I never thought I would spend this much on a train but never say never.  When I heard about the LGB Mikado, I didn't think much of it.  When I saw the early photos, I thought even less of it.  Then, a few people on MyLargeScale.com begain to talk about this locomotive.  Then the photos started appearing.  Then I went and saw one at the local hobby shop.  It was pretty impressive.

Geep crossing. 
LGB Mikado!
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Close up of the Mike.  You can see that there some nice details.  You can see the LGB slider between the two front drive wheels. On the right, you get a better idea of the side rod mechanism.
I never thought I would spend this much on a train but never say never.  When I heard about the LGB Mikado, I didn't think much of it.  When I saw the early photos, I thought even less of it.  Then, a few people on MyLargeScale.com begain to talk about this locomotive.  Then the photos started appearing.  Then I went and saw one at the local hobby shop.  It was pretty impressive.
The first photos of the "Mike".  There will be many more. 
The front end.  Very nice details.  The hand rails are metal.  Note that the front coupler is fake.  The whole front plate and cow catcher is a seperate part that is held in place by 2 screws.  There is plenty of room to modify if someone wanted to attach a front coupler.  As a matter of fact, the whole front section can be easily detached by removing several screws.  See the photo on the right. If it were me and I was inclined to modify this loco, I would get an extra front plate/cow catcher piece and the front platform piece.  Both of these pieces are held in place by a total of 5 screws. You could probably
do a good mounting with some Kaydee's and pop on a new "front end" if you wanted that capability.  Then, you would have the original front end for show [or to keep the loco in it's original state].  It seems to me that as simple as it is to take off these front pieces - LGB could easily do an after market add on section.
The parts package comes in it's own sealed bag.  There are 5 parts to attach to the unit.  Simply press in place.  .
I was more impressed with the tender after I started looking at it.  There can always be more rivits on any model but these fake doors look pretty good.  I like the small amount of coal creeping out the bottom.  Interesting to note that the plastic coal seems to be a different type of plastic or it has been somehow treated.  It has a heavy sheen to it, much like the high quality coal.  Subtle detail.