MTH Premier 20-3213-1 Union Pacific 2-8-2 Mikado Steam Engine ProtoSound 2.0

During World War I, Uncle Sam nationalized the railroads when they proved unequal to the task of moving massive amounts of men and material for the war effort. The agency that ran the trains was the United States Railroad Administration, or USRA, and one of its chief accomplishments was the creation of 12 steam engine designs that lasted for decades. According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, USRA locomotives were "the first successful standardization of American motive power" - and the only standard designs until the diesel era.

The most popular of the USRA designs was the 2-8-2 Mikado, which was heavy main line steam power in the World War I era. The very first USRA engine built was Baltimore & Ohio #4500, a light Mikado that is preserved today in the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum in Baltimore, MD. At the direction of Baldwin Locomotive Works Senior VP Samuel Vauclain, #4500 was constructed in a record 20 days so Baldwin would have the honor of delivering the first USRA locomotive on July 4, 1918.

The USRA designs were modern but conservative. They incorporated the best practices of their day, but broke little new ground. After the war, the basic designs were used by railroads across the nation, and about one-quarter of the Mikados built in the United States were either of USRA designs or descendants of those designs. While Mikados were generally relegated to lesser duties as heavier power arrived in succeeding decades, many USRA Mikes outlasted later, more modern steam engines because they were relatively simple and durable.

Constructed with dozens of added-on detail parts, the USRA Mikado returns to the Premier line. While other manufacturers have offered fine models of this classic engine, we believe none matches the detail level, sound quality, slow speed performance, and synchronized puffing smoke of this MTH Premier model.

Features:

• O-Gauge, O-Scale
• Die-Cast Boiler and Tender Body
• 1:48 Scale Proportions
• Die-Cast Metal Chassis
• Authentic Paint Scheme
• Metal Wheels and Axles
• Constant Voltage Headlight
• Die-Cast Truck Sides
• Precision Pittman Flywheel Equipped Motor
• Remote Controlled Proto-Coupler
• Engineer and Fireman Figures
• Operating Firebox Glow
• Metal Handrails and Decorative Bell
• Decorative Metal Whistle
• Operating Marker Lights
• Lighted Cab Interior
• Operating Tender Back-up Light
• Locomotive Speed Control
• Proto-Scale 3-2T 3-Rail/2-Rail Conversion Capable
• Synchronized Puffing ProtoSmoke System
• Proto-Sound 2.0 (2.4V Battery) With The Digital Command System Featuring:- Freight Yard Proto-Effects
• Unit Measures:21" x 2 5/8" x 3 11/16"
• Operates On O-42 Curves

This Mikado is in Like New condition. There are no defects or damage. It has 120 scale miles on the odometer. We have tested it to make sure that all features work and that it runs properly. Includes the instructions and paperwork, starter tube of smoke fluid, optional O-gauge front coupler and spare traction tires. Comes in the original box (shows some shelf wear) with Styrofoam insert and all packing materials.