Train Masters

Continuing Education...

This locomotive is not a "Trainmaster." That is a middle management company officer at a railroad.

It is a "Train Master" which is the PROPER TRADE NAME For this Fairbanks Morse H24-66 diesel locomotive.

Corrected!

                               I purchased this new Williams New York Central Train Master for less than $150 last year. Although it has no sound it does possess a horn and whistle. Great puller. Good details. And of course runs conventional.

All the FM Train Masters offered in 3RO are done to 1:48 dimensions - even the Lionel PW version.

To my knowledge, here is the 3RO Train Master scoop:

There are 2 standards to these 3RO items: the Lionel PW and the Williams and MTH copies of the Lionel PW version - these are essentially "models of a model". They are OK, but also continue the crudeness of the PW version's construction and tooling.

MTH and K-line/K-Lionel have also offered a much better model from new tooling. These are the ones to get, though they cost more.  If you only need one, get a nice one. These will run in conventional or their respective versions of command control.

The K-Line H24-66 in my opinion is the nicest one done in plastic O.  I got my conventional one for $100.00 which is what it originally cost through the K-Line Club.  It originally was going to be for a two-rail conversion and maybe someday I'll still do that.  The TMCC versions are harder to find.  The MTH is nicely done as well.  I also have a Williams and while the detail is not as crisp, it is a great runner.

H24-66s ran past my house way before I was born carrying commuters on the CNJ.  Love the two stripe green version.   

I have the K-Line TMCC version, pretty nice version with cruise control, smoke, etc. 

I guess gg14877, you missed out on the MTH premier ps2 version. That version is roadname specific on the details!

I'm Partial to the MTH PS-3 version.

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

I guess gg14877, you missed out on the MTH premier ps2 version. That version is roadname specific on the details!

I absolutely did.  I pre-ordered a 3/2 with fixed pilots and scale wheels.  It got cancelled.

The K-Line is easily converted.  NWSL has a kit.

You can check out what Mario's Trains has in stock on the Williams By Bachmann. He sells at low prices and also has discount coupon codes.

Here's a couple of early MTH's , my favorites. I think they were some of the first diesels with smoke units.

FM from Franks Round House

My MTH Premier Train Master engines.  These were made with new tooling.

NOTE prototypical pilot deck height for the respective roads.

All very cool engines!  I do like FM Train Masters.  I even have a couple.

So the first is on old Williams that I bought from a good Forum member.  It needs a little work, because a bit of lubricant leaked out onto the traction tires, so it slips.  I haven't cleaned it up yet, because I haven't looked into the correct traction tires to get.

Now I just got this one recently from another good Forum member.  It is a Legacy N&W; really cool.  I am most familiar with DCS, but have a TMCC controller I bought from another member.  I haven't gotten the sound to work reliably, but I am just learning TMCC, and don't know what to expect with this Legacy.  It runs great though!

PRRronbh posted:

My MTH Premier Train Master engines.  These were mad with new tooling.

NOTE prototypical pilot deck height for the respective roads.

Would they have been Happier with Old Tooling? 

Doug

challenger3980 posted:

PRRronbh posted:

My MTH Premier Train Master engines.  These were mad with new tooling.

NOTE prototypical pilot deck height for the respective roads.

Would they have been Happier with Old Tooling? 

Doug

Just to enlighten those that do not know that MTH Premier is now built with new much more detailed "tooling."

The RK is made from the old tooling.

Ron, I knew what you MEANT, but was just kidding around with you, as you still seem to have not noticed that you missed the "e" at the end of made, hence they were MAD with new tooling, note the Smiley emoticons.

Doug

BTW, just curious, do you know the reason for the higher deck height on the short hood end of the Pennsy units?

Doug

challenger3980 posted:

BTW, just curious, do you know the reason for the higher deck height on the short hood end of the Pennsy units?

Doug

Actually it was the Southern that required to lower deck for safety so crew would not have to jump down.

And yes I knew you were just kidding around but just had to come back.

As far as the "mad" probably just Freudian.  I am mad because have not received an USPS tracking confirmation that an USPS Priority Mail Envelope containing my MO for purchase of a special K-Line engine has been delivered.  Expected delivery is today.  Have confirmation that it departed Cincy distr. center at 0010.  By now someone could have walked across the Ohio River to the small town in KY.

Ron