HISTORY 101: How the MTC G-16 Streamliner Train is Alive and Well today.
Many of our customers ask about the history of prototypes for our amusement trains, so we thought we would provide some background on our F3A Locomotive for 15″ or 16″ Track Gauge, previously built by the Miniature Train Company, as their successful MTC G-16 train model.
The full-scale prototype for the MTC G-16 trains and our F3A Locomotive is the General Motors(GM), Electro-Motive Division, aka “EMD” F3A Diesel-Electric Streamliner Locomotive, which is a Standard Gauge (56-1/2″) Locomotive built from late 1945 to early 1949. Over 1,100 Standard Gauge, GM-EMD F3A Locomotives were built in less than 4 years!
Our locomotive is an enhanced model similar to an amusement train originally designed, based on the GM-EMD F3A locomotives, in 1946, with the permission of GM-EMD, by Paul A. Sturtevant’s company Miniature Train and Railroad Company, later shortened to The Miniature Train Company (MTC), famously known as their G-16 trainsets.
The MTC G-16 was built in 14″, 15″ or 16″ Track Gauges, with approximately 240 trains going into service from Early 1947 through 1963, when production of the model was discontinued by the successor company to MTC, the Allan Herschell Company. The Allan Herschell Company purchased the Miniature Train Company, MTC in 1956.
One key feature of the Early Production Phase of the F3A Locomotives is the 3 Portholes on each side of the locomotive, which was reduced to only 2 portholes later in F3A production years. Our F3A locomotive is modeled after the early phase of GM-EMD F3A locomotive production.
The amusement train models closely follow Quarter Scale, ¼ Scale, dimensions of their prototype GM-EMD F3A locomotives, with modifications for safety and engineering design as well as practical and functional liberties.
Trainworks Global, LLC, offers our classic version of the F3A Diesel Streamliner locomotive in Battery Electric, Hybrid and Diesel Hydrostatic drive systems.
An interesting trivia is that, almost 80 years after the original, standard gauge GM-EMD F3A locomotives entered production, our F3A Locomotive is the largest F3A Locomotive in production, while there are a number of model train builders that offer F3A Locomotives in various scales and track gauges.
Whether you’re planning a new railroad or replacing a Miniature Train Company MTC G-16 train, ask us about our F3A Locomotive and passenger cars.
Trainworks Global, LLC, also offers Track construction supplies and tools, such as Rail, Hardware, Track Gauges and Rail Benders, as well a number of other models of locomotives, coaches and hopper cars, including cabooses, in a variety of track gauges!
We also stock Used Equipment and Restoration Services too, so let us know how we can work with you.
Contact us today, so we can build your dream train ride attraction!