Grey trucks

As promised, here are some photos of a couple of the recent arrivals for the Trainbarn.  These are MTH 200 series Standard Gauge cars, dating from the 2005 catalogue, and are in like new condition.

Most of the trains that I'll either run or display at the Trainbarn will be grouped the same as the sets that Lionel catalogued in the 1930's.  With these cars though, I'm going to make up my own train which is going to consist of the red hopper cars (all the same), the caboose, and a grey steam engine, probably a 385E, or even a 400E.  There was a similar train set in the Classic era with 500 series hopper cars, but I haven't seen this done with the bigger 200 series cars.  Should look really good!

One of the slightly unusual features of these cars is the grey painted truck sideframes.  Normally these are satin black, but MTH issued various cars with grey trucks in 2005.  That's why I'd also like to pull this train with a grey and brass steam loco.

Obviously these cars are reproductions of Lionel's, made by MTH, but for running on a layout I'd much rather buy these than the Lionel originals.  The standard of the baked-enamel paintwork is exceptional.  I might be biased, but I think these are stunning!