To Mr. Wolf and the Employees of MTH Trains.
First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Wolf and all of the MTH employees at MTH for the innovative products over the years!
It seems like only yesterday when I entered back into the hobby by buying two of the three Santa Fe Dash 8 Diesels with the QSI Boards, and then over the years buying the Proto -1, -2, and -3 engines as they came out, and, of course, in Santa Fe Livery.
When I went to the Eastern Division TCA Meet at York, PA. the first stop was always at MTH and to get the latest catalog signed by Mr. Wolf himself. (Well, almost all of them except the original flyer when MTH started). As time went on, and of course my buying of MTH Engines and Rolling Stock over the years to build up my collection, and joining the TMB Model Train Club so I can run the same with pride and admiration while our guests watch in awe as all of the trains ran on our layout.
I'm sure much will be written in the ensuing months, but just how much Mike changed the game is undeniable. Mr. Wolf and his Team constantly worked hard, and, along with Andy and Rich for the last 35 years. This is not an easy business and it's only going to get harder.
I would love to see the MTHers take up the company and continue on the MTH quality, but could also see a future where another Company acquires the locomotive tooling and is able to pull off some interesting new projects that may have been in the works.
However, it's only their business why they would or would not be interested in buying/taking over the company, but keep in mind at least a few of the original employees whose names we all have come to know over the years. That's a pretty big "new job" to take on if you are closing in on possibly wanting to retire yourself in the not too distant future.
I, myself, am planning on retiring in another 10 years after a 50 year run with the Utility I have been working with, and I am in a similar age bracket as a lot of us are to retire, whether now or in a few years.
With all this said, I will miss seeing Mr. Wolf and the MTH Crew every six months at Eastern Division TCA Meet in York, PA., but I wish everyone there a long and happy retirement, or starting a new career.
