Product Review: MTH 40' PS-1 Box Car

I walked into my hobby shop to buy some styrene, and I saw a display of MTH box cars in B&M blue, which would fit well in the Lakes Region Model Railroad. I walked out with a slightly emptier pocket than I had planned on, as well as my first MTH car, which I will review today. My car is B&M 74007, a 40 foot PS-1 box car. I was impressed with the car before I even took it out of the box.

Appearance:

The paint is very smooth and the logos and lettering is very crisp. All the lettering is legible. The car features raised rivet details and weld lines on the sides. The doors open and close easily. The car has an interior, but the floor is covered by a bare metal weight. The ladders and other side details are plastic and molded into the side of the car. The car has a full underbody, including a full set of separately applied brake rigging.

Operation:

The car looks good, but runs better. The wheels are the most free-rolling wheels I have ever seen, I thought my desk was level until I set this car on it! The car comes with Kadee #58 couplers. It weighs in at 3.52 ounces, which is only slightly lower than the NMRA recommended 3.75 ounces for the car's length.

I have to admit I was a little disappointed. I had heard nothing but excellent things about MTH products up to this point. The free-rolling wheels and the brake rigging are both excellent, but I was expecting separately applied wire ladders and grab irons and see through etched metal walkways, both of which would better reflect the car's $19.95 price tag. I do think it is a good car despite these letdowns, I just think it is a little overpriced. I would buy another one if the price were lower.

Manufacturer: MTH

Price: $19.95 each

Available roadnames: Baltimore & Ohio, Bessemer & Lake Erie, Boston & Maine, Chesapeake & Ohio, Great Northern, Milwaukee Road, New Haven, New York Central, Norfolk & Western, Northern Pacific, Pennsylvania, Santa Fe, Southern, Southern Pacific, Union Pacific, Western Maryland.