From 1942-1945, Electro Motive Division's F-unit was the only road freight diesel built in America. While the War Production Board limited competitors Alco and Baldwin to diesel switcher and steam locomotive production during World War II, EMD's 1,350 hp FT became a runaway best-seller. By war's end, Electro Motive had a lead over its competitors that would last until they closed their doors. 

With production restrictions lifted and the U.S. economy humming with pent-up demand, railroads clamored for new diesels to replace a steam fleet exhausted by wartime traffic. In July 1946, EMD introduced a new model F-unit, the F3. Horsepower was upgraded to 1,500 and lessons learned on the FT gave the F3 better reliability and lower maintenance. Under the hood throbbed an improved 567-series V-12 engine. With 567 inches of displacement per cylinder, this same engine would power virtually the entire first generation of EMD diesel locomotives. 

The F3 hit the market in an era when almost every boy in America wanted toy trains for Christmas, and F3 models quickly became a hot topic in letters to Santa. Such was the desire of railroads for publicity that model train manufacturer Lionel convinced the Santa Fe, the New York Central, and EMD to share the tooling costs for its top-of-the line F3. Even today, half a century later, the Santa Fe F-unit remains an icon of railroading to the American public. 

M.T.H. is proud to offer the drama of this postwar locomotive in HO scale. The M.T.H. HO F-3 Diesel Sets include Proto-Sound 3.0 offering authentic EMD 567 prime mover sounds, first generation diesel horn and bell, crew station sounds, break sounds, and cab chatter. The F-3 features superb detailing that characterizes all M.T.H. HO diesels, with added-on details that include legible builder's plates, grab irons, multiple-unit hoses, rooftop lift rings, see-through rooftop fans, steam generator exhaust stack (for passenger versions), windshield wipers, and trucks with separately-applied spring hangers, brake cylinders, and air pipes. 

 Features

•Intricately Detailed ABS Bodies  
•Metal Chassis 
•Moveable Roof Fans 
•Metal Body Side Grilles 
•(2) Engineer Cab Figures In Each A Unit 
•Authentic Paint Scheme 
•Metal Wheels and Axles 
•RP25 Metal Wheels 
•(2) Operating Kadee Compatible Remote Controlled Proto-Couplers 
•(2) #158 Scale Kadee Whisker Couplers 
•Prototypical Rule 17 Lighting 
•Directionally Controlled Constant Voltage LED Headlight 
•Lighted Cab Interior 
•Illuminated Number Boards 
•Lighted Marker Lights 
•Powerful 5-Pole Precision Flywheel Equipped Skew-Wound Balanced Motor 
•Locomotive Speed Control In Scale MPH Increments 
•Operates On Code 70, 83 and 100 Track 
•1:87 Scale Proportions 

Signature Series models offer the final word in realism: beautifully detailed M.T.H. O and HO scale models weathered to look like hard-working locomotives and rolling stock. Each model is individually weathered by a master modeler with more than 30 years of professional modeling experience. The resulting finish ensures that these new Signature Series models for 2014 will look right at home on any sceniced, scale-detailed layout.

All models are airbrush-weathered, using proprietary techniques that capture the subtle natural wear and tear produced by road dust, rain, rust, wind and everything else that railroad equipment experiences in real life. The Signature Series airbrush weathering process brings out details in a model that previously went unnoticed, and replicates effects usually obtainable only with chalks and pinpoint washes.

No two Signature Series finishes look exactly alike. Each model of the same engine or passenger set has its own unique finish, with noticeable but subtle differences visible in side-by-side comparisons. Because these models are designed to run as well as they look, each locomotive and car is sealed with a flat finish to allow handling and the use of smoke fluid. 

M.T.H. Signature Series models first appeared in 2012, providing hobbyists with unique offerings not previously available from a major model railroad manufacturer. Each Signature Series item is an excellent solution for modelers who either have not had the confidence to attempt weathering techniques, or simply don’t have time to do it themselves. Most importantly, these professionally weathered models can withstand the rigors of operation while providing the final element of realism needed to depict real-life railroading on an O or HO scale layout.