That's super unfortunate to hear, hopefully someone buys the company, rather not have all that tooling go to waste.
I heard that their patents for a lot of their tech expires in 2021, so maybe we'll see some MTH gimmicks coming out from other companies.
While Im not a huge fan of their products or tactics, I am sad to see them go.
I wonder if they do go if Lionel will completely take over O scale.
Better get that GS-4 before theyre all out!
Charles
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Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@trainman440
Instagram (where I share projects!): https://www.instagram.com/trainman440
Wow that is big news. One of the most diversified model train manufactures around. I remenber talking with Andy E. from MTH at York during the 2008-09 financial debacle and how he said the fact they were in so many different things, not just one or two, was helping them ride it out afloat. It doesn't sound like financial straights are the reason for this news, at least hopefully not, and hopefully some how all or at least portions of the enterprise manage to live on. That would be good for the hobby.
Very sad indeed. I love my MTH HO scale Dreyfuss Hudson and PRR Streamlined Coach 5-car set...
Jones 3D Modeling Club https://www.youtube.com/Jones3DModelingClub
Wow that is a shock !! Thats a big manufacturer for the hobby to lose. --- Ken
From TrainWorld's Facebook:
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