MTH SpongeBob train?

[Anonymous]

Has anyone gotten a look at the SpongeBob train by MTH? If so, can you describe it for us? It sounds great for kids! Unfortunately, at the MTH site, the picture is not available for that set. I wonder if the paper catalog has the picture.

Thanks!

[Big_Boy_4005]

I just said to my 11 year old son that they were making a Sponge Bob train and he said "COOL !" Hmmm, maybe there is hope.... Now I'm curious to see it too.[swg]

[Anonymous]

It does sound cool!

If only we could get a pic!!!!

0-4-0 Dockside R-T-R Train Set w/Whistle - Sponge Bob Set Includes: 0-4-0 Dockside Engine, Reefer Car, Modern Tank Car , Bay Window Caboose, 8 Piece RealTrax Circle, 75-Watt Transformer w/Wireless Remote, RailWare CD Rom, Quick Start Video Car Names:
Item: 0-4-0 Dockside R-T-R Train Set w/Whistle
Catalog: Bm 2004 Ready-To-Run Brochure
Product Line: RailKing
Item Number: 30-4118-0
Roadname: Sponge Bob
Original MSRP: $249.95


Deep down in the ocean lives a square yellow sea sponge with a penchant for stalking wild jellyfish (as there is nothing like a great tasting PB&J sandwich made from jelly straight from the source). Sponge Bob - as our little yellow friend is known - has a pet snail named Gary, a neighbor and best friend Patrick (from the Starfish family) and a co-worker octopus who hails to Squidward Tentacles. Together, each of these fellows mix and mingle with other characters down below doing all the things that landlubbers do - driving cars - err boats - , going to work and yes riding on trains! This durable, inexpensive set brings Sponge Bob and all the characters of Bikini Bottom to life on your railroad. Designed for years of fun for the entire family, the Spongebob Express is a great way to start your own model railroading tradition. Amaze your friends and family with the set's smooth operation & plumes of smoke from the working smoke stack. Then blow 'em away when you press the whistle button and the train plays the Sponge Bob theme song!
©2004 Viacom International Inc., All Rights Reserved

Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. Created by Stephen Hillenburg.

Features:

Set Features:
Die-Cast Steam Locomotive
3-Car Freight Consist
31" x 31" 8-Piece RealTrax Circle
50-watt Power Supply With Wireless Remote
Infrared Track Lock-On
RailWare Interactive CD Rom With Track Layout Software
Locomotive Features:
Die-Cast Boiler and Chassis
Flywheel Equipped Motor
Electronic Reverse Unit
(2) Operating Metal Couplers
Operating Headlight
Operating Proto-Smoke Unit
All-Metal Wheels and Gears
Measures: 8 1/2 x 2 3/8 x 3 9/16
Freight Cars Features:
Intricately Detailed Durable ABS Bodies
Die-Cast 4 or 6-Wheel Trucks
Operating Die-Cast Metal Couplers
Colorful, Attractive Paint Schemes
Fast-Angle Wheel Sets
Needle-Point Axles
Sliding Car Doors
Metal Wheels and Axles
Each Car Measures: 10 3/4" x 2 3/8" x 3 1/8"

[brianel027]

Yes, I think MTH is on to something with this set! BUT folks, you don't have to wait if you are at all creative.

American Greetings has made a whole series of these SpongeBob stickers. I've already made a SpongeBob operating train car using these. There's a whole variety of different kinds. Even if you are not inclined to repaint a train car, you could easily use these on those plain colored cannisters that come with many Lionel gondolas, or the plain yellow crates that come with K-Line gondolas. I took the crates that came with my Lehigh Valley gondola (which are red with a white LV sticker on the sides) and put the SpongeBob stickers centered right on top of the LV logo for my nephew's train.

You could combine the stickers with a little clever computer handywork and make your own billboards.

I've also bought these small SpongeBob figures that I have found in those bubblegum machines outside groocery stores. The figues are about 1-1/2 inch high... not exactly scale, but certainly in the right size range. Certainly more to scale than the blue man in the Operating Gateman accessory. Anyways, there are several versions of Bob including one where he holds a microphone and looks like he is singing... oooh - here's a possibility for your own operating "Amercian Idol" accessory! There's also all the other characters. If nothing more, the kids can play with these with the trains.

I did the acid test when I stuck my SpongeBob car on a train with otherwise railroad-type cars and had the neighbor kids come take a look. They spotted Bob right away with hoots and hollers that reminded me of Christmas morning. Well worth the effort and the loss of an otherwise common MPC-era car!!

You could probably replace the blue gateman figure with one of the SpongeBob characters on the Operating Gateman, but the possibilities are endless.

[spankybird]

Once again Brian, GREAT ideas. [:D]

I really like replacing the crossing gate guard with a sponge bob. Do you think MTH will still your idea?

tom