Returning to MRR hobby after 60 years absence. Decided to build a super detailed HO switching shelf layout, but also a toy trains run-around layout to cover both my loves! [:)]
Question about MTH…: Only had Marx tinplate and Lionel in the ancient past so I know nothing about MTH, but they have a nice looking inexpensive PA rr F3 diesel set that catches my attention, and I was wondering about:
1} It’s quality?
2} Would it be compatible with future purchases of O or O27 Lionel stuff?
3} Does the MTH track match up with Lionel Fastrack?
4} Also do the MTH engine and freight car couplers match up with Lionel’s?
And finally, how do the automatic uncoupling systems operate today? I remember Lionel had a special track with a magnet in the middle that would uncouple cars placed over it when you pressed a remote operating button. Is there still something like that around that works on both MTH and Lionel when you combine these makes on the same layout?
Thank you for any advice and suggestions you can give me here, I would greatly appreciate it!
The couplers work the same as you remember, for both MTH and Lionel. Some locomotives with the new electronics have the electromagnetic couplers that were obsolete when you were a kid; but they operate as part of the digital control systems, not from the little shoes that contacted extra rails on the uncoupling sections.
MTH engines look good,most run good. However they require the use of a rechargeable battery for the electronics. It is the ONLY company that uses this type of system. So unless you want to run the engine often you will spend a lot of time recharging the battery.
The quality of MTH and Lionel are about the same. You can mix & match Lionel and MTH on the same train, couplers are compatible, unless doing 2 rail more to scale O gauge. The only issues I had with couplers or derailments is when I added Weaver Model Trains to my freight train.
027 track is a very small curve size and not everything likes 027 track because of the narrow curves, 027 straights would be no problem. Lionel’s Fastrac will need adapters to go to regular tubular track or to another brand of track but first to the Fastrac adapter track, also it don’t match-up to MTH’s Realtrax.
The uncoupling tracks are still in use, however there are newer ways to uncouple an engine from the rest of the train, mostly engines have the new uncoupler feature that can be activated either by transformer or handheld remote via a command control system. Passenger and freight cars still have the older way to uncouple, by either a remote uncoupling track or by hand.
MTH engines come with a new system called Proto Sounds or PS for short, there are currently three versions of Proto Sound so you may here of something being PS-1(dinosaur, or out of production) or PS-2(current version) or PS-3(the newest version). With both PS-2 & PS-3 you can uncouple by handheld remote control or by transformer push buttons. Must have the DCS command control box the TIU to to get all the features from a PS-2 or PS-3 engine.
With TMCC or Legacy, Lionel’s versions of command control you will need to have the Legacy or TMCC control system. One note about command control; not all features can be accessed with the differant systems, example is this-using a Legacy controled engine on DCS, not all features may work, or TMCC engine on DCS-again not all features may work.
Welcome back to a great hobby. But you already know that. Without knowing more about the particular MTH train you have in mind, it is tough to give you feedback - because it may be an older engine with the PS1 issues referenced here or it may require a minimum track curvature (bigger than 027) to operate
Be prepared for a LOT of new STUFF!! A very interesting and fun world!!
Phillyreading (Lee F), My compliments! A very well written overview!
Only comments I would add…
The battery problem mentioned above is not very significant. I have to replace 1 battery on a 2000 engine that had been setting for years. Cost $14. All the others have recharged with track power when I set them on the track, haven’t had any issues. DO STAY AWAY FROM THE PS-1 ENGINES !
My TMCC and Legacy (Lionel,K-Line) engines ALL have 9v alkaline batteries in them. So that the sound does not disappear going over a switch etc…
MTH’s RailTrax seems to have a lot of problems, I would avoid that system. Fastrack, Ross, Atlas, are all good systems in my opinion.
I know from nothing about PS1-PS3, so what is wrong with PS1 locomotives anyway, and is this MTH F3 one of those?
I know train sets are not always the best of the hobby, but I thot I’d start with an O or O27 train set anyway as it gives me a little bit of everything at once, and I could start running trains right away? ( I’m also doing HO and that’s piece by piece, and it’s taking me a helluva long time to get past just building freight car kits!) [|)]
I’m guessing the transformer and the track in this MTH set are not the best around, but I could always use the transformer later for accessories after I got a better one, and I could prolly use the MTH track later on a siding or yard if I switched over to Atlas track (which, looking at the costs of MTH and Lionel, seems the most reasonably priced track and switch system to me?)
So watcha all think about this MTH set? Would I be getting a good bunch of starter stuff for the money ($180), or do y’all think I’d only be wasting my time and $$ with it?
I might add here I’m operating with limited resources so cost is definitely a factor! (-At least until I sell some other previous hobby stuff in the summer…) [:D]
This MTH set is a conventional set. It’s just like your old Lionel. Has a reversing unit, a horn and a bell. It is NOT PS1, PS2, or PS3. No cruise control-- it will go as fast or as slow as you set the throttle. For the price, it’s a great way of getting your feet wet. the track is pretty good as long as you don’t take it apart often. Follow the directions in the instructions, and it should be fine.
A big DITTO to Don’s comment. I have 200 feet of MTH RealTrax and I would not use it again. Track out of alignment and several switch problems. Finally one $70 switch was so bad, I threw it in the trash.
Welcome. Don’t let the battery in MTH engines influence your decision. The way I see it, that battery is just like the battery in your vehicle. Yes, it can die if it isn’t charged on a somewhat regular basis, and it will need replaced at some point. I have been running a PS1 diesel since 1999, and my records indicate that I replaced the battery in 2005 due to the fact that it wouldn’t hold a charge due to age. I have also been running seven PS2 locos since 2000, and I’ve only had to replace two of those batteries for the same thing mentioned for my PS1 diesel. I’ve had too much fun with MTH products to let a $20 battery every few years stand in my way. The battery issue is a hot button topic for me because it has been rediculously blown out of proportion IMHO.
PS: I agree about RealTrax. Some have built great layouts with it, but Fastrack is far superior to me.
Yes… I have 4 HO freight cars that look nice and decrepit and not at all the way they came in the box! [;)] Two were kits, and two were RTR I got at a train show…
I’ve not done much work with engines tho, and certainly not any at all with my old Lionel in the distant past. I did weather an HO Dockside tank switcher (Mantua?) perhaps 30 years ago, but that engine was all metal so it was easy to chemically change it… I suspect the plastic bodied (ABS?) MTH F3 loco in the set I’m interested in would present it’s own set of problems with weathering? In any case I’m a great fan of weathering, and prolly will not allow anything shiny on this upcoming RR empire of mine… [:-^] LOL!
I can only add to Buckeye R. & Don B.'s comment about Railtrax by MTH, there must be a problem with it as even on the Bachmann website they are complaining about it!!
To add my [2c] I use Lionel’s tubular track and Gargraves switches & track on my layout and have no major issues other than an occasional switch motor burn-out.