MTH going out of business.

[Billwiz]

As I posted on the MR forum, what if Lionel purchased the HO line?  They have been attempting (again) to enter the HO market.  This could up their entire HO line.  Not sure if Lionel needs the O.  

[Flintlock76]

Hey, Bachmann bought the Williams line and then didn't seem to know what to do with it.  Lionel would probably repeat the error unless they go with the Standard Gauge replica line and marking it "Lionel," and even then I'm not so sure. 

The MTH S-Gauge (Former S-Helper) and HO lines, what's going to happen to them is going to be interesting.  In fact, the whole evolution of this story's going to be interesting.

Maybe Menard's might be looking at this?  They've got everything but motive power.  

Anyway you look at it this is a bombshell.  It's like hearing Ford, Chevy, Chrysler, Buick, or any other major American car company was closing up permanently.

[phrankenstign]

If Lionel ends up buying most of M.T.H., then perhaps we'll see an "M.T.H. by Lionel" brand stamped on all of their lower end products.  After devaluing the "M.T.H." name, then maybe Lionel will discontinue it.

[sir james I]

Never was an MTH fan. It always irked me that he copied so many of Lionel's products. I do have a few MTH engines but only because when they were offered Lionel had not done them. Rolling stock was well done however. I do expect that someone will buy the name, Mike could be selling off parts of the company for retirement money.

[rtraincollector]

I liked his accesories, Passenger cars, and Freight cars, I also liked he used ERTL vehicles for his flat cars. Lionel did on a few but seems to keep going back basically to the plastic cars. 

For motor power, no thank-you, I'm going to be changing what I have little by little to TMCC, already did a big steamer ( C&O Allegheny )

I have a Southern PA1/PB1/PA1 that the one Aunit is the only one with power, so hope to convert it. 

[Flintlock76]

Well, I am going to mourn.  This is sad, really sad, but I guess Mike's tired and just wants to hang it up.  I don't blame him.

I've always liked the MTH product line, and have never had a problem with DCS because, quite frankly, I don't use it!  Strictly conventional is my mantra, there's less, much less to go wrong.  And running conventional I've always found MTH engines to be as rugged, reliable, and built like tanks!

And quite honestly, if it wasn't for Mike I don't think the O gauge line would be as good for us as it is.  There's nothing like good strong competition to keep everyone sharp and on their toes.

All I have to say is Mike, you worked your butt off for 40 years, now go play, brother!

And if I ever run into you I'll be proud to shake your hand!  Along with Josh Cowan, A.C. Gilbert, Jerry Williams, Louis Marx, Max Gray, and so many others I can't think of at the moment you're a giant in the industry, and I thank you for being!

The hobby will never forget you.

[anjdevil2]

While it is a shame that Mikey decided to hang up his engineer's hat, I'll shed no tears, well, maybe because the accessories are good and the rolling stock isn't bad.

DCS, while it may be a genius command system, the learning curve is steep and the engines at best are finicky and at worst, impossible to run.  

While I worked in a retail train store, the MTH engines were painfully slow to boot up and run and took me HOURS to figure out how to run DCS.  The fact that there is a book out on how to use DCS screams volumes about how user un-friendly they are.

TMCC and Legacy are plug and play, quick to use and the engines spool up and go in a moments notice.  Legacy is cool, however, TMCC is so user friendly, my ex-girlfriends 8 year old daughter figured it out in 30 seconds.  The same with LionChief.

I really love the MTH accessories, they were/are visually appealing and unusual and nicely done.  I have a house decorated for Christmas on my layout that almost looks like the house I own, right down to the color.

If Lionel buys out MTH, and why wouldn't they, and installs TMCC in the engines, this is a win for us.  Yes, there will be the nay sayers that will interject that prices will go up and quality will go down.  I disagree.

So, excuse me if I don't mourn......

[Curmudgeon]

What?

From Trainworld’s Facebook Page:

Breaking News From MTH Electric Trains

Customers,
June 8, 2020 - First, on behalf of M.T.H. Electric Trains, I want to thank you for the support and encouragement you have shown my company over our 40-year journey. From humble beginnings and a lot of hard work, we were able to build one of the world's largest model train manufacturers - one unquestionably buoyed by your unwavering support.

In particular, I am proud that M.T.H. has released more models than any train manufacturer in the history of our hobby. The variety, quality, and infusion of technology throughout our offerings allowed M.T.H. Electric Trains to help bring enjoyment to all who share our wonderful hobby.

It is, therefore, with mixed emotions that I tell you I have decided to retire in 2021 and close the business. The last two M.T.H. catalogs, our 2020 Volume 2 O Gauge catalog, and our 2020 HO catalog and all non-delivered items from our 2020 Volume 1 O Gauge catalog, 2020 Ready-to-Run Train Set catalog, 2019-2020 S Gauge catalog, and 2019-2020 G Gauge catalog will feature the last products produced by M.T.H. Electric Trains.

The new items featured in all these catalogs will be available beginning Summer 2020 through April 2021 and will carry our limited one-year warranty supported by our Authorized Service Center network and the M.T.H. Service Department. Upon our closing in May 2021, our ASC network will provide warranty coverage through April 2022. A list of M.T.H. Authorized Service Centers is available on the M.T.H. website and will be updated as M.T.H. Authorized Retailers join the program over the coming months.

M.T.H. Electric Trains would not have enjoyed success without the support of the M.T.H. Authorized Retailer network. While traditional retail has changed significantly over the past decade, the independent hobby shop has been and continues to be the most important cog in our distribution chain. I truly appreciate the support and friendship these shops have shown M.T.H. I wish all of them good luck and prosperity in the years to come.

Finally, I want to thank all of my employees for their hard work over the years. Most of them have been with me for decades and their loyalty and talents were paramount to our success.

With thousands of tools and molds and a wealth of intellectual property, a new model railroading company may arise from my former company as I entertain various options and buyers. One scenario is a new company organized and owned by members of my current staff. Their decades of experience, work ethic, and creative talent will ensure success regardless of who owns the assets while providing a welcome bridge between the past 40 years and the future.

The remainder of my time will be busy as we clear out inventory and other miscellaneous items accumulated over the past 40 years. As that process evolves, we’ll be offering consumer and retailer purchase opportunities

Again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your loyal support for all these years.

Mike Wolf, President
M.T.H. Electric Trains

[KRM]

I should like to see where you saw that??? Got a link????

[Curmudgeon]

With the legal wrangling that eliminated K-Line, the Kader absorption of Williams, all the old line stuff long gone, Lionel importing fom Viet Nam, and can't seem to get colors right, Mikey pulling the plug is going to be interesting.

I gave up buying anything new with MPC. Picked up a couple of NP boxcars and put PT-1 trucks on, and that was it. Control systems? Cut them out. I did that for folks for years, QSI or Dallee reversers. All my engines are postwar Lionel and General Models.

If someone buys MTH, okay, get the control system right so Barry's replacement doesn't have to write books on how to make it run.

If nobody buys MTH, the value of the stuff will go A) way up with evilbait ads "Vintage! Rare! Out of production!" or B) tank to nothing as you can't get parts or service.

Even extends to the Standard Gauge stuff.

I had a run-in with them years ago over Large Scale....not pretty. I have never, ever purchased anything MTH. Never will.

[Michael6268]

With the news that came out today about MTH closing its doors, what do you think will happen to the existing train Market?  

I fear with their departure, it will leave a virtual monopoly to Lionel.   And if that happens I can only imagine where the prices will go.