17 - "Mikado" locomotives

The Museum has two “Mikado” locomotives, one of the most common series used in the wide-gauge railway. Its name appears to come from the series’ origin. The first batches of this type of locomotive was built in the late 19th century for Japan by the American Baldwin company. In order to please the purchasers, the sales department named it “Mikado,” the title of the Japanese Emperor. From then on, all locomotives featuring a 141 wheel arrangement were known by this name.

The Museum’s two “Mikado” locomotives were originally designed to run on fuel oil instead of coal. Although they were slightly less powerful than the so-called “Renfe” ones, their features were very similar. They had a slenderer appearance, with a simpler, more modern design. They were universal engines that carried out all kinds of operations, being scattered throughout all of the network’s depots; they were also the last steam engines in service.

The one on the right is the last locomotive that was operated in our country. It was symbolically turned off in a solemn ceremony by the then Prince Juan Carlos, on June 23, 1975.