As I recall, the very first release/issue of the Mikado had a “star drive“ between the motor and the driveshaft. These were like flat plates with angled shallow ‘teeth’ that would intermesh between the two drive plates. Because of this configuration, the star teeth would slip.
Subsequently, they used a style universal ‘u’ joint between the motor shaft and the drive. But the ‘U’ shape would have two prongs that would lodge firmly in the drive receptor piece, no slipping, but as they are plastic and small prongs, I would imagine they could be damaged or broken if the logo was overloaded.
as I recall, the ATSF and Union Pacific versions were among the four original road names in the initial release. I cannot recall the other two road names. I guess, Pennsylvania and New York Central. But I’m not positive.
For a while, LGB would fix the drive issue free of charge.
As of now, I am extremely careful with my Southern Railway Crescent schemed (never existed on a Mike) Mikado. Second version. I run it snd am pleased. Great sound, but only 2 chuffs instead of 4. Too short a tender, too. And, its not 1:22.5, perhaps 1/29?? I added the power condensor for standing sounds, as i run analog track power. Smokes great. Well , that is, profusely, if not synched. I also cored and lighted the classifc lamps..tougher than youd expect. Its a sight. I am very careful with it.
Mike Parts are hard to obtain, if not impossible and I am careful never to overload the locomotive. To me, this means seven or eight , tops, of the very light, styrene, Chinese made, LGB of America US style rolling stock. And this means no grade.
Due to its livery, this is one of my Crimbo engines , often pulling only one or two SR box cars, and a long SR caboose. (At the time, LGB released a red undecorated version with excellent transfers for several roads, including SR. Of course, the Southern never used the long steel caboose style released by LGB.) Nevertheless, it looks great, imho rubber ruler perspective…lol.
Alas, i digress.
The sncf version above is gorgeous. With the aftermarket sound, spectacular.
Get one, you’ll love it.
