A Pair of Train Masters

WOW! That new re-tooled MTH model looks outstanding, especially with the fixed pilots.

Now, when will MTH issue the FM demonstrator models?

After checking photos on Fallen Flags and my Wabash book, both the Lionel and MTH models are accurate as details goes. I'm not crasy about the blue on the Lionel model, but I will live with it. All my purchases from MTH are scale wheel version and I have no problem running them on Atlas track, O72, O81 and #5 turnouts.

Model Railroading is fun.

They are both beautiful.

Here's a photo of the prototype.

RJL

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It appears Lionel modeled a former demonstrator purchased by Wabash while MTH chose to represent a unit built for Wabash featuring options specified by the road....a very nice effort by both manufacturers.

Bob 

What about the color of the lettering on the Lionel model?

Hi Guys

A color photo in Boyd's book shows the lettering to be yellow or imitation gold.

In person the blue on the Lionel model isn't as bright. I like them both.

George

That's a good question. I was concentrating on the carbody details. I have the Sweetland Train Master book and I'll check it tonight after I get home. I have an Atlas N scale model of one the former demonstrator units and it has gold lettering:

Bob

Soo Nut,

 You have two very nice Trainmasters! What do you think of the PS-3 sounds on your MTH piece?

 Enjoy both of them!

Wasn't Lionels first model of this new tooling Trainmaster the Demonstrators in their never to be redone Century Club II? That Wabash number is one of the two demonstrators they purchased from FM. TM1 and TM2 headed east to demo while TM3 and TM4 headed west, SP bought the TM3 & 4 units.

Yes Lima you are correct about the Demo's. Early TM , Virginian had the same car body filters as thr Demo's but later FM units were simplified.

I remember reading X2200 South and they showed different factory modifications.

Great historical magizine for diesel lovers.

I just checked my copy of the Sweetland book. All Wabash units are pictured with gold lettering and numbers. All Wabash TM photos I've personally looked at show the same gold color. I'm not an expert on the Wabash so perhaps there was an uncommon variation in the scheme with white lettering and numbers upon which Lionel based its model. I suspect it may just be case of incorrectly colored lettering and numbers. That aside, as I said above, the carbody detailing of the Lionel unit looks to be quite nicely done.

Bob      

 I wish MTH would have cataloged their Train Master more accurately, I would have ordered it.  I know they say not to pay attention to the catalog picture, but this time was the most understated.  I am amazed at how well they did the headlights, a new high in detail.  That's a keeper!

The 550 numbering and lettering could have easily been mistaken from this picture and the rest of the photos that go along with it.  To me, the numbers appear white but the Wabash is yellow, but barely discernible.

Very nice engines.

Henry J,

The sound on the MTH is good, but the Lionel model is better smoother and eight steps. The Mars light on the MTH model has to be seen to believe. Red in reverse and a bright pulsing white is forward. Now I need a caboose to go with the two models.

Soo Nut - Would you have any idea if your supplier has any -2 models left?

-1's are out there, but as usual -2's are nearly impossible to find as a stock item.

MTH really did a very nice job.  The contrast in models is interesting.  A couple of years back the WRHS did an excellent Train Master article in the Banner.

Morning Marker,

I was told by Jason @ Jason Train Shop that I got the last two rail Wabash model.

I checked MTH in stock list and found:

20-20125-2 Southern in green

20-20235-2 Canadian Pacific

The Southern model has the low end platforms, don't know about the CP

Hope this helps.

George

Thanks Soo Nut - It would have helped if they were Wabash.  I may have to go with the Wabash -1 version and see if  a-2 replacement pilot is available.  I really like that engine!  Good luck with them.

Soo Nut, I need to ask you about your Lionel model, as I believe it was the last or near-last model that featured automatic rotating fans. This detail alone is very interesting, and I'm wondering how or if you have used that, or if it was, indeed part of that model? Thanks for your response.