MTH Emails

That certainly used to be the implication and marketing approach from very far back.

MTH is still in business, doing a lot of custom runs. They no longer do catalogs so everything is now uncataloged.

I'm hoping the chip shortage gets resolved soon so I can fix a couple of dead Proto-2 engines.

@AGHRMatt posted:

I'm hoping the chip shortage gets resolved soon so I can fix a couple of dead Proto-2 engines.

I wouldn't hold my breathe on that. Unfortunately we all better settle in for long wait.

Not to steal the thread but I think this is in the same theme....

Does anyone know if there is a way to unsubscribe to the "uncatalogued offering du jour" emails and still receive "important" information from MTH?

Hokie71,

Thought I should chime in and clear things up. There are several different “email newsletters” at MTH: S gauge, O gauge, One gauge, consumer only, dealer only, etc. You choose which email newsletter you wish to subscribe to when you sign up.

C.Sam is partially correct in his observation. Since May 2021 MTH has departed from printing catalogs to a “hybrid” model of making product announcements through these email newsletters. The new business model has two unique types of product offerings; products produced by MTH for sale at ALL MTH dealers (think the same way products were made back when MTH was printing catalogs) and then “Custom Run” products, which is a specific road name / decoration made exclusively for one dealer or organization.

in either case you (the consumer) is notified of these products via the email newsletter, which you should receive on Thursdays for the “O gauge consumer newsletter”. (I say this with apprehension, because I am on ALL the newsletter emails, so my inbox gets 1-2 MTH emails every day of the week!).

so, technically every product will come through as “uncataloged”, because there is no catalogs anymore. The newsletter will advise if the product is an MTH announcement, again, available from ANY MTH dealer or from one specific dealer, who has the exclusive on that one or two specific products.

unfortunately there is no way to unsubscribe from the O gauge newsletter for custom run products and only receive MTH dealer wide product offerings. To be advised of all the new offerings, the email newsletter is your best avenue.

Thank you,

Mike Reagan

"I wouldn't hold my breathe on that. Unfortunately we all better settle in for long wait."

Am I mishearing or misremembering that someone from MTH stated that the new version of the wi-fi TIU won't be available until fall/winter 2023?  Suspect the Lionel Base 3 will also be later than expected, given the supplier issues.

@Mikado, thanks for the details and the explanation, very much appreciated.  I will check out my MTH profile to see what I have checked.  OBTW, thanks for all your work on the parts side of the business.

FWIW, if you feel you have missed some emails or whatever, you can visit mthtrains.com and click on the product locator. Then choose any of the “uncataloged” catalogs (2021, 2022, 2023). After that you can review any of the individual products or search by roadname, product type, etc.

its nice to have one central location to see all the new product (both MTH dealer as well as custom runs). I have not tried it yet myself, but Andy assures me thats how it works!

Thank you,

Mike

To add on to what Big Mike said, the key is to search by the MTH catalog .... and they still do publish catalogs despite what Mike R said a few message up (products are NOT announced via email only, the products are in the online catalogs BEFORE the email newsletter goes out).

Here's link to 2021 uncataloged items:
https://mthtrains.com/prod-sea...field_catalog%3A7815

Here's link to 2022 uncataloged items:
https://mthtrains.com/prod-sea...field_catalog%3A7814

Here's link to 2023 uncataloged items:
https://mthtrains.com/prod-sea...field_catalog%3A7867

Note, the 2023 list of uncataloged items is constantly changing as new custom runs are developed.  Today it's at 4 pages.  In a couple weeks it'll be at 5 pages.  If 2021 and 2022 are any indication, we'll be up to 20+ pages of uncataloged (custom run) items by the end of the year.  Just click on the above link and it will always be the most up to date.

Regarding the concept that MTH no longer creates annual catalogs, everyone should stop spreading that false rumor.  MTH still DOES publish a catalog, to this day.  No, it's not a paper catalog.  No, it's not a PDF catalog.  The catalog is now an e-catalog online list of items updated in real time as new products are added.

Here's the link to the 2023 catalog:
https://mthtrains.com/content/fl-2023-all-scales

and on that page, you click on the text and it takes you to the list of cataloged products here:
https://mthtrains.com/prod-sea...field_catalog%3A7866

Link to the 2022 catalog:
https://mthtrains.com/content/fk-2022-all-scales

direct link to list of cataloged 2022 items:
https://mthtrains.com/prod-sea...field_catalog%3A7807

Link to 2021 catalog:
https://mthtrains.com/content/fj-2021-all-scales

direct link to list of 2021 CATALOGED products here:
https://mthtrains.com/prod-sea...field_catalog%3A7742

Hopefully the above links are helpful if you're interested in seeing all the CATALOGED items and/or uncataloged items.

Remember:

Uncataloged items = custom runs

Cataloged items = MTH's releases available to all hobby shops

Enjoy browsing the new format for MTH's catalogs.

Stu

@NOT LionelLLC - Thanks for all of the helpful clarifications Stu, and your OGR Forum pseudonym really suits you as you're very knowledgeable when it comes to MTH product.  👌

PS - You too Mike Reagan.

@Landsteiner posted:

"I wouldn't hold my breathe on that. Unfortunately we all better settle in for long wait."

Am I mishearing or misremembering that someone from MTH stated that the new version of the wi-fi TIU won't be available until fall/winter 2023?  Suspect the Lionel Base 3 will also be later than expected, given the supplier issues.

Andy Eldeman recently stated at the DCS user Group Meeting that dealers could see WTIU's arriving in the April/May time frame. New WIU's should arrive by the end of the year.

@Dave Hikel posted:

We were joined by Andy Edleman of Prime Mover Communications, who is working with both MTH and Atlas.  Andy gave us an update on DCS hardware production.  AIU's have recently shipped to dealers and are in stock now.  WIU's are currently being assembled and should show up at dealers before the end of the year.  Production of the new WTIU, which integrates the TIU and WIU in one package (but eliminates the 900 MHz radio for the old remotes) is still being held up by chip shortages.  The design of the WIU has been done for months, but certain chips just haven't been available. MTH R&D has explored using alternate chips, but the results in testing have not been satisfactory.  Their decision has been to hold production until they can deliver a quality product with the right chips.  Currently, they expect to get a shipment of chips in early 2023, which would see WTIUs arriving at dealers in April or May.  Keep your fingers crossed!

https://ogrforum.com/...0#166277369163620200

OK, FIRST of all, I did not mean to start anything with my comment.  I just wanted to know why every email I get from MTH, WHICH I LOVE, was showing an "Uncatalogued" heading.

As I stated in my original post, I found this "interesting" because of the historical baggage that this term carried to most in the hobby.

Evidently, I had a lot to learn, so thank-you to all who responded with facts and updates on what is going on at MTH!

Unfortunately, I had to sell my 100+ MTH items as the retirement house I moved into has no room for my long-dreamed of and planned room-sized layout. Oh, well, life is not always fair.

I remain in possession of almost all of the MTH paper printed--catalogs, flyers, etc., a TON of Plasticville items, and 20+ years of CCT magazine that I will list to sell.

I understand that listing such stuff on this forum requires me to provide a detailed list of each and every item, and that will be a huge chore that I will eventually get to.  No sense in hoarding stuff that others in the hobby would like to have!

So, thanks to all knowledgeable members who chipped-in their valuable information.  Everyone is better informed now!

Cheers,

Richard

@NOT LionelLLC posted:

Regarding the concept that MTH no longer creates annual catalogs, everyone should stop spreading that false rumor.  MTH still DOES publish a catalog, to this day.  No, it's not a paper catalog.  No, it's not a PDF catalog.  The catalog is now an e-catalog online list of items updated in real time as new products are added.

Stu,

I can't agree.  At most it's an online product showcase, but in today's online world I would probably call it an online illustrated database of offerings instead.

It is most definitely NOT a catalog.

They are two very different things.

The word 'catalogued' doesn't fit here.

There are no false rumors, just people tired of being told that they don't see things correctly and because of it that it's their problem and not MTH's.

I don't mind the online showcase at all myself, but many people do.

Mike

@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:

Stu,

I can't agree.  At most it's an online product showcase, but in today's online world I would probably call it an online illustrated database of offerings instead.

It is most definitely NOT a catalog.

They are two very different things.

The word 'catalogued' doesn't fit here.

There are no false rumors, just people tired of being told that they don't see things correctly and because of it that it's their problem and not MTH's.

I don't mind the online showcase at all myself, but many people do.

Mike

If MTH is going to list "uncataloged" items on-line (and I appreciate that they do), it would sure be nice if they also included the info on the shop that requested the custom runs.  That way, we might be able to start our search for extras that might be sitting on someone's shelf.

Chuck

@PRR1950 posted:

If MTH is going to list "uncataloged" items on-line (and I appreciate that they do), it would sure be nice if they also included the info on the shop that requested the custom runs.  That way, we might be able to start our search for extras that might be sitting on someone's shelf.

Chuck

They do list info on the shop doing the custom run.  Click on any of the "uncataloged" links above.  When you see something of interest, click on that item.  The shop doing the custom run is listed in the description.

Stu

@rplst8 posted:

From Miriam Webster

noun

1

: LIST, REGISTER

a catalog of the band's songs

2

a

: a complete enumeration of items arranged systematically with descriptive details

a catalog of the company's products

b

: a pamphlet or book that contains such a list

a mail-order catalog

a university catalog

c

: material in such a list

From Dictionary.com

noun

1. a list or record, as of items for sale or courses at a university, systematically arranged and often including descriptive material: 2. a stamp catalog.

3. something that contains such a list or record, as a book, leaflet, or file.

4. a list of the contents of a library or a group of libraries, arranged according to any of various systems.Compare card catalog, online catalog, union catalog.

From Wiktionary.com

1. A systematic list of books, names, pictures, etc. quotations ▼ 2. A complete (usually alphabetical) list of items. 3. A list of all the publications in a library. 4. A retailer's magazine detailing the products they sell, allowing the reader to order them for delivery. 5. (US) A book printed periodically by a college, university, or other institution that gives a definitive description of the institution, its history, courses and degrees offered, etc. 6. (computing, dated) A directory listing. quotations ▼ 7. (music) A complete list of a recording artist's or a composer's songs.

We don't need a definition, or 15 of them for that matter.  There's only one that matters here.

Lionel has been issuing catalogs for about 120 years.  Practically speaking, we all know very well what they are.  Try this one from your listing:

    4. A retailer's magazine detailing the products they sell, allowing the reader to order them for delivery.

Attempting to convince us that we're not losing anything, by redefining what we all know a catalog to be, and then implying that we're wrong because we don't see it that way, is utterly ridiculous.

If it looks, smells, and tastes like catalog then it's a catalog.  Anything else is most definitely not.

Can you download a catalog from a website?  Sure, but there needs to be one there in first place.  There are no new ones on MTH's site anymore.

Enough said.

Mike

NOT LionelLLC,

My apologies; I didn't notice the shop reference at the end of the product title in the Description box.  Probably because I was looking for more contact info, but I guess they could be found through GOOGLE.

Chuck

@NOT LionelLLC

Stu, Another powerful feature of the online catalog is the ability to sort the products by Product Line, Type, and road name:

If you only want to see Premier items in the CSX road name, just click on those to filters in the left frame and listings are reduced to every CSX Premier offering that MTH produced in the selected catalog.

@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:

We don't need a definition, or 15 of them for that matter.  There's only one that matters here.

Lionel has been issuing catalogs for about 120 years.  Practically speaking, we all know very well what they are.  Try this one from your listing:

    4. A retailer's magazine detailing the products they sell, allowing the reader to order them for delivery.

Attempting to convince us that we're not losing anything, by redefining what we all know a catalog to be, and then implying that we're wrong because we don't see it that way, is utterly ridiculous.

If it looks, smells, and tastes like catalog then it's a catalog.  Anything else is most definitely not.

Can you download a catalog from a website?  Sure, but there needs to be one there in first place.  There are no new ones on MTH's site anymore.

Enough said.

Mike

So what do you call Lionel's 2022 Vol. 2 paper publication that has less than half of what the online version lists?

@rplst8 posted:

So what do you call Lionel's 2022 Vol. 2 paper publication that has less than half of what the online version lists?

Good Point, They show a list at the end but not a true "catalog" of all items. How about previous catalogs showing items that where cancelled and never made it to production? To me that's a misrepresentation of what was actually produced for that catalog year.

Obviously two different business models, and two different approaches to the market.  No point in debating what to call it. It is what it is.  I wouldn't be surprised if Lionel moved towards mostly on-line catalogs.   I would guess those catalogs will mimic that traditional content and design that has existed for more than a century, and that MTH has now abandoned for perfectly good reasons.

Considering that most older folks like me prefer the traditional catalog,  and that transparency to new hobbyists is probably best with some sort of on-line,  full-line organized catalog, there's not much debate about what's going on and who is the primary audience.   No need to feel cheered about the Lionel approach or defensive about the MTH approach.  The differences reflect the respective company structures and goals at this point.

If one is looking for a consistent (more or less ) supply of sets, track, power supplies, accessories, etc., at your hobby shop or on-line, right now it's not going to be MTH, no matter how much virtue their products have or will have.

For those who already are engaged in the hobby, you can rely on MTH for sure.   You may only need rolling stock and locomotives, and those are being abundantly produced.  But for those starting out, the lack of a full-line catalog and supply, whether hard copy or on-line,  and particularly the lack of sets does represent a potential barrier to entry.

The things "we" argue about here 

@EscapeRocks posted:

The things "we" argue about here 

Mercy, my friend!

Never buy a C-2 Corvette.  You ain't seen nothin', including "discussions" on here about the number of rivets on reproduction steam engine boilers on expensive toy train engines, which I found to be, well, "interesting."

Take my word for it, this is nothing...

Cheers!

@EscapeRocks posted:

The things "we" argue about here 

When they get so silly and start a discussion on what’s in the dictionary, it’s time to head to the driveway and count rocks, or go up & sweep the sun off the roof,…..time better spent ….

Pat

I am an MTH fan.  But, put frankly, the current way they are doing things is a bit half-***ed.  I understand that printed catalogs are a bit of a dinosaur, and expensive.  But as part of perhaps assuring the customer base that this isn't some sort of fly-by-night operation and that they are actually committed to a long term plan of how to restructure the firm, perhaps an online catalog would be appropriate.  Also, the company needs to hire someone to update the website.  It looks like it is from 2009.  This isn't rocket science and they could probably do it fairly cheaply.  Again, I say all these things because sometimes candor is needed - right now the operation doesn't come off as professional as it should be.  And the showing at York was also weak in the sense that if you are going to go, you need to put some effort into the display.  Rich is a nice guy, but people go to York to see product.

Again, take this as constructive criticism from someone who wants to see the new MTH succeed (and who wants to see all the O gauge manufacturers succeed).

@Ray Lombardo posted:

I am an MTH fan.  But, put frankly, the current way they are doing things is a bit half-***ed.  I understand that printed catalogs are a bit of a dinosaur, and expensive.  But as part of perhaps assuring the customer base that this isn't some sort of fly-by-night operation and that they are actually committed to a long term plan of how to restructure the firm, perhaps an online catalog would be appropriate.  Also, the company needs to hire someone to update the website.  It looks like it is from 2009.  This isn't rocket science and they could probably do it fairly cheaply.  Again, I say all these things because sometimes candor is needed - right now the operation doesn't come off as professional as it should be.  And the showing at York was also weak in the sense that if you are going to go, you need to put some effort into the display.  Rich is a nice guy, but people go to York to see product.

Again, take this as constructive criticism from someone who wants to see the new MTH succeed (and who wants to see all the O gauge manufacturers succeed).

Rich is doing all he can with what he’s got!….it’s literally a couple man operation!…….I’m guessing you’re ready to step to the plate, open your wallet, and do a better job??…..how about being thankful Rich is willing enough to try & keep the place going??……I’m kinda dumbfounded this is spewing out your mouth Ray, …..never thought you to be a whiner,…..

Pat

@Ray Lombardo posted:

I am an MTH fan.  But, put frankly, the current way they are doing things is a bit half-***ed.  I understand that printed catalogs are a bit of a dinosaur, and expensive.  But as part of perhaps assuring the customer base that this isn't some sort of fly-by-night operation and that they are actually committed to a long term plan of how to restructure the firm, perhaps an online catalog would be appropriate.  Also, the company needs to hire someone to update the website.  It looks like it is from 2009.  This isn't rocket science and they could probably do it fairly cheaply.

I disagree entirely. While the MTH website is spartan and arguably dated, and yes, even a bit pokey at times, it’s far more useful than Lionel’s website let alone a paper catalog.

I’ve seen far too many 100% functional web sites get destroyed when someone decides they need to “freshen up the place” and you end up with lipstick on a pig in place of a reliable mule.

@harmonyards posted:

When they get so silly and start a discussion on what’s in the dictionary, it’s time to head to the driveway and count rocks, or go up & sweep the sun off the roof,…..time better spent ….

Continual brow beating of a company that is adapting and overcoming with posts about how they’ve closed their doors is, in my opinion, what should have you out cleaning photons off the shingles.

@rplst8 posted:

Continual brow beating of a company that is adapting and overcoming with posts about how they’ve closed their doors is, in my opinion, what should have you out cleaning photons off the shingles.

Touché!…..

Pat

@harmonyards posted:

Rich is doing all he can with what he’s got!….it’s literally a couple man operation!…….I’m guessing you’re ready to step to the plate, open your wallet, and do a better job??…..how about being thankful Rich is willing enough to try & keep the place going??……I’m kinda dumbfounded this is spewing out your mouth Ray, …..never thought you to be a whiner,…..

Pat

Not a whiner at all.  Unlike many here, I post under my name.

It is constructive criticism.  Go back to 2020.  MTH announces it is closing.  Then there is an adjustment/ reorganization, for which many of us were thankful.  Now they seem to be sticking around.  If you are sticking around, make the investments you need that are relatively simple - an organized website with the product, and if you are going to train shows, display some product.  They have the right guy on the parts side.

None of this is a criticism of Rich Foster or is not intended to be a critique of any person.  But the reality is that it comes off as less than professional.  And if the company is sticking around, some investments are necessary to reinforce the point.  

And as far as my wallet, I open it plenty for the product.  Mike Wolf has plenty of cash.  If he wants to run the place like a real company, it is time to clean a few simple things up.  

Take care.