20-3199-1 O Scale Premier 2-8-2 L-1 Mikado Steam Engine w/Proto-Sound 2.0 (Hi-Rail Wheels) For availability see 'Find it locally' tab $899.95Product InformationDescription2-8-2 Mikado Steam Engine w/Proto-Sound 2.0 (Hi-Rail Wheels) - Lehigh & New England Cab # 503 Roadname: Lehigh & New EnglandProduct Item Number: 20-3199-1Catalog: BZ 2007 Volume 1Product Line: PremierScale: O ScaleDelivery Status: Delivered JUN. 2007This product is compatible with all O Gauge 3-Rail track systems including those systems offered by Atlas and Gargraves and Lionel and Ross Custom Switches. OverviewBuilt between 1914 and 1919, the Pennsylvania Railroad's fleet of L1s Mikados hauled freight through two world wars and served until the end of steam in 1957. Designed by the railroad's own mechanical engineers in tandem with the passenger-service K4s Pacifics, the Mikes replaced 2-8-0 Consolidations as Pennsy's main line freight power. The Mikado followed the Pennsy's practice of testing a locomotive design thoroughly and then building a standardized engine in large numbers. The L1s class - 574 strong - and the 425 class K4s Pacifics shared an identical boiler and many other common parts, giving shop crews nearly 1000 locos that were largely the same. While the "s" in L1s stood for superheater, the Mikados had few other modern appliances when built. The Walschaert valve gear was reversed by a heavy screw mechanism and the large firebox was hand shoveled. By the early 1930's the Interstate Commerce Commission had mandated the use of power reverse gear. The addition of this mechanism to the engineer's side of the engine pushed the air tank to the front of the boiler, giving the L1s the characteristic face it wore in later years. Many, but not all, Mikados eventually received coal stokers to feed the firebox, adding about 1000 horses to their original potential of about 2700 horsepower. Over level or moderately hilly terrain, an L1s could handle a 70 - 80 car freight train. In one instance, a Mike hauled two GG1's with their two passenger consists through a 10-mile stretch after the overhead wire became disabled. Just as the Mikados displaced lesser 2-8-0's, however, they were themselves bumped from mainline service by the advent of Decapods and other larger power. The Mikado fleet spent many of its later years going in and out of mothballs as the Pennsy's freight business ebbed and flowed. When every piece of available power was needed during World War II, Mikados that were still hand-fired had two firemen shoveling coal. Many of the dependable Mikes worked in branch line, helper, and even railfan service until the end of steam on the Pennsylvania Railroad. New to the Premier line for 2007, MTH announces the Pennsylvania Railroad L1s Mikado, accurately scaled from engine #520 that resides today in the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Our model will feature the superb detailing, realistic and vibrant sounds, and precise throttle control that characterize all Premier Proto-Soundr 2.0 locomotives. Features- Die-Cast Boiler and Tender Body - Die-Cast Metal Chassis - Authentic Paint Scheme - Metal Wheels and Axles - Constant Voltage Headlight - Die-Cast Truck Sides - Precision Pittmanr Flywheel Equipped Motor - Remote Controlled Proto-Couplerr - Engineer and Fireman Figures - Operating Firebox Glow - Metal Handrails and Decorative Bell - Decorative Metal Whistle - Operating Marker Lights - Lighted Cab Interior - Synchronized Puffing ProtoSmoker System - Operating Tender Back-up Light - Proto-Scale 3-2 3-Rail/2-Rail Conversion Capable - Locomotive Speed Control Proto-Sound 2.0 With The Digital Command System Featuring:- Freight Yard Proto-Effects Unit Measures:21 3/4" x 2 1/2" x 3 7/8" Operates On O-42 Curves Find It LocallyThis product may not have shipped yet or is completely sold out. Click on the show button to see who might have it on order. SupportSupport Content: