As a collector of scale models, I typically focus on Lionel Legacy or MTH/Atlas Premier models. However, the MTH RailKing line also provides a great deal of scale (and non-scale) models at a lower price point.
Announced in June of 2023 with six “livery configurations,” the USRA 0-6-0 arrived in July of 2024, a few months after the November 2023 estimation. The history of the United States Railroad Administration (USRA) has been covered in previous Trains.com articles. Short version is that the USRA was developed by the federal government during WWI as resources and men were needed for the war effort. The USRA developed standardized designs for railroad equipment, and the 0-6-0 was the second most popular engine. With 255 engines built for 23 railroads, these engines were found in almost all corners of the country. With a small wheelbase, these switchers could navigate yards, shipyards, and other small industries in cities or towns from coast to coast.
Inside the box you’ll find a side-packed locomotive and tender. Both are snug in an individual plastic and foam wrap and each end tied with a single yellow ribbon. The model is packaged with two extra traction tires and a 35mm drawbar, which can replace the 40 mm drawbar that comes standard on the locomotive. The 40 mm drawbar allows the 0-6-0 to navigate O-31 curves; however, it leaves a large gap between the locomotive and tender. The 35 mm drawbar can be easily swapped in if your layout has curves no smaller than O-54.
This RailKing offering features a diecast boiler, frame, and tender body. A wireless drawbar connects the electronics in the tender to those in the locomotive. I’ve found that this type of drawbar can be a bit finicky. Users must make sure the connectors are seated properly in order for the engine to produce correct sounds.
RailKing models operate with ProtoSound 3.0, the same system as its Premier line brothers, which reduces the number of remotes needed to operate your models. These locomotives feature front and rear ProtoCouplers, allowing users to open the couplers using their remotes. Synchronized fan-driven smoke from the stack combined with the chuffing from the sound file produce a real-life feel to this small working engine. Other details include painted crew figures, simulated coal in the tender, LED lighting, and separately applied add-on details.
At an MSRP of $519.95, these small switchers are a win for any hobbyist. The additional 35mm drawbar allows for more scale modelers to fit this 0-6-0 on their layout without it looking out of place. The smoke unit pumps out some serious plumes of smoke, giving this RailKing model a spot at the top of the list for steamers at the bottom of the cost scale.
MTH offered six liveries to choose from when this model was cataloged. They included C&O (30-1844-1), Chicago North Western (30-1845-1), Reading (30-1846-1), U.S. Army (30-1847-1), Atlantic Coast Line (30-1848-1), and Union Pacific (30-1849-1). There has also been a large selection of custom-run engines produced by MTH authorized dealers. These included Santa Fe black bonnet in two cab numbers by Pat’s Trains (30-1852-1, 30-1853-1); Strasburg by the TCA (30-1868-1); Raritan River in two cab numbers by Public Delivery Track (30-1865-1, 30-1866-1); Baldwin Locomotive Works in olive green (30-1860-1) and black (30-1861-1) by METCA; Pere Marquette by Great Lakes Hobbies (30-1867-1, 30-1872-1); Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo by E-Z Catch and Dixie Union Station (30-1863-1, 30-1862-1); Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh by E-Z Catch, Dixie Union Station, and Hobby Express (30-1869-1); Merry Christmas in green (30-1854-1) and red (30-1855-1) by Trainworld; Monon by Mr. Muffins Trains (30-1858-1); Erie by Mr. Muffins Trains (30-1859-1); Buffalo Creek by Stockyard Express (30-1870-1); Chicago, Burlington & Quincy by Berwyn’s Toys and Trains (30-1856-1); Wheeling and Lake Erie in two cab numbers by Pat’s Trains (30-1850-1, 30-1851-1); East Broad Top by Sidetrack Hobbies (30-1871-1); and Elgin, Joliet & Eastern (30-1857-1).
Read a review from Bob Keller about the MTH Premier line version from 2007.
Get more O gauge action on the Chris’s Trains & Things channel on YouTube.
MTH RailKing USRA 0-6-0
Features: Wireless drawbar, Proto-Sound 3.0, O-31 operation, front and rear ProtoCouplers, lighted cab interior, operating firebox glow, synchronized puffing ProtoSmoke system, constant voltage headlight
Roadnames: see text above
MSRP: $519.95
Website: mthtrains.com
