MTH 3/2 Scale Wheeled Train Master. Risk it?

The K-Line was a spectacular value, and easy to 2-rail.  The photos I saw of the MTH indicate that it will be even better.  The best brass FM is the Car & Locomotive Shop - Henry Bultmann.  If you really want quality, find one of these.  My hobby budget never allowed for any of Henry's truly superior models.

I've got MTH's new hi-rail Premier Lackawanna PS 2 Train Master, and it's a truly superior model. So much so that I have MTH's 3.0 Premier CP Train Master, the "scale wheels" version, on order.

I'm also gambling with MTH's new, yet to be released, Taurus 3 ES-64-U4. That, I have on order, as well. The scale wheels version... 20-5660-2.

I know you like electrics, Jonathan.

Rick

I took the MTH scale-wheeled locomotive leap of faith a couple of years ago and have never looked back (with some consternation from my colleages at AGHR.) I'm especially pleased that they're now Proto-3 so I can run them on DCC layouts as well -- I've wanted to run with the Orange County O Scalers at a train show for some time and now have two full trains capable of 2-rail DCC.

There's ONE down side I see with the FM, which is common to the diesels -- the truck side frames will likely sit out to accommodate the hi-rail wheel sets. That's the only complaint I have. If you're careful, you can shave down the mounts and re-drill the mounting holes to bring them in, but you have to watch the brake shoes possibly contacting the wheels. Mike Pitogo re-worked his and they turned out nicely. One idea I bounced around was using mylar as an insulating plate and nylon screws to mount the side frames. That might require re-tapping the mounting holes on the truck blocks.

Hi, Jonathan.

As you know, I like to consider myself a bit of a Train Master expert given my up close and personal experiences with the CNJ units during the 60s. I've examined MTH's new Premier model very carefully and I firmly believe it is the most accurate and well executed O scale reproduction of the H24-66 offered to date. MTH clearly put a great deal of effort into this project, including a variety of road specific details. As you know, I look at these things with a very critical eye and MTH nailed this one. It is far superior to the K-Line model. In recent years, I've developed a tendency to avoid pre-ordering as I'm seeing too many inconsistencies in the quality of items being released but I'm confident enough in MTH's ability to deliver a TM of superb quality that I've gone ahead and ordered the CNJ version. Since you're modeling the NY&LB, you may want to consider specifying road number 2412 as this locomotive was a regular performer along the North Jersey Coast.

Now that I've given the model such a rousing endorsement, just watch MTH issue the CNJ unit with Wabash specific detailing!

All the best,

Bob     

Thank you all for the input.  Now that I have another quick turn around contract for some consulting, I have the budget to take the plunge and all that will be missing from my roster will be real CNJ style coaches.  PRR is basically done in two rail outside of the off chance I pick up a Sunset smooth side GG1 to go with the 4800.

Bob T - I am with you.  I am not a high budget brass person, just not in the cards for now.  Was hoping for a more reasonable alternative to the China drive, but alas that is not likely at this point I suppose.

Rick - I have my eye on another electric at the moment.  Let's just say I was extremely surprised to find it.  We'll see if it comes through.

Matt - I completely forgot that with 3/2 I could actually run it in 3 rail mode on my club layout.  Reason enough to perhaps unload my Williams version which is just a bit too much towards the toy side for me.  Milling the side frames like Mike P did is a great suggestion.

Bob C - yes, you are my go to expert when it comes to railroading on the Jersey shore.  I think I will indeed preorder the 3/2 scale wheel version. 

While I certainly enjoy a good modeling project, my project pile is longer than the time I have to ever get it all done and I'm itching for a layout.  Perhaps I should focus on getting some decent track now? 

The CNJ 2412 raising cain - and dust - with an express for Monmouth Park in '57:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=282250&nseq=14

This picture captures the true essence of a Jersey Central Train Master: moving a long passenger train at speed!

Bob  

You bet! Car and Locomotive Shop. Might be hard to find, but worth the trouble.

Simon

At the O Scale national I saw both the CLS and the MTH.  They were 2 rail were hard to tell apart from 3 feet away, beyond lack of couplers on the MTH version.

Mike - thanks for the in person review. 

The numerous 3 dimensional door panel access handles, on the long hood, really impress me; and the prime mover sounds are... BIG!

That's just two of the remarkable features found on this O gauge jewel, by MTH.

If anybody has pictures of a MTH 2-rail unit, I wouldn't mind seeing them posted, here?

Rick

Calling the TM's prime mover sound "big" is a good way to put it. The deep throbbing bass of the engine wasn't something you'd soon forget. The experience of listening to one of these legends accelerate a heavy rush hour consist quickly enough to put you back in your seat was impressive - rolling thunder in the truest sense.

That said, who'd like to turn back the railroading clock and take a seat in the open air car in this picture:

http://www.rrpicturearchives.n...ture.aspx?id=1048209

The sound of those two brutes working in tandem must have been sensory overload. I guarantee those lucky passengers got their money's worth that day. 

Bob 

I've got a picture, in one of my locomotive reference books, of CNJ 2413 pulling a 5-car suburban train. Streamlined, as a brick! A quick and powerful equipped brick.

Sort-of seems odd looking/out of place pulling people around.

Rick

The Train Master's ability to load and accelerate quickly is what made it the ideal locomotive for commuter service, particularly on lines along which stations were located very close together, the New York & Long Branch Railroad being a prime example. Looking at old NY&LB timetables, an Engineer would just about be able to get up to track speed before he'd have to start braking for his next station stop.

Bob 

So how much will one of these MTH 3-2 units cost?

Simon

jason found me a 2 rail trainmaster for the lackawanna. I thought I missed out on these, but it is BEAUTIFUL.

BUY IT, you will be happy you did.

IF they're consistent with current pricing, about $460 with scale wheels and fixed pilots, less whatever discount you can get from your dealer. I buy from Sean at Doherty's Whistle Stop in Morristown, NJ.

Thanks Matt!

Simon

SP's were commute engines!

I paid $370 for mine from jason's train shop, mth#20-20128-2