Lionel Trains is no stranger to modeling preserved steam locomotives we know and love, including those still operating today. The latest offering is Soo Line 2-8-2 No. 1003 (No. 2531120), a local steam star here in southeastern Wisconsin. The locomotive is one of six O-scale, 3-rail United States Railroad Administration (USRA) heavy Mikados that were featured in Lionel’s 2024 Volume II catalog and began arriving in September 2025.
<< Read all about the Lionel USRA Heavy Mikado model here, and then enjoy the sights, lights, and sounds in a Trains.com Video too! >>
Model provided by Sommerfeld’s Trains & Hobbies.
Mammoth Mikado turned Steam Star
Built by the American Locomotive Co. in March 1913, No. 1003 and its Class L-1 2-8-2 sisters served the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie RR (Soo Line). These versatile locomotives hauled both freight and passengers across the network. No. 1003 was retired in 1959 and put on display in Superior, Wis.
After a failed restoration attempt in the 1970s, the Wisconsin Railway Preservation Trust acquired it in 1993, completing the restoration in 1997. Today, under the care of the Steam Locomotive Heritage Association and housed at the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford, No. 1003 remains in service for community events and photo charters along the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad.
Trains Editor Carl Swanson notes that while the USRA developed standardized designs for Mikados during World War I, No. 1003 was built five years prior and actually weighs more than a USRA heavy Mikado.
Out of the box
The engine and tender measure 23 inches in length when coupled together, which is about 1½” longer than 1:48 scale compared to the prototype length of 82½’. It boasts a healthy amount of detailing from end to end, including separate, factory-applied grab irons and molded rivets. The paint and lettering are sharp, though a glossier finish (like the prototype) would have been a nice touch. However, the flat matte black still offers an appealing in-service look.
The model utilizes the USRA heavy Mikado tooling, leading to some accuracy compromises compared to the full-size No. 1003, such as the air compressor placement and a smaller cab. These are understandable given the cost of modifying or creating new tooling. However, some details, like the planned upper headlight, could have been altered and added with minimal tooling changes.
Speaking of the upper headlight, this is a signature feature to No. 1003’s appearance, as well as many other Soo Line steam locomotives, with its higher placement on the smokebox door. Though shown in the catalog, the model arrived with a center-placed headlight instead. Lionel responded to Classic Toy Trains and Trains.com after reaching out with the following: “Lionel recognized there is a placement issue for the headlight. If you’ve purchased one of these, please contact Lionel Customer Service for a replacement.”
On the rails
Details, accuracy and overall appearance are only half the story. The other is performance. Tests were conducted on rollers at the office and later at the Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club.
The sand dome detail behind the smoke stack hides a removable cowl providing access to four control switches: Run/Program, main smoke for the stack, whistle steam, and 4 Digit/Bluetooth. Addressing the 4-digit locomotive ID on the Cab 3 app via the Base3 was effortless, with all information automatically set. Older Cab 2 and Cab 1 remotes will still require 2 digits for addressing.
The model is a smooth runner. Though there’s typical fluctuation at the lowest speeds, it’s barely noticeable. Once moving, the locomotive pulls any train smartly. During club runs, I ran four Lionel 21-inch passenger cars loaded with figures and an MTH Premier auxiliary water tender. Despite weighing less than the calculated 3-pound pulling power, the model handled the train flawlessly through all movements and “photo runbys” for Trains.com Video. The locomotive can be pushed to its limits, though 60 scale mph appeared to be a comfortable top speed.
Lionel’s sound systems are a strong point, and this model is no exception. The two base-sounding speakers in the tender perform well. Five interchangeable whistles are included, as is standard with VisionLine and Legacy locomotives, though, sadly, none were recorded from the prototype No. 1003.
While we’re on the topic of whistles, both the main stack and whistle steam are standard features. They share the same smoke unit and fill reservoir under the stack, which is convenient. The synchronized stack smoke is plentiful and provides good runtime before needing to be primed again. The whistle, however, requires a bit more time to produce a decent steam effect when triggered.
The model certainly grew on me when going through its operating paces. It responded well to its various features and handled curves and switches with ease. For someone accustomed to larger locomotives (2-8-4s and 4-8-4s), this model, though still considered “big steam,” was manageable and could operate in areas with tighter curves and clearances (Lionel specifies an O-54 minimum curve radius). It reinforces the versatility of the Mikados: capable of going almost anywhere and handling nearly everything.
Final thoughts
Recommending this model depends on what potential customers are seeking. If you desire an absolutely accurate, O scale No. 1003 down to the smallest rivet, you might be disappointed. However, if you’re willing to overlook the accuracy compromises and the headlight mix-up, and are looking for a good-looking and smooth-performing Soo Line No. 1003 in O scale, this model is a worthwhile investment.
Even if No. 1003 isn’t your preference, Lionel offers five additional USRA heavy Mikado variations and more through custom runs from other dealers and hobby shops, ensuring there’s a “Big Steam” locomotive that’s just right for your layout without it being too big for its own good.
Features: TMCC, Legacy, or conventional control; Bluetooth control; Lionel Voice Control; O-54 operation; 4-Digit addressing; 5 different whistles and levels of bell pitching for customized sounds; main and whistle steam smoke effects
MSRP: $1609.99
Website: lionel.com
