The author is a little late with this but it needs to be disseminated.
From the CEO of M.T.H. trains:
Customers,
June 8, 2020 - First, on behalf of M.T.H. Electric Trains I want to thank you for the support and encouragement you have shown my company over our 40-year journey. From humble beginnings and a lot of hard work, we were able to build one of the world‘s largest model train manufacturers - one unquestionably buoyed by your unwavering support
In particular, I am proud that M.T.H. has released more models than any train manufacturer in the history of our hobby. The variety, quality, and infusion of technology throughout our offerings allowed M.T.H. Electric Trains to help bring enjoyment to all who share our wonderful hobby. It is, therefore, with mixed emotions that I tell you I have decided to retire in 2021 and close the business. The last two M.T.H. catalogs, our 2020 Volume 2 O Gauge catalog, and our 2020 HO catalog and all non-delivered items from our 2020 Volume 1 O Gauge catalog, 2020 Ready-to-Run Train Set catalog, 2019-2020 S Gauge catalog, and 2019-2020 G Gauge catalog will feature the last products produced by M.T.H. Electric Trains.
The new items featured in these catalogs will be available beginning Summer 2020 through April 2021 and will carry our limited one-year warranty supported by our Authorized Service Center network and the M.T.H. Service Department Upon our closing in May 2021, our ASC network will provide warranty coverage through April 2022. A list of M.T.H. Authorized Service Centers is available on the M.T.H. website and will be updated as M.T.H. Authorized Retailers join the program over the coming months.
M.T.H. Electric Trains would not have enjoyed success without the support of the M.T.H. Authorized Retailer network. While traditional retail has changed significantly over the past decade, the independent hobby shop has been and continues to be the most important cog in our distribution chain. I truly appreciate the support and friendship these shops have shown M.T.H. I wish all of them good luck and prosperity in the years to come.
Finally, I want to thank all of my employees for their hard work over the years. Most of them have been with me for decades and their loyalty and talents were paramount to our success.
With thousands of tools and molds and a wealth of intellectual property, a new model railroading company may arise from my former company as I entertain various options and buyers One scenario is a new company organized and owned by members of my current staff. Their decades of experience work ethic, and creative talent will ensure success regardless of who owns the assets while providing a welcome bridge between the past 40 years and the future. The remainder of my time will be busy as we clear out inventory and other miscellaneous items accumulated over the past 40 years. As that process evolves, we'll be offering consumer and retailer purchase opportunities.
Again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support for all these years.
Mike Wolf
Although the author is surprised by this he is by no means shocked. M.T.H. has been struggling for a few years now. He only hopes that the different divisions of M.T.H. are purchased by various manufactures to give them something they may have been looking to add to their products. The chances of a manufacturer buying the entire company (especially one that has been financially struggling) are not good.
A sad day for the hobby at the very least!
If you have an idea for a blog post here, let me know. If I can comment on it, I will or I'll see if someone else can and post it.