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As a life long resident of the New York City Metropolitan Area, I'm naturally fond of the railroads and equipment which have operated throughout the region over the years. In fact, I've developed a "bucket list" on which I've included models if ever offered in O scale, I promised myself I would purchase. In recent years, this list has grown smaller thanks to the release of several NYC, PRR and NH electrics, the CNJ AGEIR built 1000 and Raritan River SW900s.

 

Thankfully, my list decreased yet again this week with the arrival of MTH's Premier Train Master H24-66 decorated for the Central Railroad of New Jersey. The Train Masters were CNJ's primary diesel passenger power, continually hauling seemingly endless strings of coaches filled with commuters to Bay Head Junction, Phillipsburg and intermediate points. MTH has done a credible job in capturing the look of CNJ's units. The green and yellow are accurately reproduced, lettering is sharp, comprehensive and positioned correctly. Even CNJ's road specific class of FPSD-67 is stenciled on the model. Headlight placemement is correct per CNJ practice and the bell is properly positioned at the top of the end of the long hood.

 

While I'm very pleased at the accuracy of the traits mentioned above, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the few things I've found which deviate from the CNJ's units. First, CNJ's Train Masters were equipped with a unique two aspect classification lamp at each corner of the unit. One lens faced forward and the second faced sideways. As this was a feature limited to CNJ's units, I would not expect it to be reproduced on a plastic model. The second discrepancy I identified was the inclusion of dynamic brakes. Unlike the great majority of Train Masters which were built with dynamic braking, CNJ's units were built without this feature. Again, since the majority of Train Masters were equipped with dynamics, I can understand why these details are included on the CNJ model.

 

As far as operation is concerned, I run conventionally. Using my Z-4000 transformer, the locomotive operated smoothly. The sound system features a Fairbanks-Morse prime mover, the bell is clear and the horn is of a multi-chime type. CNJ's units were equipped with single note horns so I may look to change it at some point in the future.

 

As someone who spent a lot of time around the real CNJ Train Masters, I'm very pleased with this model. As much as I love my Lionel 2321 Lackawanna and 2322 Virginian Train Masters, the MTH Premier model is the finest plastic rendition of the this legendary locomotive I've seen to date.     

 

I'll see what I can do about getting some pictures posted.

 

Oh, by the way, the bucket list is about to get even shorter when my New Haven FL9 arrives from 3rd Rail in a few weeks!

 

Bob         

Last edited by CNJ 3676
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As promised, I've taken a few pictures of the locomotive in order to highlight some of the specifics I discussed in my initial post.

 

First, we present a view of the long hood which illustrates proper placement of the bell per CNJ practice:

   

t.m 001

 

This picture also shows the excellent fan detail to good effect. One of the discrepancies from the prototype which I mentioned can be seen here. The classification lights of the CNJ units were of a unique two aspect configuration whereas the model is equipped with the single aspect type found most commonly on the TM. Again, as this feature was unique to CNJ, I wouldn't expect to see it included on a plastic model.

 

Now, moving to the other end of the locomotive, we take note of the placement of the air horns, again accurate for a Jersey Central Train Master:

   

t.m 002

 

At the extreme left can be seen the dynamic brake fan. As discussed above, unlike the vast majority of TM production, CNJ's units were not equipped with this feature. Nonetheless, the model has this detail. Again, since most units were built with dynamics, I don't believe it unreasonable for a manufacturer to include it on all roads of a plastic model. In fact, even Atlas' HO and N scale CNJ Train Masters are built with dynamic brake details.

 

Lastly, here's a view of the unit in its entirety:

       

t.m 003

 

The 2410 was part of CNJ's second Train Master order. As such, these units were delivered with a Phase II car body and, sure enough, the MTH model features a correct Phase II car body. The drop steps are functional, the cut lever is a separate piece and there are plenty of MU hoses on the pilot. Not easily seen in the photographs is the one aspect of the livery which presented some difficulty for the builder. On the ends of the unit, the striping is not positioned with total accuracy at the point at which it converges with the herald. Throughout the years, CNJ's complex CNJ Statue of Liberty herald has proven challenging for model builders and they've succeeded with varying degrees of success. The discrepancy on the MTH Train Master is minor and I discovered the issue only upon extremely close scrutiny of the model. In fact, you may have noticed one of my CNJ books laying on the table in the background as I had to refer to it to determine precisely how much it is off. It is very, very minor. In fact, I suspect most owners will never even notice it. 

 

Overall, as a fan of the CNJ and the Train Master, I'm very pleased with the locomotive. For a mass produced plastic model, I believe it provides the hobbyist with a satisfying level of accuracy and appeal. Yes, it does have a few inaccuracies for the specific road represented but this is the case with many models unless one deals exclusively in brass and, even then, you're not guaranteed of absolute perfection. I'm a modeler who places a heavy emphasis on accuracy of models with reasonable expectations given the various manufacturing constraints facing the builders and I believe MTH has delivered a winner in the form of the CNJ Train Master in this regard.

 

As I mentioned in my initial post, I operate conventionally so I'm unable to answer any questions regarding command operation. During my break in run, the TM accelerated in very prototypical fashion, was responsive to changes in throttle setting and emitted that great F-M opposed piston sound. To those who will be operating the TM in passenger service, be advised they accelerated from station stops very quickly which made them great power for commuter runs with lots of stops. They'd really put you back in your seat. Don't be afraid to open that throttle. You've got commuters who want to get home!  

 

Thanks for reading,

 

Bob         

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  • t.m 001
  • t.m 002
  • t.m 003
Last edited by CNJ 3676

In a word...awesome !  CNJ FM TrainMaster in either phase is majorly outstanding. We now have one that's really accurate, although the Bultman 2 Rail C&LS imports are something else.  Shame on me for not taking more slides of these back in the day... guess we figured that they'd be around forever, as CNJ was perpetually broke. It is truly unbelievable that none of these unique locomotives survived in the USA, altho if you really wanted to spend some serious $$, a slug could be restored.

in response to the question regarding dual controls, the Train Masters, along with many classes of CNJ road switchers were equipped with dual controls. Exceptions to this rule which come to mind are the 1500 (the first H15-44), RSD-4/5s, 1700 series RS-3s, the SD35s and power obtained from the B&O. Even the low nose GP40P units obtained as replacements for the TM class were set up to be bi-directional.

 

The box indicates a minimum radius of O-36 but thus far I've run it on O-72 only so I can't comment on anything less at this point. 

 

Bob        

Hi, Henry.

 

Thanks for the compliment. I'm glad you like the model.

 

I've been following your Train Master thread. If you're a CNJ fan and appreciate realism, the new MTH Premier Train Master is your best option. I saw your comment about going for quality over quantity and this model fits the bill perfectly. Please understand my comments in no way are meant to disparage the Train Master of the Postwar period. The Lionel model is a sentimental favorite of mine and I own two of them myself. That said, unless you've decided to purchase a Lionel model, do give serious consideration to MTH's CNJ unit.

 

Good luck,

 

Bob     

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