Car Names:

Baggage Car - Alonzo B. Cornell  
Parlor - Samuel J. Tilden  
Diner Car - John Jay  
Coach - Hamilton Fish  
Observation - Franklin D. Roosevelt 

The re-equipped 1941 Empire State Express represented the finest in comfortable daytime travel at an affordable price. In addition to the conductor, a uniformed stewardess helped passengers to their reserved coach or parlor car seats. Dining car service was augmented by a tavern-lounge-baggage at the front of the train and a tavern-lounge-observation at the rear. Thirty-two brand-new, stainless steel Budd streamliners were purchased by the New York Central to cover the service; 26 of the cars were named for New York governors, four of whom later became President, and one of whom — John Jay — was the first Chief Justice of the United States. To further the sense of pride in the history of the New York Central's home state, the cars' coral peach walls and blue-green upholstery were complemented by nearly 40 original mural paintings of historical scenes along the railroad's route. 

Features Include

- Intricately Detailed, Durable ABS Bodies
- Metal Wheels and Axles
- Overhead Interior Lighting
- Detailed 4-Wheel Trucks
- Authentic Paint Scheme
- End-of-Car Diaphragms
- Separate Metal Handrails
- Detailed Car Interiors
- Kadee-Compatible Couplers
- Detailed Car Undercarriages
- 5-Car Sets Feature: (1) Baggage Car, (1) Parlor Car, (1) Coach, (1) Diner, (1) Observation Car
- Each Car Measures: 11 1/2” x 1 7/16” x 1 7/8”
- Operates On 22” Radius Curves 

Signature Series models offer the final word in realism: beautifully detailed M.T.H. O and HO scale models weathered to look like hard-working locomotives and rolling stock. Each model is individually weathered by a master modeler with more than 30 years of professional modeling experience. The resulting finish ensures that these new Signature Series models for 2014 will look right at home on any sceniced, scale-detailed layout.

All models are airbrush-weathered, using proprietary techniques that capture the subtle natural wear and tear produced by road dust, rain, rust, wind and everything else that railroad equipment experiences in real life. The Signature Series airbrush weathering process brings out details in a model that previously went unnoticed, and replicates effects usually obtainable only with chalks and pinpoint washes.

No two Signature Series finishes look exactly alike. Each model of the same engine or passenger set has its own unique finish, with noticeable but subtle differences visible in side-by-side comparisons. Because these models are designed to run as well as they look, each locomotive and car is sealed with a flat finish to allow handling and the use of smoke fluid. 

M.T.H. Signature Series models first appeared in 2012, providing hobbyists with unique offerings not previously available from a major model railroad manufacturer. Each Signature Series item is an excellent solution for modelers who either have not had the confidence to attempt weathering techniques, or simply don’t have time to do it themselves. Most importantly, these professionally weathered models can withstand the rigors of operation while providing the final element of realism needed to depict real-life railroading on an O or HO scale layout.