I hope that Mr. Muffin is right about the future of MTH. The Muffins run a really sharp operation which I have happily patronized But I certainly have to wonder whether MTH has simply been unable to sell the business because of the contraction in the market.
My young grandchildren love to run "Grampa's trains," but they see them no where else.
Those of us who've been in the hobby for a long time remember when everybody went nuts because high end engines broke the $800 barrier. But now we're approaching $1,800 as a routine large engine price, which has got to really shrink the market, on top of the demographic shrinkage. And when $600.00 K-Line steamers like the recent 4-6-6 tank engine become the $1,000 Lionel version and I see how poorly the the 1970-1990 electronics have stood the test of time, i just decide to enjoy the 20-30 + engines that I own because I just don't enjoy spending like that. I could write the check and am grateful for being able to do so, but...
Our engines have become like computers with unavoidable built in obsolescence. That's the price of technology, but I don't buy 5 or more computers every year, as I used to buy trains. Of course, I did just pick up the MTH 20th Century. It's gorgeous as is its sound, but it can't pull the four cars it came with. I also bought an MTH 44 tonner. And I've ordered a NYC 4-6-0. So I'm not out of the market but I did pass on the PRR H-10 because it was was priced at about $1,000.
I apologize for going on so long. But let me end by thanking each of you for the knowledge and expertise you so willingly share. I learn and get help with my trains every time I go on this board.
RubinG
