MTH HO - Sneak Peek at the General Electric ES44 Locomotive

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HO ES44 Locomotive Debuted at the NMRA National Train Show

July 2013 - M.T.H. Electric Trains displayed two new HO diesels - General Electric Dash-9 and ES44 models - at the NMRA National Train Show held in Atlanta, Georgia. Both models are slated for release during the first quarter of 2014 and will be featured in M.T.H.'s 2014 HO Catalog when it's released this November.

The ES44 is the second to be released and will be available in three configurations; a DCC-ready model, a Proto-Sound 3.0 version with DCC receiver and digital sound and a 3-rail AC/DC model with Proto-Sound 3E+ for use with 3-rail track systems like Marklin stud rail. Like Proto-Sound 3.0 models, the 3E+ version contains a DCC receiver and digital sound but adds a Motorola receiver as well.

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The undecorated version shown in the promotional photos utilizes details found on the Norfolk Southern Heritage Monongahela Railroad paint scheme. All the Norfolk Southern Heritage paint schemes will be produced. Other roadnames will be produced and come outfitted with prototypical details particular to each railroad to ensure a historically accurate model.

One version of the M.T.H. HO ES44 slated for production will include operating charging lights as outfitted on the real life G.E. Evolution demo locomotive created by General Electric when initially promoting the locomotive to prospective railroads. The operating charging lights on the M.T.H. model were initially introduced on the company’s O Scale ES44 will blink in sequence, automatically changing direction when the locomotive is at rest just as they did on the prototype.

Specific roadnames, paint schemes, cab numbers and pricing will be detailed in M.T.H.’s 2014 HO catalog slated for release this Fall.

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M.T.H.’s HO locomotives feature the firm’s most sophisticated version of its highly acclaimed Proto-Sound sound and command control onboard electronics. The Proto-Sound 3.0 system found in M.T.H.’s HO locomotives includes features not found in competitor’s products including a 28-function command control receiver that can operate with any manufacturer’s DCC system.

Digital sound features including horn, bell, engine roar, squeaking brakes, authentic Doppler, freight yard sound effects, air let-off and dozens more – a variety unmatched in HO today. In addition, each engine features 120 speed steps, each in scale one-mile-per-hour increments and operating HO couplers that can be triggered anywhere on the layout using any DCC controller for a true prototypical operating experience.

All M.T.H. HO locomotives are completely compatible with any analog 16 volt or higher DC power supply. Under analog operation, the user retains direction control, LED lighting effects, engine sound effects, squeaking brakes and speed control.

28 DCC features are built into every Proto-Sound 3.0 and 3E+ model including speed mapping, function mapping and advance consisting. When operated in command mode using M.T.H.’s Digital Command System (DCS), operators will have access to hundreds of features and sounds, including crossing signals, forward and reverse signals, 8 locomotive rev levels and many, many more.

Each body shell houses the electronics and a 5-Pole precision flywheel equipped skew-wound balanced motor. The body tooling features multiple slides so that different details can be changed or added depending on the roadname being modeled. Powerful, long-lasting LED lighting is standard on all Proto-Sound models and sturdy metal handrails ensure that an M.T.H. HO diesel locomotive can withstand the rigors of use over time. Additional features include metal wheels and axles, (2) Kadee® couplers, prototypical Rule 21 lighting, detailed cab interior with cab figures and metal screens and vents.

MTH has not yet announced Road Names and Paint Schemes

Prices and ordering information will be made available as soon as we get it.

Watch Here for Updates!

Expected Release: 1st Quarter 2014

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