Why No Reproduction 380/380E's?

An excellent question for LCT (and MTH "Tinplate Traditions")!

My guess would be that given the similarities between the 380 and the 10, they don't see it as needed. Yes, the two engines have many different features, but are similar enough that they probably don't see too much of an expanded market.

Of course, the 380's, 10's and 318's were all made in sufficient numbers that finding an original in excellent condition is not all that hard, and not much more, if any more money than the reproductions, so I'm not sure why they reproduce them anyway.

However, MTH/LTC could make an Ives 3237R with relative ease. They produce a short cab 3245, and if I'm not mistaken, the shell is the same as a 3237R. They could make a new frame, and have a new engine to sell. It's one that is a lot more difficult to find as an original than any 318, 10, or 380, and probably the best looking engine of that type.

Sounds about right on the 380.  There are quite a few out there.

There is no reason to NOT make a 3237.  Better proportions, great colors.  Here is one pulling a 1927 Transcontinental Limited.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7YuoFSCy1E

   I think the 3237 has been molested enough, let it live in peace!

   I think MTH learned their lesson when they made the 8 loco. Originals in LN condition are cheaper than the repro, so why make it? Remember the reproductions began showing up originally to fill holes in peoples collections left by trains that were either too rare, or too expensive to acquire.