| MTH model trains are manufactured by MTH Electric | | | | Trainmaster Command Control system used by Lionel |
| trains, which originally stood for Mike's Train House. | | | | as well as other makers of O gauge trains. In addition |
| This American company is based in Maryland and | | | | to TMCC and DCS, they will also operate a more |
| was founded by Mike Wolf who at a young age fell in | | | | industry wide standard, the Digital Command Control or |
| love with trains in the 1970's. At the time he was | | | | DCC which is a standard system used by many two |
| involved in assembling toy trains in his parents home | | | | rail train makers. |
| when his passion for model trains led him to a | | | | The Digital Command System is credited with bringing |
| successful business. By 1980 Mike was operating a | | | | some innovative ideas to the forefront and has been |
| mail order business, selling Williams Electric Trains. From | | | | successful in making MTH some of the most |
| this very humble and small beginning, the company | | | | technologically advanced trains on the market today. |
| grew in size and eventually became a subcontractor | | | | With realistic whistles, bells and horns as well as |
| for the much larger, Lionel company and soon would | | | | realistic smoke that is synchronized with the engine, |
| become the 2nd largest Lionel dealer in the USA. | | | | MTH model trains could be referred to as |
| Unfortunately this agreement wasn't working out well | | | | state-of-the-art model trains. |
| for either company and the relationship ended in 1993. | | | | MTH has been a somewhat interesting company |
| MTH went on to make some excellent reproductions | | | | throughout their history, with many legal battles to date. |
| and by the late 1990's MTH had become larger than | | | | The company is credited with bringing the price of |
| Lionel in terms of sales volume and even had a staff | | | | model trains downward, which was needed in the |
| of over 100 people. | | | | industry, however since they have had such a difficult |
| Among some of the more unique trains designed by | | | | relationship with Lionel over the years, they tend to |
| MTH are L train cars that are identical to those in | | | | have a negative view by diehard Lionel fans and |
| Chicago's elevated train system as well as New York | | | | collectors. However at the time of this article's creation, |
| City subway cars. MTH subway cars are so realistic | | | | MTH and Lionel have patched up their relationship and |
| that they even come with graffiti painted on the side | | | | are even cooperating on some joint venture projects. |
| of the cars, much like what you would see if you | | | | For avid model railroading enthusiasts, MTH trains offer |
| actually visited NYC and saw them for yourself. | | | | some of the best technology and some of the most |
| One of the more interesting features of MTH trains is | | | | realistic features available. With nearly every railroad |
| the fact that their control system allows them to | | | | company represented, you can purchase either one |
| operate not only MTH trains, but Lionel trains as well. | | | | piece or a whole set of MTH trains and build some |
| They use a control system call Digital Command | | | | incredibly realistic model railroads, right in the comfort of |
| System which is compatible with trains that use the | | | | your own home. |