Prototypes of MTH steam starter set engines? Please help.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone out there know if and what are the prototypes for MTH steam starter set engines?

I know the 2-8-0 is based on a Pennsy consolidation and the 0-4-0 is a B&O engine so this leads me to think that the other engines have prototypes as well. Specifically I am looking for the linage and approximate build dates of the prototypes of these models.
2-6-0 Mogel
and the 4-6-0 20th century Ten Wheeler
(are there any that I missed)

Any help like probable builders would be great. Thank you in advance.

[Anonymous]

Wow, people seem to care and know more about Hemi's than toy trains around here.

The CTT reveiws often post a picture of a close prototype to the engines they review. Did they do this when these models came out. Are there any suggestions about who to ask that would know the answer to my question. I seem to have hit a brick wall here.

[spankybird]

If you were to check the MTH web site, you would find a description of the engines that they produced and a brief description of the prototype.


For the 4-6-0

http://www.mth-railking.com/detail.asp?item=20-3068-1

When I look for the 2-6-0, it showed engines from 1999 and no longer had the prototype descriptions. Do you have a MTH model number which you are looking at.

[Bob Keller]

The 2-6-0 (and later 4-6-0 by adding a four wheel truck) appears to be modeled after a Southern Pacific M7-class 2-6-0 (Baldwin 1902, retired 1954-58). I'm just guessing on that, but there is a large photo of SP no. 1771 around the corner of my office and it looks to be the spitting image of the MTH starter set 2-6-0.

I don't think I've ever reviewed the steam starter set, though I bought the NYC version they sold through Sears several years back.

[spankybird]

The 2-6-0 that I have look alot like the one that Ohio Central runs out of Suger Creek.

[Anonymous]

Looking around on the internet on Google I once came across a black and white photo of a Denver @ Rio Grande Western 4-6-0 number 761 that is the spitting image of my separate sale Railking D@RGW 4-6-0.

[Anonymous]

The Lionel Berkshire is based one that ran on the Boston & Albany Line.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by PennsylvaniaRailroad

The Lionel Berkshire is based one that ran on the Boston & Albany Line.

Didnt he ask for MTH?

[Anonymous]

Thank you guys so much. You have been very helpful. Sorry for the complaint, I just felt a bit lost on where to go for answers..

I have the problem that I am sure many here have of not enough room or money but big plans. I would really prefer to find small, inexpensive but accurate engines for a small layout of an early 20th century short line carrier. So far I have a lionel 0-6-0 docksider, 9 log buggies (mix of lionel and Industrial Rail) a keystone caboose kit that is a accurate model of the line I am trying to build waiting for new high rail wheels, and a Bachman Spectrum On3 combine that I am trying to add standard gauge trucks to. I am looking hard at the mogel as my next purchase because I can't afford a k-line shay. (one of these days.....) All of these will have to be repainted to my prototype.

It would be nice if some companies released some of their models in painted but unlettered form. I know that some of the smaller scales do this and it seems pretty popular especially among modelers of obscure lines.

O-ovrlord, I would like to see a review of these engines/sets now that they are out again. Again thank you for your help.

[Anonymous]

Well I found a slight snag with your theory OgaugeOverlord. I went to the MTH website and the 2-6-0 and the 4-6-0 are definitely different models and not the same with one having an extra axle. The boiler castings are different and the cabs even have different types of windows, the domes are different shapes and sizes, there are too many differences for it to be the same model.

I think you are right about the 2-6-0 being an SP engine but in my mind the jury is still out on the 4-6-0.

To clear up any potential confusion MTH has two different 4-6-0's for the starter sets a 19th century one that has a balloon stack and a 20th century one like that one in the recent John Deere set. It is the 20th century prototype that I am looking for.