All hail…The Rail King! Hello, and welcome back to this royal edition of the weekly quick hits. It’s going to be an O-Gauge heavy line-up, and since the Rail King series is getting an extra special showcase, I’ve decided to double up and go for 10 picks this time. I’m throwing locomotives, rolling stock, and a boat rental shop run by the mafia (?) at you. Get those transformers ready, and make sure you have plenty of RealTrax as we kick off the Rail King quick hits!
MTH 30-1160-1 O Denver & Rio Grande Western 4-6-0 Steam Locomotive & Tender w/PS
The first to grace the Rail King’s royal court is this brave knight…err I mean brave locomotive. This 4-6-0 steam locomotive sporting the Denver & Rio Grande Western (DRGW) road name was first released in 2000, and has remained a favorite amongst collectors ever since. Since a re-release hasn’t happened in over 20 years, we’re finally seeing the numbers of this locomotive start to slowly dwindle. No worries, I have a couple of these guys in our inventory right now!
This Denver and Rio Grande Western locomotive is sporting a wonderful black/gold paint scheme that really flies under the radar at first glance, but once you give it a few minutes – the greatness really starts to shine. Also my high school’s colors were black and gold, so there might be some personal bias there. Go Black Knights! Ok, sorry let’s get back to the locomotive. The tender features a solid yellow base and beautifully offsets the locomotive’s heavily muted base paint.
Another reason this 4-6-0 makes its way into the Rail King’s court is simply because it’s the 4-6-0! The original Ten-Wheeler 4-6-0 locomotives were a global sensation thanks to their reliability and high performance. Whether you were out west in the States, skiing in the Swedish mountains, or traversing the Deserts of Sudan, chances are you likely may have seen the 4-6-0 locomotive. If you’re needing something for a great desert layout, then look no further because this Denver & Rio Grande Western 4-6-0 was made for just that! Plus, the vintage look is just too good to pass up on.
The Rail King is pleased, and says you can find this locomotive right here – oh and if you need some rolling stock, I’ve got plenty of options for the Denver & Rio Grande Western railroad!
Product Info:
Manufacturer: MTH
Model Number: 30-1160-1
Years Manufactured: 2000 - 2000
Road Name: Denver & Rio Grande Western (DRGW)
Scale/Era: O Modern
Model Type: Steam Loco
MTH 30-1149-1 O Gauge PRR 6-8-6 S2 Turbine Steam Locomotive & Tender with PS1
Rolling in right alongside the 4-6-0 is the once in a lifetime MTH 30-1149-1 O Gauge Pennsylvania RailRoad 6-8-6 S-2 Turbine Steam Locomotive. The king is very, very pleased with this model, and I don’t disagree with him one bit. Oh, and why once in a lifetime? Well, that’s because only one has ever been in existence, but we’ll touch more on that in just a bit. For now, let’s take a closer look at this die-cast beauty.
Originally released in 1999 with ProtoSound 1.0, the 6-8-6 S2 steam locomotive was an immediate hit, and had collectors swarming MTH catalogs at the turn of the millennium. This PRR S2 6-8-6 from MTH is modeled exactly after the real-life original S2 first delivered way back in 1944, and even carries the original #6200 road number given to the S2.
First delivered in 1944 and nicknamed the “Big Whoosh” – the 6-8-6 was one of few locomotives to nearly match the Union Pacific Big Boy in size – clocking in at just over a million pounds! This beast of an engine utilized turbines to generate power, and boy did it do that – with a whopping 6,900 horsepower! So I mentioned earlier that this is a once in a lifetime locomotive, and I wasn’t kidding. There was only one S2 6-8-6 steam locomotive ever in existence, and unfortunately its lifespan wasn’t long. The S2 6-8-6 was a reliable locomotive, but it was also a huge pain to service and maintain. With the arrival of more cost-efficient diesel locomotives, the S2’s service was no longer needed with the one and only model being scrapped in 1952.
But, that didn’t stop MTH from trying their hand at reviving the S2 with their Rail King series. And, it’s safe to say MTH didn’t miss a beat with their O-Gauge interpretation. There are locomotives released today in 2023 that still can’t rival the Rail King series S2 all the way back from 1999, and it’s not surprising to be honest. The 6-8-6 carries quite a mystique to it, and nobody has been able to capture that mystique like MTH has with their O-Gauge replica. I’ve got the listing for this S2 here if you’re itching to get a closer look. And if you’re interested in other 6-8-6 locomotives, I’ve got tons of great vintage Post-War S2 locomotives back at headquarters! And if you already have a 6-8-6 no worries, there are plenty more Rail King locomotives to choose from.
Product Info:
Manufacturer: MTH
Model Number: 30-1149-1
Years Manufactured: 1999 - 1999
Road Name: Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR)
Scale/Era: O Modern
Model Type: Steam Loco
MTH 30-4155-1 O Anheuser-Busch Rail King 2-8-0 Steam Train Set w/PS 2.0
Coming into the midpoint of this special Rail King showcase, I’ve decided to focus on a couple of sets, and to make it more fun we’re breaking away from traditional road names and paint schemes. The first set in the showcase is this awesome ready to run O-Gauge Anheuser-Busch 2-8-0 steam locomotive set from the Rail King series! Oh, and this particular listing is a mint product too – don’t everyone rush to their carts all at once now!
I love ready to run sets that include everything you need from locomotive, rolling stock, track, and transformers because it gives young hobbyists a chance to dive right in. That’s not to say this is a beginner’s set – I actually see it as more beginner-friendly. Anheuser-Busch is a massive beer/spirits empire that includes a couple of famous brands like Budweiser and Stella Artois.
The set includes a neat little 2-8-0 steam locomotive paired with a matching tender, and three beautifully designed freight cars each bearing Anheuser-Busch lettering. Even if you’re not a beer drinker, the 2-8-0 locomotive and the unique freight cars included are worth adding to any collection.
Being one of the most popular, and at one point the most mass produced locomotive of the late nineteenth century is no easy task. Going through, and surviving not one, but two world wars is also no easy task. Maintaining a massive historical significance beyond the century mark is no easy task. Yet, somehow the 2-8-0 checks all of those boxes, and asks “what else ya got” as it rolls around your layout reminding you that it’s here to stay!
I’ve got the set listed here, and a great YouTube video that provides a brief demonstration of the set here too! Oh and this set was last produced in 2006, and has not seen a re-release since so it’s definitely worth checking out if you haven’t yet. If you need some beer cars, I have plenty of Anheuser-Busch products on the shelves!
Product Info:
Manufacturer: MTH
Model Number: 30-4155-1
Years Manufactured: 2006
Road Name: Budweiser
Scale/Era: O Modern
Model Type: Starter Sets
MTH 30-4047-1 O Gauge Caterpillar Rail King F40PH Diesel Train Set with PS 2.0
I promised another mint set, and boy am I glad to show this one off! This O-Gauge Rail King Caterpillar F40PH Diesel Train set is one that’ll shake the concrete loose, and simultaneously bring you the resources to fix all of that broken cement. See what I did there, because Caterpillar is a construction company? And the EMD F40PH just has that groundbreaking awesomeness? Ok sorry, sometimes my jokes fall way flat…but this Rail King Caterpillar Set doesn't!
Another ready to run set that was released way back in 2000 to commemorate 75 years of Caterpillar construction – this one is a must have if you’re a paint scheme chaser like myself. The inclusion of Caterpillar’s iconic yellow and black into the design of the EMD F40PH and the freight cars accompanying it was a homerun decision.
I know everybody loves the original silver Amtrak design that the F40PH is typically seen with, but the break to yellow and red couldn’t have gone better, and gives what’s usually a visually straight forward locomotive a whole new personality. Oh and you’re adding one of history’s most reliable diesel locomotives to your collection – not bad at all if I do say so myself. This Rail King set also dresses the rest of the cars in a great black/yellow with the exception of the flatcar that stayed a solid gray for whatever reason.
The EMD F40PH was introduced to Amtrak to do the job that the SDP40F that preceded it couldn’t. Long story short, the EMD F40PH walked into the office and handed the SDP40F its walking papers. Ouch! But that’s the railroad industry for you sometimes. Weighing in at just over two hundred and sixty thousand pounds, the EMD F40PH was on the lighter side, but never lacked in power, topping out at speeds over one hundred miles an hour and pumping out over three thousand horsepower!
I’ve got this mint set listed here just in case you have a construction project, not to mention an entire slew of Caterpillar products in our inventory as well. Don’t forget to check out some more of our Rail King sets while you’re there, there’s soooo many great choices!
Product Info:
Manufacturer: MTH
Model Number: 30-4047-1
Years Manufactured: 2000 - 2000
Road Name: Caterpillar
Scale/Era: O Modern
Model Type: Starter Sets
MTH 30-74931 O Halloween Rail King Boxcar
So Halloween is just around the corner, and I’ve decided to go down the spooky route for one of my rolling stock options. This Rail King Halloween Boxcar (model # 30-74931) was introduced in 2018, and has remained a favorite amongst O-Gauge operators ever since. I mean how could you not like this boxcar? It's a festive boxcar that looks great with an orange base paint scheme, and a wonderfully printed jack-o-lantern with a spooky little grin that’s sure to up the fright factor on O-Gauge layouts!
I’ve got the listing for the Rail King Halloween boxcar here, and it looks like I only have one of these spooky boxcars on my shelves so don’t wait long! Need more Halloween themed items? No worries, our website carries plenty of Halloween locomotives and rolling stock so you can have the creepiest layout in the neighborhood!
Product Info:
Manufacturer: MTH
Model Number: 30-74931
Road Name: Halloween
Scale/Era: O Modern
Model Type: Freight Cars
MTH 30-7446 O Gauge Gold Plated Pennsylvania Boxcar #28649
So the Rail King demands some treasures, and I think I've got just the thing to keep his majesty happy. Gold! Well, I’ve got a gold boxcar, but I think it’ll do. This Rail King O-Gauge Gold-Plated Pennsylvania boxcar (model # 30-7446) is locked away tight in the castle’s treasure room, but I think I can convince the king to let a couple of them go.
What’s not to love about this boxcar? Bearing the Pennsylvania Railroad road name and plated in 18k gold makes this a hard piece of treasure to resist. Originally released in 2000 the gold-plated Pennsylvania boxcar was part of the Millennium Series from Rail King, and hasn’t lost a bit of its luster over the course of twenty-three years. It’s a must have if you’re a collector, unless you’re a big New York Central supporter – that rivalry is no joke. Oh and check out those trucks, yeah they’re platinum and are accented wonderfully by the gold-plating.
If you’re ready to add some real Rail King treasure to your collection, then this gold-plated boxcar is the only way to go. Shining bright with a very appealing luster, and carrying one of the most iconic road names in the history of the railroad industry are just a couple of other reasons this deal gets even sweeter. I’ve got the listing for this gold-plated beauty here. If you need more Pennsylvania Railroad gear to go along with the gold-plated boxcar, I’ve got tons to show you back over on our website.
Product Info:
Manufacturer: MTH
Model Number: 30-7446
Years Manufactured: 2000 - 2000
Road Name: Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR)
Scale/Era: O Modern
Model Type: Freight Cars
MTH 30-90636 O Assembled Grandpa’s Maple Syrup RailKing Roadside Stand
Bringing the focus to layout accessories – I found two gems that I couldn’t resist sharing with everybody! Rail King layout accessories are typically very well done, but I’ve always felt that they fell just a little flat when it came to personality. Well, I guess MTH was reading my mind – releasing this Maple Syrup Roadside stand (model # 30-90636) and the boat rental shop (we’ll get to next) just this past April.
The lettering and signage help a ton, and keep layouts from looking generic and bland. I hope this trend continues moving forward because it’ll only create more unique layouts across the hobby, and I’ll always be a firm supporter of creativity. It’s a great little roadside stand that fits well into a layout with plenty of mountains, or just around the block on an urban layout. Check out the listing for Grandpa's Maple syrup here, and don’t worry I’ve got plenty of these roadside stands to go around early!
Product Info:
Manufacturer: MTH
Model Number: 30-90636
Scale/Era: O Modern
Model Type: Buildings - Assembled
MTH 30-90629 O Assembled Fredo's Boat Rentals Rail King Roadside Stand
Amongst all of the newly released Rail King layout accessories, Fredo’s Boat Rental is my absolute favorite! Fredo’s Boat Rental (model # 30-90629) is inspired by the iconic Godfather film released back in the 70s – The Godfather II to be exact. Those are some of my favorite films.
Touching on some points I made with the previous layout pick – Fredo’s Boat Rental offers plenty of pop thanks to an excellent blue paint scheme and detailed signage all throughout the building. Complete with interior lighting, Fredo’s Boat Rentals is a fun and highly detailed piece that brings layouts to life, and looks especially great if you can place it next to a body of water on your layout. Check out the listing here, and just like the previous selection – I’ve got plenty of these boat rental stands. Not bad for a little shop run by the mafia…I mean local volunteers..Ok you didn't see nothin!.
Product Info:
Manufacturer: MTH
Model Number: 30-90629
MSRP: $59.95
Scale/Era: O Modern
Model Type: Buildings - Assembled
MTH 30-77220 O Amtrak Rail King Offset Steel Caboose Car #14027
We’re at the end of the showcase, and it’s time for my favorite picks! The royal court wants something budget friendly, and the Rail King has delivered! The first of my budget picks is the Rail King Amtrak Offset Steel Caboose (model # 30-77220) first released in 2013. Well it’s been a decade since its release, and somehow this Offset continues to find itself on layouts featuring Amtrak cars and locomotives.
The orange base with the blue roof is an underrated design, and oddly actually pairs really well with Amtrak fleets that come in the traditional silver paint scheme. Throw in the fact that this little Offset caboose is uncatalogued and hasn’t had a single re-release making it even more scarce, making for a great budget pick! Out of all of the Rail King freight cars, I can tell you this is my favorite.
I’ve got the listing posted here, and a ton more Rail King freight cars to go along with this caboose as well. Check them out at the next stop!
Product Info:
Manufacturer: MTH
Model Number: 30-77220
Road Name: Amtrak (AMTK/AMT)
Scale/Era: O Modern
Model Type: Freight Cars
MTH 30-74785 Rail King O-Gauge Santa Fe Boxcar
Well we’re at the end of the Rail King showcase, but that doesn’t mean the party has to end! No, quite the opposite actually, because we’re doing two budget picks this time around! And man, oh man have I found a neat little boxcar for you! The Rail King Santa Fe Boxcar (model # 30-74785) is going to be our closing act, and guarantees that we’re going to go out with a bang.
You know what I love about the 1950s? Railroad companies all over decided “hey we can make some of these freight cars look cool” and thus began the end of the drab burgundy and black boxcar designs we’ve all become so accustomed to seeing from the mid-nineteenth century and back. This Rail King boxcar is painted in a vibrant yellow base and features some crisp black lettering to top off a fabulous design. This Santa Fe boxcar is a quality pick, and though I won’t say the exact price, I will tell you that this vibrant little freight car comes to you at under fifty bucks! Hurry, run to the website because this is our only one! I’ve got the listing for this boxcar here, and fear not, if you’re needing more Santa Fe items, I’ve got plenty! want some more budget friendly Rail King items? No worries, I have plenty of those too.
Product Info:
Manufacturer: MTH
Model Number: 30-74785
Road Name: ATSF
Scale/Era: O Modern
Model Type: Freight Cars
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