My Railroad Takes Delivery Of The MTH CNJ Train Master (Pictures Added)

Ohhhh man  That means mine is coming soon.  Seems like everything ordered in the last two years is coming the same month

Thank you for the review.  I love the Trainmaster but the Williams I have is not detailed enough nor does it have sound.  I particularly like your comment that the sound is the correct engine type. 

No problem. I'm planning to take and post a few photos of the locomotive tonight.

Bob

As promised, I've taken a few pictures of the locomotive in order to highlight some of the specifics I discussed in my initial post.

First, we present a view of the long hood which illustrates proper placement of the bell per CNJ practice:

This picture also shows the excellent fan detail to good effect. One of the discrepancies from the prototype which I mentioned can be seen here. The classification lights of the CNJ units were of a unique two aspect configuration whereas the model is equipped with the single aspect type found most commonly on the TM. Again, as this feature was unique to CNJ, I wouldn't expect to see it included on a plastic model.

Now, moving to the other end of the locomotive, we take note of the placement of the air horns, again accurate for a Jersey Central Train Master:

At the extreme left can be seen the dynamic brake fan. As discussed above, unlike the vast majority of TM production, CNJ's units were not equipped with this feature. Nonetheless, the model has this detail. Again, since most units were built with dynamics, I don't believe it unreasonable for a manufacturer to include it on all roads of a plastic model. In fact, even Atlas' HO and N scale CNJ Train Masters are built with dynamic brake details.

Lastly, here's a view of the unit in its entirety:

The 2410 was part of CNJ's second Train Master order. As such, these units were delivered with a Phase II car body and, sure enough, the MTH model features a correct Phase II car body. The drop steps are functional, the cut lever is a separate piece and there are plenty of MU hoses on the pilot. Not easily seen in the photographs is the one aspect of the livery which presented some difficulty for the builder. On the ends of the unit, the striping is not positioned with total accuracy at the point at which it converges with the herald. Throughout the years, CNJ's complex CNJ Statue of Liberty herald has proven challenging for model builders and they've succeeded with varying degrees of success. The discrepancy on the MTH Train Master is minor and I discovered the issue only upon extremely close scrutiny of the model. In fact, you may have noticed one of my CNJ books laying on the table in the background as I had to refer to it to determine precisely how much it is off. It is very, very minor. In fact, I suspect most owners will never even notice it. 

Overall, as a fan of the CNJ and the Train Master, I'm very pleased with the locomotive. For a mass produced plastic model, I believe it provides the hobbyist with a satisfying level of accuracy and appeal. Yes, it does have a few inaccuracies for the specific road represented but this is the case with many models unless one deals exclusively in brass and, even then, you're not guaranteed of absolute perfection. I'm a modeler who places a heavy emphasis on accuracy of models with reasonable expectations given the various manufacturing constraints facing the builders and I believe MTH has delivered a winner in the form of the CNJ Train Master in this regard.

As I mentioned in my initial post, I operate conventionally so I'm unable to answer any questions regarding command operation. During my break in run, the TM accelerated in very prototypical fashion, was responsive to changes in throttle setting and emitted that great F-M opposed piston sound. To those who will be operating the TM in passenger service, be advised they accelerated from station stops very quickly which made them great power for commuter runs with lots of stops. They'd really put you back in your seat. Don't be afraid to open that throttle. You've got commuters who want to get home!  

Thanks for reading,

Bob         

In a word...awesome !  CNJ FM TrainMaster in either phase is majorly outstanding. We now have one that's really accurate, although the Bultman 2 Rail C&LS imports are something else.  Shame on me for not taking more slides of these back in the day... guess we figured that they'd be around forever, as CNJ was perpetually broke. It is truly unbelievable that none of these unique locomotives survived in the USA, altho if you really wanted to spend some serious $$, a slug could be restored.

Superb!

I've got a PS2 Lackawanna, from the first production run of this beautiful new MTH model. They're one of the best O gauge locomotive models, I've seen. A great highly detailed model; with excellent sound!

Bob, I really like yours.

Rick

A sweet looking engine.

SIRT approves, good choice!

Bob .. Thanks for the review. Stupid question,it appears the MTH model run long hood forward, correct??

Most often the big CNJ 'Monsters ran short hood forward, in spite of the bell being set up on the end of the long hood....go figure.

Didn't the CNJ have dual controls in the cabs of their Train Masters? Thus, the "front" didn't really matter to the Engineer, as he was always on the right hand side.

Thank you for posting the pictures.

A good looking diesel.

What is the minimum radius?

in response to the question regarding dual controls, the Train Masters, along with many classes of CNJ road switchers were equipped with dual controls. Exceptions to this rule which come to mind are the 1500 (the first H15-44), RSD-4/5s, 1700 series RS-3s, the SD35s and power obtained from the B&O. Even the low nose GP40P units obtained as replacements for the TM class were set up to be bi-directional.

The box indicates a minimum radius of O-36 but thus far I've run it on O-72 only so I can't comment on anything less at this point. 

Bob        

As a point of comparison, here's a view of the CNJ 2410 heading west through South Amboy with a train bound for Bay Head Junction:

This photo helps to further illustrate the degree to which the MTH model is faithful to its intended prototype.

Bob

Nice piece of 'Heavy Metal' CNJ 3676!

I've been looking at FM Train Masters, but haven't looked into MTH. Yet.

Henry J

Hi, Henry.

Thanks for the compliment. I'm glad you like the model.

I've been following your Train Master thread. If you're a CNJ fan and appreciate realism, the new MTH Premier Train Master is your best option. I saw your comment about going for quality over quantity and this model fits the bill perfectly. Please understand my comments in no way are meant to disparage the Train Master of the Postwar period. The Lionel model is a sentimental favorite of mine and I own two of them myself. That said, unless you've decided to purchase a Lionel model, do give serious consideration to MTH's CNJ unit.

Good luck,

Bob     

I saw someone said a Raritan river sw9 o scale was releases, where can I find one. THANKS IN ADVANCE