MTH PS3 Imperial 2-8-2 Mikado

I've had the PS3 RK Imperial Mikado since it first was released. I've had zero issues with the wireless drawbar.

 

The only other issue I had was that I had to replace one of it's single pickup rollers with a reversed double pickup roller, in order to not stall at low speed on a bridge of 6 back-to-back Ross turnouts.

 

It now crawls over the turnouts at 2 SMPH in either direction.

Thanks Barry. No issue with the trailing truck hitting the solder joints on the wireless drawbar? I had that issue with the Imperial Mountain 4-8-2 from about 2 years ago and wound up returning it. Not only did the vertical motion of the trailing truck cause fireworks, (even with the insulator in place) it would also raise the rear drivers causing the engine to derail occasionally.

 

 

 No issue with the trailing truck hitting the solder joints on the wireless drawbar?

No wireless drawbar issues at all.

Is it true the steamchest also smokes?

SJC, I have both the MTH Pennsy Imperial PS 3 M1 Mountain and the MTH Pennsy Imperial PS3  L1 Mikado.

 

I know of the problem you mentioned with the Pennsy Imperial PS 3 M1.

I had to do a bit of insulating around the rear truck to keep it from coming in contact with the drawbar wiring.

 

The Pennsy Imperial PS3 Mikado the rear truck is in a different position and if I remember correctly it cannot come in contact with the drawbar wiring connection even going over uneven track.

 

The only problem I have had with the Pennsy Imperial PS3 Mikado is I had a headlight stop working.

Other than this minor item it's a great engine !!!!!!!!!!

 

2 Rail Guy, I don't think the steam chest is suppose to smoke.

Maybe a bit to much smoke fluid  

I've had my Montour version of the Mikado since February. The only major problem I had was that the engine would occasionally stop working, but that was because of my inexperience with wireless drawbars. It needs to be pushed in firmly. The only other issue is that the locomotive is squeaking slightly (I think), but that only requires motivating myself to oil it. I don't think I've had my wireless drawbar come into contact with the trailing truck.

Thanks all, especially the photos. Clearly they've resolved the issue, or at least appears to have resolved it, with the trailing truck hitting the solder joints, etc. That was a real bummer on the Pennsy Mountain. 

 

I've got the Premier 44t in Long Island colors on order but have been wanting a LIRR steamer, typical of those that ran out along the Montauk Branch and Greenport Branch in the LIRR farm country hence the LIRR 2-8-2. 

Another question for you Mikado owners....any slim chance it would slide around 027 curves? Unlikely and certainly not a deal killer but would be nice to know before hand...

I pulled the trigger on the Long Island Mikado...fingers crossed for a trouble free engine!

SJC on your question about the O27 turns, I have an O31 curve that comes off the main and into my passenger station. (a result of bad planning) the Mikado does not have a problem at all coming out of a turnout and right in to this curve.

My MTH Railking K4s are the same way no problem negotiating this section of track.

 

My MTH Imperial M1A and my other Railking engines on the other hand, if for some reason I have them go thru this route it is a very slow trip thru the turnout and then into the 031 curve.

Enjoy your new engine !!!!