How Do MTH DC Locos Compare?

[snjroy]

MisterBeasley

The polarity of the LED lighting on DCC vs. DCS is opposite.  I don't have any MTH engines so I don't know how they're wired, but simply dropping in a DCC decoder into an engine built for DCS might not give the desired results.

 

A friend from our club asked me to install DCC in an MTH diesel a few months ago. I tried plugging things in, but it just would not work. I followed all the instructions.... As some point, I just gave up - I figured I would have had to pull out the board and hardwire the thing. I would have done it if it was mine: it's really easy to do. But not my loco so I brought it back to its owner in its original condition... Hopefully, that only applies to pre-2005 locos as mentioned.

Simon

[Trainman440]

From my experience, this is not the case for newer models (2005+) and their DC (DCC ready) models dont have this issue. 

[MisterBeasley]

The polarity of the LED lighting on DCC vs. DCS is opposite.  I don't have any MTH engines so I don't know how they're wired, but simply dropping in a DCC decoder into an engine built for DCS might not give the desired results.

[PRR8259]

The MTH SD70ACe and SD70M-2 diesels run great and look really pretty good overall.  There are only a few minor things that detract visually from other makes--and one was a compromise to offer functional above walkway ditch lights (the light housing is integrated with a handrail stanchion for durability).  From a couple feet away, not really that noticeable, but not my favorite feature...

The MTH Alco PA-1 diesels were good too.  Very realistic metal grills, and they run very well.

I retain one MTH FEC blue and yellow SD70M-2, which is really my son's engine as he wanted it.  Once upon a time we had more of them, but then backdated our roster a bit.  The engine continues to run great and the lights are great.  It does not have sound.

I'll let you know about the final 2-8-8-4's.  Our two DM&IR 2-8-8-4's will be here in a few days from now (son wanted one, so I pre-ordered two).  Hopefully they are in the as-delivered greenish grey color (shown in catalogue photos) and not plain grey like the last run, which commands a $500 premium now above MSRP based upon a recent sale at Brasstrains.com (these are diecast engines with brass details).

John

 

[Flintlock76]

Paul3

One thing in MTH's favor is their breaking of the UP licensing fiasco in 2005/2006.  I will always give them credit for resisting UP's actions, and bringing about a solution that helped the entire hobby and not just themselves.

That affair turned into such an embarassment for UP I'd be very surprised if those responsible for it at UP didn't lose their jobs over it.

[csxns]

I have had some replaced but I think they are not worth it I think one I replaced went bad again.

[ATSFGuy]

Check to see if there's a LHS in your area that sells MTH stuff and can help you out.

[csxns]

I have some MTH locomotives that have bad motors.

[Trainman440]

I dont support the company but some of their products are most certainly desirable (such as their steam and passenger cars) in my opinion. Hence why I only buy used MTH items, to own their products without directly supporting them.

I can get an MTH K4s which is arguably better/similarly detailed to BLI K4s for around $170 on Ebay, whereas even the early QSI BLI K4s go for well over $200. 

As to the OP, if the item is satisfactory to your liking visually (details, etc), I'd go for it. They run fine on DC, and should be easily able to be converted to DCC. Note this is only true for their later products, say after 2005, as anything prior may have DC compatibility issues.  Your SD70ACe works fine on DC. I wouldnt hesitate buying MTH items, they are solidly built, and even though youre not gonna get warrenty since their company is no more, you wouldnt have gotten any regardless since you're buying used. 

Charles

 

[Paul3]

ndbprr,
Rapido hasn't bought a thing from MTH.  It was ScaleTrains who purchased the HO and S-scale MTH tooling.

MTH isn't defunct just yet.  It will be in about a month, however.

As much as I also disliked MTH's business actions, they really were the victim of Korea Brass laziness when KB used MTH's computer files and tooling to make models for Lionel.  But MTH's seemingly endless lawsuits for every perceived slight was a bit of a drag on the hobby.

One thing in MTH's favor is their breaking of the UP licensing fiasco in 2005/2006.  I will always give them credit for resisting UP's actions, and bringing about a solution that helped the entire hobby and not just themselves.

[ndbprr]

Well mth is now defunct.  I think Rapido bought some portion of the company but parts may be hard to come by for awhile at a minimum.  Many of us never supported the company because the owner sued everybody in the world(not quite) but he sued a number of manufacturers almost to the point that he invented the hobby. Never having owned an MTH anything I will still stay that way.  Strong opinion to follow

[Paul3]

On MTH engines in general, details are thicker, more "clunky", etc.  Fidelity and accuracy are not as high a priority as Athearn Genesis, et al.  The MTH's do tend to pull very well, however.  Longevity in operation can be questionable; I've heard some people say they wore out/broke down too quickly while others said they had no problems at all.  The MTH automatic couplers are not worth having but can be easily replaced with Kadees.  One odd thing with the big SD's; IIRC you have to remove the truck sideframes in order to get the shell off.

 

[peahrens]

I was looking at EBay for potential UP DC locos to convert to DCC, a favorite activity.  I saw some MTH DC ready ones and realized that I never looked at those because I had ruled out MTH DCC (or their version) locos as I did not want to mess with their setup.

So, how do MTH DC locos compare to others (e.g., Athearn Genesis) in running performance and/or detail.  An example might be the George Bush 4141 diesel.

Thanks in advance for your comments.