MTH has sold a “Bump-N-Go” trolley for many years, but I could not find evidence that CTT ever reviewed one. This version (No. 30-5249) was a custom-run for Dixie Union Station, as part of the RailKing line.
The blue and yellow paint is well done. The Skyline Chili logo is on the lower center side of the car, with a yellow checkerboard across the bottom. All graphics are clean and nicely applied. The frosted windows feature a variety of people.
The sprung trolley pole can be manually raised and lowered, a nice feature. The model has an illuminated interior and directional headlights. The underside has two roller pickups.
On the track
Operationally, the trolley ran exactly as expected. Our in-house CT&T layout has Lionel Lighted Bumpers (No. 12035), which worked as they should to “bump” and reverse the trolley direction. From researching user experiences online, I learned it’s not wise to run the trolley at high speeds. The extreme force when it hits the bumpers could cause structural damage.
The headlights have a realistic glow, and the interior lighting was steady.
Overall, this is a fun, solid piece with great graphics. It certainly would be an attention-getting item for open houses or crowds.
Thank you to Bryson Sleppy for letting us photograph and operate this model.
Read a review of the Lionel trolley from 2022.
MTH RailKing Skyline Chili Bump-N-Go Trolley (30-5249)
Features: Lighted interior, automatic reversing bumpers, O-27 operation
MSRP: $89.98
Website: custom-run from Dixie Union Station, dixieunionstation.com
