Does anyone know when MTH will release the 2020 vol 2 catalog online?
Usually it’s out Wednesday of York Week, I assumed it would still go online today.
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Given that MTH has left the building until they're allowed to work again, I suspect it's probably not going to happen. It might, but I wouldn't count on it. 
MTH said it would be online on Friday April 24.
Looks like its been pushed back 2 weeks. I have a hunch premier reading T1s are gonna be the catalog...
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2 weeks isn’t too bad of a delay. It’s just nice to have something to look forward to!
That sure puts a damper on Virtual York for me. Oh well. Back to my lawn work I guess. 
Oh, the humanity...
Having to wait an extra two weeks for a peek at products that won't be available for 12, 18, 24 months or longer.
Rusty
I love the Reading Railroad, probably alot more than most, but another T-1? 
Hopefully there will be some other Reading stuff, too.
@M J Breen posted:Looks like its been pushed back 2 weeks. I have a hunch premier reading T1s are gonna be the catalog...
Wonder why?
I am wondering if they are giving time for stores to reopen so that orders can be taken instead of setting some order deadline where few local shops can participate.
@rdg_fan posted:I love the Reading Railroad, probably alot more than most, but another T-1?
Hopefully there will be some other Reading stuff, too.
Agreed! Why following Lionel a lead? Same thing happened with the big boy!
Will the Premier freight cars that were not produced in the past year return to the catalog?
Andrew
Maybe they will re-run the impossible to find passenger sets from years back rather than another catalog year of Daylight cars? Hopefully they'll all come thru this healthy and we will see it soon.
As always, I would love to see some new tooling. For me, new modern power would be great.
- ET44AC units, as far as I can see, would be an easy modification of the ES44 tooling. But what do I know
- Siemens SC44 Charger, with all the lights. If Bachmann can get a license for HO, someone else surely can. I know licenses can be pricey sometimes, but I think I would be a great loco in O-scale.
- SD70AH-T4. More modification of the SD70AC shell then the ET44 would be of the ES44 shell, but again, worth a try. With this one, limited roads would be an issue, but the numbers are growing - UP, CSX, BNSF (Demo), Progress Rail (2 paints), and ElectroMotive.
The top two would sell better, but all three would be worth it.
I’m hoping the T-1’s have whistle steam added now. I’m probably going to be disappointed, but we shall see!
If there were a Pullman-Standard, Greenville Steel Car, Thrall Car modern era 1970 to 2000 gondola introduced to match the modern locomotives, then things might look better.
Andrew
I like MTH products but their current business model doesn't include any new tooling. At a time of economic decline like this I don't see any reason to expect anything new than reruns of old tooling with new paint schemes and better detailing.
I pre-ordered the offset cupola ATSF caboose with the correct graphics to go with my Sunset FTs out of the last catalog. While I'm not buying a lot these days in 3 rail, who knows what might come out on 3r or 2/3 that I might have missed?
This catalog won't disappoint me. I am not expecting anything from MTH that would be new. I will be on the lookout for things I missed in the past though. So no hurry at all.
That's where I am too. Being somewhat new to 3-rail, it's still a target rich environment for me. If it's the right road name, I'm a buyer.
I still can not find a SOO LINE GP30 anywhere on the MTH website.
They were built in 1963 by EMD.
Maybe they can show show love to the C30-7. They already have a Premier chassis from the U30C. The C30-7 just needs some grab irons, see through grilles and walkway treads.
It would always be nice to get a Scale fuel tank for the forgotten FP45.
I’m hoping for railking R21/22 subways in the correct paint schemes. These haven’t been cataloged since 2000
I'm still hoping the Amtrak Viewliners will be a possibility. But if we are talking subways I'm hoping to see a R1/9 again or hopefully, with fingers crossed, a R44/R46, R68, R143, or R160/R179.
Golden gate depot is taking reservations right now for scale Amtrak viewliners. I have the original R1/9, I’ll take a re-run signed up as a AA local to run along my A express. I doubt we will see any new tooling in subways. Maybe modified GOH R32’s. But how many years has it been since the GOH R40 slants we’re announced. Still no delivery date.
I was looking so forward to this catalog. I agree with some of the other members that it is going to take an eternity for these new products to actually reach customers. It typically takes about a year (give or take a few months) to receive new orders to begin with. I could these cars easily taking 2 years to reach the states.
@GG1 4877 posted:I like MTH products but their current business model doesn't include any new tooling. At a time of economic decline like this I don't see any reason to expect anything new than reruns of old tooling with new paint schemes and better detailing.
I pre-ordered the offset cupola ATSF caboose with the correct graphics to go with my Sunset FTs out of the last catalog. While I'm not buying a lot these days in 3 rail, who knows what might come out on 3r or 2/3 that I might have missed?
Yes Jonathan, I am afraid that MTH’s new business model is based on repeats of what they had. Slight modifications - new a road number here, a new flatcar payload there - are easy to do and easy to make money on. New tooling is a dream, and I still try to keep that dream alive in the hopes that a new ET44 or SC44 shows up in the catalog. Even new steam - Strasburg - is still just a dream.
Deep down inside, we all still hope for new stuff. :-)
I'm with John P. There is a lot of stuff that I missed out on, or could be re-issued in different paint schemes or numbers, or upgraded to PS-3, that I would be glad to get.
Skip the Reading T-1, the Frankenstein monster of steam. What we need are some GS-4s!! 😂😂😂😂😉😉😉😉
@The Portland Rose posted:Skip the Reading T-1, the Frankenstein monster of steam. What we need are some GS-4s!! 😂😂😂😂😉😉😉😉
In Atlantic Coast Line colours! 
The PREMIER AIRSLIDE 50' covered hoppers have not yet been produced in all possible railroads and paint scheme variations. They better get more done, since the real cars are being downgraded to buffer car service or even scrapped.
Andrew
I agree! I’ll reserve 1 or 2.
The PREMIER O scale 60' flat car has not yet been produced in the 1960's or 1970's TRAILER TRAIN schemes with HTTX or OTTX reportingn marks, SOO LINE Colormark Car scheme from the 1960's, and the 1960's GREAT NORTHERN paint schemes.
I wonder if they will have them this year.
Andrew
The Premier PS-1 50' Box Cars have not yet been made for the Grand Trunk Western and the ILLINOIS CENTRAL in the 1960's paint schemes or the Grand Trunk Western and the ILLINOIS CENTRAL GULF in the 1970's paint schemes.
That is what they need in the next catalog.
Andrew
I'm ok with repeats. I'd love to see a repeat of a grey/orange LIRR World's Fair era passenger engine. Missed it last go around. Wouldn't say no to a Subway E Train with Trade Center stop. I have the original Proto, would love P3.
I would like to see MTH step up to the plate and run the PRR diecast p-5 boxcabs again. MTH has promised to replace zinc pested shells from the previous runs of this model. I hope they have not forgot about their loyal customers who own this loco. I have been on MTH's waiting list for a new shell for quite awhile now.
@pdxtrains posted:I'm ok with repeats. .................. Wouldn't say no to a Subway E Train with Trade Center stop. I have the original Proto, would love P3.
That would be one I might go for. Would people accept it with the original RK tooling from back then though (if it still exists?)? Even on the RK models, the details have been ramped up quite a bit since over 20 years ago when these first subway models came out.
-Dave
I wonder if they would make the PREMIER EMD GP9 in all of the Central Vermont schemes.
Will they make the Premier Modern 50' box cars in the Central Vermont schemes?
Andrew
I would like to see a PS-3 run of the Premier Big Blow turbine or Gas turbine. Just got the beautiful coal turbine, I have the PS-3 propane turbine on order, and I have the PS-3 veranda. this would complete my set. Then I would look for a lionel diecast remake of there Veranda.
I've been waiting almost 20 years for a Premier RF&P 4-8-4 from the "Statesmen" series, specifically #618, "James Madison". I wonder if this will be the year...
@SIRT posted:
It's Mike's company, he can release his catalog whenever he wants...
Rusty
In the virtual York video, Andy Edleman confirmed that the decision to delay the catalog was Mike's. Sounded like Andy wasn't exactly sure why Mike made the decision, so you can ask Mike yourself if you wish. . My guess is he was hoping some hobby shops could re-open before the catalog was issued.
I think it goes live tomorrow? Hoping for R21/22 Pullman green subways on the #1 train! A re-issue of the R1’s would be great too!
@Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:I think it goes live tomorrow? Hoping for R21/22 Pullman green subways on the #1 train! A re-issue of the R1’s would be great too!
Be careful what you wish for lol. I'd love an R1 rerun too.
@SIRT posted:
I'm still waiting for the last batch of 2020 V1 items to arrive.
Somethings up?
I'm still waiting on a couple Premier freight cars from 2019 V2.
We’re the R40 subways??????
I am also hoping for R21/22 #1 line in pullman green.
The following was taken directly from an email that MTH sent to its dealers today, May 5th...
2020 Volume 2 O Gauge Catalog To Be Released Online Friday, May 8, 2020
May 5, 2020 - M.T.H. Electric Trains will publish its 2020 Volume 2 O Gauge catalog to the M.T.H. website on Friday, May 8th.
Excellent!
I just want a Seaboard Coast Line GP7 in the "boring" black and yellow livery. Enough of the Purple and Silver...none of us alive can even remember that one. Of course, I may be the only one wanting the GP7.
@Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:We’re the R40 subways??????
According to MTH on the first video the R40s are supposed to be shipping in June. I am also hoping for an R1 reissue and maybe a Greenbird R21/R22 #6 Pelham Local like the HO version in O scale.
Or maybe, and this is a long shot, a post GOH R32 Brightliner or R44/R46 to go with the R40's.
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@SubwayLover posted:According to MTH on the first video the R40s are supposed to be shipping in June. I am also hoping for an R1 reissue and maybe a Greenbird R21/R22 #6 Pelham Local like the HO version in O scale.
Or maybe, and this is a long shot, a post GOH R32 Brightliner or R44/R46 to go with the R40's.
Glad you like my R32s lol!
@Novabus 5000 posted:
Glad you like my R32s lol!
Are you kidding, those are Awesome!!! The only regret I have about not getting the last set of R32's made by MTH is because I wanted to modify them to make them look like yours. After all those are the Brightliners I'm used to riding and operating for so many years.
The catalog will be released online on Friday May 8th.
Dave
@Carl Peduzzi posted:Yes Jonathan, I am afraid that MTH’s new business model is based on repeats of what they had. Slight modifications - new a road number here, a new flatcar payload there - are easy to do and easy to make money on. New tooling is a dream, and I still try to keep that dream alive in the hopes that a new ET44 or SC44 shows up in the catalog. Even new steam - Strasburg - is still just a dream.
Deep down inside, we all still hope for new stuff. :-)
It's a tough business, and not just because of recent events. I fully understand the risks and reluctance to invest in new tooling. As long as people continue to buy remakes with different paint jobs, there's not a lot of incentive to take the risk on new tooling. However, I will say that my buying has slowed quite a bit due to the lack of new designs, and I wonder how long it will take for others to do the same. Given the long lead times, manufacturers who don't invest in new designs could find themselves with an extended dip in sales if they wait too long.
My dream items are realistic versions of the South Shore interurbans - original, rebuilt, and modern, not just generic items with a South Shore paint job. I don't expect to see it.
@Mallard4468 posted:It's a tough business, and not just because of recent events. I fully understand the risks and reluctance to invest in new tooling. As long as people continue to buy remakes with different paint jobs, there's not a lot of incentive to take the risk on new tooling. However, I will say that my buying has slowed quite a bit due to the lack of new designs, and I wonder how long it will take for others to do the same. Given the long lead times, manufacturers who don't invest in new designs could find themselves with an extended dip in sales if they wait too long.
My dream items are realistic versions of the South Shore interurbans - original, rebuilt, and modern, not just generic items with a South Shore paint job. I don't expect to see it.
Can't see MTH doing accurate South Shore cars with hardly any return on investment when they don't even re-run passenger sets that they could redo at a mere pittance compared to new tooling. Friends have been hoping for a re-run of the North Coast Limited or Canadian National Streamlined cars, instead enough retread Daylight sets they quit looking at the last few catalogs.
Here's what I really wish for: any subway set with a sound file that represents what the conductors actually used to say through the PA during rush hour in the 70s: a frustrated--"Watch the doors!" :-)
That would be great!!! The sounds are way too polite 🤪
Still hoping for a New York Central Premium Pacific with small tender in black they did it in grey.
How about some PRR decapods with whistle steam........
@BobbyD posted:Can't see MTH doing accurate South Shore cars with hardly any return on investment when they don't even re-run passenger sets that they could redo at a mere pittance compared to new tooling. Friends have been hoping for a re-run of the North Coast Limited or Canadian National Streamlined cars, instead enough retread Daylight sets they quit looking at the last few catalogs.
I'm surprised they're still in business.
Food for thought: What's old hat for some, is brand new to those of us who recently got into the O scale game. Every catalog is boring for some and great to others. Personally, DL&W is what catches my eye the most. However, even though everyone seems tired of J's, Daylights, and Big Boys.... I sincerely hope they keep making them. My budget is nowhere near ready to purchase those yet and I do want them someday.
@david1 posted:The catalog will be released online on Friday May 8th.
Dave
It is now 1:19 AM, no Catalog, Lets take a poll when it will pop up. I have 0900.
I'm typing at 2:22 Eastern. I'll say 10:30 am Eastern.
I'll say 10:00am. 
I agree with John, but it would be a bit sneaky if they made us wait until 4:00PM EST and had a YouTube live video where they released it.
my guess is noon eastern time
I'll guess 9:00 AM Eastern. 5:00 PM the latest.
Nice job, Mike!!!! Everyone take a gander.
I am all over the Premier Maine Central F3s!! MTH, take my money now!!
It's such a small thing relative to what's in there but the first thing I thought was, "finally, a green Procor tank car!" I've wanted one of these ever since I saw them during a trip out to Pittsburgh a year or two ago.
Lot of the same stuff from the October catalog...
...been waiting for the Pennsy D-16 and DD-1 locos, both not done since the early-mid 2000s...guess I'll wait some more!
Seriously, it looks like every Railing steamer was in the last one or two catalogs, same with Premier, except the Berks.
Depressing. Maybe the days of completely new/refreshed offerings each catalog are completely over. Look at Williams catalogs. I don't even bother anymore, just the same thing over and over and over. This is NOT a dig on the lack of new tooling. This is a dig on the "copy and paste" nature every MTH catalog has gotten to, at least with steam power. Maybe the market isn't there but it seems every catalog is just a repeat of the past offering.
Nice selection of items, especially the S-2's, but no must haves or items that were requested. I'd have to think about a few items?
I like a lot of stuff in the catalog: Long Island RS-1, Pennsy Premier Crane Cars, and the CSX Spirit of LE cars. I just find it a little weird that their marketing strategy seems to be putting out very popular Steam Engines that have appeared several times over the last few years by both MTH and Lionel. I've always found MTH to be way more diverse in their engine roster than Lionel and I figured they would showcase engines that Lionel does not usually make...like the Pennsy T1 duplex. Overall I think they did a good job.
Catalog after catalog after catalog...…...No premier Penn Central offerings....I was hoping for a E-8 AA in Penn central and also a RS-1. So your reading this thinking no one wants Penn Central...….Well Lionel always seems to sell out of it. Try finding a Lionel Legacy Penn Central e-8 pair. Since I won't buy Lionel anymore, I was hoping MTH would do a set of these. On a VERY POSITIVE NOTE...…. It appears that my zinc pested P5a boxcab shell will get replaced after all. These are listed in the new book. Thank you MTH
Strange, I get nothing but a view of the cover with no clickable links; even when going directly to the MTH website.
If you are a modern Canadian Pacific fan, this could be a _great_ catalog!! Painful $$$, but oh a potential selection.
However.....
CP Heritage (Curl Scroll), the magnificent D-Day in Spitfire camo and invasion strips, the Navy, and the Army/Arid Regions are shown as SD70ACes. They should be SD70ACU which is the CP (and NS) SD90 rebuild program with SD70ACe cabs. Those are much bigger engines than the standard SD70ACe. I suspect the SD90 tooling will be to blame if MTH is taking a shortcut to produce them as presented in this catalog. I don't like being asked to accept the wrong engine in the very desirable new CP paint schemes. That's just not right. MTH made tooling adjustment for the new SD60E in 2016. Why not do it right with the SD90/SD70ACU rather than "rushing" these beauties as shorter SD70ACes?. I would wait if MTH said they would do them right. 
I'm guessing the Air Force and Army Green are likely in the 2021 catalog(s).
The beautiful Washington & Old Dominion 44 tonner is a temptation for those in the DC/NoVA area.
I didn't see anything that I would have to pre-order. The Northern Pacific 44 tonner would be a possibility along with the scale military vehicles.
Turbo trains and Aero trains are back.
Bill
The kodak rs-1 is tempting
On a positive note, I may order some rolling stock like twin stacks (pg. 128), and definitely the Nickel Plate streamlined passenger cars (pg. 136)
Negative: Dearth of midwest road names. No MoPac, Frisco, MKT. Boo. Twelve years since they made a Premier Missouri Pacific cab unit and never in PS3. I'd settle for some MoPac passenger cars. I'll send my semi-annual MTH email request now.
Lots of nice items for a New York Central, New Haven nut like me.....no “gotta haves” . However, I’m sure some of the items will follow me home .....
Peter
Well, that was a bust. Nothing of any interest to me in this catalog.
I'm in for the CP military/heritage diesels
I see on the BB MTH has now added quillable steaming whistle. I also saw it in the description of the T1 too. Wonder if it will make it to the rest?
No Railking passenger cars in the catalog. I am in for the LIRR RS1 and some rolling stock.
@Surefire posted:I'm in for the CP military/heritage diesels
I would've liked to have seen all 5, but maybe it's for the best! LOL Order ing all 5 would've been a painful financial hit.
Wow. A lot of nice product, but unfortunately nothing that I want. I was hoping for more Friendship Train cars.
The LIRR RS1, LIRR & BEDT S2 switchers & the NY dock railroad 44-ton are my favorites. I’ll probably choose 2 and do some rolling stock.
I haven't bought anything new in long time, The Sunset/3rd Rail E60 was on my list but has now been replaced by the Amtrak Turbo Train. I've always wanted a model of that since I saw them in Grand Central when I was a kid. So I'll be saving up for that.
Having interest in the CNJ F3s, I noticed that the M&STL F3s are shown in MILW paint scheme. A small error in such trying times.
I may look into getting the Turbotrain, since I think that engine looks kind of cool in videos of it I have seen. Perhaps a 44-toner, as I think it would be nice to have a small engine.
I did not see any railking passenger cars?
Well the Reading T-1 DOES have whistle steam! But why isn't the T-1 on the catalog available in the catalog?!
I remember the NY Dock RR. Took many photo trips there to Brooklyn in the 1970's era. Visited all the yards including Pidgeon Street. Even have a photo of my oldest daughter in the cab of the NYD (ex. Southern) RS-3 that they bought at a good price but later found out it was too big for the curves.
Think I need to get a NYD 44t and of course the CNJ F-3 A-A-A-B-B diesels in all those roadNUMBERS.
Thanks.
Walter/RMT
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Once again very disappointed in the poor selection of the woodsided clerestory passenger cars in the Premier line, these are great looking passenger cars. Why repeat the stuff from the west and the east. How about some stuff from the Mid-west? Like CMStP&P or CM&StP; Soo Line or MStP&SSM; or C&NW???
What era is the LIRR RS1? I'm assuming it hauled freight only, and once again it's freight sounds?
I may go for the CP heritage locomotive. It would be my first modern era diesel. If I had an unlimited budget, I'd buy the military units.
@pdxtrains posted:What era is the LIRR RS1? I'm assuming it hauled freight only, and once again it's freight sounds?
So the RS1 has the Tichy Paint scheme, which was painted on to the actual ones from 1950-1952 and were repainted for the World's Fair scheme in 1963-64. The Tichy Paint scheme was reserved for locomotives operating passenger trains. Of the three other LIRR RS1s MTH has made, two have the passenger announcements and the other has the freight announcements. Hopefully, MTH gets it right and includes the passenger announcement sequence in this one.
There are SOO and BN TWIN-STACK 5-unit cars to get.
There are ILLINOIS TERMINAL and Pullman-Standard waffle box cars to get.
The Chessie System, ILLINOIS CENTRAL, and ROCK ISLAND PS-1 50' box cars are ones that I must get, finally.
They have the MONON ACF Center Flow 2-bay covered hoppers finally.
The Arcadia & Mad River Railroad ALL-DOOR box car is what I have to get. Perhaps HAMPTON Lumber also.
Perhaps a CNW or Landmark PS-2-CD high-sided 3-bay covered hopper.
The KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN, UNION PACIFIC, SOO/CP, BNSF Multi-Max Corrugated Auto Carriers are what I would like to get for a Multi-Max train.
Andrew
Last year as a MTH Club member I ordered the Tinplate car. I am glad I got it. No tinplate car this year nor S and HO car. Only Premier and Rail King.
The PROCOR tank car and the Union Carbide tank cars are ones that are in the CN/GTW trains that I would like to get.
Andrew
Falcon Service
I really like those Premier Maine Central F3's! Will be watching for those to arrive.
They have a new number of the GRAND TRUNK WESTERN 4-bay cylindrical hopper. That is unexpected.
Andrew
There is an LS&I ore car in RailKing. I have to get that for the ore car trains.
The Rio Grande AIRSLIDE hopper is one that I would have to get.
Andrew
Too bad that they are re-issuing the SW1500 in Nasa.....Is this the third run? Needs to offer in the Southern Pacific scheme as they had 200 of these. Nobody wants Southern Pacific SD35 as SP only had around 30 of these units.
Santa Fe SD45 has already been made by MTH in that "as delivered" road number series....Needs to be done in their 5300 series road number which they wore the longest.
The PREMIER Southern Pacific SD45 is strangely absent from the catalog.
@Lirr 1555 posted:So the RS1 has the Tichy Paint scheme, which was painted on to the actual ones from 1950-1952 and were repainted for the World's Fair scheme in 1963-64. The Tichy Paint scheme was reserved for locomotives operating passenger trains. Of the three other LIRR RS1s MTH has made, two have the passenger announcements and the other has the freight announcements. Hopefully, MTH gets it right and includes the passenger announcement sequence in this one.
Thank you for your help. BTW, I love the LIRR video clips , both railfan and model trains, on your Youtube channel. While I have you, I have a question: is the commuter LIRR train you have running the new bluetooth Lionel version M7, or the original ?
Frankly, given everything that is going on in our nation, I'm just glad MTH came out with a Vol 2 for this year. If there was ever a hobby for living in stay-at-home sequestration, model railroading is it.
Being retired I do not have the challenge of losing my job or wondering when I will be able to safely go back to work. But my favorite restaurants and sole local hobby shop have been closed since early March. Those folks are having tough times. So once things return somewhat to normal, I'm going to eat out more than usual...and...I'm going to order more in this catalog from my LHS than I normally would.
Things that interest me are the NKP Berks (early vs later lettering; "later" is for the fan trip engine?; my only NKP Berk is a converted to PS-2 original ProtoSound engine; looking forward to getting a PS-3 engine), the NP GP7, RG SD45 (yes Falcon Service, we do need a Premier SP SD45; I did order the RailKing Scale one for a multi engine consist hauling sugar beets), B&O SD35, N&W High Hood SD35 and the Monon hoppers and 2-bay center flow hoppers.
I'm confident we will come out of this. I just want to do my part to see that my LHS also comes out of it intact.
I may order the Premier 6-car set of fishbelly hoppers in Western Maryland Speedletter scheme. The Premier crane and caboose in C&O could be a possibility also.
I would order a Western Maryland RS-3, but I have two PS2 ones, one in Speedletter and the other in Fireball. I'm not interested in the WM Berk since I have a WM Pacific.
@Rick Wright posted:Frankly, given everything that is going on in our nation, I'm just glad MTH came out with a Vol 2 for this year. If there was ever a hobby for living in stay-at-home sequestration, model railroading is it.
Being retired I do not have the challenge of losing my job or wondering when I will be able to safely go back to work. But my favorite restaurants and sole local hobby shop have been closed since early March. Those folks are having tough times. So once things return somewhat to normal, I'm going to eat out more than usual...and...I'm going to order more in this catalog from my LHS than I normally would.
Things that interest me are the NKP Berks (early vs later lettering; "later" is for the fan trip engine?; my only NKP Berk is a converted to PS-2 original ProtoSound engine; looking forward to getting a PS-3 engine), the NP GP7, RG SD45 (yes Falcon Service, we do need a Premier SP SD45; I did order the RailKing Scale one for a multi engine consist hauling sugar beets), B&O SD35, N&W High Hood SD35 and the Monon hoppers and 2-bay center flow hoppers.
I'm confident we will come out of this. I just want to do my part to see that my LHS also comes out of it intact.
Rick, I agree with you about being glad they even came out with a catalog too! I'm recently retired, and my wife is laid off, but I think we may get by if she doesn't go back if called. Yes, this has been a great hobby for spending time at home, especially when it is snowing outside on May 8th!!! 
They also didn't offer an auxiliary tender for the Chessie T-1. I mean they have the tooling for it. Also, what happened to the Premier heavyweights?
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@Hudson J1e posted:Last year as a MTH Club member I ordered the Tinplate car. I am glad I got it. No tinplate car this year nor S and HO car. Only Premier and Rail King.
I noted that too when I called to renew my membership last week. For me, not much impact, since I did the same thing I always have, ordering a RK and a Premier car each year for the most part, but I do wonder if it's another sign.
As to the rest of the offerings, not 100% on anything, but I'm sure I'll at least end up with 4-5 pieces of rolling stock, even if no engines. I may double check the NASA engine vs paint schemes of previous ones I have, but I'm starting to think I have too many of those even if it is slightly different in some way.
-Dave
Very interesting not to see any RK passenger cars, I hope they are not discontinuing them 
The P5a or P5a Modified was last offered 2006-ish, glad to see them again. Its nice to see some new paint schemes but there really aren't any "new" engines.
That being said.... The CP military diesels are gorgeous, I most likely will order the dark green/spitfire one!
Bryce
@pdxtrains posted:Thank you for your help. BTW, I love the LIRR video clips , both railfan and model trains, on your Youtube channel. While I have you, I have a question: is the commuter LIRR train you have running the new bluetooth Lionel version M7, or the original ?
It is the original, I hope to get the Bluetooth set one day but I keep pushing it off.
@pdxtrains posted:What era is the LIRR RS1? I'm assuming it hauled freight only, and once again it's freight sounds?
That's before our day. I'm 64 and never seen one of those. It reminds me of a WWII Navy battle ship with that scheme. Ugly.
I like the Pennsylvania Premier Line SD-35 and the Premier Line P5A Box Cabs a lot and the Trump Train set is really nice too.
Another "If I had a million dollars"; the Boston and Maine Guilford GP40.
The Big Boys and 4-4-0 Americans are most likely in danger of being cancelled due to low order numbers.
I’m looking at the NKP 765 to work next to my NW 611. I have had the CSX ES44s on order since the last catalog, so those should be in soon. A few freight cars are interesting.
I see this catalog as a bit of a compromise between the 2020 vol. 1 and a completely new 2020 vol. 2. I am sure the events in China slowed things down quite a bit. And it is no secret that MTH still has an overstock in some steam. I am still holding out that new molds will one day be made for new models.
Without the York experience this Spring it was especially good to see a new catalog. Certainly, as someone pointed out, given the current state of affairs. I’ve picked out a bunch of possibilities for pre-order. Will be hard to narrow the list down!
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I was hoping MTH was going to do the CP Heritage/Military units. However, I'm surprised they went with the SD70ACe body instead of reworking the SD90MAC-H body (20-2367-X) It would have been a closer match. Maybe the tooling was too old to pass off as Premier.
There are a few things I like to buy #2102 T-1 RDG , A few old diesels and a bunch of cars, However I cannot pull the trigger with all the stuff going on in asia right now, seems a little unamerican to me. I got to see what the future will be first. 
I like the return of the Turbo Train, Twin Stacks and the 55’ All Door Box Cars. Also like seeing more Military Flats.
Not at all interested in their steam offerings (for 3 or 4 years now). Would’ve liked to have seen the WM challenger, DM&IR Yellowstone, or the GN R2 or even their PRR T1. All of which Lionel doesn’t have (specific) tooling for. Maybe 2021?
-Brian
Thinking about a pair of SD45's in ATSF livery and/or a TTX Gunderson set.
Nothing for me, thanks. I still have preorders from previous MTH and Lionel catalogs.
Nothing in this one. Still waiting on a couple ATSF cars from 2019 V2 and a Rail King scale ATSF H10-44 from 2020 V1.
It looks like a 2-rail B&O SD35 will be on my preorder list as well as a couple of Chessie 50' PS-1 box cars and both CSX ACF 2-bay Centerflow covered hoppers.
@SIRT posted:I like the MTH PS-1 but MTH just cant seem to issue box cars with the correct doors...…. 20-93918
Either people will have to buy a plug-door from a parts company or make one from plastic sheets and metal wires.
The door variety on their box cars seems to be limited.
Andrew
I will order the Lake Superior & Ishpeming or LS&I ore car.
Andrew
I ordered the pair of PREMIER Arcata & Mad River Railroad 55' All-Door Box Cars because they were part of the SIMPSON timber company that owned the Simpson-Lee Paper company that used to operate here in Vicksburg, Michigan in the 1970's and 1980's.
Andrew
Falcon Service
After looking through it a few ours ago, I waited until now to see what may have stayed with me as being interesting.
So far I'm interested in:
*Premier Santa Fe SD45
*Amtrak or Penn Central Turbo Train
*Add on 3 coach set of Strasburg wood sided passenger cars. (still waiting for somebody to make a Strasburg steam loco)
There might be others but I'm eying the Golden Gate Depot Amtrak Viewliners and Amfleet cars that will put a serious dent in my train budget.
I might consider the WM RS-3. But nothing really stands out for me which is good. Saving money for a new vehicle.
Question for the group...Can anyone confirm that MTH 2-rail F-Series locomotives (for example, the F3’s in this new catalog) come with fixed pilots? I’m assuming they do, but you can’t really tell from the catalog images. I’m seriously considering pre-ordering my first-ever 2-rail engines—the CNJ F3’s featured in this catalog—but only if they have fixed pilots.
I figure with the 3/2 configuration, I can always swap out the wheel sets from 2-rail to 3-rail if necessary...or keep the 2-rail wheel sets and just add the pick-up rollers, depending upon what type of track they’ll be running on.
If anyone owns an MTH 2-rail F’s, a photo or two would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Either people will have to buy a plug-door from a parts company or make one from plastic sheets and metal wires.
The door variety on their box cars seems to be limited.
Andrew
Peewee league software. Can’t see the posters response in order to reply with a quote?
Another software issue?
Only Weaver had the Plug doors. Would have to strip a 50' ribbed Weaver if you could find one. You would have to try and match the paint as well. Problem is, no one makes close and lock door decals. Have to print them on the PC.
MTH seems to incorrectly use ugly superior doors rather than Youngstown's on their 40 footers. Lionel offers the correct doors for the correct cars. I don't get MTH? Oh, and the black brake wheel on all boxcars? Common.
On another note: As Eric pointed out, 44 tonners only had one engineer, not two. Such simple things to do correctly, maybe they should look at a R.R. book and see?
Sent MTH a note, maybe they will get a clue? I guess Lionel has the Weaver P.D. door mold for Lionelscale?
@SIRT posted:I like the MTH PS-1 but MTH just cant seem to issue box cars with the correct doors...…. 20-93918
Hey SIRT,
Your pic above shows a Pullman PS-1 car with 1/2 height ladders and no roof walk. In one of my Rock Island books, I have a picture of a car in the same series as above, but WITH a 10' sliding "Camel" (i.e. Youngstown) door instead of a plug door.
The description in my book states that Rock Island received 250 of these cars in 1969. The FIRST 50 of the cars, numbers 35000 thru 35049, were equipped with the 10' sliding Camel doors. The last 200 of the cars, numbered 35050 thru 35249, had the 10'-6" plug doors instead as seen in your picture.
In essence then, the Rock Island car depicted in the MTH catalog, car #35030, would be correct with the Camel-style doors (although I don't know if the MTH model has 10' wide doors or not). The only real problem then, is that the MTH model has full height ladders and a roof walk.
So rather than messing around with making new doors, all you would really need to do for a more correct car would be cut down the ladders, lower the brake wheel, and remove the roof walk. That sure seems a lot easier to me.
@CNJ #1601 posted:Question for the group...Can anyone confirm that MTH 2-rail F-Series locomotives (for example, the F3’s in this new catalog) come with fixed pilots? I’m assuming they do, but you can’t really tell from the catalog images. I’m seriously considering pre-ordering my first-ever 2-rail engines—the CNJ F3’s featured in this catalog—but only if they have fixed pilots.
I figure with the 3/2 configuration, I can always swap out the wheel sets from 2-rail to 3-rail if necessary...or keep the 2-rail wheel sets and just add the pick-up rollers, depending upon what type of track they’ll be running on.
If anyone owns an MTH 2-rail F’s, a photo or two would be much appreciated. Thanks!
I have CGW "scale wheel" F3s and pilots are fixed, that's one of the features of the "scale wheels" classification. Took me years to find out. Great stuff! The side frames can be move inward by redrilling mounting holes. I'm lusting after the same unlts.
RTH, I figured as much. Thanks for confirming!
@robmcc posted:I was hoping MTH was going to do the CP Heritage/Military units. However, I'm surprised they went with the SD70ACe body instead of reworking the SD90MAC-H body (20-2367-X) It would have been a closer match. Maybe the tooling was too old to pass off as Premier.
Tooling should not be too old. MTH last issued the Premier SD90MAC in the 2013 v1 catalog with PS 3.0. I like your thinking as the SD90 is the right model in terms of body size, tank, rear end and radiator/fan arrangement to make the SD70ACU rebuild that CP used for their Heritage and Military units.
If MTH could somehow produce the SD70ACe cab for the SD90 body, it would make a close SD70ACU rebuild like CP and NS have done. After all, MTH did something similar with cab tooling for new SD60E models in 2016 v1. But with new tooling costs or injection modifications to two existing tool sets a b*tch, it probably was decided too hard given only CP and NS have done rebuilds in the SD70ACU manner. While MTH would be limited to those two flags, it would still be a very cool big new motor to market and own with two CP Heritage paints, five CP Military paints and two standard CP (red) and NS (black) paints available for a total of at least nine versions with new road numbers for 10 Heritages and numerous standard engines.
While timing is everything when one of the Big 6 premiers a rebuild with a new paint job, MTH may have decided the SD70ACe model was close enough for cab appearance and light/number board arrangement. Plus they could continue to reissue the NS Heritage Ace units as part of the run as shown. Personally, I would be happy to wait on the bigger SD90-sized body getting a SD70ACU cab. C'mon MTH!
Really liking the ATSF SD45 and Chessie SD40-2. If I could get confirmation that the ATSF SD45 will have the beacon light and painted over rear number boards I may just pre-order it.
I was excited to see the LS&I ore cars!
@Catonsville Central Railway posted:Really liking the ATSF SD45 and Chessie SD40-2. If I could get confirmation that the ATSF SD45 will have the beacon light and painted over rear number boards I may just pre-order it.
I have the MTH SF SD45 that came out in 2008. It is a PS2 version. Here are two pictures of it. If MTH keeps the same shell and features, it should have what you want. However, no guarantee that will happen. All they need to do is switch to PS3 electronics and new cab numbers.
The Chessie SD40-2 units are already available, they were in 2019 V2 catalog, and were shipped to dealers in March. I have both road numbers, so if you have any questions about them, I will try to answer them.
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@CNJ #1601 posted:Question for the group...Can anyone confirm that MTH 2-rail F-Series locomotives (for example, the F3’s in this new catalog) come with fixed pilots? I’m assuming they do, but you can’t really tell from the catalog images. I’m seriously considering pre-ordering my first-ever 2-rail engines—the CNJ F3’s featured in this catalog—but only if they have fixed pilots.
I figure with the 3/2 configuration, I can always swap out the wheel sets from 2-rail to 3-rail if necessary...or keep the 2-rail wheel sets and just add the pick-up rollers, depending upon what type of track they’ll be running on.
If anyone owns an MTH 2-rail F’s, a photo or two would be much appreciated. Thanks!
i have a set of 2-rail F7's in CNW livery. The pilots are fixed. You mount Kadee 806 or 743 couplers and they're fine. The ABA set had truck mounted, non-operating couplers between the units which at some point I'll replace with body-mounted Kadees. I bought a hi-rail additional B-unit and through some reconfiguration set it up to work in the consist. I don't have a good photo, but here's the set at the club The B-units have the hi-rail trucks and couplers between them, but I'm going to change out the wheels. They run well, but the powered A units could use a little more weight. They track fine on the club hi-rail layout with scale wheels.
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@Catonsville Central Railway posted:Really liking the ATSF SD45 and Chessie SD40-2. If I could get confirmation that the ATSF SD45 will have the beacon light and painted over rear number boards I may just pre-order it.
Since you asked about specific detail on the ATSF SD45, one thing you should know about the MTH Chessie SD40-2 released engines, they are in the 7500 series and are sub-lettered for C&O. C&O never had any SD40-2 engines, all of their engines were base SD40 with the short rear porch vs the long rear porch found on SD40-2 units. When SD40-2 unit were purchased for Chessie, all were sub-lettered for B&O in the 7600 series. A few years later the C&O SD40 units were upgraded to SD40-2 specs but still road on the shorter SD40 frame in Chessie colors.
@AGHRMatt posted:i have a set of 2-rail F7's in CNW livery. The pilots are fixed. You mount Kadee 806 or 743 couplers and they're fine. The ABA set had truck mounted, non-operating couplers between the units which at some point I'll replace with body-mounted Kadees. I bought a hi-rail additional B-unit and through some reconfiguration set it up to work in the consist. I don't have a good photo, but here's the set at the club The B-units have the hi-rail trucks and couplers between them, but I'm going to change out the wheels. They run well, but the powered A units could use a little more weight. They track fine on the club hi-rail layout with scale wheels.
Matt
I'm confused about what Kadee couplers to install on my new fixed pilot Train Master. Previously, I read 805, but then 743 and now you suggest 806. Can you further explain why one over another?
Thanks for the reply above, Matt. I appreciate the info!
@Oman posted:Matt
I'm confused about what Kadee couplers to install on my new fixed pilot Train Master. Previously, I read 805, but then 743 and now you suggest 806. Can you further explain why one over another?
Keith, the 806 and the 743 are the shorter draft gear box versions of the 805 and the 745. The "800" series Kadees are the "older" style with external knuckle springs, while the "700" series are the newer style "Type E" couplers with internal knuckle springs. Several of the folks here state that the shorter boxes work better on MTH engines when converting to Kadees.
Side note: the older "800" series couplers will actually mate with traditional "lobster claw" type couplers, while the "700" series not so much...should that matter to you.
@Oman posted:Matt
I'm confused about what Kadee couplers to install on my new fixed pilot Train Master. Previously, I read 805, but then 743 and now you suggest 806. Can you further explain why one over another?
Joe nailed it.
@DG posted:
Since you asked about specific detail on the ATSF SD45, one thing you should know about the MTH Chessie SD40-2 released engines, they are in the 7500 series and are sub-lettered for C&O. C&O never had any SD40-2 engines, all of their engines were base SD40 with the short rear porch vs the long rear porch found on SD40-2 units. When SD40-2 unit were purchased for Chessie, all were sub-lettered for B&O in the 7600 series. A few years later the C&O SD40 units were upgraded to SD40-2 specs but still road on the shorter SD40 frame in Chessie colors.
Hey, thanks for sharing the pictures of the SD45! If MTH simply recreates that 2008 model with upgraded electronics, I'd be happy. I guess we shall see...
And you're right about the Chessie units already released. I'd forgotten I'd seen them for sale already. Thanks for the prototype info! Not a deal breaker for me. And if it were, one could always swap the C for a B, and the 5 for a 6. Of course, if you're saying all C&O units were non-dash-2 SD40s, they should also have flexicoil trucks, correct?
Question, though, what's the horn like? Did they go for the Leslie horn or the K5LA?
Here are several pictures. The trucks look the ones for the SD40-2, which none of the C&O units ever had, but while running you would have to get real close and look hard to see the difference. There is also a quick video of the horn. My memory doesn’t serve me well enough to know which horn it closest resembles, I know one has a much deeper sound vs the other sound tint-like high. The unit has both ditch lights and marker lights so you can pick one you want. All originally had only marker lights.
It was close enough for me so I got both units. The last time MTH did a Chessie SD40-2 was in year 2000, I didn’t want to gamble that it would be another 20 years before the next one.
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MTH has also done a couple runs of Western Maryland SD40-2's even though the WM never had any Dash 2's, just straight SD40's. MTH continues to use the same old tired tooling for their SD40-2's and apply it to railroads that never owned them like the C&O and WM.
@catnap posted:MTH has also done a couple runs of Western Maryland SD40-2's even though the WM never had any Dash 2's, just straight SD40's. MTH continues to use the same old tired tooling for their SD40-2's and apply it to railroads that never owned them like the C&O and WM.
Nothing is going to change as long as Addicts keep purchasing.
@falconservice posted:I still can not find a SOO LINE GP30 anywhere on the MTH website.
They were built in 1963 by EMD.
I don't care who makes it...Lionel, MTH, or Bachmann, I want one!!!! (With the proper ALCO trucks).
Glad to see a B&M Guilford. I prefer B&M or MEC vs the more oft seen D&H. I hope the scheme ends up being the "Guilford Rail System" with B&M on the cab. Though the Catalog images are accurate variations. I would also love to see a late scheme B&M loco with the all blue and simple BM on the nose.
The UAC Turbos caught my eye. PC or flashy 70's Amtrak....tough choice. Love the old pics of a dingy brown physical plant north of NYC with the flashy Phase I scheme adapted to the Turbo Train speeding through past a worn out Tower. Also noted some of the PCs have the PC logo and some do not.
Would be neat to see a fantasy Conrail Turbo Train.
@Mike W. posted:Glad to see a B&M Guilford. I prefer B&M or MEC vs the more oft seen D&H. I hope the scheme ends up being the "Guilford Rail System" with B&M on the cab. Though the Catalog images are accurate variations.
I agree, Mike. The bigger issue to me—and the reason I won’t place a pre-order for these Guilford/B&M engines—is the ACTUAL gray paint color that MTH has applied in the past has not been correct. I own the GP35’s from several years ago and they are painted a light to medium gray, which is not even close to the darker gray (almost charcoal) color of the Guilford prototypes. I’ve lived in New England for about 25 years and have never seen a gray Guilford engine in anything but the dark/charcoal color...even when severely weathered!
I hoped MTH would correct their mistake on the recent run of Guilford/D&H GP38-2’s, but when I saw the pictures posted by Mr. Muffin Steve, they were the same light-medium gray as my older GP35’s. What I find interesting is MTH has once again used the correct dark gray color in their latest catalog images—and has done so in the prior product announcements—but not on the actual production models.
FWIW, Atlas offered some Guilford engines quite a few years ago, and they got the color right...no surprise considering Jim Weaver was in charge at that time!
The MTH 2020 Vol 2 online catalog has been corrected for at least 2 items
1.) The premier twin stack 2 and 5 car sets now say — one 40ft container and one 48ft container
2.) The previously listed premier F3 engine in Milwaukee colors has the title/road name changed also to be Milwaukee and not the Minneapolis & St. Louis
Also according to some dealers, the printed version will have the corrected items and be available to dealers by the end of this month.
MTH quetion - does the Premier line have road-specific details?
Might be doing some outdoor O and this is my chance to move into the 60s and 70s with diesels.
I see they are listing a Reading SD45 and like every RDG diesel it should have the drip rail on the cab roof. It's not a detail that can be added after painting so it needs to go on as OEM.
One more ? - when did MTH do the SD45 demonstrators? I would strongly doubt they have the L cab windows but I need a break from steam era P:48 modeling so I'm willing to look the other way on this one issue.
MTH did the EMD SD45 demonstrators in 2000. They were in the RailKing line, are scale sized, but grab irons are molded on.
MTH occasionally does some "tweaking" to locomotive details, but no major road specific detailing like some of the HO companies do.
Rusty
@Rusty Traque posted:MTH did the EMD SD45 demonstrators in 2000. They were in the RailKing line, are scale sized, but grab irons are molded on.
MTH occasionally does some "tweaking" to locomotive details, but no major road specific detailing like some of the HO companies do.
Rusty
Thanks! I was just curious. I’ll keep an eye out to see if they ever do the -45 Demo in the Premier line.
@N&WGuy posted:
There wasn’t too much that interested me in the new catalog, but I’ll definitely be going for the Long Island RS-1! Possibly a Pennsylvania P-5a as well...
This is what interested me too. I pray that MTH gets the sounds right and makes it a passenger train.
Out of all of the Premier PS-2CD 3-bay covered hoppers in this catalog, the Chicago & North Western scheme is the most exact fit for this Pullman-Standard 4427 cu ft, covered hopper.
The only graphic detail that they did not include was the decal with the yellow IOWA shape and black letters for the CLINTON CAR SHOPS. Because of the size in 1:48th scale it would be hard to read. Perhaps they should scale up the CLINTON CAR SHOPS - IOWA decal to 1:12th scale for easier reading.
Andrew
Falcon Service
I ordered the 60 ft flats with Humvees in NATO (4 car set) and the Dessert scheme ( 2 cars) plus 2 each of the Army Strykers MGS on the flat cars in both NATO green and desert tan schemes. I may add a few more. VBG
The Grand Trunk Western is the railroad near where I live.
The RailKing Grand Trunk Western 4-bay cylindrical hopper has the same road number as the Atlas O GTW 3-bay cylindrical hopper that I already have. It might be a conflict of concepts to purchase this one.
Andrew
