September 26, 2007 - M.T.H. Electric Trains will be releasing its second HO steam engine, an Erie Triplex, to M.T.H. Authorized Retailers in early 2008. Available in three different cab numbers, each in two paint schemes, the die-cast model comes fully equipped with Proto-Sound 3.0 digital sound and synchronized puffing smoke.
Following on the footsteps of our highly successful Pennsylvania K-4, the M.T.H. Triplex captures one of the most unique looking locomotives of all time in this exquisitely detailed die-cast model, complete with a long list of standard features not found on any other manufacturers HO locomotives, including a first for M.T.H. HO models; lighted marker lights. Operation modes include conventional analog DC with most DC power supplies, DCC command with any DCC controller and DCS command with M.T.H.'s DCS Digital Command System. Each locomotive can operate on 22" radius curves.
Interesting model to chose. I saw the 3 rail model demoed at my local shop. Was in awe of this monster engine as it circled the shop. Thoughts of reaching for my wallet subsided when I remembered I modeled a specific region and time frame and this engine just simply didn’t fit.
The great thing about Hi-Rail opperators is that eras and prototype practices don’t matter to everyone. If it looks cool and you like it. You buy it and run it. From what I’ve read this engine was basically used in pusher service and only in the early 1900’s. The HO crowd tend to model things a little more specific and I’m curious as to how this engine will go over. Hopefully it will be a hit.
If you buy an HO box car and then add steel wheel sets and K-D coupler to it, see how much it cost you. Also most the same price as an O gauge car that you can just put on the tracks and run![^]
That’s one of the reasons why I enjoy running vintage HO stuff.
I can buy it cheap and usually it runs just fine.
I really have no interest in HO stuff with sounds,DCC,DCS,etc…
Yeah the stuff made now might have more details,run more smoothly,and have sound,but I can’t justify paying what these companys are asking for this PLASTIC imported crap.( I know a few HO things are die cast)[swg]
Seeing these high prices on stuff really makes it hard for someone new to the hobby to get started and keep interested in the years to come when prices are constantly going up,and up…
This is an impressive engine MTH has made. It almost makes me want to switch to HO, but I won’t. Lol. The price though really does throw away any chance of a new model railroader saying “Gee, I think I’ll buy that.” But again I understand why, the detail and sound/control system for one. Now we just need to see an O gauge Lionel version with Legacy (when it’s perfected) in the scheme of the Matt H. Shay (the first one built for Erie RR). But something tells me that’ll be a good long wait.
This is the second HO engine I know about that MTH has put out the other one about a year ago and it sold for about $600.00 and to my knowlage its still sitting on the shelf at the hobby shop I saw it at in VA. where I use to live.
Mike is trying to do in a sense what Williams trains did when they first started in O gauge except williams did brass trains mth is trying to do top of the line HO.
A good choice for HO since there aren’t any triplexes for the masses in HO. A bit pricey compared to Broadway Limited but being a Triplex, may be worth it if it gets discounted 20% or better and made right. The engine should also include a controller (button box) for the sounds and whatnot without having to buy into DCS or DCC.
