The Origin of MTH Electric Trains

By: karl donald

MTH model trains are built by MTH Electric trains, which originally stood for Mike's Train House. This American company is based in Maryland and was started by Mike Wolf who at a young age fell in love with trains in the 1970's. Soon he began building them at his parents house. His passion for model trains was turned into a successful business.

By the 80's he was running a small mail order business that sold Williams Electric Trains. From his small and very humble beginnings he was able to grow his business by becoming a subcontractor for the well known Lionel Company. He quickly became the second largest Lionel train dealer in the United States. Unfortunately this agreement wasn't working out well for either company and the relationship ended in 1993. MTH went on to make some excellent reproductions and by the late 1990's MTH had become larger than Lionel in terms of sales volume and even had a staff of over 100 people.

The L cars are among the most unique train cars designed by MTH. These models are identical to the subway cars in New York City and the elevated train system that can be found in Chicago. MTH subway cars are so realistic that they even come with graffiti painted on the side of the cars, much like what you would see if you actually visited NYC and saw them for yourself.

The control system is one of the most interesting features of the MTH trains. The controls allow users to operate MTH trains as well as Lionel trains. The control system uses the Digital Command System technology which is compatible with train sets that make use of Trainmaster command Control system. This system is used by Lionel and other manufacturers of O gauge trains. Beyond just DCS and TMCC, the trains will also operate a more industry wide standard, the Digital Command Control or DCC which is a standard system used by many makers of two rail trains.

The Digital Command System is credited with pushing forward a higher level of detail, realism and new innovations, it has been successful in making MTH trains some of the most technologically advanced models on the market today while raising the bar of the model railroading industry in general. With realistic whistles, bells and horns as well as realistic smoke that is synchronized with the engine, MTH model trains could be referred to as state-of-the-art model trains.

MTH has been a somewhat interesting company throughout their story, with many legal battles to date. his company was instrumental in dropping the prices of model trains, which was long overdue. Since MTH has had a rocky relationship over the years with the Lionel company, some diehard collectors and fans of Lionel trains might have a biased or negative view of MTH.

For avid model trains enthusiasts, MTH model trains provide some of the best technology and some of the most realistic features on the market, often at more affordable price points. With nearly every railroad company represented, you can purchase either one piece or a whole set of MTH trains and build some incredibly realistic model railroads, right in the comfort of your own home.

Article Source: https://www.collectibles-articles.com

Find out more about MTH trains and model trains in general. at www.modeltrainsyard.com/mth-trains/ The site is maintained by Paul Markey www.modeltrainsyard.com/

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