Mantua 4-4-2 Steam Locomotive

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I own a Mantua 4-4-2 Atlantic, PRR 7002. Model dates back to late 1980s.

It still runs well, however, the trailing truck seems to jump the tracks going through curves. I currently have an 18" radius curvature on my layout.

Was wondering if anyone else had run into this, and if so, whether the had a solution to it.

Thanks, in advance, for any help or ideas.

Kevin

2

kknobl,

I have several small steam engines that have done this type of thing. I have tried attaching a small piece of lead weight to the trailing truck to give it a little bit more weight to hold it down. I have tried adding a small, wide spring to hold the truck on the rails. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn’t. Check the gauge of the wheels. Are the wheels metal or plastic? You might have better luck if you replace the original Mantua axle and wheels with insulated metal wheels with the RP25 contour (and they are a little heavier). I don’t know if there is a good answer to your question.

Mark C.

3

One way to add weight is to wind some solder around the axle.

Also check the side to side clearances, it may be that the trailing truck hits something when it has to swing wide to negoiate those sharp curves.

Dave H.

4

18" radius is borderline for this locomotive. If your track is not perfect, they trailing axle will derail.

In addition to the above suggestions, try to give the trailing truck a bit more space to swing side to side.

5

Thanks, all for the suggestions.

To answer your question, the wheels are plastic and very light - upgrading the wheels or adding weights is a good idea.

Thanks!

Kevin

6

You might want to check and loosen the screw that holds the trailing truck in place,it might be binding the pivot point.

Check the gauge of the wheels with an NMRA HO gauge and make sure that is not the problem,check the track gauge if it only occurs on one of your 18" radii curves.

Another solution would be to ream an oval screw hole for the trailing truck mount to sway laterally of needed.

7

I had a similar problem with this model. Problem was in going through turnouts - in some cases, even when lined for the straight route. (My minimum radius at the time was 22"; I never had problems on curves). I was unable to find a direct replacement metal wheelset because of the rather unusual mounting arrangement. I wrapped some lead putty around the axle (using solder is a great idea which I will have to remember) and it alleviated but did not eliminate the problem. A better solution would be replacement with metal wheelset but you’re looking at making some serious and permanent modifications.

8

MDC makes a 4-4-2 kit and it’s trailer is all metal with nickel silver wheelsets…maybe you could order a part from them…oh wait that’s right they were bought out…try Bowser???

9

Thanks for all the helpful feedback. It is appreciated.

I will try loosening the screw holding the truck in place.

Thanks again!

Kevin