The 2-8-2 Mikado was one of the most prevalent steam locomotives in North America during the first half of the 20th century. Approximately 2,200 were constructed by the three major locomotive manufacturers, each of which based their design closely on a configuration developed by the United States Railroad Administration (USRA) during the nationalization of railroads in World War 1. Despite being outpowered by subsequent locomotive models, they remained in front-line service right up until the end of steam in the late 1950s. The highly detailed Bachmann USRA Light Mikado includes intricate detailing and can be purchased with either SoundTraxx® DCC Sound Value installed or DCC ready with an NMRA 8-pin plug. Sound Value-equipped examples feature a prototypical chuff, short and long whistle, bell, air pump, steam release, and blower - all in high-quality 16-bit polyphonic sound.
