Chinese HO Steam Locomotive Clone - Worst Knock Off?

I was browsing eBay a couple months ago when I found this 0-4-0 ho scale steam locomotive for sale. I was a bit surprised as this model looked cosmetically identical to a HO locomotive Model Power produced many decades ago.
Today I decided to unbox and compare this model to the original and the results were mixed. It ran fine out of the box however there was a lot of loose parts in the drive train which caused it to make some unusual noises.
It's hard to say weather or not they bought the original tooling or just cloned it but ether way I'm thrilled to see a vintage model in production again.

[@ONTGP91600]

Finally someone who unboxes these little switchers from Aliexpress

[@AzaleaGP30]

Honestly Evemodel’s doing a lot better of a job with old Model Power toolings than what Lionel’s doing with ‘em right now

[@vehicles_n_stuff]

They’re both charging too much though

[@chasesrailwaylinesrr6447]

Very true I would say eve model is more Reasonable To an extent, Lionel would charge a Fortune

[@raymondleggs5508]

@@vehicles_n_stuff Actually Lionel is charging too much, with wobbly wheels with plastic axles, the evemodel cars have All metal wheels, Lionel has drasticly inflated prices of the Ex POLA model power building kits as well. I just but the originals.

[@Benthetrainkid]

Technically, Marx first made the toolings that Lionel currently produces (in which Model Power previously used)

[@SMTMainline]

Slightly cheaper than a Lionel but not by a long shot. Hopefully they change their minds on that.

[@johnbeck3270]

Model Power locomotives and rolling stock were manufactured in China. Whenever a US manufacturer contracts with a Chinese Co. the Chinese Government actually owns the casting molds. This model was manufactured from the molds Model Power contracted to have their models made from. Not surprising, keep watching, I have a feeling there may be more old Model Power models appearing. N scale locomotives sold by Model Power were manufactured by Mini Trix, I don’t know that much about the rolling stock but if memory serves, these were manufacture in China. I would say a majority of model trains now are manufactured in China. Brands like Lionel, Athern Roundhouse (both owned by Horizion Hobbies) are now manufactured in China, Bachmann has been manufacturing there for years.

[@azuma892]

A lot of these old toolings are being sold domestically under the brand name 韩飞火车模型.

[@ErickC]

Model Power imported some Trix N scale locomotives, but the lion's share of Model Power's N-scale locomotives were made by Mehano.

[@Benthetrainkid]

@@johnbeck3270 Some MiniTrix trains were actually made in Germany

[@SMTMainline]

I've heard similar things before. I would have guessed that Lionel had their hands on the tooling but maybe now that they quit making HO products (again) they decided to dump the tooling and smaller companies are picking up the pieces. I hope to see more models like this one, I just which they would do something different from every other manufacturer and make them affordably. They have a real opportunity to undercut the market on price like Proto once did.

[@ErickC]

@@Benthetrainkid : to the best of my knowledge, all classic Minitrix products (i.e., models of US prototypes) were made in West Germany.

[@robertcrundwell2782]

Evening, Harrison from the Chippewa Northern shop crew.

[@ejrenting]

For Chinese knockoff loco that thing is a whole lot better than I expected, actually usable.

[@SMTMainline]

Considering the original was likely also made in China I'm not surprised they are so similar. Hopefully they will get better at casting the frames so the wheels don't have so much play though.

[@johnbeck3270]

@@SMTMainline you might se if you can find some brass bearings to slip into the frame, or trim some brass tubing to form into bushings to take up the extra space in the axil slots

[@rainman7992]

yes, but for how many hours shall it remain usuable

[@The_alberta_railfan]

Love how the locomotive has 2 company’s international transport and Norfolk and western

[@SMTMainline]

They couldn't pick one so they just said "screw it" and did both 😂

[@hankkrendl8952]

I still have my model power set I got for Christmas from my parents when I was 10, I'm 30 now 😊 still works like a charm

[@Arjay1127]

It looks like they have in fact come out with three North Americal-style locomotives...the 0-4-0 steamer, the cheap-and-cheesy Athearn Hustler knockoff, and the ubiquitous MDT that was done by AHM, Model Power, IHC, etc. It also appears that they are doing train sets, but the price on those is around $150.00 USD.

[@SMTMainline]

$150 is insane. $45 already seems like pushing it and they think adding three cars brings the value up 3x? That would mean they want $35 a car! 🙄

[@Engine1988]

@@SMTMainline It is the model railroad industry, after all!

[@ColbysProjectBin]

Nice to see that you finally got one of these. I’ve been considering getting one of the DDT switchers just to try it out for fun, however I’ve been procrastinating splurging on it. The box looks shockingly nice as well for such a small engine.

[@SMTMainline]

I had a couple of original model power ones, they are decent but I only paid $20 for it brand new since model power had just gone defunct in 2014.

[@MaxwellTheTrainFan]

Honestly ….. a bit of a re spray of black Matt paint and some silver spray too with some water slide transfers and clear-coat you could have a very convincing dock shunter here .

[@SMTMainline]

That's a good idea

[@LIMPGUITAR]

it would be sick to see old engines come back!!- and the new video is great to harrison

[@SMTMainline]

I'd love to see it, so long as it's affordable.

[@k4productions]

This is an exact copy of model power. The saddle tank, lights, drive, everything

[@MarkInLA]

Love the "READY TO SPEED UP" on the box !! Like, maybe a poor translation of "ready to run"

[@SMTMainline]

I think so. It probably sounds a lot better in Chinese

[@denisduguay1769]

Thanks for all your VIDEOS! You've inspired me to start again. I used to have a Marklin train set as a child and it was amazing! Unfortunately I do not have it anymore. Looking to start a new train set and eventually a layout in HO.

[@SMTMainline]

Glad you are getting back into it, it is a rewarding hobby.

[@antonbruce1241]

"knocking louder than a car extended warranty salesman"? That is a GREAT LINE, Harrison!!!! Do you mind if I "appropriate" that line???

[@SMTMainline]

Go ahead 😂

[@gordonlong3095]

Very interesting. I agree, it is cool to see the old junky/cheap/entry level stuff being brought back. Looking forward to you doing another Evemodel comparison.

[@SMTMainline]

It's a lot of fun! Stay tuned for another comparison.

[@thesheq5023]

Ive started to make my switchers battery powered. It just improves their reliability especially at slow speeds and takes away some of the variability especially with the track and pickups. Well worth the consideration. Also I really love the paint scheme of this “amtrak” NW engine

[@SMTMainline]

For four wheeled locomotives I could see the benefits, especially for switching? What kind of batteries are you using and do they get decent run time with the limited size?

[@thesheq5023]

@ for steamers i go with triple a’s hooked up with a small remote control variable resistor. I do it more in n scale where i use watch batteries instead. Its worth a try on a loco you don’t really care about

[@4everdc302]

Old but New locomotives chapter of the SMT Manual.🚂🇨🇦

[@RussellThePuppet8888]

This should be very interesting 🤔

[@casstelles]

I would have to agree with you on this being resurrected tooling. All the signs are there. It will be interesting to see what comes back next on the model railroad scene from this manufacturer.

[@MMRails]

Your video had a lot of educationality in it. You are a talented children of age. Love this train model!

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Mark you need one

[@SMTMainline]

Haha, educationality is important - I'm glad this locomotive could provide me with some lol

[@stephenater9687]

Good for you! I am really running low educationalitywisenessability.

[@JerseyBill-x9r]

Well, that was very interesting to see an old 0-4-0 made in this day and age and thank you for comparing the two side by side. The new one even had the injection mold line down the center of the boiler. I wonder if Evemodel bought everything including the injection mold machines. I do wonder what we will see from them because you said they have rights from Jouef (from Hornby) closed in 1997 or maybe Jouet en Paris (JEP) closed in 1965. No matter what the future looks bright, "What goes around comes around". Great video, Jersey Bill

[@SMTMainline]

I think there could be an influx of this kinda stuff. There is so much disused tooling out there from companies that have gone out business over the last 20 years and every other manufacturer that still exists is overcharging. They have a real opportunity to undercut the market if they so choose.

[@Zebrails]

13:42 "...maybe we'll have a resurgence of junky locomotives..." VIVA SMT! And, at least you put a caboose on the end of the train this time! "...It's a beautiful thing..." Gino Vannelli "Awesome" John

[@SMTMainline]

I hope to see that. Love Gino Vannelli's music btw!

[@williamsantangelo]

Thanks Harrison Kool little locomotive

[@kevinvansandt9117]

Im just getting started in this hobby and been bing watching your channel thank you for allthe information very helpful

[@SMTMainline]

Awesome, thank you!

[@mercuryoak2]

I heard they make actually quite good rolling stock too they're using the old Tyco type tooling. The couplers are actually a clone of kadee but they're more like an easy mate bachmann coupler. I will say one thing they do make actually quite good metal wheel sets. Delaware equivalent to some other brands. This locomotive reminds me of the Amtrak Switcher diesel which has the same red led backup light. Good review

[@ksmith1298]

I have a model power engine from the mid 80's runs great every Christmas

[@SMTMainline]

Some of them were well made. Model power contracted many different manufacturers over the years to make their products.

[@1234mallard]

A very interesting little find. Thankyou for sharing it with us

[@SMTMainline]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@itsmecat2]

Under 30 min railfan ❤ Great video

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks for watching

[@gbwdude]

I saw this exact loco on AliExpress and was tempted to get it because of its goofy lettering. Dare I say I'm glad you spent your money on it instead of mine lol.

[@SMTMainline]

Hehe, so in detail it's that off putting? 😂

[@davidbabson7301]

I had ones of those 0-4-0s, Model Power, when I was a kid, early 1970s. Second engine I had (after the New Haven F7 from the Tyco set). Bought it with my allowance. $2.50 (c. 1970 dollars).

[@andyclarke5949]

I’ve purchased over 90 shipping containers off them in ho scale, the quality is up there with the big names!

[@SMTMainline]

I guess it depends on the tooling they use. Hopefully they get more of it.

[@juniorfarm3003]

Love the video and the locomotive😊

[@dbtech7914]

I buy LEDs from Evemodel. They have some specialty items and accessories. They are also selling reproduced trains like the one you have. We pronounce it [ev-ah-model], (ev like in lever). You can call it what it want, it's not wrong!

[@trainfan998]

But the real question is are they officially a knockoff company?

[@avlisk]

Maybe it's a Canadian thing. (Like decal and YYZ)

[@Quince828]

Do you mean leave-er, or lev-er? 😉

[@SMTMainline]

@@trainfan998 It's tough to say. It's possible they got the tooling through legitimate means but I also doubt anyone was keeping a close eye on it at this point ether.

[@Raul_MP]

I've bought a bunch of Evemodels stuff in the past, mostly train wheels and misc stuff, I must say I haven't been disappointed by their prices, but I honestly didn't know that they made rolling stock or locomotives

[@SMTMainline]

I've been keeping an eye on their intermodel cars for a while now but opted for used Walthers ones as I heard stories about the Evemodel ones being too light. Their products look decent but all seem to be stuff that's been in production for a long time, just rebadged.

[@cec_oregon]

i love these little shunters- WAIT 45 USD FOR THAT TINY THING ?!?!?!?

[@harizon88moo]

Hornby UK have similar models for $70 USD...

[@cec_oregon]

@@harizon88moo lol, dont need to fact check that.

[@True_Patrick]

By far the cheapest model steamer in the American market. The cheapest I've seen is bachmann's 0-6-0 for $90 since they have a newer 0-6-0 coming out.

[@harizon88moo]

@True_Patrick Crazy pricing nowadays on simple small locos.

[@MrBnsftrain]

I've seen some AliExpress listings of these which are actually New Old Stock, but it seems like Evemodel bought the tooling after Lionel acquired most of the Model Power toolings. They also have the tooling for Tyco's extended vision caboose, a clone of bachmann's 40ft wood reefer, 53ft gondola, animated stock car without the animation, and semi trailer. They also a flatcar tooling, 53ft well car, 2-bay covered hopper, and some European rolling stock I don't know the origins of. I do have a Model Power 0-4-0T from 2012 and it does have a red LED that only turns on in reverse.

[@SMTMainline]

Hopefully they bring more old tooling out.

[@raymondleggs5508]

Some of the European rolling stock is Piko tooling, the European boxcar is Norwegian so it's probably NMJ tooling.

[@ThatRailGuy]

Awsome video!

[@nordisk1874]

I use to go to Model Powers headquarters multiple times a year for the discounts they had at their store. So many misprints

[@schmoburger6086]

I have the MP version of that... Well i actually had two that came with my layout, the tank version and the tender version. One of them was stripped down for spares as the chassis suffered mazak rot. The tank version did have the red LED, but not the tendered one. From what i can see, this looks like it runs more or less the same... Which is not bad for what it is. Theyre not a particularly realistic or high-end loco by any standard, however they are fun, and im honestly surprised by the pulling power they have. I can run mine (i put tue side-tank body onto the working tender chassis) with about 6-8 small Triang 4-wheeled wagons in tow and pull up a decent grade with it. I basically just painted over the corny Southern decalling and the blinding silver smokebox in matt black, blacked the rods etc a little and have it around as a generic industrial switcher. From what ive seen, Evemodel stuff is reasonably good, but as has already been mentioned, you need to take it for what it is, which is basically Tyco brownbox, Lima, Bachmann etc stuff from the 70's and 80's... It isnt winning any prizes for detail, but theyre a pretty cheap (by todays standards anyway) way to build up a generic train to just have fun with. For what its worth, ive got some highly detailed locos (I model Australian 80's and 90s era) that cost me close to 400 each, but i rarely run them because theyre fickle about trackwork, and theyre so damn fragile... My Haskell L class for instance is an absolutely oustAndingly detailed model, however small details like sanding tubes or lifting points for the dyno geid cover are so small and delicate, you'd almost sneeze and blow them off. The first derailment i had through a dodgy set of points wiped out one of the tubes. And i dont like transporting them to my club because again, they are so fragile and dont travel well. Same with my nicely detailed SDS wagons. I pretty much have the most fun with my enournous roster of 30-40 year old Lima and Powerline locos, and buckets of Tyco, Life Like and Lima rolling stock because i simply dont have to think about them. Theyre rugged, dont have much applied detail to break off and they run on basically anything that vaguely resembles rail. And on the odd occasion i have a mishap and break something, its no big deal, because parts are plentiful and the stuff wasnt expensive.

[@oskarvalance3041]

Well, at least it looks good on the outside. 😕 From Texas 🤘

[@vishouscat]

no joke this looks exactly like a model loco I got 15 years ago

[@Mike__B]

Corporate Roadname : Amtrak .... riiiiiiiiiiiight.

[@SMTMainline]

That seems legit, NOT 😂

[@furripupau]

The Model Power 0-4-0T was itself a copy of the old Tyco/Mantua "Booster". Model Power didn't actually manufacture these, they were made in China, and in all likelihood the Chinese factory is simply continuing to use the ancient molds. The design is absolutely ancient, the Tyco original came out in (IIRC) 1948.

[@randomrazr]

9:24 AAHAHA car salesmen spot on spot on

[@garysprandel1817]

Harrison considering the Model Power dies were from all over heck and creation it wouldn't surprise me to see the Chinese outfit is just another stop on their parade of ownership. IIRC that cheap MP trainset you showed had a lineage of the " hustler " switcher being a Marx HO product from the 50s and that bay window caboose I think I recall seeing at a local train show some years ago as an American Flyer HO product.

[@SMTMainline]

I wouldn't be surprised if many of the people making them were once hired by Model Power. I guess if you have the machinery, the work force and a defunct company behind the designs why not try.

[@raymondleggs5508]

Evemodel has re- released The old time version of this loco. They also sell the houses model power made, along with the same trees and rolling stock.

[@SMTMainline]

Hopefully they bring back Model power's entire lineup.

[@jacksnavely559]

I HAVE ONE OF THESE , , GREAT RUNNING ENGINE, THE BACK UP LIGHT IS GREAT , IT WILL FLASH GOING FORWARD WHENEVER IT HITS A SPOT WITH LOW CONTACT, MAKES IT GOOD TOO CHECK TRACK BEFORE CLEANING TRACK ❤

[@SMTMainline]

That's a good point.

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Very interesting locomotive, great video

[@MygrandpasTrain]

Maybe they are charging extra for a fancy box? If they used packaging like Menards trains, that would reduce costs. My brother had one of those Model Power engines, it was a rocket!

[@SMTMainline]

It would seem so, repackage old stuff nicely and hope it's enough to make people think it's higher quality maybe?

[@randydobson1863]

Hi SMT Mainline & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks SMT Mainline & Friends Randy

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks Randy

[@catherinehinojosa7752]

ur my favorite youtuber

[@owendinostudios1200]

When it’s a knock off of Model Power, you know you’re in for a shitshow

[@jennycorey8683]

The original model had a metal body and was very heavy I have one from my dad. Evemodels also has a small 2axle diesel switcher that was a athern tooling but I believe other manufacturer use it also

[@michaelmorgan7893]

IHC used to make the locomotives for Model Power in the 70s, 80s and 90s in Slovenia. Then, once the factory in Slovenia quit producing locomotives around 2010, Mantua started making the locomotives and rolling stock for Model Power.

[@SMTMainline]

I wonder how these guys got the tooling after that.

[@Engine1988]

SMT: $45 is a little too much for this sort of thing. Ebay sellers: Look at my nice Lionel 6464 boxcar! It comes with a nice patina finish! Only $500! Menards: Look! I've got command control in my FP7 and dual motors and it's the cheapest on the market at only $150. After rebates, of course. I love this hobby!

[@SMTMainline]

They all do the same thing :/

[@MattKonsol]

Very nice 0-4-0 steam engine right there by evemodel.

[@SMTMainline]

Sure is!

[@useruser-oc8xn]

Awwww you said junky brand! I love my model powers! Cheap and good pullers. I just got ANOTHER one. ebay a few minutes ago. 12 USD w shipping. Low ball offer. You can't beat that for a cheap thrill!

[@garysprandel1817]

Model Power was kind of hit and miss IIRC the " cheap " locos were the F7,SW switcher and 040,etc but the more expensive locos like the E7,FA and Sharknose were actually Roco made for MP and were actually pretty high end from MP.

[@SMTMainline]

The Model Power rebadged Roco and even IHC models were decent but these ones were closer to Life-Like Bachmann etc. I don't hate them but quality doesn't come to mind in this case lol.

[@raildude1990]

From Eve they also sell a three pack of this and two smaller diesels. I saw it last for 52.00 and that's a great deal for three.

[@SMTMainline]

I wish that was the case but its not a three pack, it's a shared listing. When you check out it asks you which if the three you want.

[@andrewferguson5653]

This is really interesting.

[@PopCorn-pv8qq]

I actually saw that locomotive on eBay! I was confused on why it looked familar though,

[@mattomon1045]

great review

[@thomasciul8932]

Took 2 0f those once and cut and modified into an 0 4 4 0 articulated. It was way cool

[@SMTMainline]

That must have looked sweet! I kinda want to try that now.

[@newhavenrails1234]

I might decide to grab this from Aliexpress

[@zyklose8565]

I had actually thought about buying this for a friend so I might now if I can find a used one or I’ll look more good review btw

[@Loki-tc3fi]

Well, at least it runs.

[@MrLupito89]

I got the same locomotive (Model Power) in Santa Fe scheme.

[@jimmyseaver3647]

It'll be interesting to see if Evemodel ends up releasing Model Power's old Geeps and Alcos as well. Honestly, I think these things might last a little longer than the older runs did simply because nobody's running floor layouts on shag carpet these days (and we have a little thing called embedded roadbed track).

[@dastumer]

The larger locomotives from Model Power were made by Mehano in Slovenia, they still own that tooling as far as I am aware.

[@SMTMainline]

I hope they do or find something similar.

[@Parktonman]

Taking a chance, ordered one of the diesels.

[@SMTMainline]

I'm sure it will be okay. I have some of their original Model power ones and they ran fine.

[@TEAMMORIS527]

New steamer for your collection P.s can you do another steam collection vid

[@Chaos42666]

If Model Power was *actually* asking that in 2008 they were absolutely overcharging even then, in ~2005/6 I picked up an unopened bundle of the MP version of this docksider and a caboose for $30 at a show, maybe it was a couple years old, but still!

[@SMTMainline]

When they went out of business they were selling this stuff at a real discount. I remember picking up the diesel version of this locomotive in 2015 for $21USD brand new

[@0y0chang0]

They have also released metal wheelsets and trucks and knuckle couplers. I do wonder if its worth it considering the cost of replacement trucks these days.

[@SMTMainline]

I'm not sure it is unless it's sentimental.

[@azuma892]

You should check out 韩飞火车模型, they have a lot of models made from old American and European toolings, and they have train sets too!

[@SMTMainline]

I did, it looks like the same products but do you know if they ship to Canada or the US?

[@azuma892]

I guess yes? I think you can buy things from Tao bao in other countries too, you just have to know how to use the site. 😂

[@DarkpawTheWolf]

It would be great to see them restart "cheap sets" again like in the 80s. Not everybody wants to be a rivet counter, some just want to have fun. Tyco and Bachmann dominated for that market. I think there's a new market for this again.

[@SMTMainline]

For sure. There isn't much competition anymore anyway.

[@PopCorn-pv8qq]

Wait a minute I think I actually recognized that locomotive as some commentators have said this is not a model power it's actual Mantua Tyco, I believe in the video where you restored a collection of ho scale model trains, the first locomotive would actually have been the original variant, you should probably try comparing those two to see any similarities or differences since they have the more or less the same tooling I think

[@SMTMainline]

I haven't seen a Mantua with this type of drive but it's possibly the same shell etc.

[@funtendo3935]

Model power actually did this exact model , with the directional ligth too, is a redesing from Lima, Tyco and Mantua I have 2 one with CN logo and other from mantua that is an 0-6-0 completely made from meta...

[@chasesrailwaylinesrr6447]

I think the site adjustments is why the company thinks It should be slightly higher price than when model power sold Brass worm gear more painting/details picked out, And they actually picked out the whistle Which was not a feature on the original MP loco,

[@SMTMainline]

It's not a big enough difference in my books to justify it but time will tell.

[@jarelerou4996]

I love your video's

[@jerrybeauchamp2311]

I used to make Bowser ho scale diecast engines at a machine shop in Chester Pennsylvania

[@lotsatrains]

Still not a bad locomotive and maybe eventually can pick up one on the used market for a better price 👍

[@SMTMainline]

That's true

[@hasbeengood]

I beleive the 2 diesel lcomotives at the end of your video are BB6701 model french SNCF locos. Initialy made by JOUEF.

[@vehicles_n_stuff]

NW for…Norfolk and Western, maybe? Doesn’t look like any N&W locomotive I’ve ever seen though.

[@SMTMainline]

I think they gave it two road names, NW and "railrway train" not sure why they wouldn't just pick one for it.

[@RichyN25]

Looks like Evemodel is also re-producing the old Model Power 0-4-0 Fat Boy locomotives as well, I recently got a model power Fat Boy but it seems the axle and drive gear aren't attached anymore so the gear slips on the axle and it'll just sit there and run the motor, gears turning but wheels not turning

[@SMTMainline]

It’s too bad it doesn’t run properly. The model power ones seemed okay

[@RichyN25]

@@SMTMainline I've learned a ton from your videos and I've been working through a lot of 57 assorted locomotives I bought locally, got quite a few locos that were "non-functional" back up and running thanks to what I've learned from you! Big Thanks from Texas!

[@liams_adventures-nb9vt]

hey Harrison, I go to trains and such they have a model like tat

[@modelmainline7278]

I wish aliexpress sold locomotives like this in n scale. Looks great though!

[@SMTMainline]

They might move towards that since Life-Like etc used to make them in N scale at one point.

[@dutchbeef8920]

I have the southern pacific porter switcher that evemodel does, I think for the money its rather good fun

[@SMTMainline]

They aren't too bad.

[@OldcampRanch]

Very cool 👍🏻

[@Photoline1]

For a basic product that might last 1-2 Christmases as a second engine for a starter layout, why not? Would love it if Evemodel offered an undecorated version with an easy-to-apply decal set with several different road choices instead of a made-up company. But first they have to work on that shaky performance.

[@SMTMainline]

It's not horrible but that price is iffy for the quality.

[@danielxu5881]

All it really needs now is a functional front coupler

[@SMTMainline]

That should be nice.

[@davidsprague6385]

Traction tires would probably work wonders on this light loco

[@JunoTheRailfan844]

I'm early! HELLO HARRISON!

[@sergioarroyoguerrero5434]

HO scale steam locomotive, made in China. U36B made in Hong Kong. GP15-2 BNSF made in China. P42 Amtrak made in Japan. F9 Chicago and North Wéstern made in Austria. GP38-2 Santa Fe made in China.

[@johnthomsen8802]

I was wondering if you replaced the red backup light and added an operating pilot coupler? I could see those as adaptations for your layout. I always wondered why they never put an operating pilot coupler on a switcher. I can see figures in the cab, removal of the molded-on details and replacement with lost wax brass castings. The light, bell, dynamo and compressor are examples. I bet you could change out the cylinders and rods. A little light weathering and you would have a sweet looking locomotive.

[@SMTMainline]

It would likely be easy to modify.

[@johnthomsen8802]

@@SMTMainline I wonder if bowser's valve gear would work? You may need to change out the crosshead. I had their A-5 0-4-0 and I liked the simplicity. A fun kit to have built and detailed. I put a decoder in mine with working head and backup lights.

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Also noticed you have some TH& B rolling stock

[@SMTMainline]

For sure, I like that logo!

[@scrailwaylines8535]

I have the loco with that tooling, I'm re pianting mine in a semi FSDL scheme but in blue, if it is being reproduced in 2024 it should be a budget model as most model power was BUT the china company painted more than the old MP loco

[@TheMEMEunderthebed]

This is basically a TYCO 0-4-0 that play is where a brass protector would go 10:13

[@SMTMainline]

So they just cheapened the design and got rid of it?

[@TheMEMEunderthebed]

Pretty much.

[@RepairsandReading]

ok, i like it.

[@willardchi2571]

You should have compared it to the pulling power and low speed performance of the original model.

[@SMTMainline]

Yeah, the only thing that would have made it unfair is that one was 30 years old.

[@scrailwaylines8535]

Just took a stroll on eBay and saw that they are in fact, selling locomotives with a train set with loco two cars and caboose

[@SMTMainline]

I saw that but there is no track or controller, moreover it's $150 US!

[@scrailwaylines8535]

@SMTMainline very odd but I hope they lower the price, the hobby needs budget locomotives and MP was that kind of

[@Steamteamrailworks88]

So let me get this straight Model Power HO 0-4-0 switcher is "re-released" under a different manufacturer?