GE 44-tonner from MTH?

We've been waiting a very, very long time for this one. They would sell a ton, if also offered  undecorated!

Dave G.

I can confirm this has been a rumor for the last few years ,  a hopeful rumor for me but I have stopped holding my breath. If it does arrive in the next catalog I know many forum members who will be quite happy.

 

Paul

 

Dave, put me down for an undecorated one as well

Check the 2015, Vol. 1 catalog when it becomes available later this year. 

But just because it is the cat does not mean it will be made!

It doesn't seem to make sense for MTH not to at this point. WBB has a pre production model done with a scheduled delivery of October to hit the streets.  It will have sound but not command control. Mike had said a few Yorks back at the TCA museum when the PS-3 board came along we would see a 44 ton Switcher in O scale. PS-3 is in HO and S scale soon. I'm not in the train business but it seems to me if MTH doesn't make some announcement of a 44 Ton switcher in October they can sit back and watch as WBB rakes in the money on sales from their scale model. 

 

I would be in for a undecorated model myself. Heck;they can throw the detail parts in a bag if a B&M isn't made because it will be off to the paint shop after a couple of laps around the layout!  

http://mthtrains.com/content/20-20469-1

 

 

Looks like MTH will be coming out with that 44-tonner after all! It will be interesting to see how these two do in competition with one another!

 

I still haven't gotten into DCS so I might end up going for the Bachmann one because of its lower price point.

 

Which do you guys think will be the better model?

I have seen the pre-production samples of both. From those it is impossible to say who will have the better finished product. But, having a few locomotives from both companies i would speculate that the MTH version will be better overall as far as detailing goes.

Yesterday while speaking with the owner of my LHS, he guessed the earliest we'll see the WBB version will be March 2015.

Today at the Utica show i spoke with the owner of a shop that specializes in MTH, and was told that that the earliest we can expect the MTH version will be September 2015.

 

Take all of the above with a small grain of salt .

 

jackson

I think it is great after all these years to finally have a scale 44 ton and it should live quite well on my O27 curves. I have two friends who are scale two rail O fans, and they are not happy, however, that neither Bachmann nor MTH will offer them in two rail DC. I think one of the two manufacturers should...heck MTH has numerous two rail option locos. I don't know what they are thinking...of course with manufacturers, frequently, who knows if they are...

 

Edtrains, can't comment on the MTH model. But I have seen pre-production models of the WBB model and the coupler openings are very narrow. Even the Lionel Industrial Switcher has a wider opening. Recall the RMT BANG had a very narrow opening, and was derailing the first trailing car until RMT widened the opening.

 

WBB stated in their announcement advertising that the loco negotiated 027 curves which I don't doubt. It's the derailment of the lead car in a train that concerned me. I wrote to WBB and did not get a definite answer other than it was still in the testing stage. They mentioned the coupler arm was extremely short and narrow and did not anticipate problems, but also couldn't say for sure.

 

Based upon that I didn't order one and will NOT order one until the production model is released and PROVEN to run on 027 curves without derailing the first car of a train.

All I know is I have mine pre-ordered from Hennings Trains with a summer anticipated delivery. The MTH one that is.  I have no interest in a conventional model but respect those who do....more than 1 way to enjoy this hobby. It's one of the things who make this hobby great.

-Greg

I think part of this I am about to ask has been posted, but:  when was the prototype 44 tonner introduced (sold to its first customer), how many were sold to first owners,

and what were those roadnames?  Is there a book on them?   This last is probably a

stupid question as I walked through a show today, saw a book on 70 tonners, and the guy and I were joking about all the books on (much more than this) obscure RR subjects  there are.  He said he had sold out of books on NYC outhouses, to his considerable surprise.   (so if you are looking for that book, you might be too late)

I want a TMCC one, so the Williams conventional one will become a TMCC command model when I get it.

Such a show-off! Lol....I have limited electronic skills! 

-Greg

But you know people with them.

 

Looks like the Bachmann tonner will be available much cheaper compared to the what the MTH model will be going for on the streets. That might end up dictating my decision.

Looks like the Bachmann tonner will be available much cheaper compared to the what the MTH model will be going for on the streets. That might end up dictating my decision.

 

that depends on how you look at it. IF you want Command and a good sound system, auto couplers, the MTH is the cheaper way. IF you just run conventional or want to install TMCC, the Bachmann unit maybe your cup of tea.

 

So far I ordered the WBB unit.

 

 

 

I'd like to see a model of the GE 45-tonner.  A bit more character (a ton of it, in fact).

 

http://wsrr.org/2013/photos/photoeqmt

I would love one in the Railking line. I can't see myself spending that much for an 8 inch model. If I do get one, I'll get an undecorated version and paint it as a Walkersville Southern engine and buy two or three passenger cars.

MTH had Pre-production undecorated version at their booth at the Big E. Price was listed at $459, so that would make it  premier model. The delivery date listed was June 2015.

Did anyone get a delivery date for the WBB one from the people at their booth at the Big E?

 

jackson

If you want TMCC, then the WBB one is the choice.  I already have the Cruise Commander Lite reserved for this upgrade.

 

That's the book that I've been looking for. By chance, do you remember the name of the publisher?

 

God Bless,

"Pappy"

I believe Williams is also doing the 9331 PRR 44T. Regardless, PRR 44t #9331 (former Strasburg Railroad) and #9339 are both at the Walkersville Southern and are privately owned by Jamie Haislip. Last I was in Walkersville (just before Christmas) #9331 was outside and #9339 was inside in the process of painting. I don't anticipate them switching spots anytime soon. 

Jamie tells me that 9331 needs much work.

 

If anyone is a fan on these short locos, go to the Walkersville Southern website and look at their collection, including a 4-wheel EMD and a few Davenports. 

 

www.wsrr.org

An internet search returns:

 

I do not thing

MTH will do that?

I'd say the chances of MTH using Bachmann molds are at least .00001%.

 

Are we sure they don't use the same Chinese supplier?

That high?

 

Rusty

 

Maybe I'm optimistic.