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Hi, ncng.

 

MTH has released an upgraded version of the Train Master as part of its Premier Line. This model far surpasses the "traditional" Lionel and Williams O gauge plastic TM models in terms of detail and prototypical accuracy. I should mention Lionel released a very nice model with upgraded details painted in F-M's demonstrator scheme as part of its Century Club offerings at one time. There have been subsequent offerings decorated for other roads - DL&W and Wabash come to mind - using this tooling but they appear to be few and far between.  

 

With its new model, MTH has shown great care to include features correct for specific roadnames and offers scale wheeled versions suitable for two rail operation, at least in certain roads if demand warrants. I believe this would be your best option for an accurate two rail non-brass model although you'll have to wait for the SP version from MTH. K-Line as well released something of an upgraded Train Master a number of years ago although it is not as well detailed as MTH's current model.

 

I hope this information has been of some help to you. I have a few photos of my MTH Central Railroad of New Jersey TM which I will post later. They should give you a good idea of how nicely detailed the new model is. 

 

Bob   

Last edited by CNJ 3676
Thanks Bob! I have heard that MTH did a scale 2 rail version, but forgot about and never heard how much better it was then the Lionel and Williams versions.
Let the search begin!
 
ncng
 
Originally Posted by CNJ 3676:

Hi, ncng.

 

MTH has released an upgraded version of the Train Master as part of its Premier Line. This model far surpasses the "traditional" Lionel and Williams O gauge plastic TM models in terms of detail and prototypical accuracy. I should mention Lionel released a very nice model with upgraded details painted in F-M's demonstrator scheme as part of its Century Club offerings at one time. There have been subsequent offerings decorated for other roads - DL&W and Wabash come to mind - using this tooling but they appear to be few and far between.  

 

With its new model, MTH has shown great care to include features correct for specific roadnames and offers scale wheeled versions suitable for two rail operation, at least in certain roads if demand warrants. I believe this would be your best option for an accurate two rail non-brass model although you'll have to wait for the SP version from MTH. K-Line as well released something of an upgraded Train Master a number of years ago although it is not as well detailed as MTH's current model.

 

I hope this information has been of some help to you. I have a few photos of my MTH Central Railroad of New Jersey TM which I will post later. They should give you a good idea of how nicely detailed the new model is. 

 

Bob   

 

Thanks Chris, the C&LS version is out of my budget, the MTH version is what I am going to begin a search for, Southern Pacific, I will keep my eye out for a DL&W for you.
 
ncng
 
Originally Posted by PRR Man:

I also agree that the recent MTH Trainmaster is the best detailed model available, after the C&LS version. If you're patient, find a 2 rail version and all you'd need to do is swap out the electronics.

 

I recently purchased the DL&W version in 2 rail and am on the hunt for a second unit.

 

 

Thanks Bob,
 
I think the MTH option is the best for me, I need to begin the search.
 
ncng
 
Originally Posted by bob2:

I agree - bang for buck, the new MTH should be a winner.  So it is $150 for an acceptable scale TM converted, or $600 for the MTH, or $2000 for the Bultmann beauty.  The decision might hinge on available funds.  That is often how I set my hobby priorities.

 

Before we leave you to the MTH search, you really should examine the K-Line offering carefully.  I put the K-Line side by side with a Sunset brass, and the major deficiency is how one joins the end steps to the body for 2-rail.  Other than that, visually they were equivalent.  MTH is indeed better, but not 3x better.  Opinion.

Thanks Bob,
 
Did you change the end steps?
What do you order from NWSL to convert?
Thanks,
 
ncng
 
Originally Posted by bob2:

Before we leave you to the MTH search, you really should examine the K-Line offering carefully.  I put the K-Line side by side with a Sunset brass, and the major deficiency is how one joins the end steps to the body for 2-rail.  Other than that, visually they were equivalent.  MTH is indeed better, but not 3x better.  Opinion.

 

They sell a kit.  It comes with wheels, axles, spacers, and directions.  You may need their puller.  All I did with the ends was screw the bottom steps on permanently.  Made me happy, but it would probably drive the 3-rail scale crowd nuts. I know they have incredible heartburn with handrails that stop too high on the ends.

 

I did machine some brass coupler pockets - a very big deal made simple with an end mill.  Wood shims would do fine.

Nice model Pete.

especially ncng if you're solely looking for an acceptable looking DCC-able model these are goodt if you're wanting a fine scale FM H24-66 you may want to look for the Custom NJ version which I believe has the dual headlights the of the SP's fleet.

Curious if you're actually modeling the SP, per wanting two; they generally ran as singles for most of their entire life in commuter service after 1956, replacing steam on the SF to SJ corridor. They did serve in the black widow scheme in freight service before in New Mexico.

 

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