The 2-8-2 or Mikado type was known as class H on the New York Central System. During the 1930s this type was the most numerous of NYC steam engines, all having been erected in the 1910s and 1920s for main line freight service. In 1940 the system's roster still listed more than 1,000 2-8-2s, although many had been retired as the Mohawk 4-8-2s supplanted them in main line service. With the surge of traffic during and after World War II, many lowlier "Mikes" enjoyed a reprieve from the torch and carried on in local freight, branch line or yard transfer service. A few lasted almost to the very end of NYC steam operation.

No. 1306, which I photographed at the NYC's Detroit engine terminal in March 1954, was a member of class H5n, a 1914 product of the American Locomotive Company. Like most New York Central 2-8-2s (except some on the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie), this class had 63-inch drivers. They had 25x32-inch cylinders and 180 pounds of boiler pressure. The Central preferred the Baker valve gear on its newer locomotives, and retrofitted some older power with that type of valve motion. However, in this photo No. 1306's Walschaerts valve gear (in reverse position) is clearly displayed.