'Cheap' for O Scale: MTH Premier F7 Review 2024

F units have been a favorite among railfans and modelers for decades, and the F7s are certainly no exception.
MTH has released various F7 models over the years, the most recent being this Premier line release which shipped in mid 2024.
So, I’m not a big diesel fan myself, but the F7s, especially in the Western Maryland scheme, have always appealed to me, and the price MTH listed these at made these a must buy for me.

[@johnandrus3901]

Very nice. I've always disliked smoke on diesels, as it is a bit too much. A lot of times, an EMD on start-up will emit a fair amount of white smoke, usually clearing up after it warms up, although some of the older ones can do it for quite a while. GE's can belch a lot of black smoke, especially when the turbo starts to spool and also when things get out of time. You really don't see GE's with white smoke. The only time that I've seen EMD's emitting black smoke is when something is causing it to run poorly. Either way, smoke on the O gauge engines should be at a minimum and go away when it gets moving.. An excellent review and video.

[@genemanno1533]

Author stated basically not interested in smoke. I would take opposite liking smoke but not the talking and engine noise. Those could be absent to suit me. Train on track is sufficient noise. Nice looking engines paint scheme.😊

[@Porschedude8]

Well done...

[@jimmelchin1531]

F units are one of my favorites. I remember them as a young boy. And your brick buildings in this video are great. Are they kits you painted and weathered or were they purchased that way ? Thank You 👍

[@dynamoscale]

The four in the video are kits from Ameri-Towne, painted/weathered to that look.

[@jimmelchin1531]

@@dynamoscale Well done. 👍

[@huntercoleman460]

Neat F units.

[@genemanno1533]

Some how I just do not consider $700 for a pair of engines (especially only one powered) reasonable, and definitely not cheap. As another expressed distaste for smoke, fake electronic engine noise, and talking, I agree totally worthless features. Especially the talking engine. But thank you for sharing😊

[@dynamoscale]

In contrast to the now common $1400+ steam engines and $700 single unit diesels, it's cheap in relation. It is also worth noting the engine's audio is not fake, it is recorded off real diesel electrics - though I do wish they would offer non-sound versions for a lower price for those who don't want the sounds nor the added cost.

[@genemanno1533]

@@dynamoscale Honestly how can one justify those type of prices for plastic piece (basically a toy) made in china. Seems way out of wack compared to other products and commodities. Think about it, it’s more than a lawn mower, TV, compressor, pressure washer, mig welder, chop saw, the list can go on and on.

[@jeffvair62]

@@genemanno1533there are a lot more welders, tvs, chop saws sold in the US in a year than O scale model trains. Lower production means an item will cost more. As for the toy factor, people buy expensive toys all the time. A person might have a $80,000 fishing boat on a trailer in their yard, but balk at the idea of spending $700.00 for a model train. When you say something isn’t worth the money-you’re really saying it isn’t worth it to you, and that’s fine. But other people have their own standards and preferences…

[@genemanno1533]

@@jeffvair62 Yes,I’ll agree If one wants to ignore the value or lack of it, per dollar spent it is one’s choice.