RailKing "traditionally sized" O Gauge trains are M.T.H.'s best-selling and least expensive product line. Before World War II, train hobbyists were less concerned with authenticity than are many current collectors, so the model trains were not generally made to scale. Rather, they were smaller than a proper O Scale model would be, and many model railroaders became accustomed to this size train. These cars and engines, represented today by the M.T.H. RailKing line, run on the same O gauge (width) track as O scale models, but because they are shorter, they can make tighter curves. Most RailKing models can maneuver a circle with a 31-inch diameter, and some can operate on curves even smaller than that. This is a real advantage for model train enthusiasts who prefer to keep their layouts small.
RailKing models are sturdily built and powerful. Model railroaders who prefer to run their trains rather than collect and display them often find RailKing an attractive and affordable option.
Over the years, the RailKing line has evolved into four subcatagories; RailKing Traditional, RailKing Rugged Rails, RailKing Imperial and RailKing Scale.
RailKing Traditional and RailKing Rugged Rails represent the largest catagories in our RailKing line and retain the moderately detailed, traditional size attributes of our initial 1995 RailKing offerings. While some RailKing items can negotiate tight O-27 curves, the Rugged Rails line is comprised exclusively of O-27 models making them the perfect choice for O-27 fans anywhere.
Features typically found on RailKing and Rugged Rails models include:
RailKing Imperial Series locomotives retain traditional proportions and O-31 minimum curve operation as regular RailKing locomotives but are equipped with a level of detail usually found only on more expensive, full-scale engines that require much larger curves.
Features typically found on Imperial models include all our RailKing features, plus:
RailKing Scale diesel locomotives are full scale proporitoned models featuring a higher level of detail than that found on regular RailKing models. Because of their scale proportions, RailKing Scale models require a minimum of O-31 curves in order to operate.
Though scale proportioned, RailKing Scale models are not as intricately detailed as their scale counterparts. However, they utilize the same drive trains found in our 2005 and earlier Premier Line models and mix and match well with any O scale 3-rail model regardless of manufacturer making them an attractively priced alternative to those not concerned about owning super-detailed O Scale models.
Features typically found on RailKing Scale models include all our RailKing features, plus:
Premier Line
M.T.H. Premier Line trains are the gold standard in O Gauge model railroading. These models feature scale proportions, realistic detail, and solid construction that provides smooth, powerful performance. No other O Gauge manufacturer approaches this level of accuracy and overall quality. One of the Premier locomotives' and cars' most impressive features is the authentic detail in the 1:48 scale products. Each item features a precisely designed body and a crisp, detailed paint scheme modeled closely on the prototype. The engines boast details like stainless steel grill details, spinning roof fans, operating lights, operating metal couplers, and variable smoke output. And while the authenticity of detail is designed to please the most discriminating model railroader, the locomotives are designed to run on the 3-rail track that most O Gauge railroaders prefer.
This careful attention to detail does not stop with the appearance of the models. Each Premier locomotive is of the highest-quality construction to ensure consistent, powerful performance. They feature die-cast or durable ABS construction and precision flywheel-equipped motors that enable the engines to have long lives pulling long trains, some with more than fifty cars. Most M.T.H. locomotives are also equipped with our Modular Chassis Design (MCD), which allows for easy maintenance. Most basic repairs can be done with just a screwdriver. M.T.H. Premier Line Rolling Stock feature precision-molded ABS bodies, most mounted atop die-cast, sprung trucks with operating metal couplers. Each truck features needle-point axles and fast-angle metal wheels for a smooth-rolling, quiet ride.
Along with these other stand-out features, M.T.H. offers the most advanced sound and electronics systems in O Gauge model railroading. The new Proto-Sound® 2.0 with Digital Command System, which comes standard on every Premier engine, allows model railroaders to create an even stronger illusion of reality than before. ProtoSound 2.0 gives you and more options and more realistic operation than ever before. You'll be able to customize the operation of your layout in ways that have not been possible in O Gauge railroading before now.
Tinplate Traditions
M.T.H. has made Standard and O Gauge tinplate reproduction trains for twenty years. The colors and shapes of these unusual engines and cars are unmatched. Tinplate trains are made of stamped or die-cast metal, generally boasting bright and colorful enamel paint. Standard and O Gauge tinplate trains, like those in the M.T.H. Tinplate Traditions line, have become highly sought after collectors' items. M.T.H.'s Tinplate Traditions line provides collectors who cannot afford the thousands of dollars it takes to acquire a pre-World War II original access to faithful, high quality, and highly detailed reproductions of these beautiful tinplate trains.
For MTH trains the notations below diffrentiate the different kinds of units:
Prefixes:
20- Premier
30- Railking
Suffixes:
-0 Powered Unit with Locosound (Horn Only)
-1 Powered Unit with Protosound (Horn, Voices, Engines Sounds, etc.)
-3 Non-Powered Unit without sound
Units with no suffix are usually rolling stock (non-powered units)
For Example
30-2198-0 means a powered Railking unit with Locosound
30-2477-1 means a powered Railking Unit with ProtoSound
20-2565-3 means a non-powered Premier Unit without Sound
Hope that helps, feel free to email me with any questions anyway
Thank You
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