Kato 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado

[2-8-2]

The 2-8-2 Mikado is my favorite locomotive (obviously), and I've had my eye on the Kato model for some time now. Mikes were the most popular locomotive of choice for many railroads before dieselization. Actual build numbers vary...I've read 9,500 to as many as over 14,000 were built for use on North American rails.

I finally couldn't stand it anymore and ordered one today from Brooklyn Locomotive Works...an excellent source for N scale stuff by the way. I'm interested in hearing reviews from those who own one. I've often read that traction tires are almost a necessity with the Kato 2-8-2 because it doesn't have much pulling power. What are your thoughts and experiences?

[2-8-2]

As those of you in chat last night know, my Kato 2-8-2 arrived yesterday in less than desirable condition. The whistle was missing, and there is some kind of alignment issue with the pilot, ladder, and cylinder.

The good news is, I contacted BLW and they have agreed to allow me to return the item in exchange for another one.

[Bob]

What a bummer! Glad they are going to exchange it for you, Tony! I can't wait to see the whole thing.

[Sawdust]

Glad your getting it taken care of Tony. Over the years I have so many parts broke on the steamers. I wished they would just simply leave some of the detail parts off for adding later.

[umtrr-author]

On the original run of the Mikados, there was a set of detail parts that had to be applied. I think I invented some new swear words installing them. So there are trade-offs for either choice...

[2-8-2]

I'm a little disappointed with BLW. They quickly responded (within a few hours) when I sent them my initial email with pics about the defective Kato. I packaged it up the very next day and shipped it to the address indicated in their reply message. After almost a week, I sent them another email asking if they received my package, and when I could expect them to ship out a new one. A few days went by with no response....so I sent another message. No reply.

A few more days later, I was told they would "look into it" and get back to me. Their message just kind of gave me the feeling that I had been lost in the shuffle. Today I got another email from them and they have shipped out my new 2-8-2. All is well that ends well, I suppose. Now I'm awaiting the arrival of my new Mikado (again).



I'm also awaiting the arrival of the GHQ detail kit that includes some feedwater heater parts. The kit includes two sets of heaters, Elesco and Worthington versions. This Mikado will receive the Elesco heater, and my 4-6-2 will be retrofitted with the Worthington one.

[2-8-2]

The replacement Mikado arrived today. I'm disappointed.

Without even removing it from the package, I can see two places where the pipe details have broken. I'm sure I can fix this with some CA, but whatever happened to the legendary Kato quality? Maybe they should stick with diesels, because my Kato RSC-2 is flawless.

I'll be painting and weathering this engine eventually, as well as doing the modifications in my previous post...so I'm not worried about having to use a little glue to patch things up.

[powersteamguy1790]

Originally Posted by 2-8-2

I finally couldn't stand it anymore and ordered one today from Brooklyn Locomotive Works...an excellent source for N scale stuff by the way. I'm interested in hearing reviews from those who own one. I've often read that traction tires are almost a necessity with the Kato 2-8-2 because it doesn't have much pulling power. What are your thoughts and experiences?

Tony:

I have over fity Kato Mikado's on the roster of the JJJ&E. I've installed decoders in all of these steamers, 10 of which have sound decoders installed in the tender. I wrote an article on Installing a sound decoder in the Kato Mikado which was published in the July/August 2007 issue of N Scale Magazine. The Mikado that I installed the sound decoder in is on the cover of that issue of N Scale magazine. You can read the article in my website below.

(www.powersteamguy1790.com)

The Kato Mikado is the signature locomotive in N scale. The quality of this steamer produced by Kato is outstanding. However you MUST install the optional traction tire drive on the fourth driver to get this steamer to pull a reasonable amount of cars. (12-15 on average) Replacement of the fourth driver with the traction tire driver is easy. Kato Has a pictorial of it on their website. You can also place another set of traction tires on the # 2 driver. This could increase the performance of the Kato Mikado by another 10-15%. Performance will vary on each individual layout.

The Kato Mikado requires an extensive break-in period. (about six hours) You should run the locomotive at various speeds in both directions. The performance of this locomotive increases with increased running time (10-15 hours). The break-in period is normal for all N scale steam locomotives.

BTW: You should have returned the second locomotive back to Pete. He would have exchanged it for you.

The weak link of the Kato Mikado is the draw bar. You must handle this locomotive with extreme care. If the draw bar is bent or mishandled, performance will greatly decrease. You should always keep one or two extra draw bars on hand. They are easy to replace and Kato does have a picture tutorial on their website on how to replace it.

If you have any questions about locomotives in N scale contact me.

Have fun with your Kato Mikado.

[powersteamguy1790]

Below is a photo of one of the Kato Mikado's on the roster of the JJJ&E. There is a Soundtraxx Micro Tsunami decoder in the tender. All of the detail parts have been added to the locomotive. The drivers, side rods and valve gear were weathered with Neolube # 2 and "dry brushed" with some burnt umber.