MTH NS F3 ABA DAP sets

To clarify, the DAP set was Premier, not RailKing.  The RailKing set was released at a later time and was not associated with MTH's DAP program.  This makes the RailKing set a little easier to find.  The Premier DAP set had scale F7 engines with scale details including the second B-unit.  The RailKing set had engines based on Lionel's Postwar F3s except that a few minor details had been upgraded when MTH did the redesign several years before.  The second B-unit was not offered.  Both sets had cars offered when the engines were offered.  The Premier DAP had 70' streamlined cars and the RailKing had 60' streamlined cars.  The RailKing set had a baggage, full-dome, short dome, observation, sleeper, diner, and two coaches.  The Premier DAP set had five sleepers, boat-tail observation, full-dome, and three coaches.  As for engine paint problems, occasionally, one of the Premier DAP ones will pop up with a paint issue.  I have that set and have not had a paint issue.  I am not aware of any RailKing versions that have a paint issue.

Thanks for the reply.  Do you happen to know the product numbers. Did MTH use a 30 prefix for the scale ones on the DAP set.  I see the sets for sale have the B units but use what I would call a Rail King 30 prefix in the number.

Thanks

Buzz

The RailKing set was just an A-B-A.  The Premier DAP set was an A-B-A plus an extra B-unit to make the A-B-B-A set that NS usually runs for that train.  MTH used a special numbering system using the 20-8000X (the X being a different number each year) for the DAP program.  It did not matter if the item was RailKing or otherwise.  It got a 20- number.  In 2009, MTH stopped that pattern and gave everything in the DAP program a normal item number that corresponded with the product line where it would have normally been offered. That means a 30- for RailKing, a 20- for Premier, a 11- for Lionel Corporation Tinplate, and so on.

 

Here are the Premier DAP item numbers:

 

20-80007B - NS F7 A-B-A w/PS2

20-80007C - NS F7 Non-Powered B-Unit

20-80007D - NS 5-Car 70' Streamlined Passenger Set

20-80007L - NS 70' Full Length Vista Dome

20-80007H - NS 70' Streamlined Sleeper/Sleeper Set

20-80007I - NS 70' Streamlined Sleeper/Sleeper Set

The DAP set being Premier are prefixed by a 20.  Specifically 20-80007B and 20-80007C.  They are harder to find than hen's teeth!  And as expensive!  

 

I know where anew  RK set is currently.

Thanks all, for the clarifications, it is most appreciated

Buzz

There's a complete DAP set for sale on the bay right now for $5500!

The Premier set is the #1 item on my wish list but even if I won the lottery I wouldn't pay $5,500.

Hey

 

I noticed there is a set that has a very similar paint scheme as this. The F3 Southern ABA 20-20044-1 premier set. Does anyone own this and can provide some pics?

 

Thanks

Just bought the rail king version for 400. They are terrific looking. Been hard to find.

I have the ABBA WilliamsF units and the Railking NS cars Makes a very nice set.Less than $500 in it.

Hi all

I must be one lucky person. By pure luck I was on MTH's FB a few days ago and saw an article about a version of the NS being released. Someone commented that they should re-release the Premier DAP version. So MTH commented that they should look at the MTH website to see if a dealer has it in stock. But everyone knows that it has long been a very hard item to find and very sought after. So I decided to look at MTH website and low and behold a dealer had it in stock. I couldn't believe it. But figured it was a mistake or they hadnt updated the website. So I called to see and to by surprise theLHS did have it in stock. Wow! I bought it instantly paying only MSRP. I also got the 5 car passenger set which they also had in stock. Talk about luck. I will post pics later. I just received the ABA set and WOW. What a beautiful set and worth the price.  

Congrats on a great find, borderman01.  I love to hear stories like this one!  Just goes to prove not everyone is out to gouge fellow toy train enthusiasts in the market for "hot items".

 

MSRP would be well-worth it for a lovely set like that.  Now... to search for the "extra add-ons" that go with it!!!    I think there were 9 or 10 passenger cars catalog'd in all.

 

Enjoy!!!

 

David

 

 

The MTH NS DAP set in one of my prize set in my collection. Now if I can only find the Full Vista Dome "Deleware" to complete my set I'll be happy! 

It would be nice if MTH did a special run of the Buena Vista with the correct theater rear glass!! I would get this car in both Southern and NS paint scheme.

I have the complete DAP set.  Paint came off two of the cars.  Small flecks approximately 1/4"x1/2".  Right near the car name plate (side panel) on one car, and off the roof on another.  In other words, one tuscan and one black area.  I do run them, but am very careful handling them, and there are no obstructions on my layout.  Never found the paint flecks, and so far, no other paint has come loose.  I haven't heard any other incidents of this nature.

 

Stack 

I did check over the paint when I did receive and didnt find any flaking or issues with the paint. Thanksfully. I do and will handle them with extra care. Now I am just waiting for the 5 car set to come in. Just very grateful to be able to own a set.

Here are some of the pics. 

Very nice set.  I have the Railking set wishing I could have the premeir set.  Congradulations on your find!

I wished that MTH would make an open window end car (Theater Car) like they are today. This end car would look awesome like this one 

Smoke Stack Lightnin,
Not to long ago guys were talking about the small percent of the paint issues with this set.  It was mentioned that MTH replaced some shells.  One guy thought that it was too long since the release to get replacements, but found out MTH still had some.  It might be worth a call as it is possible they have some left.