January 20, 2026 - M.T.H. Electric Trains will be releasing the 2026 Premier O Scale Open Air 64' Woodside Passenger Cars in FOUR roadnames this Summer. These ALL-NEW cars come in coach and observation models and will be available in extremely limited quantities. The cars are expected to begin shipping to M.T.H. Authorized Retailers in August 2026.
Check out each of the offerings in the scrolling list at the bottom of the page.
PROTOTYPE HISTORY
In the modern era of sealed windows and climate control, we often forget that rail travel was originally a visceral, sensory experience. Among the most beloved rolling stock in preservation history is the 64-foot Open-Air Woodsided Passenger Car—a vessel that represents the transition from the rugged pioneer era to the golden age of scenic touring.
Before the heavy steel "heavyweights" dominated the rails in the 1920s, the American railroad was built on timber. The 64-foot length was a standard "sweet spot" for turn-of-the-century rolling stock—long enough to maximize passenger capacity on mainlines, but short enough to negotiate the tighter curves of mountain passes and narrow valleys.
These cars were masterpieces of carpentry. Built with sturdy wood sills and sheathed in vertical siding (often tongue-and-groove pine or poplar), they rode on a suspension of leaf springs and relied on truss rods—those long metal tension bars under the floor—to keep the wooden frame from sagging under its own weight.
Today, the 64' woodsided car is a staple of scenic railroads. whether it is a lovingly restored original "summer car" or a vintage coach modified for excursion service, it serves a vital purpose: it turns a train ride into a time machine. It reminds us that originally, the journey wasn't just about getting there—it was about breathing in the landscape along the way.
Durably constructed from ABS bodies mounted atop die-cast metal 4-wheel trucks, these handsome cars feature detailed car interiors and overhead lighting. Inside each car are ten period-specific passenger figures marveling at the comfort of modern travel!
Check out each of the offerings in the scrolling list at the bottom of the page.
