Ever since the return of MTH’s Premier Norfolk & Western J-class 4-8-4s in 2025, it was obvious that the 70’ streamlined passenger cars wouldn’t be far behind. The product announcement was made in November 2024, with the cars arriving in late 2025. They were offered in four-, two-, and single-car sets. This review focuses on the MTH Premier O scale four-car Norfolk and Western streamlined passenger set (20-64263).
Out of the box
The set includes the following:
- One baggage car
- Two coaches
- One rounded observation car
Each car measures approximately 18 inches in length and weighs 1 pound, 12 ounces, with the baggage car being 2 ounces lighter.
Even after all these years, the 70’ passenger car tooling from MTH continues to hold up. The separately applied metal grab irons pop across the smooth-sided, ABS bodies. Molded-in details, such as the riveting on the roof, still look great. The detailing for both the undercarriage and four-wheel trucks remains solid.
As mentioned in the review of the J, the famous Tuscan red of the N&W can be inconsistent across different products and manufacturers. Much like the locomotive, the color on these cars appears to be spot on. The red is consistent even when hooked up to the Premier 18-inch, full-length dome car from 2004. However, the gold stripe, letters, and numbers on the older dome appear brighter than on the new cars.
I was pleasantly surprised to see the cars, minus the baggage car, come with figures strategically placed to create different scenes inside. Many seem to be from Atlas O, which is expected given the partnership between the two companies. This is a bonus, as Atlas O figures are well-detailed and offer a variety of civilian and uniformed servicemen and women.
You can add more figures by disassembling the models. You’ll find a few screws on the underside, varying by car type. Thanks to MTH’s contact spring base and board, the body and frame can be taken apart without worrying about unplugging wires.
On the track
The 18-inch length offers the distinct advantage of navigating tighter curves compared to the 21-inch counterparts. MTH recommends an O-42 curve minimum for operating these cars. They performed well on the Classic Toy Trains’ City Terminal & Transfer layout, which features O-48 curves. The operation, however, was slow due to clearance issues through the tunnel, and required care to ensure the cars’ diaphragms didn’t catch on each other.
Obviously, these models were made to replicate the high speeds of the N&W’s hotshot Powhatan Arrow and Pocahontas trains. This type of performance was tested at the Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club, where the cars ran exceptionally well behind the reviewed J-Class No. 611. The trucks held firm to the rails as the train glided along the minimum O-72 curves and across switches.
Each car, including the baggage car, is equipped with flicker-free, LED interior lighting. The warm white light offers an intensity that won’t blind you when looking through the shaded windows. The observation car also sports LEDs for the tail and marker lights, as well as the drumhead.
Final thoughts
While many manufacturers in the 1:48 world are leaning toward the more accurate 21-inch length for scaled passenger cars, I’m glad to see MTH sticking with the traditional 18” for their Premier line. Owning 21” cars myself, they might not be everyone’s cup of tea as they can be too large for some layouts.
The 70’ cars are a viable alternative. They look great, operate well, especially on tighter curves, and come at a reasonable price. This set, or any other Premier 70’ passenger set from MTH — regardless of whether it’s the N&W scheme or another railroad — is a solid choice.
Features:
- Set features one baggage car, two coaches, and one observation car
- Body, undercarriage, and truck details
- Interior details with minifigures
- LED interior lighting
- O-42 curve operations
MSRP: $515.95
Website: mthtrains.com
