Locomotives

Running My USRA Light Mikado 2-8-2

By Ty’s Model Railroad - 4/25/2013 12:03:00 AM

A Broadway Limited USRA Light Mikado 2-8-2 steam locomotive passes in front of a completed Atlas Signal Tower kit

I finally got to test my newest locomotive: the USRA Light Mikado 2-8-2 by Broadway Limited. This model is Canadian National road number 3725 and features the factory integrated Paragon2 DC/DCC dual mode decoder. This is a big advantage for me, being that my layout is a DC layout and I can finally enjoy the benefits of DCC sound, though quite limited on DC tracks. 

A USRA Light Mikado 2-8-2 steam locomotive passing in front of a completed Walthers Northern Light & Power kit

The model itself is beautifully detailed and has many separately applied details such as ladders, handrails, whistle, brass bell and engineer and fireman figures. Along with the locomotives 1lb weight, the 5-pole can motor with skew wound armature ensures ultra-smooth operation right from startup. 

A USRA Light Mikado 2-8-2 steam locomotive crossing a wooden train trestle

With a slow throttle increase from 0, the locomotive begins to produce the same startup sounds it would make as it builds up steam pressure. With a bit more throttle, the engine begins to slowly roll forward, all with accompanying sound effects. As it begins to gain speed, the valve and piston sounds increase accordingly. Slowing down the locomotive activates brake sounds. The key here is SLOW throttle movement. This will produce the most realistic operation under DC control. 

A USRA Light Mikado 2-8-2 steam locomotive passing in front of a completed Walthers Northern Light & Power kit

Of course using a DCC system unlocks all the sounds and features which include: 

  • Record and play operation 
  • 16-bit sample rate for exceptional sound 
  • Whistle, horn and bell sounds 
  • Johnson bar sound 
  • Ambient sounds for passenger station, freight yard, lumber yard, maintenance yard, and farm scenes. 
  • Grade crossing signal sounds 
  • Forward/reverse signal sounds 
  • Chuff sound that changes in intensity based on load size 
  • Individually adjustable sound effect volume 
A USRA Light Mikado 2-8-2 steam locomotive approaching a wooden train trestle

DC users can purchase the DCMaster by Broadway Limited to unlock the horn/whistle and bell as well as adjust several other features. The DCMaster works with all BlueLine, Paragon2 and Paragon 3 series engines. DCMaster is not required for startup, brake and chuff sounds when using a DC system. 

A USRA Light Mikado 2-8-2 steam locomotive descending down a gentle incline in a mountain forest scene

For a sample of the Light Mikado in action on my layout, see the video below. Note: I do not have a DCMaster system installed so the sound effects shown are the limited defaults that active with a basic DC throttle.



  • Share:

You Might Also Like

6 comments

  1. AnonymousSunday, December 1, 2013 at 8:43:00 PM MST

    Thanks for sharing. Very finely done and an inspiration to detail my layout as well as you did.

    ReplyDelete
  2. HariFriday, April 2, 2021 at 4:58:00 AM MDT

    Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) Every Year Publishes Textbooks for Class 6th Students, KVS Class 6 Textbooks 2021 are well known for it’s updated and Thoroughly revised Syllabus. KVS 8th Class Syllabus The KVS Books are based on the Latest Exam Pattern and Syllabus.Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan Provides, the Class 6 Text books in both the offline and Online Pdf format at official website.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bobby MFriday, September 17, 2021 at 6:43:00 AM MDT

    Hi, thanks for posting this

    ReplyDelete
  4. Eric CasagrandeTuesday, October 19, 2021 at 6:56:00 AM MDT

    Wow! A fellow Canuck railroader! I haven't been in the hobby for many years now so am just getting restarted into it. Is the large, multi-windowed brick building near the start of the video a Power & Light station? Perhaps I have the name incorrect, but I remember it from all those years ago. Thanks for sharing! (P.S. We are from London, Ontario.)

    ReplyDelete
  5. CYMN BSNLWednesday, July 20, 2022 at 2:17:00 AM MDT

    ISP has different count of fancy numbers for various BSNL circles which of them are already on Sancharsoft, and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited is trying to offer all these to its customers with its innovative ideas to maximize its reach in Voice, 4G Mobile Internet areas, CYMN BSNL and on the other hand with Fancy Numbers on BSNL APP will reach more customers which it can take a leverage.

    ReplyDelete
  6. CRA NSDL comWednesday, July 27, 2022 at 2:49:00 AM MDT

    The PRAN number is a must to have your online access to NSDL portal, where the National Pension System scheme provided by Government of India will be available for employees online, even if they have received their PRAN Card offline, a new password for your online login will be provided, CRA NSDL com The PRAN number is a must to have your online access to NSDL portal, where the National Pension System scheme provided by Government of India will be available for employees online,through which the employee can anytime check their details and balance. Individuals may aware of how much money deposited and collected whole with the contribution of themselves along with the government of India in the form of PRAN statement.

    ReplyDelete