New MTH EP-5

I have the P1 version from the set MTH did back in the late '90s.  A real winner, AFAIC, she's chipped for the Bay State, and runs like crazy !

If you're not set on MTH, Lionel and K-Line made a number of versions of the EP-5.

 

Is the WbB version so wrong it's not a good choice for traditional folks??? I have a PRR version I like a lot.

The k-line is nice but be careful as the metal, at least on mine, shattered by the trucks.

 

Photo shows my original Lionel , a Williams and  a K-line as seen left to right.

 

 

The K-Line version is the only accurately scaled one outside of two rail brass versions if that matters. 

Thanks for the photo Don.

 

I have the Williams, the K-Line and a Lionel re-issue.  The MTH has the DCS which is appealing.  It does look like the body sits a little high on the trucks.

This is the MTH Rail King EP-5 with PS2, and it has freight yard sounds. I plan to change the sound file to passenger sounds.

 

Doesn't the Lionel have the wrong number of wheels?

Yes, Silver Lake, the Lionel EP5 has 4 wheel trucks which are not prototypical (6 wheel trucks are).

I believe they were modified from the Pennsy Geep 2028 trucks. During the mid 50s Lionel would re-use parts in other models to save money.

 

Peter

I have the beautiful K Line version and I agree that there may be some problems

with the diecast.  I experienced a moderate bump to the pilot and it instantly shattered.

Fortunately I was able to cement it back together, but it won't win any beauty contests.

I purchased it during their special promotion. It was supposed to have sounds but no

"talk-talk" (which would have cost something like $100 more).  Imagine my surprise when it began talking if the train was in neutral and the horn button was pressed.  I was even more surprised when the "talk-talk" called out "engine 375" whereas the actual number painted on the side was 377.  The K-Line EP5 pulling K Line NH streamlined coaches is a sight to behold.

I also have a MTH PS-1 version.  I have found that the horn on mine is different than the horn on any of the MTH later ones (Judging by YouTube videos.), but I really love the horn on mine.

 

The NH EP-5 was on my must have list.  My grandfather used to get a NH magazine and I'd flip through it when I saw new ones.  The EP-5 was on many of it's pages, so seeing it run around on my track is also a reminder of earlier days.  Sadly my EP-5 is off of active duty.  It threw both traction tires on the front truck, eating one of them in the gears.  Talk about a sudden stop, and it popped the breaker too.

Hi Guys,

 

Do any of these various models have the correct Hancock air whistle that the prototype engines had?

 

Steve

I know the Williams and the Lionel do not have the Hancock but the K-Line does. I can't speak to the MTH.

The K-Line is also the only one with the 3rd rail pickup shoes on the trucks as per prototype. Also the shell has the as modified vents in the sides as done soon after they entered service. The Williams is based on the Lionel post war but does have the right number of wheels.

I have a PS1 version. It blows a whistle, but doesn't sound like the Hancock used on the New Haven...more like a tortured Elephant.

 

I also have a NH Premier GP7 from 2010. That one definitely sounds like the real thing.

 

The whistle on the new EP-5 sounds very similar to my GP.

I got a ps-3 version when they came out a couple a months back,,,,,im pleased with it though it wobbles a bit,,it seems to settle down...operating pantograph nice hancock air whistle good station sounds complete with a new england accent...cool...

Once upon a time I had the Gilbert's New Haven EP-5 electric.

 

 

I've owned all the EP5 variations except the K line, at one time or another; wound  up keeping the MTH P1.  There are things about the K Line I like better, such as the trim around the wind screens on each end.  The Hancock used on this model works pretty good for the NYCS P2b, but could used a little tweaking for NH.

I have an MTH EP-5 with PS1 for sale to someone who will give it a good home.

 

Williams is scale length but has the wrong numbers for NH.  It has a three axle truck but uses PA-1 side castings.  The real EP-5 has three axles but they are not evenly spaced.  You can get the K-Line side castings from Lionel and you can modify them to match the Williams truck.  There will be some offset because the casting reflect the uneven spacing of the axles.  I'm not sure if the K-Line has the correct uneven spacing or not.  We're talking about 1 scale foot, aka 1/4" difference.  I find the correct side castings look better with slight offset on one axle than PA-1's with the axle matching the bearing caps on the castings.

 

K-Line has better/more accurate detailing of the shell.  None of them will have the correct cab interior because the vertical can motors are going to wind up inside the cab. The Williams roof details are off but the price is hard to beat.  I got a Williams EP-5 for about $125.  Adding in sound, control and coil couplers added another $100.  Sound set isn't quite a match for a real EP-5 but the horns on the roof aren't a match either.  Current Williams units use the E-7 pilot casting which doesn't match the prototype.  Since it's my Railroad and not the New Haven's I left the "wrong" one in place because I think it looks better.  I still fiddle with this changing minor parts as I find them.  Since I only paid $125 I don't mind kit bashing the engine.

 

K-Line made three versions of the scale EP-5.  Conventional with a classic horn/bell, K-Line's own sound set, and a full blown TMCC/RailSounds/w cruise.  If you find one a a show or on-line make sure it matches what you are looking for/expect.