Southern valve gears, Vanderbilt tenders, small compressors
on the engine (an unusual sight on a large engine), front-end throttle,
exhaust steam injector, and a second sandbox were all new features that
would be found in later years on copies of the USRA 4-8-2 Light.
There were only 52 USRA Heavy Mountains built. Alco and Baldwin produced
these locomotives for C&O, N&W, and FEC from 1918 to 1926. These
engines had cylinders that were 28" x 32". Using 69"drivers,
the same wheel spacing as the light Mountain, 200 pounds of pressure,
and weighing 327,000 pounds a tractive force of 58,000 pounds was exerted.
The boilers used on this model were the same as those used on the USRA
2-10-2, but since its drivers were larger the boiler was mounted 5"
higher on the USRA Mountain.
Some additions to later versions of the heavy Mountain included: a pump,
low headlight, cantilever bell hanger arrangement, Worthington SA feedwater
heater, compressors, a long tender, front-end throttle, footholds, and
some FEC's were installed with Elesco heaters.
Complete Kit and Accessories: The locomotive
and tender complete kit has all of the parts to build a working model. You may
wish to add your own details or purchase our "Super Detail Kit" if available.
Some models have an optional painted engineer and fireman, smoke unit kit and
other assemblies available as optional equipment to compliment your kit-building
needs.
Kit Components and Replacement Parts:
The following parts are listed in order to identify parts in your kit or to
replace parts that have been lost, damaged or simply worn out. This is
not a complete list of all of the individual parts available for this model
- please call Bowser with your specific requirements
if you cannot find the parts you need. You may also use our on-line
catalog to find parts by description. Please note that part numbers
with a price of "Call Us" may be part of an assembly and may not be available
as a separate purchase item.
