Is the MTH 20-3303-1 a true 1:48?

This loco should be true 1:48 scale, as all the Premier locos of American prototypes are.

Be aware that the SP GS-4 typically pulled streamlined cars, at least in its heyday.

Virtually all the MTH Premier locomotive models are true scale, I'm 99.9% certain that the MTH Premier GS4 is truly 1:48 size.  It'll certainly also be way better detailed than the Williams GS4.

Emily, not to muddy the waters on your search, but the PS2 and PS3 versions of the models you’re looking in MTH are much more detailed than the early PS1 models,…..look at the details of 20-3303-1 vs. 20-3302-1 as one example……MTH really stepped up their game beginning with the PS2 line as far as rich details ….

Pat

Williams and Lionel Madison cars are compressed semi-scale.

Both engines are scale and run well. It comes down to value. The Williams engine is worth about half the MTH engine due to the lack of detail and the additional features of the MTH engine. Lionel has a made a few sets of SP heavyweights in 15” and 18”. The 18” have a scale profile, just shortened.

SP only had about 20 heavyweight cars painted in Daylight colors and more than half were round roof Harriman cars. AFAIK only a couple of Clerestory roof cars were diners and RPOs.

Pete

Although this is an MTH Forum, and the original question is about the MTH SP GS4 models, in my opinion the absolute best, most accurate & detailed, SP GS4 (#4449) was/is the Sunset/3rd Rail model. Plus the fully scale Golden Gate Depot SP full Daylight passenger train, which included the articulated chair cars and the three section articulated Daylight diner, was the best offered in 3-Rail SCALE.

@Hot Water posted:

Although this is an MTH Forum, and the original question is about the MTH SP GS4 models, in my opinion the absolute best, most accurate & detailed, SP GS4 (#4449) was/is the Sunset/3rd Rail model. Plus the fully scale Golden Gate Depot SP full Daylight passenger train, which included the articulated chair cars and the three section articulated Daylight diner, was the best offered in 3-Rail SCALE.

What's your point?  That if you spend four or five times the money, you get a better model?  I think we kinda' understand that concept.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...3#157829273742009383

They might be compressed but atleast look scale in detail. That RailKing crap never looks scale. Like how they made the cow catcher shorter then the Mars light. That is just stupid.

I do want the engine to be correct.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...5#157829273741916915

I understand the ps1's are lightly detailed. That is why I am looking for a ps2 or 3.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...1#157829273741358051

I agree to an extent but the 5600 model of Williams is **** close to perfect.

He did ask whether the MTH model was full scale.  Hot responded appropriately.  MTH did wonderful models, but cut corners when they felt like it.  For instance, check the wheelbases on your favorite Diesel models.

I like Hudsons, and own an MTH j1e.  Full scale, except for the cylinder block, which was seriously undersize (fixed that in a hurry!).

But MTH's business is not full scale, it is 3-rail, with all the attendant compromises.  If you want more accurate models, go back and read Hot's post.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...0#157829273742420570

As stated above. There is some bad and atleast 1 good detailed Williams loco.

And I understand that most heavies are round roof but I like the look of the Madison cars.

@Emily Shelton posted:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...0#157829273742601300

What is the Sunset/3rd rail model? Is Sunset a brand? I believe one streamline cars are articulated. I only run heavyweight cars for passenger service.

OK, but why do you desire a model of the SP GS-4? The SP GS-4 locomotives generally did NOT pull "heavyweight" passenger cars, except for the SP Harriman cars.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...1#157829273743893371

I understand that it is 3rd rail and some normal things are out of scale but length and over shape is extremely key. A plus would be if it comes with the optional front coupler.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

What's your point?  That if you spend four or five times the money, you get a better model?  I think we kinda' understand that concept.

Now now, John, you know as well as I do that the Sunset/3rd Rail brass models of the SP GS class "Daylight" steam locomotives are NOT "four or five times the price" of a new MTH SP GS-4.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...2#157829273744121822

Because as a teenager. I flew across county to show sheep at the Oregon State Fair. And while I was there, I unexpectedly found my favorite loco. It was my favorite for its looks before I even stumbled upon it. I even have a photo somewhere of me standing in front of the driver wheel.

And I want a Madison car because I have been in a couple restored Madison cars. I just fell in love with the ornate detail that was put in something back then.

The MTH GS4 is full scale. Obviously the wheels are not but then the 3rd Rail 3 rail engine doesn’t have scale wheels either. Detail is finer on the 3rd Rail engine but the MTH engine is respectable and passes the three foot rule.
Emily, this is a 3rd Rail GS4.

Here is a Lionel 18" heavyweight diner. SP Had a couple similar to this.

Pete

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...2#157829273744363202

I can't even find this loco on their site. Besides, I make $400 every 2 weeks. I don't want to spend more then $500 on a loco. That is why I am shopping on eBay.

I don't need extreme detailing. Just some that looks scale and passes with a B grade. I don't need an A+. RailKing locos are a D at best. So that is why I am still looking.

I used to own both of these beauties. I sold the Rail King version off after getting a great deal on this PS3 version. I was astounded by the difference in size and detailing between the two. To be honest the Rail King ran better on my layout as it was more forgiving on some less than perfect track laying.

Can't believe the photos were taken 2 years ago. The layout has certainly changed a lot since then.