MTH’s Future | O Gauge Forum (2024)

MTH’s FutureJun 8, 2020 23:35:34 GMTvia mobile

From Trainworld’s Facebook Page:

Breaking News From MTH Electric Trains

Customers,
June 8, 2020 - First, on behalf of M.T.H. Electric Trains, I want to thank you for the support and encouragement you have shown my company over our 40-year journey. From humble beginnings and a lot of hard work, we were able to build one of the world's largest model train manufacturers - one unquestionably buoyed by your unwavering support.

In particular, I am proud that M.T.H. has released more models than any train manufacturer in the history of our hobby. The variety, quality, and infusion of technology throughout our offerings allowed M.T.H. Electric Trains to help bring enjoyment to all who share our wonderful hobby.

It is, therefore, with mixed emotions that I tell you I have decided to retire in 2021 and close the business. The last two M.T.H. catalogs, our 2020 Volume 2 O Gauge catalog, and our 2020 HO catalog and all non-delivered items from our 2020 Volume 1 O Gauge catalog, 2020 Ready-to-Run Train Set catalog, 2019-2020 S Gauge catalog, and 2019-2020 G Gauge catalog will feature the last products produced by M.T.H. Electric Trains.

The new items featured in all these catalogs will be available beginning Summer 2020 through April 2021 and will carry our limited one-year warranty supported by our Authorized Service Center network and the M.T.H. Service Department. Upon our closing in May 2021, our ASC network will provide warranty coverage through April 2022. A list of M.T.H. Authorized Service Centers is available on the M.T.H. website and will be updated as M.T.H. Authorized Retailers join the program over the coming months.

M.T.H. Electric Trains would not have enjoyed success without the support of the M.T.H. Authorized Retailer network. While traditional retail has changed significantly over the past decade, the independent hobby shop has been and continues to be the most important cog in our distribution chain. I truly appreciate the support and friendship these shops have shown M.T.H. I wish all of them good luck and prosperity in the years to come.

Finally, I want to thank all of my employees for their hard work over the years. Most of them have been with me for decades and their loyalty and talents were paramount to our success.

With thousands of tools and molds and a wealth of intellectual property, a new model railroading company may arise from my former company as I entertain various options and buyers. One scenario is a new company organized and owned by members of my current staff. Their decades of experience, work ethic, and creative talent will ensure success regardless of who owns the assets while providing a welcome bridge between the past 40 years and the future.

The remainder of my time will be busy as we clear out inventory and other miscellaneous items accumulated over the past 40 years. As that process evolves, we’ll be offering consumer and retailer purchase opportunities

Again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your loyal support for all these years.

Mike Wolf, President
M.T.H. Electric Trains

MTH’s FutureJun 9, 2020 0:08:20 GMTvia mobile

Very sad news! I’m sitting on my couch looking at volume two of the 2020 catalog and I decided to check OGF and saw this post.

Thank you MTH for enriching our hobby all of these years.

WOW!!! Completely flabbergasted to say the least. This is horrible news. Bad time to sell a business. Wonder if there may be some type of bankruptcy filing?
No wonder they ended the tinplate line, quit making remotes, and no new tooling!!! SAD DAY IN MUDVILLE!!!

The DAY THE MUSIC DIED....

Praying that someone buys them. We need the competition in the hobby. Otherwise Lionel would still be in the stone age and I'd probably be out of the hobby. MTH's DCS system is what inspired me to take my layout to the next level. I hope that technology continues somehow.

- Jason

Wow, I knew change was coming, but I am stunned that it is starting now.

MTH had a great run, Mike turned the O Gauge world upside down with higher quality, more affordable trains, great smoke units, and a new digital command control system...DCS. MTH produced many many types of Locomotives that no one else made, and painted them in many liveries that were overlooked in the past.

I thought Mike was great, every time I went to York, Mike was manning the booth, shaking hands, answering questions, receiving suggestion, and complaints, Mike was always there. I admire that dedication to his business, the hobby, and us hobbyists.

I hope MTH continues on with Mike’s underlings running the show.

And most of all I hope Mike enjoys a well deserved retirement.

Thanks Mike Wolf, it’s been a great ride.

Sounds like a well earned retirement for Mike. He deserves it. I don’t really understand why the MTH brand is also being retired instead of selling it with the assets but I’m sure they have their reasons. I will be sad to see it all end if nobody picks up the mantle.

Emile