New MTH Pennsy E-8 ABA: Quick Look

Great looking engines!  I was looking at this set as well.

-Greg

That is a great looking set.

Rocky looks great.  Quick note, Pennsy never had any E-8 B-units.  They did have E-7 B-units.  Just in case you are looking to be prototypical.

 

Ron

I saw these at Imperial Trains.  If I didn't just get the BB and Berk I probably would have bought these.  They are very nice.  MTH did a great job on these.

David,

Thanks for posting. As a Pennsy fan and a fan of E-8s I was anxious to see the new Pennsy E-8s. I have two E-8 sets, a Pierre Marquet A-B-A (Proto 2) and a Great Northern A-B-B-A (Proto 3). The GN is almost a train length by itself. I love the look of E-8s. I was on the fence about purchasing the Pennsy but I spent a lot of money this year on trains (and my daughter's wedding) and didn't want to spend the money. I am still tempted to purchase the set. Your post makes it harder.

Very sharp!

 

Peter

Very nice. Congratulations on your new purchase. There goes the 2015 train budget.

David
Great looking set. Love the paint. If I didnt know better they sure look like a set I already own, MTH 20-2894-1 Premier Pennsylvania PRR E-8 Levin. I assume these have the teether as wel or wireless drawbar? Thnx.

Super sharp. Enjoy 'em.

Nice set. So what are the road numbers again? Is see #5711 and #5890B what is the other A unit road number? IT appears that MTH reissued the Bernie Levin E8 set again.

For what it's worth, we have a couple of sets available at our shop. Our discounted price is available on our website and they ship free. I also have one NYC set left. Thanks!

Great question!  Are these in fact a re-release of the Levin set?  If so may have to get one, since passed the first time.

 

Dave please post a large shot of the other A-unit.

 

Ron

It does look like the same finish as on the Levin E8s as it has more red and gloss to it than the customary Tuscan.  But it is hard to tell true color from photos.  I've not seen it in person, but have the Levin units.  Isn't it true that Levin has an E8 in his consist?  I know it is true Pennsy didn't have E8s.

 

Rich

Ron, ask and you shall receive...  Photo of A-unit #5809 posted.     From what I can see on the MTH product locator for the earlier 20-2894-1 model, the new model appears to be a re-issue of the earlier one with same road-numbers... just with updated electronics for PS3.0

 

Hope that helps!

 

David

These have the tether cable that runs tightly parallel to the couplers.  No wireless drawbar.

 

David

The color is stunning, beautiful E Units. With that length, if it were me, I would pass on another B Unit. Looks very good as is and I do like an ABBA combo.

These are offered with scale wheels  and a fixed pilot? Also I was under the impression that PRR didn't own B units?

True, but they did run the Baldwin BP20 as an A B A in passenger service.   Weaver had also done the Pennsy EMD E8 B units as part of their 1990's Samhongsa offerings.  The MTH molds were acquired from Weaver.  You may be able to find other EMD E8 B units from the MTH Bennett Levin E8 offering a few years ago.  Single strip and Five strip another difference.  Round v.s. square side portal also comes up in discussions.

Beautiful offerings. My older Weaver E8's take an easy 5 ft. of shelf.  

Weaver offering of the Baldwin BP20, you could purchase an additional A unit.

   You gotta love stripes.

MTH ES44AC, Pennsy Heritage model, Weaver E8 model with upgrades, Weaver Baldwin BP 20.

As large as a BP20 is youd think an AB would be enough!!!!  Anybody know about the scale wheels cause that would be my only negative. Can always repaint the b to UP and be Ok with prototypical

David, another question, do these have ditch lights??????????

 

Ron

I wouldn't be sure that PRR was required to have ditch lights at the time the unit was produced are'nt ditch lights relatively new? I know they are required now. and some are removable for static display.

Ditch lights were added to the MTH Bennett Levin Pennsy E8 models a few years ago.  The 1 to 1 Bennett Levin E8's have the ditch lights.

From this thread 2012.   Click on the underlined phrase to link.

Ditch lights were mandated by the FRA in the mid to late 1990's. So the prr's e8's  never has then and Conrail had to add them to their e8's on their OCS train.

OBVIOUSLY not but we are here discussing the MTH set 20-20398-1 which should be numbered 5790, 5878, & 5790B but are actually number in the Levin numbers 5711 & 5709.

 

Ron

Anyone notice something interesting?

I took these shots at the Streamliner Event here.  I was around these units a good part of the day and have looked at these pictures several times.  But only today noticed ... .

 

 

Ron

Spence,

 

Yes... if you only knew... if you only knew.  Not exactly the best way to start the year "on plan". 

 

BTW, great to see you back on the forum posting!!! 

 

David

Although I haven't yet operated mine, they DO appear to have ditch lights on the A-units.    So there ya go folks... there's no reason to hold back now!!!    Go get 'em while you can.  I'll even leave the optional B-unit for ya. 

 

David

PRRronbh Is it that the photo of 5809 has ditch lights and 5711 doesn't?

Yes!

 

 

Today was the first time I noticed this. 

 

Ron

I would assume  that the lights are removable? That way which ever unit is in the forward slot gets the lights? remember I said assume. I have only seen pictures of the PRR E8s. UP 951... I and some friends used to play in when it was first donated to the western Heritage museum for static display, had no motors so even with it locked ucould crawl up inside,get really greasy but man it was fresh from repaint and even smelled almost new this would have been 78thru 80?

 

David - I believe I've heard you mention having a layout (?)  Have we ever seen photos of it?

Great info.

 

Looking at closeup images can see where/how attached and cables running through couple opening.

 

Ron

Dave When u have a chance can u post a closeup pic of the front view of the a units? I am assuming it will be no different than mines. Thanks

Based on info in another thread about this set, these are a re=release of the Levin engines---but PS-3.  Great for contemporary modeling of these E-8s.  But not prototypical of the actual Pennsylvania Railroad days.

 

So apparently somewhere MTH screwed up.  These are NOT as cataloged or as shown on their website.

 

Ron