Mantua 2-6-6-2

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I just bought a Mantua 2-6-6-2 Articulated with tender in N&W today at the trainshow at Clearbrook Va. was wondering if anyone could give me any opinions good or bad on this engine. It’s new in the box and looks great for $100 Dollars. I also got a Kato SD-80mac in Norfolk and Southern new in box but I know how that will run if it’s like my other Kato’s. Just wondering about the Mantua as I have not bought any since back in the sixtys and seventys. Thanks in Advance Jim

2

The Mantua 2-6-6-2 logging locomotive has been aroound for quite a few years and was just updated a couple of years ago.

Its long been a reliabe and proven performer…enjoy!

3

For your viewing pleasure: http://loggingmallets.railfan.net/models/mantua/mantua.htm [:)]

4

I ran across a Mantua 2-6-6-2 with tender some months back and it reminded me of the Great Nothern L series mallet. This is a small articulated main line engine about half the size/tonnage of the later Great Northern Mallets.

http://www.steamlocomotive.info/brochure.html

Check the L series engine.

Kitbashing the Mantua will be this years winter project. I have one of the 2-6-6-2 tank engines as well and it has been one of my best running engines. These engines are real gems.

5

Good news, and bad news:

First, the good news. The Mantua 2-6-6-2 is a nice little loco that should perform well.[:)]

Then…[sigh] The Sumpter Valley (sort of) 2-6-6-2 tender loco (originally 3’ gauge) doesn’t much resemble a Norfolk and Western Z, a big-boilered, big-cylindered compound Mallet that looks like a Y3’s little brother.[:(]

The Mantua COULD be the basis of a convincing kitbash, if the modeler is feeling adventurous.[^] One Forumite reported that he had converted one into a Beyer-Garratt.[8D] By comparison, a Z should be easy.[^]

My 2-6-6-2T is scheduled to receive a Japanese-style superstructure. It’s on the first page of the to-do list, but quite a way from the top.[:-^]

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with a 2-6-6-2T, eventually)

6

Chuck I noticed that the boiler & firebox was rather small for for mainline use but I think that’s what attracted me to the locomotive in the first place. I plan on having a logging railroad and it will be used to haul finnished lumber from the mill and interchange with C&O. I plan on removing the cast on handrails and replacing them with wire and repainting the tender to match my logging railroad. I plan on having the track level or at a slight grade from the mill to the interchange so this engine should work fine. I hope to install a tsunami and do some detail work and it should turn out to be a good engine depending on how well it runs.

Thanks for all your all’s information! Jim

7

Back in the 80s, my sister got me one of the Weyerhaeuser versions for a Xmas presant. Since I did not have a layout, I picked up several log cars, and a piece of flex track and made a display on the mantle, where it stayed until the late 90s when one of the cats thought it looked like a kitty toy. I never found all the parts . It never actualy ran, but it sure did look cool. Now that Mantua is out of the model railroad business, I guess there is no hope of ever finding the missing pieces .

8

Model Power is currently selling the logger:

http://www.modelpower.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=30

Another good source for parts:

http://yardbirdtrains.com/index.htm

Jim

9

I bought the new Model Power version and am really please at how good it looks and runs. Mine is done up in a WM Fireball scheme and I am not too worried how ‘correct’ it is.

10

heres a real one located at Snoqualmie WA, railroad museum there

11

IIRC, the two ex-Uintah, ex-Sumpter Valley locos that were the prototype for the Mantua 2-6-6-2 ended up in Guatamala(!) Does anyone know if they were preserved?[%-)]

Jim, the Sumpter Valley was a logger, so your plans for your Mantua are totally in line with prototype practice. OTOH, if your logger’s profile is anything like that of the Cass Scenic Railway route up Cheat Mountain you might want to look into some BIG Shays.[8D]

My logger is at the opposite extreme - teakettles (a 2-6-2T is BIG power) and four-wheel (2 axle) diesels, running on 762mm gauge track. The disconnect trucks have 305mm (12") diameter wheels![:O]

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

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[:)]

I have an Mantua 2-6-6-2 W/tender and love it,so far it has pulled 40+ cars on level and 20+ on our club grades,It is soon to be fitted With an tusami(spelling?) sound systeam.It is a great locomotive!!!1

JIM

13

I note the Great Northern L mallets were built in 1906 for mainline servie while the 2-6-6-2 logging mallets were introduced after

14

The one in Snoqualmie Wa. ; back in the the 1980’s I had the pleasure of spending the day with this locomotive , from firing it up and actually getting a chance to take the throttle for a mile or so . very exciting , I’ll never forget the experience .