Kato N scale USRA 2-8-2
Price: $175.00
Manufacturer
Kato U.S.A., Inc.
100 Remington Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Description: Plastic and metal ready-to-run locomotive
Comments: Kato has re-released its handsome N scale United States Railway Administration (USRA) 2-8-2 heavy Mikado. This new run of steam locomotives includes a version decorated for Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, as well as a painted but unlettered engine. The model features a number of crisp details molded into the boiler and tender, as well as separate handrails and piping.
Manufacturer
Kato U.S.A., Inc.
100 Remington Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Description: Plastic and metal ready-to-run locomotive
Comments: Kato has re-released its handsome N scale United States Railway Administration (USRA) 2-8-2 heavy Mikado. This new run of steam locomotives includes a version decorated for Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, as well as a painted but unlettered engine. The model features a number of crisp details molded into the boiler and tender, as well as separate handrails and piping.
The prototype for Kato’s Mikado was built by the USRA during WWI. Following the war, a number of copies were also built. A total of 957 USRA 2-8-2 heavy Mikados were constructed purchased by 23 railroads.
The Kato locomotive is essentially the same as the semi-kit version we reviewed in the April 1996 issue of Model Railroader; however, Kato now offers the engine completely assembled. The new Mikado also includes a working knuckle coupler on the tender and an optional semi-operable pilot coupler to allow for double-heading and switching. Our sample 2-8-2 ran great straight from the box, though Kato offers an optional driver fitted with a traction tire (part no. 11-604) to improve the locomotive’s pull, especially on grades.
