Model Power 0-4-0 ?

Tracing the development of the Model Power 0-4-0 with the slope back tender is challenging to say the least. It and the Model Power 0-4-0T which is the former Marx locomotive share some common components. Other parts of the MP 0-4-0 bear a strong resemblance to the Mantua plastic boilered 0-4-0 as well as the 0-4-0 with slope back tender formerly sold by IHC. As was discussed in our old HO thread, Mehano made numerous models utilizing the same tooling for different customers and there was a lot of copying going on so tracing the exact heritage of some of these pieces can be quite difficult.

Bob            

I picked up a new Model Power 0-4-0 Docksider (Marx Tooling)...they are stocking it again now that MRC owns them...new packaging mentions MRC.  Also of interest...the usual "Made in China" is followed by "Litho in USA."   So are they shipping them blank for decoration in the USA?  If so where?  This is a new and positive development for an entry level model train.

This is what the Model Power address looks like in Farmingdale NY.  Apparantly its also part of ATI Models?

I had a Mehano 4-8-2 with the motor and drive in the tender!  First and only time I've seen that.  So the tender pushed the engine around the track.

The tooling was fine from what I could tell, do they make O scale?

Bob:

Mehano has manufactured a wide variety of HO and N scale models under contract for several companies in addition to items marketed under its own brand but I'm not aware of the company ever having built O scale models. 

Regards,

Bob

I think the litho they are referring to is the packaging, not the loco's livery.

Nah the boxes on other items are identical but do not have the note.  Its a Chinese box for sure.  The way it reads is clearly referring to the engine. "Made in China and Litho in USA for Model Power."  

I thought this item might be of interest. It is the most recent Mehano catalog I was able to locate. I'm reasonably certain not all items shown are current production. "Prestige" is Mehano's premier line of models designed to compete with other European manufacturers such as Marklin, Fleischmann and Roco. The illustrations are blurry but it's a very interesting document to peruse. You're sure to recognize some old favorites when you get to the North American section.

http://www.mehano.si/EN/catalo...obby%20Catalogue.pdf

Bob   

Neat catalog.  I miss the Mehano trains that showed up under various names like AHM in the 80's.

BTW looks like Model Power is bringing back the TYCO GP20 under the Mantua name.  I am in for one.

http://www.modelrectifier.com/...ct-view.asp?ID=14331

Bob, I also have Tyco steamers with the whole drive mechanism, including traction tires, in the tender.  Also, an old Rivarossi that has the motor in the tender with a driveshaft going to the transmission in the loco.  Neither idea is particularly brilliant, IMHO.    I've had problems with all of them.  

Considering the Tyco GP20 was first released in 1961, it was a very well done model. Interestingly, regardless of road name, Tyco gave its GP20 models  the road number of 5628 which was the actual road number of one of the EMD demonstrator units.

It's good to see these vintage trains being given new life in current catalogs.

Bob