looking at buying a mantua classics 2-6-6-2-T

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

i am looking at buying a Mantua classics 2-6-6-2 tank engine for a logging railroad, have any of you got one of these, if you have what do they run like on tight bends and pretty steep grades. trainland do one for $90 just waiting for some funds now to get one for my son,
was thinking of a Rivarossi 2 truck Heisler but after reading the comments about screws coming out i may give that model a miss

Thanks

2

Sir, I have one of the new Mantua 2-6-6-2T on order as well. For the price I would expect the engine to perform rather well. As a child this particular engine was way out of my reach (for better or worse) so perhaps I will be able to enjoy the new engine.

I am sorry you got “gunshy” on the Riverossi Heisler. Perhaps I had it screwed in too hard or something =)

When my engine arrives, I will let you know how it worked.

3

Look forward to any comments about this Mantua loco, it look’s spot on in the add’s i have seen

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The original Mantuas ran great & would negotiate 18" radius curves. Every " new " engine that LifeLike has brought out based on the old Mantua tooling has been an improvement over the original. I wouldn’t hesitate

5

I owned the 2-6-6-2T and found it to be light on it’s wheels.

I sold it for a small profit because it was the one engine which tripped the spouse into downsizing the roundhouse. And also because it was not a big space for sound and DCC. (I probably will be proven wrong by others who get sound and DCC into those engines)

It is a gem. But that is all I know about them.

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Chears Safety Valve,
Wow, did you notice it was a year ago today since i posted the question, time fly’s by dosn’t it

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Yes I noticed. The error post above in this thread was one of my postings under another handle.

I evaluated the engine and when this thread came back to life I felt the need to “Complete” the circle. It took a long time eh?

I guess Model Railroading is like southern cooking… slow. LOL.

8

Here is some info: http://loggingmallets.railfan.net/models/mantua/mantua.htm

Jim

9

I recently resurrected my Mantua Uintah 2-6-6-2, changed out the couplers and tested it. It takes 18 inch radii with ease and should pull a reasonable load on a grade; lots of weight, plus a traction tire.

The one change I’m planning is to replace the neoprene coupling to the front gear box with a proper U-joint. Other, cosmetic, changes will completely alter its appearance, since it doesn’t look very Japanese as-is.