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MR quick look: Kato USRA 2-8-2 heavy Mikado in N
I have earlier releases of Kato Mikados and copies from this release as well and they are in my opinion the best running N-Scale steam out there. I have installed tractions tires on one of my units and I think it could pull straight up. I hope Kato will bring out more steam in different wheel arrangements and I believe the forthcoming GS-4 will be a good start.
I agree…I have converted one of the earlier kits to DCC with sound and it is very smooth running and reliable. The conversion to DCC could be easier and I would like to see Kato update to support DCC conversion.
Have bhad one of the older KATO Mikados running on my layout for years, and can say it is the best perfoming steam type engine I own. Among theese only a Trix 2-10-0 and maybe an Athearn Consolidation come close to Kato’s excellent looks and running conditons.
The Kato Mikados are the best running steam engines I have, this includes U.S. and German steamers. Technically Kato has the best solution for the rods: all drivers are coupled by gears, but the rods are not connected to all drivers and thus there is far less binding in the drive. Traction tires are highly recommended. I plan to build the GHQ L1s conversion kit on this drive, too.
One of my faviorates on my NW layout. I encourage KATO to develope more steam locos. I will be lookig into the optional traction tire for this unit. You will not be disapointed if you purchase this unit. Since there were 23 Roads that purchased these locos, I would love to see more units in some of the different road names. SP&S maybe?
I bought the earlier semi-kit. I waited to assemble in order to install DCC and Traction tires, but when I finally removed it from box, the front tender truck was broken. I ordered one on Feb 28, 2005 and Kato said it was sold out. I have been waiting 1 1/2 years with no indication online of a restock. If you need product support for the re-issue Mikado, buyer beware. So I can’t rate yet.
This is a tremendous locomotive as I do not own one yet but have had the opportunity to operate one with traction tires and some additional details at a mates place. Smooth as silk and a pleasure to run. Looking forward to Kato bringing out more steam. Also AEM7 would be nice for my Amtrak gear.
These engines run like watches. You can’t go wrong with this engine, even right out of the box. No matter which release it is. Add the traction tire and convert to DCC, what more could be wanted. KATO knows how to build diesels, steam engines also. Now let’s see MORE steam engines.
This is an excellent running locomotive. I converted to DCC (using Lenz decoder) and wish it loco was more DCC friendly - it can be done, but it is no where close to plug & play. Maybe that will come out in the future.
I originally bought a Bachmann 4-8-8-4 Steam Engine. It was the biggest piece of junk I ever ran on my layout. Within one hour I returned it. I wanted a steam locomotive so bad that I went out and bought a Kato Mikado.
Compared to the Bachmann, the Kato was nearly sixty dollars more, but you pay for what you get. Its the best running steam locomotive. It is well built, smooth running and quiet. This is worth the money.
I’ve been running this terrific engine on my pike (oopps layout I mean) for almost 12 years and it’s still as smooth, quiet and reliable as the first day. Only one word concerning the 3 bags of details for anyone who has not added the detail parts yet like I did for several long years. Please refer to MR’s April 1996 issue, then recheck the graduation of your nearsight glasses, go through some yoga relax drill and start to work carefully, safe in the belief you’ll come up with a superb looking engine.
happy modeling
I just purchased the 2-8-2 heavy mikado in July 2011 I love it, I pull the new mixed freight train set of cars by Kato perfect match