I am currently lusting after this loco as I first saw one just before the demise of the Mantua company. I didn’t have enough cash at the time and when I went back it had been sold.
I Now understand that the moulds have been purchased and it is due to be rereleased with upgraded detail and motor…cheaper too.
Has anyone seen any of the New Mantua locomotives, any comments or opinions?
I wouldn’t get too excited over the matter just yet. The model photos on Model Power’s website continue to be those of the original Mantua-issued models. In spite of the fact that any up-grading of the dies for the body shell’s would undoubtedly prove expensive, Model Power apparently intends to cut the retail price of all the engines by more than 1/2 of what Mantua was charging.
While I’d personally love to see some of these engines re-issued with up-graded detail and state-of-the-art running characteristics, I just don’t see Model Power as up to the challenge at these prices.
CNJ831
Unfortunately i agree. The mantua ones looked OK but were hopelessly over priced. I have seen the re-releases advetised in the MR for about $70 but they are not really up to modern detail standards. the IHC offerings look better.
still if you want one its your money, i just don’t expect it to be improved a great deal
Hello Neil,
I wasn’t aware that IHC had a logging mallet. I am somewhat deflated by the response to the Mantua’s although I am not so concerned over appearance as I intend to make it look like some of my other engines. I would like it to be a good runner though. The Rivarossi Heislers that I run have spoilt me as far as running performance.
I certainly hope Model Power revises the drive train inside the logger to something that is more reliable than the rubber tubing that Mantua used. One reason for the difference in pricing is place of manufacture – Mantua was made in the USA and the newer ones will be made in China. If Model Power is really going to use the original dies, then there will be no more detail than the plain, boxy Mantuas had; however, I imagine that Model Power smashed the original dies and is having everything made anew. I have seen one of the new Model Power all-metal box cars in the re-released Mantua line, and it is very well made, but too heavy. If you had only these pieces of rolling stock, you’d only be able to pull 3 or 4.
I’ve also been lusting over that logger ever since I saw one at a hobby shop some 6 years ago. Personally, I wouldn’t worry if it’s boxy and plain. I like to detail engiens, particularly steam. (I only hope the running qualities are improved)
They don’t.
I am pretty sure that Mantua stopped using the rubber tube before the end, and it is easy to replace with NWSL parts. Mantua used three different motors in the 2-6-6-2 models. First was an open frame, old Pittman style, next came the ones with a Sagami motor, and the last ones had a Mabuchi motor. The Sagami was a bit small for the job. The Mabuchi is very very good.
If anyone is looking for any Mantua loggers . Send me your request . I have quite a few
I have one of the original issue Mantua loggers, got it when it first came out. I got the kit version, a bad idea! (It was only $10.00 cheaper!) What a chore to assemble! It’s kind of clunky and runs poorly. The motor that came with it came apart, and Mantua replaced it.
What disappointed me the most about the model I bought was that Mantua used a brass version of one in their early ads, and it was much better detailed than their model. Talk about deceptive practices!
Are the new ones assembled?
Bob Boudreau
Canada
How much is a logger?[?][%-)]
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