What is the difference between MTH's LTC Tinplate Catalog and the Tinplate Traditions catalogs? I've never heard of the Tinplate Traditions catalog until just now.
"Tinplate Traditions" is what MTH called there tinplate line before the licensing agreement with Lionel. MTH could not have Lionel or American Flyer markings on there standard gauge or O gauge products. In 2009 MTH and Lionel came to an agreement that MTH would produce tinplate trains with the Lionel/American Flyer Logo's. Another 3 year contract was put together not that long ago to continue making tinplate under the Lionel/American Flyer banners. From this agreement came some Lionel engines/Passenger cars that MTH would probably not have "tooled up" for if the Lionel banner could not be used such as the "Brute" and the matching showroom cars.
