A total of 233 original USRA Heavy 2-8-2s were built, along with an additional 957 copies, representing 23 different railroads. This design proved to be extremely successful and widely adopted. While the USRA Heavy Mikados shared much of the same running gear as the Light Mikados, they featured boilers that were 10 inches larger in diameter and larger cylinders, resulting in approximately 10% greater tractive effort.

The USRA Light Mikados were produced in even greater numbers. The USRA built 625 original locomotives, with 641 additional copies constructed after USRA control ended. Including these copies, more than 50 railroads operated USRA Light 2-8-2 locomotives.

In this production run, we’re excited to offer several new paint schemes that are sure to catch your attention, featuring railroads such as the Milwaukee Road, CB&Q, New York Central, Canadian National, C&O, and Union Pacific.

In addition to these road names, we’re also offering three versions of Southern Railway No. 4501. One version represents the locomotive in its current black paint scheme, while the second depicts the locomotive as it appeared when temporarily lettered as Central of Georgia “MacArthur” No. 699—the WWII-era nickname for the 2-8-2 Mikado—during a special weekend run from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Summerville, Georgia, in September 2025.

The third and final version highlights one of the most exciting announcements yet: the locomotive’s triumphant return to its iconic green paint scheme. On January 31st, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum confirmed that this legendary livery will once again grace the locomotive, thrilling fans and marking the return of a look that defined its most celebrated excursion era.

Models will be available with Paragon4 Sound DC/DCC with Smoke, as well as in our Stealth DCC-Ready series. Stealth models feature a Next18 decoder interface and a pre-installed speaker, allowing you to easily add their preferred aftermarket decoder.

Industry-leading Model Features:

• Paragon4 Sound & Control System featuring ROLLING THUNDER

• Integral Dual-Mode Decoder with Back EMF for Superb Slow Speed Operation in DC and DCC

• Precision Drive Mechanism Engineered for Heavy Towing and Smooth Slow Speed Operation

• Die Cast Body with Die Cast Chassis for Maximum Tractive Effort

• Premium Caliber Painting

• Prototypically Accurate Paint Schemes and Road Numbers

• Many Separately Applied Details such as Handrails, Grab Irons, Piping, Whistle, and Bell

• Prototypical Headlight

• Prototypically Accurate Sounds for the USRA 2-8-2s

• Operating Microtrains-compatible Couplers

• Will Operate on Code 55, Code 70, and Code 80 Rail

• Minimum Operating Radius: 9.75 inches

• Broadway Limited Imports is proud to introduce Paragon4: The new benchmark for premium HO sound-equipped locomotives. These DC and DCC-Sound equipped locomotives feature the ALL-NEW Paragon4 sound and control system. Each Paragon4 locomotive comes with BLI's own integral DCC Decoder factory installed. Paragon4 locomotives offer Dual Mode DC and DCC operation with superb back EMF motor control, improved DC motor control, built-in capacitor pack for more reliable electrical pick-up, industry best on-board sound with Rolling Thunder functionality, Pro Lighting Mode for prototypical light control, Switcher model for precise low speed control, recordable DCC operation for automated playback, and the same excellent detail level as Broadway Limited's Paragon3 Series models.

  Paragon4 Sound & Control SystemFeatures:

• Operates in DC & DCC with improved DC speed control (use DCMaster for DC Sound)

• Built-In extra capacitance to navigate imperfect track

• Pro Lighting Mode offers individual control of all lights on model

• Switcher Mode for precise low speed control

• Record & Play Operation - Records and plays back sounds and movements once or repeatedly for automatic operation

• High Resolution Audio

• Quillable Horn for various whistle lengths and patterns

• Choice of 3 selectable whistles

• Alternate Whistle / Horn where applicable for locomotive with air horn and steam whistle - both the main whistle and alternate can be easily played

• Adjustable bell ringing interval for faster or slower bell

• Numerous user-mappable functions with available keys

• Multiple realistic passenger and crew sounds play on command

• Grade Crossing Automatic Signal

• Automatic Forward / Reverse Signal

• Prime Mover sound intensity varies with load

• Individually adjustable sound volumes for each effect

• EZ Reset Button for quick return to factory default settings

• **Specifications on this page subject to change.