The MTH HO scale F3 train set features a locomotive, freight cars, track, and power pack. These model train sets are also available with the MTH Digital Command System and ProtoSound 3.0 sound system. Model Railroader senior editor Dana Kawala shows you how to get the train set up and running.
Video: MTH HO scale F3 train set
By Angela Cotey | August 10, 2011
| Last updated on November 3, 2020
A version of the MTH HO scale train set features the Digital Command System and ProtoSound 3.0 sound system
I went from my "G" scale Garden Railroad to MTH "HO" scale on a 5' X 10' table in my garage. After 2 years with my HO layout I longed for larger equipment, sold my MTH HO, and bought all new MTH "O" scale equipment. I completed my indoor layout with 2 DCS engines and all the buildings and landscaping in about a year. I am now getting ready to sell all my MTH "O" scale equipment because I found with my limited garage space 5' X 10" I could really get a much more interesting layout with HO scale. There is a big difference between 1/48 and 1/87 and with limited space 1/87 goes so much farther. Much of the fun is buying the equipment you dream of and building the layout. I am truly ready to start all over again. Jerry in Las Vegas
Will I need to purchase a seperate DCC Decoder?
Glad to see a Phase One F-3 built after all these years. Sound is outstanding. I know Two little Grand sons who will now have their very own railroad to run instead of grandpas Great Northern. Thanks for showing a real nice and inexpensive Train set just right for both big and little boys. Happy railroading!!!!!
I am considering getting the Christmas set. I think the Christmas engine has a Santa voice saying Merry Christmas and other holiday cheer. I have many HO engines, including some Proto 3 MTH SD 70s. I think protosound 3 is an excellent system. I run DCC in my clubs and the proto system performs better than most other DCC sound equipped engines. I think the set is a bargain, the proto 3 engine and cars alone make it worth the price.
Great presentation on set's capabilities. Any plans by MTH to come out with a similar steam set w/ DCC and Sound, w/ similiar price points?
Hey Guys,
The other really nice feature with the track system is that the uni-body rail and ties can be removed from the roadbed. This allows the progression from a floor/carpet base layout to a table top design later on down the road with real roadbed and ballast.
Great innovations from MTH to get our younger generations involved with prototypical fashion and technology.
Andy
http://www.aergroup.net
Hi Mircea,
The price is $169.99 for the DC (no sound) version and $229.99 for the DCS sound version. You'll also find a link to the full product review by clicking the link in the Related Articles box above.
Thanks for watching.
Dana
what is the price ?
Thank you, I did not know that the HO engine had the sound install already. I learned how easy to was to start using. Thank you again.
Hi Mike,
MTH is making an Alco PA-1 and PB-1 with sound that should be out this month.
Thanks for watching.
Dana Kawala
Senior editor
Looks great for the beginer.
Nice job, Dana! I just ordered the set with protosound. Thanks for the demo!
Hi Paul,
The sound system is in the locomotive.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Dana
nice set ,sound makes it realistic
It reminds me when I got started with a "Amtrak Auto Train" in 1981. Does the sound gome from the loco or the plug in pack? Good presentation of product and features.
Nice starter set, but what's happened to Cody's office? We rarley see it anymore. I assume he's really busy, but enjoyed looking forward to it when it was almost a weekly affair.
Having been in two Internatonal Conventions with sharing our
home and published in railroad magazines, it is wonderful to
see that my youngest generation can experience a train set
with sound and controls that were not available for me back
in the early 1930's Enjoy the thrill of the new products as we
did through the years of model railroading. Chris Hansen
not bad…
looks like a great way to start
thanks for the up- date nice option.
very Interesting
Pretty cool, 'cept for the M&M's logo. Kinda dopey—-
very nice ty
That is a very good way to get started.
They could have done a much better job on the windshield!!