What are thoughts on buying MTH products now, before they close down?
I admit I panicked, bought an MTH locomotive that I'd been tentatively planning to purchase—because I succumbed to the thought that they might not be available for very long. How large is the inventory on these things, anyway?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I bought a new Big Boy in Union Pacific. Got it from Train World in Brooklyn.
Opened it and Smoke unit failure....Sent it back to MTH to fix.
Come to find out a lot of them are like that........
I agree - panic buying of MTH is running rampant. Have you checked the prices people are asking on our favorite "bay' site ?
They are asking more for dummy engines than prices for Proto 1 engines commanded 6 months ago.
Looks like I got in at a bad time to start my MTH collection!
What are the typical prices of P1 engines vs P2 engines?
I don't buy anything unless I am assured that repair parts will be readily available and inexpensive but I have purchased a couple of NOS K-Line engines for around $100. At that price point you should be safe.
I only have one BNSF (let's not talk about tha right now) SD70ACe on order from the previous catalog. Nothing from this one, though I'm thinking about a string of Gunderson twin-stacks.
Yup, picked up a Railking E-3 and GS-4 that were on my "someday maybe" list... since there isn't going to be a "someday" now!
You may be looking for a new command system eventually, but I have to say MTH makes a sharp looking product and a retrofit need wouldn't scare me one bit. Im always watching for a good deal on one to convert to conventional for myself too. Mechanical parts? Same as a hunt for post war items; no biggie if you're patient.
I just witnessed far too many of my brothers early dcs stuff die to want to pay for the features I don't want anyhow .(a few grand worth. basically all of it)
I've got my fingers crossed for you folks though 🤞
@AGHRMatt posted:I only have one BNSF (let's not talk about tha right now) SD70ACe on order from the previous catalog. Nothing from this one, though I'm thinking about a string of Gunderson twin-stacks.
I only have one BNSF
You caved to the Evil one did you...hhhmmmm.
You run pumpkins on The AGHR tracks, do I need to come to So Cal...
I'd still buy MTH currently Proto 2 or Proto 3, but the 2's have to be at least 3 volts boards as I don't want those 5v time bombs. They have been very reliable and wouldn't worry about any long term issues.
@John Pignatelli JR. posted:I only have one BNSF
You caved to the Evil one did you...hhhmmmm.
You run pumpkins on The AGHR tracks, do I need to come to So Cal...
It's actually a little worse than that. It's a stable-mate to the one I bought last October when I yielded to my addiction to SD70ACe diesels. Needless to say I was Impeached as Information Minister and unceremoniously thrown off the Isle of Denial. The boot print from the Deputy Information Minister is still on my uniform trousers. 
I have a lifetime supply of locomotives, so there's no panic for me. If I spotted something I liked, I'd get it, but I'm not really in the market for much right now.
Coincidentally, I bought 3 MTH locomotives this year before the announcement. These were the first new purchases in almost 20 years. 3rd rail will probably be my only source for locomotives in the future. I've ordered from Atlas before, but then they cancel the production. 
I'm glad that I made my recent MTH purchases. I'll miss MTH. 
No panic here. I haven’t bought any MTH in years. Between the cancelled orders and/or extreme delays, I quite buying MTH.
Steve
HEY Frieght Train Jim ,
You are absolutely right about the sellers prices on the bay. 🤕
Been going on for quite awhile though not quite as bad as now , I guess.
Many times I've gone for new because the used were way too close in price. 😨
@Andrew-Porter posted:What are thoughts on buying MTH products now, before they close down?
I admit I panicked, bought an MTH locomotive that I'd been tentatively planning to purchase—because I succumbed to the thought that they might not be available for very long. How large is the inventory on these things, anyway?
Have all I need, so no and you guys have fun.
@TheGeeker posted:Looks like I got in at a bad time to start my MTH collection!
What are the typical prices of P1 engines vs P2 engines?
IMO, all else being equal, a PS1 engine should sell for no more than about half of a comparable PS2 version, with a minimum difference of $250-300.
@Adriatic posted:........but I have to say MTH makes a sharp looking product and a retrofit need wouldn't scare me one bit. ......Mechanical parts? Same as a hunt for post war items; no biggie if you're patient.
I suspect lots of folks would say there's an enormous difference between finding parts for Postwar Lionel engines, which are relatively simple and the parts common, and finding them for all the different complicated foreign-made MTH engines with an almost infinite number of different parts, many of which are already unavailable.
I didn't panic buy per say, however... I was planning on buying a set of woodsided coaches when they physically arrived in the stores (I'm not a fan of pre-ordering). When the announcement came out that MTH was closing, I did place a preorder for the cars just in case others panic bought these cars and they sold out before I could make it to my LHS.
MTH has not produced anything I wanted since the first issue of the 44 tonner. I really hate to see it go because of decreased competition, not because I buy its products.
I did buy an MTH dummy loco in a road name I like that I was thinking about since there's a possibility June 2021 will be the end of the company. Never got into PS2 and PS3 in a big way, and clearly not a plan to do so going forward.
Do hope there continues to be ERR after market equipment, and that eventually there will be some combination of LionChief Plus, Legacy, LC + 2.0 after market possibilities for converting conventional, PS2 and PS3 locos for those people who want command. Not optimistic that DCS/PS3 will be long term solutions except for the committed do-it-yourself hobbyists. Happy to be proven wrong for the sake of those invested in the system, but it's looking dubious right at the moment.
From Just Train Delaware ... I pre- ordered from 2020 Vol. cat. a Railking RS1 in Washington Terminal livery and a Premier Baltimore and Ohio 19th century coach. I may order an additional B&O coach. Not exactly panic buying .... just want to make sure I get a Washington Terminal RS 1 because only Atlas has ever offered this livery and that was many years ago. I also love the MTH Premier 19th century coaches and wanted to make sure I had at least one of the B&O in my fleet.
Andrew,
At the last York train meet I went to (Oct 2019) I saw plenty of NOS K-Line product. It has been a while since K-line went under but their is still product in the market. After seeing the weekly MTH 5 or Less remaining lists as well as Mr Muffin’s and Trainworlds sales flyers I think we will see MTH product for some time before it is gone. Don’t panic I’m not but I am a Lionel guy. Have not bought a MTH engine in years. Have bought rolling stock and accessories will miss them.
JohnB
Not me....l bought one big MTH loco years ago, and then gave up on the brand, due to lack of interesting roadnames, and cancelled offerings.
Now I feel like a credentialed (although accidental) prophet.
I owned only one MTH loco -- a SW 1500 diesel with NASA decor equipped with PS-2. I bought it because I liked the decor, then added 13 MTH (and other) NASA-branded freight cars. I never ran the loco or the cars -- all were set aside for display on a shelf in the Train Room.
In late 2019, I decided to test run the SW-1500 using the "bargain basement" version of MTH's control system: the modest Digital Commander. Admittedly, I guessed about the function of buttons; I'm not up to speed on MTH DCS technology. For all I know, I botched that attempted test and "killed" the loco because of my inexperience. I toyed with the idea of having it rebuilt with PS-3 inside; however, I don't own the top-drawer line of DCS control gear to optimize that technology. My layout is equipped with TMCC, a CAB-1, and a POWERMASTER.
I arranged a "brain transplant" for the SW-1500 through OGR Forumite GUNRUNNER JOHN. He replaced the toasted DCS circuit board and other necessary components with ERR TMCC technology. Now I have a hybrid loco; it looks like a MTH product but has a Lionel heart and soul. It works great and responds to my Lionel-oriented control system, which I'm comfortable with. I didn't learn until after this switch-a-ma-roo was completed that Mike Wolf would retire from MTH.
Many MTH operators/collectors may now be wringing their hands about parts availability in the future. To hobbyists who may face a worst-case scenario for repairs or parts for a MTH item, I suggest contacting GUNRUNNER JOHN for a "brain transplant." As they say, one can have their cake and eat it too. The ferro-equine neurosurgery cost was about the same as a new PS-3 SW-1500 loco.
The attached photo shows the NASA train now on display on the top two shelves.
Mike Mottler LCCA 12394
@Freight Train Jim posted:I agree - panic buying of MTH is running rampant. Have you checked the prices people are asking on our favorite "bay' site ?
They are asking more for dummy engines than prices for Proto 1 engines commanded 6 months ago.
There is one or two in particular from the same town or region of Pennsylvania that are absolutely out of their minds on prices, even long before the MTH announcement. On one months ago with “Make Offer” I sent a fair and reasonable offer with room to work. I received a counter back $2.00 less than the initial asking price. 🤦🏻♂️. I definitely wasn’t trying to steal it from them, but it was a used PS2. I got the hint. Someone else can pay original retail for a used engine. Not me.
Matt
Panic buying?? What's that? 
I've been successfully selling here on the forum for the last month + (thanks to all of the buyers) as I thin out my collection. I've got more trains than I'll ever need.
The only MTH stuff I own are RailKing PRR passenger cars ("Fleet" and heavyweight). For semi-scale, they are the very best. "Overpay" if needed.
Ok I'll admit it I'm the elephant in the room lol. Since Mike made his announcement I said well this is a good time to finally log what engines I have and see what I'd like to buy before he closes down. When all was said and done after the week process of doing so, I'm currently sitting at 433 MTH engines combination of some Steam but mostly Diesels all of which are either PS2 or PS3, of the PS2's 95% are the 3 volt boards and what ever 5v boards I have will be switching over to PS3 or PS2 3 volts, like I stated earlier the 5v are time bombs. In addition to the MTH units I have 6 Lionel Legacy Diesels.
During the past two weeks I did make a few second hand market purchases which I have no issues doing as long as the units are complete and free from damage and 100% functional. However I did pay second hand market pricing but not the ridiculous price gouging market prices we are now seeing from some dealer's on ebay and a few other sites. When you are listing a second hand engine for 399.00 and new is 419.00 from Train World it's a no brainier where to invest your funds if you truly want that unit, or just be patient as there are many MTH units that were sold which will eventually come up for sale and you can buy 2 for the same 400.00 investment.
I have been buying MTH PS2 since it's inception in 2000, so we have had a good 20 year run with it and hopefully it continues we shall see, but during all this time I have lost just 2 DCS boards. The two boards were both 5 volt boards, one I killed working on it with power on like an *** and the other just said goodbye over night I parked the train shut it down and the next day dead (died in it's sleep). Overall though they have been excellent performers with an awesome reliability record well for me anyway hence why I'm not too concerned when their doors close. They will still provide many years of great enjoyment so if something comes up that I like I will continue to buy it but for me it does have to be a 2004 or later unit with the ps2 3-2 boards in it. I find those to be the better IMHO but doesn't mean it is, just like the audio output and so fourth on them for I find some of the PS3 units sound like they have no audio drive to them to my ears.
So with all that I said I wouldn't panic buy as there will be more then enough of them around but I wouldn't be afraid to buy them as well just because they closed doors if a good deal pops up **** yeah go for it. Then there is always that rumor that the DCS portion will still be around for parts , enhancements etc but we shall see.
I wouldn’t call it a panic buy, but like Professor Chaos I did pre-order a few locos that I were on my maybe list. I really like their color schemes and this may be my last chance to get them.
What? Panic?? Where???
Does MTH have any toilet paper??
Folks,I wouldn't worry too much about availability of MTH product, MTH's output was huge and tens of thousands of collected only,unrun MTH will be available at train meets and auctions over the next several years or perhaps decades as these accumulations and collections come to market. We're already seeing this with Prewar,Postwar and early modern-era trains. Be patient,there will be bargains.
"Mugs" post got me wondering how many MTH engines I have purchased. My total number of engines is modest in comparison, 74. Since I put in each engine of AA, AB, and ABA consists separately, the total number of operating engines is actually less. I do this because I have no dummies so I can run them in various combinations. Anyway, not counting the water tenders I have 21 MTH engines, or 28%.
I buy mostly PRR items, so my issue is all the molds for these 21 MTH engines have been around a long time and reissued multiple times, some times even with the same cab number. I have no problem buying MTH, it just has not produced anything new or something I wanted.
I agree with others above that the cost of new molds, fewer buyers as we get older, and basically the same stuff in every catalog would not make the MTH brand very desirable to investors. Unless there is someone out there willing to go into debt to keep the rest of us happy.
So, if you are a MTH collector, buy now
I think the closure of K-Line may provide a useful insight. Initially, K-Line inventories were blown-out at very low prices but now many items are selling for their catalog price a decade later. Some are well above their catalog prices now.
HEY CAPPilot ,
Gotta go with you on the competition aspect of the hobby.
I've seen too many things that were good go by the wayside for various reasons and lack competition was a good part of it.
I have almost all MTH and DCS involvement and have learned how to keep it super reliable with the help of this forum and all the techs. The stuff will more than likely outlast me even if I follow the COVID19 guidelines.
Good luck with your empire. 😁
@rdg_fan posted:I think the closure of K-Line may provide a useful insight. Initially, K-Line inventories were blown-out at very low prices but now many items are selling for their catalog price a decade later. Some are well above their catalog prices now.
But K-Line did not use a proprietary operating system.
I’m tired. Can we just stop worrying so much about MTH and wait to see what happens. As for me I’ve got enough for now. Selling more than I’m buying.
@Lehigh74 posted:I wouldn’t call it a panic buy, but like Professor Chaos I did pre-order a few locos that I were on my maybe list. I really like their color schemes and this may be my last chance to get them.
I have to admit that I just display trains, don't have a layout or run them. I bought a loco from TrainWorld in Brooklyn that I'd been intending, maybe, to purchase at some future point: the MTH 4-6-2 49er. I have my eye on a few others. Now if I had somewhere to display them...
I seem to remember hearing this somewhere:
"Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you got till it's gone..."
Rusty
I did not panic buy, but I ordered a few more things than I probably would have. I do not believe there will be anyone that will purchase MTH as a whole or they would not have made the closure announcement (such an announcement only harms the incoming owner) Best chance is that maybe they sell the rights to some rolling stock to various importers...hopefully I'm wrong...won't be the first time
Don't count MTH out just yet..they might rise phoenix like from the ashes like another company did a few years ago....
What if question. Does MTH plan to have everything produced and manufactured by June 2021 from the 2020 volume 2 by then? What if production falls behind because of Covid? And will there be a big warehouse blowout from remaining unsold inventory?
@Chuck Sartor posted:What if question. Does MTH plan to have everything produced and manufactured by June 2021 from the 2020 volume 2 by then? What if production falls behind because of Covid? And will there be a big warehouse blowout from remaining unsold inventory?
The announcement stated that MTH intended to produce all the items in the final catalog. However, there are many variables that can occur between now and then.
Rusty
No, I have all the Milwaukee Road electrics MTH made and I thank them for making them. Most of my steam and diesel are K-line scale with two Atlas Diesels and one Weaver Hiawatha Steam engine. No Lionel engines at all. I have more engine power than I can run plus my home built little electrics. Again, thank you Mike for getting me into three rail scale and have as much fun in retirement as I am. Don 
@breezinup posted:I suspect lots of folks would say there's an enormous difference between finding parts for Postwar Lionel engines, which are relatively simple and the parts common, and finding them for all the different complicated foreign-made MTH engines with an almost infinite number of different parts, many of which are already unavailable.
Very patient
Auburn?
I'll stop there. But the chase goes back further than pw too. Lionel can be an easy hunt sure. But there are Lionel production parts that have been hens teeth MY whole life and I've got more than a half century casually looking for a couple of them.
In fact, I was a young operator who broke some parts just in time for the bankruptcy sale to Quaker. Oh what about the availability of LSA/Mercury parts, fire car,..... all show items by 69.
I’ll admit it. I panicked a little. I’ve wanted a Z4000 for a long time just couldn’t justify it for my small layout. I was at the local hobby shop and the owner says it is the last one he has and will ever have. Well that was all it took. My wife doesn’t let me go to the car dealership by myself anymore either.
Seriously I have gotten a lot of enjoyment from MTH products and glad I finally took the plunge. Can’t believe MTH would pull the plug on this transformer!
@Toro5xi posted:I’ll admit it. I panicked a little. I’ve wanted a Z4000 for a long time just couldn’t justify it for my small layout. I was at the local hobby shop and the owner says it is the last one he has and will ever have. Well that was all it took. My wife doesn’t let me go to the car dealership by myself anymore either.
Seriously I have gotten a lot of enjoyment from MTH products and glad I finally took the plunge. Can’t believe MTH would pull the plug on this transformer!
Good purchase. I have a first generation; still working, 
I had 3 sets of MTH Premier 18" passenger cars pre-ordered before the announcement. After the closing announcement, I didn't panic. It was a call to arms!
I ordered 4 more sets. The new Lionel catalog only verified my decision. They seem enamored with 21" cars. I'm really bummed about MTH going away. I hold out no prospect of a miracle. IMO they're toast.
Also 18” passenger cars are my preference. Ordered the CNW especially when I heard MTH has no more and only dealers inventory is left. Looking to order or find a couple more 18” sets I need as don’t run 21” on my 063 or 054 loops.
I put in about a grand worth of rolling stock pre-orders from a Forum sponsor (first time doing it this way), recently received a UP SD70 (#4884) from the same dealer, and after a day's searching, managed to acquire the four newest centerbeam flatcars (first in my collection) with the repositioned trucks, NS, TTX, BNSF and UP.
Still thinking about getting UP SD70 #4014 now that I got the #4884. I already have the PS2 version of Big Boy 4014.
---PCJ
It's been years and years since MTH has made any must have for me, so no. Everything I would like to get was made 15 years ago and already priced through the roof.
@Toro5xi posted:I’ll admit it. I panicked a little. I’ve wanted a Z4000 for a long time just couldn’t justify it for my small layout. I was at the local hobby shop and the owner says it is the last one he has and will ever have. Well that was all it took. My wife doesn’t let me go to the car dealership by myself anymore either.
Seriously I have gotten a lot of enjoyment from MTH products and glad I finally took the plunge. Can’t believe MTH would pull the plug on this transformer!
That's not panic; it's wisdom, come to the fore.
- The Other Guy
I bought a couple of Railking streamliners, picked up a few used passenger sets and replaced all of my gigantic crossing signals with scale ones before MTH closes. I also just preordered an extra DCS remote as a back up. The rest of my new MTH stuff was preordered before the announced closing. I'm only waiting on my 18" Illinois Central passenger set from 2020 Vol 1. That should complete my must have MTH stuff. I don't expect to buy any more new engines unless the phoenix rises from the ashes because I only run DCS now. MTH's demise is heartbreaking to me. I'm losing a good friend I've known for a long time. I'll miss the catalogs. They were so awesome. I still have them dating back to the 1990's.
I will be honest,
I have picked up a couple of MTH 2 rail European items that I was sitting on the fence about buying. An Austria E94 and a green Crocodile plus some Swiss freight cars.
Miketg
I have bought more MTH product in the last few months more so because of COVID-19 than MTH announcing they were going to shut down. I am sure there has been some panic buying, sure FOMO. I am enjoying my new acquisitions, and have been fortunate, they have all worked out of the box, well the engines that is.
John
I see several people looking for items that were uniquely made by MTH. They probably were holding out until the item was going to be produced again. Now that that's not happening is when the panic sets in.
FWIW, I've been informed by more than one dealer that the 64' Woodsided Passenger Add-on set in PRR livery might not get produced. I'm reasonably sure there are enough orders for it and why it would not be produced is beyond me.
After the announcement of MTH's closure I've decided that I will no doubt order the 4-4-0 in PRR while I might not of.
Rumors abound about what MIGHT happen. Me I would not be buying any of their high ticket items right now.
Since returning to O gauge model railroading 23 years ago, MTH has been my favorite brand. I have enough locomotives and rolling stock and don't really need more but I have continued to buy one or two new locomotives every year and I regret that MTH won't be offering new ones in the future. Due to the closure, the one thing I have bought recently is a new Z4000 transformer which will be a backup and also power the 10'-by-5' layout that I had been running off the transformers on my 12'-by-8' layout. I had planned to make this purchase in the future but decided to proceed immediately after the closure was announced. I still find it hard to understand how a brand with the market presence and reputation of MTH could just close up shop.
MELGAR
@Jim 1939 posted:Rumors abound about what MIGHT happen. Me I would not be buying any of there high ticket items right now.
The most disheartening thing is that even though MTH will continue customer support.
Gunrunnerjohn has stated that their boards have been impossible to get for some time prior to Mikes retirement announcement.
@RickO posted:The most disheartening thing is that even though MTH will continue customer support.
Gunrunnerjohn has stated that their boards have been impossible to get for some time prior to Mikes retirement announcement.
Hey Rick ,
I didn't see GRJ's post about the boards being impossible to get .
Was it an advanced MTH closing notice to China or an order slow up from China because of COVID19 ?
@Dallas Joseph posted:Hey Rick ,
I didn't see GRJ's post about the boards being impossible to get .
Was it an advanced MTH closing notice to China or an order slow up from China because of COVID19 ?
Much thanks Rick .
The posts were really good. 👍
Hey Rick ,
I forgot to ask , how can we find a previous post on a subject of concern? Say for instance " TIU says no train on track ".
I have no allegiance to MTH. To quote an old rock and roll song sung by Skeeter Davis -
Got along without you before I met you
Gonna get along without you now
That about says it for me.
There’s an engine in MTH’s 2020 vol.2 catalog that I really like, but I’ve decided not to buy it—or to buy any other MTH loco going forward. I don’t want to make that kind of investment in this kind of product—where things can and do fail or break—when the availability of parts and support is so uncertain. I only buy engines to run—not to display. Sadly, that’s the way it is...
@Keith L posted:There’s an engine in MTH’s 2020 vol.2 catalog that I really like, but I’ve decided not to buy it—or to buy any other MTH loco going forward. I don’t want to make that kind of investment in this kind of product—where things can and do fail or break—when the availability of parts and support is so uncertain. I only buy engines to run—not to display. Sadly, that’s the way it is...
I agree - even though I've been a long-time buyer of MTH. The part supply will become an even bigger issue than it has been. And, as you say, sadly, that's the way it is.
MELGAR
Mary , Keith and Melgar ,
I hear what you all have to say . 🤔 ............and any manufacture can go away 😢..... but......going back to too many days ago , I remember running trains conventionally.
I still run my Lionel and MTH engines conventionally from time to time . The thing is , I notice that a good deal of the time, I don't do a whole lot more with the engines in command mode .
I guess I just like to see them run and maneuver with different size and varieties of consists and the improvements from lubing and cleaning . The scenery and all the little make believe residents are these days also of much interest .
I've had friends and relatives in to check out the activities in the train room . They enjoyed the running operations but the most common comments were that they really thought that all the activities that were taking place in the miniature world were amazing. The layout is only 5'×16' with an add on spur and 8 rail yard on a 6'×30" section.
Don't worry , have fun with this amazing hobby and all these great people on the forum.
Stay safe 😷.......remember this .....🎵🎶 The Virus got along without US before ......and The Virus can get along without US now 👻 🎶
I will admit that I am buying more MTH products but I personally say I am not panic buying.
Mostly, I have been buying parts for things that I knew would go wrong or things I think would go wrong: Passenger & freight trucks, a few shells, BCR upgrades, several PS2/3 and PS3 upgrade kits, and two smoke units. All of my electronics are kept in anti-static bags so that should prevent anything static related problems from occurring. I already have plenty of screw and misc. parts so I don't need to worry about any of the small stuff.
My justification is that I will need it sooner or later so I should get it while it is in stock.
I have always wanted something from MTH's European line and they aren't that common anymore. With Mike's announcement of closing the business, I recently ordered a SNCF set of passenger cars and am currently looking for a matching engine. I also got a few bierwagens just to say I have them.
Some could say that I am panic buying, I like to say I am carefully preparing for an uncertain future in an uncertain world.
Bryce
I panic bought in a way, I'm primarily an N scale modeler but had been eyeing some items from MTH for over a decade now with the thought "Oh I'll just get them the next time they're run" issue after issue. With the news of the closing I went ahead and pulled the trigger with some help from forum members. I'm glad I finally did it. I'm a bit of a purist as far as consists go, I like everything to be the same brand so nothing is out shined by another car or loco having noticeably better detailing or paint work so I'll be trying to round up the other stuff I need for the train. Once I have that I'll be happy
@Oscale_Trains_Lover_ posted:I will admit that I am buying more MTH products but I personally say I am not panic buying.
Mostly, I have been buying parts for things that I knew would go wrong or things I think would go wrong: Passenger & freight trucks, a few shells, BCR upgrades, several PS2/3 and PS3 upgrade kits, and two smoke units. All of my electronics are kept in anti-static bags so that should prevent anything static related problems from occurring. I already have plenty of screw and misc. parts so I don't need to worry about any of the small stuff.
My justification is that I will need it sooner or later so I should get it while it is in stock.
I have always wanted something from MTH's European line and they aren't that common anymore. With Mike's announcement of closing the business, I recently ordered a SNCF set of passenger cars and am currently looking for a matching engine. I also got a few bierwagens just to say I have them.
Some could say that I am panic buying, I like to say I am carefully preparing for an uncertain future in an uncertain world.
Bryce
I went onto the MTH website and downloaded a bunch of their old catalogs (as PDFs) going back about 15 years. I see engines I'd like to acquire, but they're not currently available, so will have to get them, obviously, used.
I just display the engines, so the lack of future parts for same is not a concern of mine.
I now have several engines, 3 from MTH, that are still in their boxes, unopened. Bought them all in the last few months. (No wife, no family; just me!) Waiting for the Covid to abate, so I can donate a bunch of my books to an academic library, freeing up space for train displays. Yeah, moving A so I can move B and C to where A was...
@Andrew-Porter posted:I just display the engines, so the lack of future parts for same is not a concern of mine.
I'll be glad to make you an offer on the internal electronics, since you don't run them, you'll never miss them.
There's no shortage of this stuff. Yellow / Gold and Purple boxes will be around for years to come, brand new or on the secondary market.
True, nothing new will be produced, but trust me you won't run out of buying opportunities.
Even if PS3 goes away forever... something new will come along that will be better. Necessity is the Mother of invention.
Go to a train show... You can buy old prewar and postwar stuff from 70+ years ago. MTH products will be out there long after we are gone.
Now if you really wanted to hoard something... I might start downloading a bunch of sound sets from the Protosound web site since that future appears to be in a state of flux.
Have Fun!
Ron
@Toro5xi posted:Can’t believe MTH would pull the plug on this transformer!
Their pulling the plug on the entire company. However I would not be a bit surprised if some suppliers hit the market with products that were originally designed for MTH. Guess it hinges on who actually owns the design of the products and tooling. I would bet Mike would be willing to make deals with the suppliers if he got a cut. Don't expect to see all the MTH products in the market but some like track and power supplies may have enough demand to make a product run every now and then. Again, I would not be surprised to see other marketing operations "Lionel, Atlas, Bachmann, ?" arrange to produce some of the MTH products. j
@MELGAR posted:Since returning to O gauge model railroading 23 years ago, MTH has been my favorite brand. I have enough locomotives and rolling stock and don't really need more but I have continued to buy one or two new locomotives every year and I regret that MTH won't be offering new ones in the future. Due to the closure, the one thing I have bought recently is a new Z4000 transformer which will be a backup and also power the 10'-by-5' layout that I had been running off the transformers on my 12'-by-8' layout. I had planned to make this purchase in the future but decided to proceed immediately after the closure was announced. I still find it hard to understand how a brand with the market presence and reputation of MTH could just close up shop.
MELGAR
I imagine we only know half the story. Mike probably started putting the word out on the QT some time ago. Obviously no takers. Guess all the likely operations figure they will go directly to the suppliers for specific items after the wake is over. Things I have been wondering, is this a purely financial decision or if Mike has any health issues or simply a case of burnout ? j
I admit that part of what got me to pre-order a Amtrak Turbo Train was that MTH was closing. Another reason is I can remember my Mom rode a Amtrak Turbo Train from Silver Spring MD to Harpers Ferry in the 70's. And I happen to be designing a new Harpers Ferry layout. So yeah, had to have one. My layout design has some O-63 curves on the mainline and the Turbo is min O-72. So I modified my design to include a O-72 loop by adding some switches. Actually a good thing since now I'll be able to run just about any engine I might get in the future. My collection is 95% MTH and I'll miss the company. Hopefully DCS will continue but if not AND IF my DCS control equipment fails I'll upgrade my PS2 engines to PS3 (really easy) and run with DCC.
Great review by Eric's Trains - appreciated the warning about non O-63 Atlas compatibility:
@Ron045 posted:Now if you really wanted to hoard something... I might start downloading a bunch of sound sets from the Protosound web site since that future appears to be in a state of flux.
That is exactly what I have been doing. I have over 400 sound files downloaded with descriptions of each one: engine type, passenger/freight, name of train (if passenger), and if its PS2 3V or PS3.
I still have plenty more to go.
Bryce
@Oscale_Trains_Lover_ posted:That is exactly what I have been doing.
Bryce
Outstanding. Now we know who to contact when we need one.
Thanks.
Ron
@Oscale_Trains_Lover_ posted:That is exactly what I have been doing. I have over 400 sound files downloaded with descriptions of each one: engine type, passenger/freight, name of train (if passenger), and if its PS2 3V or PS3.
I still have plenty more to go.
Bryce
I'm working on downloading some of my favorites too. Looking for the 2008 run R11 Subway file 20-2933-1. It's not on the site. You by chance have it.
Yes. 
@Ron045 posted:Now if you really wanted to hoard something... I might start downloading a bunch of sound sets from the Protosound web site since that future appears to be in a state of flux.
I have all the sound files for all my locomotives downloaded and saved on my computer and an external hard drive, along with copies of the DCS loader and latest TIU software. I was doing that before MTH announced they were closing though.
@Ron045 posted:Outstanding. Now we know who to contact when we need one.
Do you have any requests for specific Railroads? I am saving the sound files for railroads I personally run but one extra folder will not be a problem. Haha!
@Trainlover9943 posted:I'm working on downloading some of my favorites too. Looking for the 2008 run R11 Subway file 20-2933-1. It's not on the site. You by chance have it.
Alas I do not Matt. I'll ask around and see if one of my friends has it.
Bryce
Excuse my ignorance, but what is the point of having a bunch of sound files? I've never had an engine that lost sound. Do you guys change them up or are the files there as a back up in case you lose sound from your engine?
@IRON HORSE posted:Excuse my ignorance, but what is the point of having a bunch of sound files? I've never had an engine that lost sound. Do you guys change them up or are the files there as a back up in case you lose sound from your engine?
You can change them if you want (and if they are compatible). But if you replace a bad board either by buying a new one or robbing one from a donor engine, you will need a sound file.
I have upgraded some Premier PS1 engines cheaply by buying a Rugged Rails or RK PS2 or PS3 engine as a donor, then selling the donor engine as a dummy unit. In those cases a new sound file would be needed too.
Ron
@IRON HORSE posted:Excuse my ignorance, but what is the point of having a bunch of sound files? I've never had an engine that lost sound. Do you guys change them up or are the files there as a back up in case you lose sound from your engine?
Really simple. Board dies, you put different board in. Do you really want your steam engine sounding like a diesel?
You may also want to change the sound file if you don't like the one that came with your loco. Some diesel files have blower whine that is obnoxious (to my ear anyway). John changed one of mine to a file that had a much more pleasing diesel rumble.
@Hotpressmugs posted:Ok I'll admit it I'm the elephant in the room lol. Since Mike made his announcement I said well this is a good time to finally log what engines I have and see what I'd like to buy before he closes down. When all was said and done after the week process of doing so, I'm currently sitting at 433 MTH engines combination of some Steam but mostly Diesels all of which are either PS2 or PS3, of the PS2's 95% are the 3 volt boards and what ever 5v boards I have will be switching over to PS3 or PS2 3 volts, like I stated earlier the 5v are time bombs. In addition to the MTH units I have 6 Lionel Legacy Diesels.
During the past two weeks I did make a few second hand market purchases which I have no issues doing as long as the units are complete and free from damage and 100% functional. However I did pay second hand market pricing but not the ridiculous price gouging market prices we are now seeing from some dealer's on ebay and a few other sites. When you are listing a second hand engine for 399.00 and new is 419.00 from Train World it's a no brainier where to invest your funds if you truly want that unit, or just be patient as there are many MTH units that were sold which will eventually come up for sale and you can buy 2 for the same 400.00 investment.
I have been buying MTH PS2 since it's inception in 2000, so we have had a good 20 year run with it and hopefully it continues we shall see, but during all this time I have lost just 2 DCS boards. The two boards were both 5 volt boards, one I killed working on it with power on like an *** and the other just said goodbye over night I parked the train shut it down and the next day dead (died in it's sleep). Overall though they have been excellent performers with an awesome reliability record well for me anyway hence why I'm not too concerned when their doors close. They will still provide many years of great enjoyment so if something comes up that I like I will continue to buy it but for me it does have to be a 2004 or later unit with the ps2 3-2 boards in it. I find those to be the better IMHO but doesn't mean it is, just like the audio output and so fourth on them for I find some of the PS3 units sound like they have no audio drive to them to my ears.
So with all that I said I wouldn't panic buy as there will be more then enough of them around but I wouldn't be afraid to buy them as well just because they closed doors if a good deal pops up **** yeah go for it. Then there is always that rumor that the DCS portion will still be around for parts , enhancements etc but we shall see.
Wow, 433 engines, that is amazing. Hopefully they are all displayed. After the announcement, I did buy the recently released SP Cab Forward w/ps3. It was an engine I had always wanted, so the wife said go for. It is amazing. I got it $100 off retail with free shipping, and 1/2 the cost of Lionel version.
My problem is I am also into tinplate. Lots of those items on the bay, listed at retail or above. Lots are going for 50% above retail. Another went for 80% retail. Between all this going on their have been a few deals, but very few. With that said, I can wait instead of paying top dollar. Really would like to have the Santa Fe Blue Goose set, in New or mint condition.
Joe Gozzo
I can wait until sanity returns. Truthfully, unless the world topples off it's axis, there will be plenty of MTH product down the road on the used market.
With the potential for MTH to slip under the waves in a few months, there are some MTH items that I really dont need, but really like, and had been on the outer edge of my radar for some time. I have bought a couple of these since the announcement from MTH, afraid that they may never be available again for me to buy.
Also, the prices for MTH items have risen on EBay and many LHSs now to catalog price or higher since the announcement, and late production MTH/LTC tinplate has become more scarce than ever, especially engines with Protosounds 2 or 3. The prices will probably go higher, and the items will probably get more scarce. So, that caused me to jump on a couple of items, but I wasn’t scalped on either.
The two items I bought over the last few weeks were:
-The MTH O scale Premier Pennsylvania 64’ woodsided passenger cars. I have seen these beautiful sets for sale at York but never all together, or in livery I wanted, always half a set of this, half of another livery. So, I pre-ordered all 7 cars out of the final MTH catalog from a dealer three weeks ago.
-A vintage 1990s MTH Tinplate Traditions Stephen Girard 4 car set to go with my 392e which I bought a few years ago to pull 200 series freight cars, great loco. I recently learned that the 392e was made for the Girard cars, I really like dual service engines, and thought the train would look nice on my small home layout with 0-57 curves, and at the SGMA club layouts. I ordered it online a week ago, I was fortunate to read about a shop that was having a good sale and voila they had this set, NOS, at a decent price, out of state so no sales tax, and with free shipping. I opened up the huge box last night, and they were brand spanking new, never seen the rails. A beautiful set, with flawless paint job.
Now I am looking for the baggage car and a No 9E to go with the cars. If you know someone or somewhere that has either item for sale please let me know. The hunt is never over.
To add to what I have previously stated, I recently picked up a MTH SNCF Pacific in near-mint condition. Since MTH European locos are rare in the US to begin with, I am very happy to have crossed this one off my wish-list.
There are a few other engines and sets that I would like to get but seldom see them for sale anywhere. At the end of the day, these are classified by me as "would be nice to have" and not "I need them now." Considering all things going on in the world, a majority of my paychecks are getting put in the bank heaven-forbid we have a very bad shutdown this winter and I am unable to work.
As @gunrunnerjohn mentioned there most likely will be plenty of MTH products on the used market.
When one considers that today's model and toy train market is saturated with mercandise in all scales, from Z to G, I fail to see why there is any panic buying in progress of MTH products to begin with? Despite the fact that the MTH brand name may well disappear, I imagine O gauge (tinplate, scale and semi-scale) trains will continue to be manufactured as long as there are model railroaders who are financially able to purchase them for operation and/or collecting.
In the meantime, enjoy the trains you possess, sit back in your favorite EZ chair, and visualize a very happy retired Mike as he laughs all the way to the bank with the $$$ you spent on MTH trains that helped him make a billion plus dollars or more!
Wonder what Mike's next venture will be? Politics perhaps? Gads, what a thought...LOL...or maybe not? Welcome back to the Twilight Zone!
@Craignor posted:With the potential for MTH to slip under the waves in a few months, there are some MTH items that I really dont need, but really like, and had been on the outer edge of my radar for some time. I have bought a couple of these since the announcement from MTH, afraid that they may never be available again for me to buy.
Also, the prices for MTH items have risen on EBay and many LHSs now to catalog price or higher since the announcement, and late production MTH/LTC tinplate has become more scarce than ever, especially engines with Protosounds 2 or 3. The prices will probably go higher, and the items will probably get more scarce. So, that caused me to jump on a couple of items, but I wasn’t scalped on either.
The two items I bought over the last few weeks were:
-The MTH O scale Premier Pennsylvania 64’ woodsided passenger cars. I have seen these beautiful sets for sale at York but never all together, or in livery I wanted, always half a set of this, half of another livery. So, I pre-ordered all 7 cars out of the final MTH catalog from a dealer three weeks ago.
-A vintage 1990s MTH Tinplate Traditions Stephen Girard 4 car set to go with my 392e which I bought a few years ago to pull 200 series freight cars, great loco. I recently learned that the 392e was made for the Girard cars, I really like dual service engines, and thought the train would look nice on my small home layout with 0-57 curves, and at the SGMA club layouts. I ordered it online a week ago, I was fortunate to read about a shop that was having a good sale and voila they had this set, NOS, at a decent price, out of state so no sales tax, and with free shipping. I opened up the huge box last night, and they were brand spanking new, never seen the rails. A beautiful set, with flawless paint job.Now I am looking for the baggage car and a No 9E to go with the cars. If you know someone or somewhere that has either item for sale please let me know. The hunt is never over.
I had wanted to get a Premier ACL R-1 4-8-4, but never could find one or one that was in a price range I was willing to accept.
I looked on Ebay the other day and found a RailKing 4-8-4 with 8-wheel trucks for a total of $265 shipped. It's close enough for me and when it arrives it'll go under the Dremel to remove everything that's not ACL R-1. Mainly piping on the top of the boiler but the running boards will also be cut off and replaced with straight boards, plus the tender will undergo some revisions as well, mainly rounded sides at the top on the front. It will also be getting BPRC, it's a PS1 engine as it comes.
That's quite a bit below what I was seeing them in the past and will hopefully result in a nice looking engine to add to my ACL fleet. I'd say deals are still out there and will be for a long time.
Glad to see you were able to get some of your MTH items Craig.😉
You're right about the sellers on the Bay. They are way out of line unless someone really gets excited about some product and just has to have it.
Like you were saying , many shops have what you need and many times at a great price.
Have fun .......be safe 😷
ALRIIIIGHT Bob .👍
As long as the engines have been before proto 2 there ARE some deals on the Bay.
The work you are planning for reworking the 4-8-4 is above my pay grade . You artisans amaze me with your desires for detail.
Are you planning to upgrade to proto 2 or 3 ? 🤔
Have fun..........be safe 😷
I've purchased quite a bit on EBay over the years -- mostly cars and accessories. I've always been concerned about buying engines from private people on EBay. I bought one last year that was a mint PS1 but I can't get it to move from forward to neutral or reverse without hitting the direction button on my transformer and reset did not fix it. I don't have this issue with the PS1 Engines I bought new from my local hobby shops years ago. I have since purchased two engines on EBay (PS2/PS3) but they were from brick and mortar hobby shops and listed as "new" or "excellent". I have no problem doing so because they have a real reputation to uphold and are good players and will work with you on issues. Plus they likely test them before they list them. As several have said, you really have to do some heavy searches to find deals, though -- which is why EBay overall gives you a good feel for the market value of everything used -- especially if you search the "sold" listings, or what people actually paid for stuff.
I'm still a little in panic mode buying MTH stuff. This forum keeps reminding me that this stuff will be around for awhile -- so I need to keep it in perspective. With that being said, I just bought a used Premier Soo Line GP38 PS2. Couldn't help myself
@Dallas Joseph posted:ALRIIIIGHT Bob .👍
As long as the engines have been before proto 2 there ARE some deals on the Bay.
The work you are planning for reworking the 4-8-4 is above my pay grade . You artisans amaze me with your desires for detail.
Are you planning to upgrade to proto 2 or 3 ? 🤔
Have fun..........be safe 😷
Dallas, not PS2/3, all my engines are now Battery-Powered, Remote-Control (BPRC). As long as the motor is good in the engine I'm all set.
I really wanted the 8-wheels trucks, if nothing else I can always try making a new tender if modifying the one that comes with it is too much work.
Hey Bob ,
I hope nobody from the accurately discerning gang ( a group I really admire for their diligence in realism ) is watching. 😒
I have a RK proto 3 gray /yellow stripe UP 4-8-4 which has been one of my favorite steamers........except when in reverse backing up a grade around a curve with a consist or backing up through some O31 switches to get lined up in the yard.
That tender with so many wheels in a fixed position would once in awhile jump the track throwing some fireworks. I tried everything I could think of with little results for smooth operation. Wheel adjustments, different size drawbar , added weight to the tender , removed the spring at the drawbar at the engine , improved the front 4 wheel truck movement, etc. , etc.
In the end I finally took care of the problem.
I borrowed two 6 wheel trucks from a doner tender. I attached the two trucks to the frame of the UP tender so that they would swivel. In my example I felt the UP tender frame gave me at least the size I needed to start with. No real example of this configuration but perfect operation now. 🙃
It did end up being some work Bob . Being at the house a lot now has made me more adventurous in the train room I guess 🤔
Hope you find a good solution for your adventure .
I know what you mean. I'm looking to get close, not exact, but I'm already seeing things and asking myself "Who makes a part I can replace that with?". I like my models to be as close as possible, but (I'll be 70 next year) I'm over worrying about the minutia of it all.
Funny thing, when I was searching on Ebay I saw a number of 4-8-4s, 1 had a really low price so I clicked on it to get a better look. Whoever the owner was had taken the 2 inner wheel sets on each truck and either replaced them with flangeless wheels or ground them off. I have 2-rail code 148 track and 90" diameter curves so I think I'll be fine with flanges on all wheels. Plus with BPRC the center rollers are removed so no worries about them catching on anything. I'm surprised 3-rail wheels will run fine on code 148 2-rail track but I've had zero derailments due to track (operator error is another issue).
Looking at the Bay Bob.
Saw a SP GS4 4-8-4 tender's wheel configuration . It looks like my modified UP tender truck arrangement.
I'll still have to go back to the Bay site to try yto pick up on what you saw with the modified wheels on that tender.
I did round off the center wheels on mine first so that they would more easily move over the rails . They were originally flangless new.
I did some panic buying when I heard the news. I was waiting for for my house to be finished before I bought the higher priced items I want. When the news broke, I told my wife I probably won't be able to get those items and she green lighted my purchases of the stuff I wanted before the house is done so I wouldn't miss out. The prices were still fairly reasonable and I ended up with several locos, a couple of engine sheds and some bridges.
Dallas (hope that's your first name, if not sorry. I used to work with a guy named Dallas, was an Army Ranger in WWII).
Anyway, it's still there for $399.99, which is way more than I paid for mine. Nothing mentioned about the tender wheels being flangeless but you can definitely see them in the photos.
Yup Bob , Dallas is right .
Went to Dallas when I was stationed at Fort Hood Texas in 1970 after my little adventure in Nam. ( I don't know if I was named after that big city. ) Big country that Texas.
I'll have to look at the Bay again . I'm assuming the engine was a RK.
Thanks again Bob☺
Don't recall, I typed in O scale MTH 4-8-4 and a list of them came up
Gah, I read this and went out and preordered the 2020 Christmas Dash 8 plus a few other related pieces. Now I'm gonna argue with my wife about the 2020 Amtrack F40. I like MTH for the easy DCC honestly, now that I have my DCC setup running. Their website was reasonable compared to Bachmann or Lionel for information, and they had some clever gimmicky models which is the stuff that gets me interested. I may end up still getting a Halloween setup just cause, and make our Christmas village start in September instead of late October.
Also, I gotta wonder, which is selling better, the Trump or Biden train?
@PeteB posted:Gah, I read this and went out and preordered the 2020 Christmas Dash 8 plus a few other related pieces. Now I'm gonna argue with my wife about the 2020 Amtrack F40. I like MTH for the easy DCC honestly, now that I have my DCC setup running. Their website was reasonable compared to Bachmann or Lionel for information, and they had some clever gimmicky models which is the stuff that gets me interested. I may end up still getting a Halloween setup just cause, and make our Christmas village start in September instead of late October.
Also, I gotta wonder, which is selling better, the Trump or Biden train?
DCC or did you mean DCS?
Just wondering.
I meant DCC. I used DCS last year, and it wasn't a pleasant experience. Besides not always getting to the TIU via WiFi, it only sometimes actually ran the train. Oftentimes, the train would run for a bit, and then just give up, and not show up in the App. I love MTH trains, but DCS was a tough technology given all of it's goals. It probably could have worked better given more engineering effort (I expect their team isn't huge), but I couldn't use it. DCC just works better, and I've got that running now on my new 4x10 layout. Since MTH is what I can find for good models with sometimes fun schemes (Halloween, Christmas are big winners in our house) AND it does DCC, I win.
I use DCC to allow me to schedule my trains when we're having holiday parties and gatherings. I can run the layout, or it can run itself. It's kinda a cool setup.
As a side question, which O Guage provider does DCC well? I can't find any information on the Bachmann or Lionel websites (neither is a very good site honestly) about DCC, and none of the big sellers have any details than I can find either. I saw some mentions that Lionel does DCC out of the box on this site but the one big post was refuted pretty quickly. I'm not a big enough consumer to modify my own engines honestly. I prefer it out of the box so I can focus on the other big ticket items.
I'm actually more worried about parts than finished items, as I need them to build new and bigger trains in standard gauge. MTH is running out of many of the parts I need pretty quickly. Chinese won't reproduce them unless it's an order for 10,000 (MTH words).
Jim
"I can't find any information on the Bachmann or Lionel websites (neither is a very good site honestly) about DCC,"
Neither Lionel nor Bachmann make O gauge locomotives equipped with DCC (Bachmann does make some On30, I believe, which run on HO gauge track).
@PeteB posted:I meant DCC. I used DCS last year, and it wasn't a pleasant experience. Besides not always getting to the TIU via WiFi, it only sometimes actually ran the train. Oftentimes, the train would run for a bit, and then just give up, and not show up in the App. I love MTH trains, but DCS was a tough technology given all of it's goals. It probably could have worked better given more engineering effort (I expect their team isn't huge), but I couldn't use it. DCC just works better, and I've got that running now on my new 4x10 layout. Since MTH is what I can find for good models with sometimes fun schemes (Halloween, Christmas are big winners in our house) AND it does DCC, I win.
A lot of the problems with the DCS app can be fixed by upgrading the firmware on the WIU. Quite a few WIUs come out of the box with the old 1.0 firmware. Updating it to version 1.1 cures most if not all of the issues.
I see they fixed their capabilities. Last year, you couldn't do much with the lower cost wifi explorer, but I see they moved to an APP cost model, and made it possible to do the entire list of sounds and controls without having to buy the more expensive TIU setup. If I had known that change was coming, I may have stayed with it. I already cut the cord (literally) to switch to DCC, so I'm going to stick with it now.
I can't say I've seen panic buying but I have been seeing panic selling. The MTH section at one local train shop has grown quite large lately. Good deal to be had if you are in the market I suppose. I recently traded off my last MTH engine for some MPC era Lionel. Not because of the fear of parts or service but I just wanted to go back to traditional operation and locomotives.
I will miss those smoke units though.
@Jim Waterman posted:I'm actually more worried about parts than finished items, as I need them to build new and bigger trains in standard gauge. MTH is running out of many of the parts I need pretty quickly. Chinese won't reproduce them unless it's an order for 10,000 (MTH words).
Jim
Darn Communist Capitalists.😬
@PeteB posted:I meant DCC. I used DCS last year, and it wasn't a pleasant experience. Besides not always getting to the TIU via WiFi, it only sometimes actually ran the train. Oftentimes, the train would run for a bit, and then just give up, and not show up in the App. I love MTH trains, but DCS was a tough technology given all of it's goals. It probably could have worked better given more engineering effort (I expect their team isn't huge), but I couldn't use it. DCC just works better, and I've got that running now on my new 4x10 layout. Since MTH is what I can find for good models with sometimes fun schemes (Halloween, Christmas are big winners in our house) AND it does DCC, I win.
I use DCC to allow me to schedule my trains when we're having holiday parties and gatherings. I can run the layout, or it can run itself. It's kinda a cool setup.
DCC may be fine (I'm not very familiar with its operation), but it appears a person has to be willing to drop about $750.00 for the necessary control system.
After receiving the email today in regards to new items shipping from MTH, I started to wonder how many of the items in the new catalog might end up being cancelled?
I also don't understand the high asking prices on E-bay for certain items. I look for certain Railking cars and they are asking $100+ for some of them! Can't wait for train shows to start again!
@Frank Mulligan posted:...I also don't understand the high asking prices on E-bay for certain items. I look for certain Railking cars and they are asking $100+ for some of them! Can't wait for train shows to start again!
Now is a good time to be selling. Buying, not so much. Things will level out for those with patience.
@Mallard4468 posted:Now is a good time to be selling. Buying, not so much. Things will level out for those with patience.
Since the announcement of the impending demise of MTH, I bought three MTH RailKing engines, new, but haven't even taken them out of their boxes. Big problem for me is finding space to display them.
Right now waiting to sell off a bunch of books, which will free up display space. This is all complicated by Covid-19. Don't want to have people over here who could infect (and kill!) me...
@Andrew-Porter posted:Right now waiting to sell off a bunch of books, which will free up display space. This is all complicated by Covid-19. Don't want to have people over here who could infect (and kill!) me...
Well, if I come over and accidentally kill you, can I have your trains?
As a side note, Trainworld.com just called me today and told me my first MTH 2020 Christmas car arrived and they are sending it. Not sure which one it is, she didn't say, and I was in the garage working on the layout, so I forgot to ask. Still waiting on the other 2020 backorders.
@Andrew-Porter posted:
Right now waiting to sell off a bunch of books, which will free up display space. This is all complicated by Covid-19. Don't want to have people over here who could infect (and kill!) me...
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Well, if I come over and accidentally kill you, can I have your trains?
Andrew
could you put me in your will for the trains since gunrunnerjohn won't have space in his jail cell🤔
@Andrew-Porter posted:Since the announcement of the impending demise of MTH, I bought three MTH RailKing engines, new, but haven't even taken them out of their boxes. Big problem for me is finding space to display them.
I didn’t think I was panic buying, but I have also bought three locos since the announcement. That’s well above my average, but I have to say that 2 of the 3 were at bargain prices. There may be some that are panic selling their MTH stuff and if I see a great price, it’s hard to resist.
I bought some Lionel stuff, is that panic buying?
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Well, if I come over and accidentally kill you, can I have your trains?
Sorry, they're in my will; they go to my cousin, who is mostly into G scale. Thanks (?) anyway...
By the way, just wanted to say thank you to all who are posting on this thread. I get a commission on the number of posts, paid in pixels....
To my surprise, I just received an email that 4 axle and 6 axle diesel Hi-rail wheel sets have been shipped to me. I placed a pre-order thinking that it was a long shot. IOW, I didn't think MTH would actually deliver. I don't have a need for these now, but bought one of each in case I come across NOS or used scale diesels that I may want.
Last year, I bought one of MTH's 2900-series ATSF Northerns, the heaviest of its type ever built if my sources are correct.
But I never considered what sort of train I'd assign to it. Looking at a Wikipedia page for one of its representatives just now, I see it was built as a fast freight/passenger engine. Before that, I thought it would be nice to have a full set of MTH's ATSF "stainless-plated" passenger cars, which appeared in the catalog before last. I still do.
Looking through my short list of dealers that I have accounts with, I found one with all ten cars listed, with a September 2020 release date. Was about to pull the trigger when I thought to look them up on MTH's site and saw that the ship date had been moved to January 2021. Well, that takes the pressure off for a little while....(unless GGD's Viewliners ship on-time )
Direct answer to the question: a pair of UP SD70's joined my roster that I hadn't considered, two that were involved in 4014's return to life. I may have mentioned that earlier in the thread.
---PCJ
Will anyone be willing to panic buy my non GG1 PRR electrics? P5a Modified, DD1, BB1.
Don't touch my GG1's though!
@GG1 4877 posted:Will anyone be willing to panic buy my non GG1 PRR electrics? P5a Modified, DD1, BB1.
Don't touch my GG1's though!
If I didn't just go in for an R40 Subway, I'd take the DD1.
@GG1 4877 posted:Will anyone be willing to panic buy my non GG1 PRR electrics? P5a Modified, DD1, BB1.
Don't touch my GG1's though!
As always: depends on price, condition, and S&H. I wish you said something sooner before I went out and got some engines and passenger car sets!
And I am right there with you on the GG1's, they will have to be taken from my cold, dead hands! haha!
Bryce
It seems to me there are a lot more MTH products showing up on the OGR For Sale forum than I remember in the past. I dont look at ebay or any where else.
Anyone else agree, or is it just my imagination, running away with me ?
You can still find Weaver Products, it's been several years since Weaver closed the doors and sold most everything.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
