While visiting my youngest daughter at the University of Illinois where she seeks her Ph.D. in aeronautical and astronautical engineering, I took a short trip to Indiana to visit Muffin’s Trains in Atlanta, Indiana. I encountered Mr. and Mrs. Muffin running the trains and receiving visitors to their layout building which is two blocks distant on Main St. from the train store. I was able to take many photos of the layout and the many trains that comprise their collection. Prominent on the layout were the MTH flat car sets with Bradley Fighting Vehicles. I recommend those sets based on the level of detail on the armored units and saw them in stock in the train store as well.
While I was at the train display, I could not resist trying to get some information concerning the future for all the product MTH has produced. Mr. Muffin advised he was privy to some information that could not be shared but that everything was going to be okay.
After leaving the train display, I proceeded to the train shop where I picked up some JT’s mega steam smoke fluid and visited with a customer who was picking up his new MTH Premier Union Pacific Big Boy. I assured him he was going to love the smoking whistle on that engine shown here on the O Gauge Forum. The Choo Choo Cafe next to the train shop is temporarily closed but will reopen when increased the pandemic’s increased transmission rates subside.
While at the train shop, I picked up MTH20-21274-1, the Premier line Norfolk Southern SD70M no. 2797.
She is a real beauty with lots of add on detail and a snow plow that is easily added by the purchaser. I did not attempt to thread the MU cables through the framed holes in the plow since I will likely use this as a lead unit or last reverse facing trailing unit in consist with some of her Norfolk Southern SD70M2 successors previously made by MTH. In looking at photos of the real NS 2797 on the Rail Pictures Archives website, some or none of the MU cables appear through the framed holes when it is in the lead position.
The weather was great and I enjoyed my time in Muffin Land. The Nelsons are welcoming hosts and I will be back soon. The staff at their store was knowledgeable concerning product and quick to answer any question. During my next visit, I plan to take in an engine that needs some repair work as they offer repair service as well. Thank you Muffins for all your efforts to share, inspire and expand this great hobby!
