Premier Engines are full O scale models, 1/48 the size of their North American prototypes. Because of this, they often require larger radius curves than comparable RailKing models. Premier engines are as detailed as we can reasonably make them, and feature a large number of added-on parts. On Premier steamers, for example, most piping is separately applied, whereas piping on RailKing steam engines is cast onto the boiler. While puffing smoke is standard on virtually all M.T.H. steamers, only Premier and RailKing Scale and Imperial diesels feature diesel exhaust smoke. Premier engines also have more elaborate lighting effects.

Proto-Sound 3.0 - The Richest Set of Features in Model Railroading

Whether you operate with a conventional transformer or in command mode with DCC or DCS™ (M.T.H.'s Digitial Command System), the Proto-Sound 3.0 system offers more realism, more fun, and more variety than any other locomotive control system in any scale.

• Vivid Engine Sounds – Proto-Sound features crystal-clear digital sounds.
• Station Sounds – Proto-Sound passenger engines offer Passenger Station Proto-Effects™; Freight engines include Freight Yard Proto-Effects.
• Atmospheric Sounds – crew conversations, the whoosh of a steam engine opening its cylinder cocks, and a host of other atmospheric sounds
• Extraordinary Slow Speed Capability – Proto-Sound engines can throttle down as slow as three scale miles per hour, highball down the main line, and maintain any speed in between.
• Unmatched Speed Control  – with built-in Proto-Speed Control™
• Multiple Unit Capability – in DCS command mode, all locomotives set to the same throttle setting will move at virtually the same speed.
• Great smoke – featuring fan-driven ProtoSmoke™, the most powerful smoke system in the hobby.
• Brake Sounds – engine brakes squeal whenever you throttle back sharply or pull into a station.
• Full Compatibility with all Operating Systems – Right out of the box, every Proto-Sound 3.0 M.T.H. engine is compatible with all operating systems: conventional AC or DC, DCC, and our own Digital Command System (DCS).
• Bi-Directional Communication – Proto-Sound 2.0 and 3.0 engines not only receive commands from the DCS system, they can report back vital information, trigger other devices to operate, and diagnose your layout's wiring and signal quality.
• Proto-Sound 3.0 DCC Functionality – locomotives can be controlled in command mode with any DCC-compliant command control system.
• Record/Playback – in DCS command mode, you can record an entire operating session up to 90 minutes long and play it back anytime for visitors to your layout.

Hi-Rail Wheels – M.T.H. Premier Line 3-rail locomotives are equipped with hi-rail wheels that feature deeper flanges, blind center drivers, wider wheels, and traction tires. These locomotives are identified with a "-1" item number extension (ie: 20-xxxx-1). Three-rail engines with Proto-Scale 3-2 are designed for operation on any type of 3-rail AC track system, and can quickly be converted for use on 2-rail DC layouts. The deeper flanges on locomotives with hi-rail wheels, however, may contact the track ties on low profile 2-rail track systems. Engines with hi-rail wheels are also equipped with truck-mounted Proto-Couplers that mate with any standard 3-rail equipment.

Scale Wheels – Two-rail Proto-Scale 3-2 locomotives feature narrower scale-width wheels with more-prototypical low flanges. These locomotives are identified with a "-2" item number extension (ie: 20-xxxx-2). There are no blind (non-flanged) wheels or traction tires on locomotives with scale wheels. These engines can be converted for use on 3-rail track by installing the center rail pickup rollers that are included with each engine. Because flanges are present on all wheels and are low in height, operation on some 3-rail track systems and switches may be compromised resulting in frequent derailments. This is especially true on tracks that have rounded rail surfaces instead of a flat top rail surface. Scale wheel locomotives should only be used on track systems that have a flat top rail surface. The use of flanges on all wheels will increase the minimum curve requirement of scale-wheeled locomotives, and some uneven operation may be noticeable when traversing 3-rail switches. Engines with scale wheels are also equipped with body-mounted scale couplers that will not mate with standard 3-rail couplers. See the M.T.H. website for specific minimum curve requirements for each Scale Wheeled-equipped locomotive.

Proto-Scale 3-2™ – Many Premier steam and diesel engines are equipped with Proto-Scale 3-2, a unique M.T.H. feature that allows you to run the same engine on 2-rail or 3-rail track, under AC or DC power. Engines cataloged with hi-rail wheels are intended primarily for 3-rail operators, while engines with scale wheels are aimed at 2-rail DC operators as well as 3-rail AC operators looking for more scale realism. Scale-Wheeled versions of diesels have more-realistic fixed pilots, while Hi-Rail versions have swinging pilots to negotiate smaller-radius curves.

 Conversion Wheel Kits – offer additional versatility. Each kit contains enough wheel sets for (2) power trucks. Scale wheels are polished, turned metal with scale treads and flange height, and are mounted on metal axles with one insulated side for use on 2-rail O Scale track systems. Two wheel sets in each kit contain a pre-mounted drive gear.

Reservations Due By: Immediately

Expected Release: See Individual Listings

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