MTS Imports - The Legacy!
(A review of the great models they made!!)
***
by George Huckaby, Custom Traxx
From the late 1980s until they announced retirement in 2003, Joel Lovitch and his MTS Imports, Inc were the leading manufacturer of accurate traction models. MTS Imports, Inc had a large following among Philadelphia Trolley modelers as they made quality brass models of most Philadelphia 1912-1967 era streetcars except for the 4000 and 5000 series "Hog Island" cars. MTS Imports' models compare favorably when placed next to current 3D printed models.
Beginning in 1996 with the air-electric PCC models, Custom Traxx provided decals for many of the MTS models issued thereafter. We were the benefits of his deep traction knowledge.
We were saddened to report the passing of Joel Lovitch, MTS Imports on March 26, 2020. His surviving wife, Carol, forwarded a photo taken of Joel (left) and I (center) and Jack La Russa (N. J. International) at one of the NMRA-sponsored National Train Shows.
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This photo prompted us to take a look at all the traction and other models imported and released by MTS during their "time in the sun". Data and photographs were provided to Trolleyville by Joel Lovitch for this article. We have listed all the items in both HO and O scale produced by MTS Imports, Inc. The models are listed in order of release and arranged in six groups and photos of some of the models are displayed after each group. Although primarily a model traction importer, MTS also imported steam engines, and unique passenger and freight cars.
Figure 1 - 1984 to 1987
|
MODEL & SCALE
(HO SCALE unless marked otherwise)
|
BUILDER & COUNTRY |
YEAR IMPORTED |
QUANTITY PRODUCED |
ORIGINAL RETAIL PRICE |
Notes |
1 |
Brill 14 Bench Open Trolley |
Kumata, Japan |
1984 |
175 |
$245.00 |
Unpainted |
2 |
Baldwin-Westinghouse B-1 Steeple Cab |
Kumata, Japan |
1984 |
20 |
$230.00 |
Unpainted |
3 |
CTA 2200 series Elevated Car (2 car sets) |
Kumata, Japan |
1985 |
100 sets |
$325.00 |
Nickel Plated |
4 |
Flat Bed Work Motor |
Kumata, Japan |
1985 |
70 |
$125.00 |
Unpainted |
5 |
CSL "Nearside" Trolley |
Kumata, Japan |
1985 |
175 |
$215.00 |
Unpainted |
6 |
PRT "Nearside" Trolley |
Kumata, Japan |
1985 |
175 |
$215.00 |
Unpainted |
7 |
PTC "Nearside Center Exit" Trolley |
Kumata, Japan |
1985 |
50 |
$215.00 |
Unpainted |
8 |
Brill 14 bench Open Trolley (O scale) |
Kumata, Japan |
1985 |
100 |
$445.00 |
Unpainted |
9 |
CTA 5000 series Elevated Car |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1985 |
100 sets |
$425.00 |
Unpainted |
10 |
IRT R22 Subway Car |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1986 |
50 |
$210.00 |
Unpainted |
11 |
IRT R22 Subway Car (2 car sets) |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1986 |
75 sets |
$375.00 |
Unpainted |
12 |
IRT R17 Subway Car |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1986 |
50 sets |
$375.00 |
Unpainted |
13 |
IRT R17 Subway Car (2 car sets) |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1986 |
75 sets |
$375.00 |
Unpainted |
14 |
BRT/SBRY #9010 Crane Car |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1987 |
80 |
$210.00 |
Unpainted |
15 |
PRR X-23 Box Car |
FM Models, Korea |
1987 |
200 |
$87.95 |
Unpainted |
16 |
CNS&M 240-244 series Refrigerator Trailer |
Woo Sung, Korea |
1987 |
200 |
$115.00 |
Unpainted |
17 |
BMT "D-Type" Articulated Subway Car |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1987 |
100 |
$475..00 |
Unpainted |
18 |
Sacramento Northern "Hall-Scott" 1018-1025 series Coach |
FM Models, Korea |
1987 |
60 (2 car sets) |
$365.00 |
Unpainted |
19 |
Sacramento Northern "Hall-Scott" 1018-1025 series Coach |
FM Models, Korea |
1987 |
60 single cars |
$225.00 |
Unpainted |
20 |
Sacramento Northern "Hall-Scott" 1018-1025 series Coach |
FM Models, Korea |
1987 |
10 Trailers |
$145.00 |
Unpainted |
21 |
Western Pacific "Hall-Scott" 452-455 series Coach
|
FM Models, Korea |
1987 |
50 |
$125.00 |
Unpainted |
22 |
P&WCT/PST Co 65-76 Center Door Interurban |
FM Models, Korea |
1987 |
200 |
$215.00 |
Unpainted |
Figure 2 - 1988 - 1989
|
MODEL & SCALE
(HO SCALE unless marked otherwise)
|
BUILDER & COUNTRY |
YEAR IMPORTED |
QUANTITY PRODUCED |
ORIGINAL RETAIL PRICE |
Notes |
1 |
IRT LO-V Subway car (O scale, unpowered) |
Woo Sung, Korea |
1988 |
127 |
$295.00 |
Unpainted |
2 |
Boston Elevated Ry Type 4 Trolley, as built |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1988 |
60 |
$219.00 |
Unpainted |
3 |
Reading Street Railway Type 5 Clone |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1988 |
40 |
$219.00 |
Unpainted |
4 |
ACF Chlorine Tank Car (1st run w/brass tanks) |
FM Models, Korea |
1988 |
300 |
$71.95 |
Unpainted |
5 |
IRT R33 Subway Car |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1988 |
25 - 2 car sets |
$475.00 |
Factory Painted |
6 |
IRT R33 Subway Car |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1988 |
50 powered |
$270.00 |
Factory Painted |
7 |
IRT R33 Subway Car |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1988 |
25 unpowered |
$215.00 |
Factory Painted |
8 |
IRT R36 Subway Car |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1988 |
50 - 2 car sets |
$475.00 |
Factory Painted |
9 |
P&WCT/PST Co 77-79 & 81-86 series Interurban |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1988 |
250 |
$265.00 |
Unpainted |
10 |
P&WCT/PST Co #80 Interurban |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1988 |
50 |
$265.00 |
Unpainted |
11 |
CNS&M 200 series Jewett Combine (O scale, unpowered) |
FM Models, Korea |
1988 |
60 |
$345.00 |
Unpainted, unpowered
|
12 |
CNS&M 300 series Jewett Combine (O scale, unpowered) |
FM Models, Korea |
1988 |
50 |
$345.00 |
Unpainted, unpowered
|
13 |
CNS&M 400 series Jewett P-B car (O scale, unpowered) |
FM Models, Korea |
1988 |
50 |
$345.00 |
Unpainted, unpowered
|
14 |
Manhattan Elevated Cars |
Han In, Korea |
1989 |
175
(2 car sets) |
$375.00 |
Unpainted |
15 |
ACF Chlorine Tank Car
(2nd run, alum tanks) |
FM Models, Korea |
1989 |
250 |
$89.95 |
Unpainted |
16 |
NYC U-2d 0-8-0 Loco |
SKI, Korea |
1989 |
20 |
Unknown |
Unpainted |
17 |
NYC U-2d 0-8-0 Loco |
SKI, Korea |
1989 |
130 |
$633.50 |
Painted |
18 |
IRT "Deck Roof" HI-V Subway Car (O scale, unpowered) |
Han In, Korea |
1989 |
150 |
$305.00 |
Unpainted |
19 |
IRT "Deck Roof" HI-V Subway Car |
Han In, Korea |
1989 |
150 (2 car sets) |
$305.00 |
Unpainted |
20 |
IRT "Deck Roof" HI-V Subway Car |
Han In, Korea |
1989 |
50 powered |
$240.00 |
Unpainted |
21 |
CNS&M 150-164 series Coach (O scale, unpowered) |
Han In, Korea |
1989 |
75 |
$365.00 |
Unpainted |
22 |
CNS&M 250-256 series Combine (O scale, unpowered) |
Han In, Korea |
1989 |
50 |
$365.00 |
Unpainted |
23 |
CNS&M 404-406 series Diner (O scale, unpowered) |
Han In, Korea |
1989 |
25 |
$365.00 |
Unpainted |
Figure 3 - 1990-1992
|
MODEL & SCALE
(HO SCALE unless marked otherwise)
|
BUILDER & COUNTRY |
YEAR IMPORTED |
QUANTITY PRODUCED |
ORIGINAL RETAIL PRICE |
Notes |
1 |
Manhattan Elevated Car Trailers |
Han In, Korea |
1990 |
250 |
$145.00 |
Unpainted |
2 |
Forney Steam Loco, Steel Cab |
Han In, Korea |
1990 |
100 |
$285.00 |
Unpainted |
3 |
C&ME Jewett Interurban Set |
Han In, Korea |
1990 |
30 (3 car sets) |
$699.00 |
Unpainted |
4 |
C&ME Jewett 200-202 series Combine |
Han In, Korea |
1990 |
90 |
$240.00 |
Unpainted |
5 |
C&ME Jewett 300-302 series Coach |
Han In, Korea |
1990 |
120 |
$240.00 |
Unpainted |
6 |
C&ME Jewett 400-402 series Parlor-Buffet |
Han In, Korea |
1990 |
120 |
$240.00 |
Unpainted |
7 |
PTC Nearside Center Exit Trolley |
Han In, Korea |
1990 |
125 |
$255.00 |
Unpainted |
8 |
BRT/SBRY Freight Motor, Single Door |
Han In, Korea |
1990 |
75 |
$255.00 |
Unpainted |
9 |
BRT/SBRY Freight Motor, Double Door |
Han In, Korea |
1990 |
75 |
$255.00 |
Unpainted |
10 |
Brill Double Truck Snow Sweeper |
Han In, Korea |
1990 |
200 |
$325.00 |
Unpainted |
11 |
CSL Nearside Trolley (O scale, unpowered) |
Han In, Korea |
1991 |
50 |
$255.00 |
Unpainted |
12 |
PTC Nearside Center Exit Trolley (O scale, unpowered) |
Han In, Korea |
1991 |
50 |
$255.00 |
Unpainted |
13 |
Montreal Sightseeing Trolley |
Han In, Korea |
1991 |
200 |
$255.00 |
Unpainted |
14 |
Montreal Sightseeing Trolley (O scale, unpowered) |
Han In, Korea |
1991 |
200 |
$450.00 |
Unpainted |
15 |
CTA 6001-6130 series Elevated car |
Han In, Korea |
1992 |
53 - 2 car sets |
$395.00 |
Unpainted |
16 |
CTA 6201-6470 series Elevated car |
Han In, Korea |
1992 |
53 - 2 car sets |
$395.00 |
Unpainted |
17 |
San Diego Siemens-DuWag U-2 LRV |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1992 |
100 |
$425.00 |
Factory Painted |
18 |
San Diego Siemens-DuWag U-2 LRV |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1992 |
50 |
$425.00 |
Unpainted |
19 |
Frankfurt, Germany Siemens-DuWag U-2 LRV |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1992 |
35 |
$425.00 |
Unpainted |
20 |
Albert, Canada Siemens-DuWag U-2 LRV |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1992 |
15 |
$425.00 |
Unpainted |
21 |
IRT R-15 Subway Cars |
Samhongsa, Korea |
1992 |
100 - 2 car sets |
$429.00 |
Unpainted |
22 |
ACF Chlorine Tank Cars |
FM Models, Korea |
1992 |
100 |
$229.00 |
Unpainted |
23 |
CNS&M 150-164 series Coach |
Han In, Korea |
1992 |
115 |
$260.00 |
Unpainted |
24 |
CNS&M 250-256 series Combine |
Han In, Korea |
1992 |
50 |
$260.00 |
Unpainted |
25 |
CNS&M 404-406 series Coach |
Han In, Korea |
1992 |
50 |
$260.00 |
Unpainted |
Figure 4 - 1993-1995
|
MODEL & SCALE
(HO SCALE unless marked otherwise)
|
BUILDER & COUNTRY |
YEAR IMPORTED |
QUANTITY PRODUCED |
ORIGINAL RETAIL PRICE |
Notes |
1 |
Reading "Crusader" Locomotive |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1993 |
200 |
$995.00 |
Factory Plated & Painted |
2 |
CNS&M #606 Line Car |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1994 |
50 |
$425.00 |
Factory Painted |
3 |
CNS&M #606 Line Car |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1994 |
150 |
$360.00 |
Unpainted |
4 |
CNS&M 170-182 series Coach (O scale, unpowered) |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1994 |
100 |
$490.00 |
Unpainted |
5 |
CNS&M 183-197 series Coach (O scale, unpowered) |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1994 |
35 |
$490.00 |
Unpainted |
6 |
CNS&M 407-408 series Diner (O scale, unpowered) |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1994 |
15 |
$490.00 |
Unpainted |
7 |
CNS&M 700-713 series Coach (O scale, unpowered) |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1994 |
50 |
$490.00 |
Unpainted |
8 |
PRT/PTC 8000-8534 series Brill Peter Witt |
Yulim, Korea |
1994 |
200 |
$320.00 |
Unpainted |
9 |
Reading "Crusader" Passenger Cars |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1994 |
115 - 5 car sets |
$1,500.00 |
Unpainted |
10 |
Canadian National "Crusader" Passenger Cars |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1994 |
15 - 3 car sets |
$1,500.00 |
Unpainted |
11 |
BMT "Q-Type" Subway Car Sets "Worlds Fair" |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1995 |
25 - 3 car sets |
$975.00 |
Factory Painted |
12 |
BMT "Q-Type" Subway Car Sets |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1995 |
50 - 3 car sets |
$760.00 |
Unpainted |
13 |
BMT "QX-Type" Subway Car Sets |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1995 |
25 - 2 car sets |
$550.00 |
Unpainted |
14 |
CNS&M "Ferry Truck" Car |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1995 |
100 |
$250.00 |
Unpainted |
15 |
CNS&M "Ferry Truck" Car |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1995 |
100 |
$350.00 |
Factory Painted |
16 |
CNS&M 170-182 series Coach |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1995 |
130 |
$360.00 |
Unpainted |
17 |
CNS&M 183-197 series Coach |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1995 |
40 |
$360.00 |
Unpainted |
18 |
CNS&M 407-408 series Diner |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1995 |
30 |
$360.00 |
Unpainted |
19 |
P&W/PSTCo "Bullet" Interurban |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1995 |
200 |
$360.00 |
Unpainted |
20 |
CNS&M 752-776 series Coach, as built (O scale, unpowered) |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1995 |
50 |
$490.00 |
Unpainted |
21 |
CNS&M 752-776 series Coach, modified roof (O scale, unpowered) |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1995 |
50 |
$490.00 |
Unpainted. |
22 |
CNS&M 752-776 series Coach, Silverliner (O scale, unpowered) |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1995 |
50 |
$490.00 |
Unpainted. |
23 |
CNS&M 752-776 series Coach, Silverliner (O scale, unpowered) |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1995 |
50 |
$750.00 |
Factory Painted. |
24 |
Brill Model 55 Gas Motor Car |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1995 |
200 |
$349.00 |
Unpainted |
25 |
CNS&M 714-733 series Coach (O scale, unpowered) |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1995 |
50 |
$490.00 |
Unpainted |
Figure 5 - 1996-1999
|
MODEL & SCALE
(HO SCALE unless marked otherwise)
|
BUILDER & COUNTRY |
YEAR IMPORTED |
QUANTITY PRODUCED |
ORIGINAL RETAIL PRICE |
Notes |
1 |
CTA 1-50 series Elevated Car |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1996 |
75 |
$350.00 |
Unpainted, As built |
2 |
CTA 1-50 series Elevated Car |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1996 |
75 |
$360.00 |
Unpainted, with trolley poles |
3 |
CTA 1-50 series Elevated Car |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1996 |
50 |
$370.00 |
Unpainted, with pantographs |
4 |
CTA 6671-6720 series Elevated Car |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1996 |
50 - 2 car sets |
$599.000 |
Unpainted |
5 |
CNS&M 203-214 series M-D car |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1996 |
75 for North Shore Models |
Unknown |
Unpainted |
6 |
CNS&M 215-239 series M-D car |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1996 |
125 for North Shore Models |
Unknown |
Unpainted |
7 |
New Orleans 900-972 series streetcar (O scale, unpowered) |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1996 |
125 |
$525.00 |
Unpainted |
8 |
New Orleans 900-972 series streetcar |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1996 |
75 |
$360.00 |
Unpainted |
9 |
West Penn Railways 700 series interurban, as built |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1997 |
100 |
$360.00 |
Unpainted |
10 |
West Penn Railways 700 series interurban, modified |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1997 |
100 |
$360.00 |
Unpainted |
11 |
B&O "Royal Blue" Locomotive |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1997 |
200 |
$1,295.00 |
Factory Painted, |
12 |
CNS&M 752-776 series Coach, as built |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1997 |
50 |
$379.00 |
Unpainted |
13 |
CNS&M 752-776 series Coach, modified |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1997 |
75 |
$379.00 |
Unpainted |
14 |
CNS&M 752-776 series Coach, Silverliner |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1997 |
75 |
$379.00 |
Unpainted |
15 |
Pre-War Air-Electric PCC car, 7 versions |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1998 |
265 |
$375.00 |
Unpainted |
16 |
New Orleans 900-972 series streetcar (O scale, unpowered) |
Dae Dong, Korea |
1998 |
130 |
$595.00 |
Unpainted |
17 |
PRT/PTC Brill 5200-5334 series trolley |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1998 |
200 |
$389.00 |
Unpainted |
18 |
B&O "Royal Blue" Passenger Car Set |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1998 |
100 - 8 car sets |
$2,995.00 |
Factory Painted, |
19 |
Sacramento Northern 650 class Steeple Cab |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1999 |
100 |
$495.00 |
Unpainted |
20 |
CNS&M 452-457 series Steeple Cab |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
1999 |
150 for North Shore Models |
Unknown |
Unpainted |
21 |
BMT/IND R-32 Subway Car Set |
Dae Dong, Korea |
1999 |
60 - 2 car sets |
$695.00 |
Factory Painted, Plated |
22 |
BMT/IND R-38 Subway Car Set |
Dae Dong, Korea |
1999 |
40 - 2 car sets |
$695.00 |
Factory Painted, Plated |
1 |
4 |
Figure 6 - 2000-2007
|
MODEL & SCALE
(HO SCALE unless marked otherwise)
|
BUILDER & COUNTRY |
YEAR IMPORTED |
QUANTITY PRODUCED |
ORIGINAL RETAIL PRICE |
Notes |
1 |
Rail Diesel Car (RDC-1)
|
Ajin Precision, Korea |
2000 |
200 |
$549.00 |
Plated, Unlettered |
2 |
Rail Diesel Car (RDC-2)
|
Ajin Precision, Korea |
2000 |
75 |
$549.00 |
Plated, Unlettered |
3 |
Rail Diesel Car (RDC-3)
|
Ajin Precision, Korea |
2000 |
75 |
$549.00 |
Plated, Unlettered |
4 |
Brill 10-Bench Open Trolley |
Kumata, Japan |
2000 |
150 |
$349.00 |
Unpainted |
5 |
Pacific Electric 170-179 series Center Entrance City Car |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
2000 |
150 |
$399.00 |
Unpainted |
6 |
Southern Pacific 800-819 series Center Entrance City Car |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
2000 |
150 |
$435.00 |
Unpainted, w/pantograph |
7 |
Forney HO Steam Loco, Wood Cab |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
2000 |
100 |
$395.00 |
Unpainted |
8 |
Forney HOn3 Steam Loco, Wood Cab |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
2000 |
100 |
$395.00 |
Unpainted |
9 |
1947 All-Electric PCC car, Philadelphia version, 2701-2800 |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
2000 |
75 |
$395.00 |
Unpainted |
10 |
1945 All-Electric PCC car, Pittsburgh version, 1725-1799 |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
2000 |
50 |
$395.00 |
Unpainted |
11 |
1948 All-Electric PCC car, Toronto version, 4300-4399 |
Ajin Precision, Korea |
2000 |
75 |
$395.00 |
Unpainted |
12 |
B&O C-15 Baggage/Express Car, Blue |
SR Co., Korea |
2000 |
100 |
$250.00 |
Factory Painted, |
13 |
B&O C-15 Baggage/Express Car, Green |
SR Co., Korea |
2000 |
100 |
$250.00 |
Factory Painted, |
14 |
CTA 4001-4250 "Baldy" series Elevated Car Set, As Built |
San Cheng, China |
2006 |
35 - 2 car sets |
$635.00 |
Unpainted |
15 |
CTA 4001-4250 "Baldy" series Elevated Car Set, Modified |
San Cheng, China |
2006 |
65 - 2 car sets |
$635.00 |
Unpainted |
16 |
P&WCT/PSTCo "Brilliner" |
San Cheng, China |
2007 |
150 |
$405.00 |
Unpainted |
|