Hi I am wondering what everyone thinks about the detailing, performance, and reliability of the MTH HO Locomotives. I will be getting one in the mail soon. My wife takes product surveys and is getting it as a reward for her time with the surveys. I don't have experience with the MTH brand. I run mostly Atlas and Athearn units on my layout. I went on their website to find out the actual cost and hopefully get a better view of the model. The list price on the one I'm getting is $179.97 for the DC/DCC non sound version. The list for the DCC/DSC Sound version is $279.79. I can't complain about what I get because I'll be getting it for free. I do have some concerns tho some of the pics on their site look like the model details vary between different models of the GP35. The crispness off some of the pictures make hard to tell. Looks to be variations in the fins on the radiator vents, lift rings, fine decals and truck details. I don't know if these were bad shots, pre-production models, or what. I can't wait until it arrives. I've heard good and bad things about them. But most of the negative remarks are related to the DCC/DSC and sound issues that don't have to do with the DC version I will be receiving. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated. Maybe I can ease my mind. Till it gets here I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best. Lol. Thanks.
I am not aware that MTH makes a DCC/non sound locomotive, but I guess anything's possible in today's market. Apart from that, MTH's quality is as good as any of the other fix or seven major suppliers in the HO trains world. They have the odd problem run of an engine just like everyone else. Their culture is one that is heavily invested in the O gauge market, and that means a bit more 'toy-like" in terms of making the engines run on very tight (unrealistic scale) curves. So, for example, their steam locomotive tenders trail somewhat further back from the cab roof overhang. At least one of their steamers, the Union Pacific 9000 series 4-12-2 is articulated as a model, but was not in the prototype. To me, and it's strictly this guy's opinion, the articulation spoils it as much as a beehive stack on a Niagara....sorry, no much how I squint, I can't quite buy it. Their models are often heavy and run well. Some prefer the sound over that of the Paragon series provided by their chief HO rival, Broadway Limited Imports (or BLI). My own strong preference is for BLI steamers, of which I have perhaps 18. And to be fair, and honest, I know of several problems with BLI steamers over the years. Happily, both companies respond to complaints and requests for help, and in the case of BLI, with which I have all my experience, they do come good. They even repaired a ruined locomotive for free that was my doing entirely. That was years ago, but I haven't forgotten.
Thanks for all the great info. I'm still not able to figure out how to like responses to my threads but am happy that you responded. It was actually supposed to say I was getting a DC/DCC ready non sound unit. Hopefully since it will be an HO and not an O scale engine and also just a GP35 it will represent the real full scale prototype rather than a toy. Guess I'LL have to wait and see. At least it's free. Thanks again!!
I wouldn’t call their models toy-like. Some of their O scale practices may carry over to HO, but from what I can tell, they are realistic models. O scale is generally more of a toy like scale than HO. The size means there will be tight radius turns and shorter cars. The popularity of the Hi-Rail o scale track (think Lionel) means that there are some compromises on trucks and couplers too. HO is a little different. I was reading on a different O scale website, and someone over there was amazed at how concerned with detail HO scale people were. You should expect a high quality come in the mail soon. One of the guys at my model railroad club has the MTH Dash 9. Those are really nice looking. I was skeptical of how they would turn out, since MTH in not really big in the HO world, but I felt the detail can stand next to Athearn Genesis and be just as good.
Thanks for your input. I'm getting more and more excited about it everyday. As I said earlier I would like your reply if I could figure out how. Thanks again!!
What device are you using to reply here? The mobile version of the website (on phones) does not have a like button. It should be a black rectangle in the bottom right corner of someone else’s post. I use my IPad and go on the website. I had some problems with the TapaTalk app too.
