While researching another item, I came across a listing for an (apparently) new version of the Mantua 0-6-0T. The new version (aside from having “improved operation”…which Lord knows it needed) is sporting DCC and sound! This locomotive would be perfect on my mini layout. My question: Is this new incarnation of the Mantua 0-6-0T dual mode? At the moment I am running the layout with DC (which is no problem for my Bachmann Spectrum GE 45 Ton); but plan to eventually change to DCC. So, can I run this little beastie on DC? I can’t seem to find any literature on this locomotive. Model Railroader…how about doing a product review on this item?
Ray
Search out the loco and find out who supplies the on board sound decoder. To my knowledge, all present on board sound loco decoders are dual mode. Model Power has the Mantua line now.
Search for model power mantua sound.
I have the little older Mantua 0-6-0T and made better pickups and use a DZ125 decoder.
A guess, but I think the sound decoder is MRC as I saw a site that mentioned MRC in the new locos series, when I did an Internet search for someone about two months ago. Most ads for the Mantua with sound do not mention the brand of sound decoder. Sometimes, I saw low cost sound.
Rich
From all the ads I see on the Internet, loco manufactures want you to know who the sound decoder manufacturer is.
Rich
Thanks for the reply RichG. I would have put my request on our other forum; but didn’t want to discuss another manufacturer’s product on that site. I did a ‘Google’ search as you suggested and basically got nowhere. One seller lists that particular locomotive as having an MRC sound decoder…no mention was found elsewhere.
I guess my main concern is reliability. I have a ‘sneaking suspicion’ that this is a re-hash of Mantua’s old 0-6-0T which was anything but reliable. Spending a little shy of $170 on an unknown product seems a little foolish. Pending anyone else’s experience, I think I’ll put a couple of bucks into my Bachmann Spectrum GE 45-Ton by having sound installed. I’ll leave the procuring of this new product to someone more daring than I.
Again, thanks Rich
Ray
I did see a couple reference’s to low cost decoder which is usually MRC the last I knew. MRC has supposed to have improved their decoders but no experience with this. Quite a few are shy of using MRC sound decoders with all the negative messages I have read in different train forums.
Mechanically, my non DCC Mantua 0-6-0T is a pretty good runner… It does quite well with the DZ125 which has good slow speed capabilities.
I have a link somewhere of the 45 ton with sound and I did a couple single motor 44 ton with the Micro LokSound, but about $120.00 for decoder and speaker, each and a little chassis grinding to fit the speaker.
A Micro Tsunami will work also.
Rich
Model Power’s web site (http://www.modelpower.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=393101), specifically states that they use MRC decoders in the Mantua Classics sound-equipped 0-6-0T.
Notice the DETAILS for this 0-6-0T.
Also, the photo is of the non DCC version. Left side pickup on only two drivers. Must be a stock photo.
My version does not have room for a flywheel.
Rich
Here is the inside of my Mantua 0-6-0T. There might be a possibility for a flywheel in the version they sell now. There looks like there would be room for a small decoder and a small speaker. Model Power just does not give much in the way of details for the Mantua locos.
Rich
Upon further checking I realized the website that had information about this 0-6-0T was the same one you provided Fmilhaupt. So I guess we can say the DCC/sound version of this locomotive has an MRC sound decoder.
RichG: Boy are you ever so right…how did they fit a decoder, speaker, and flywheel in that little beast? Perhaps Model Power/Mantua has a way of circumventing the laws of physics? As usual your excellent photography illustrates your point.
I cannot share your experience with the older version of this locomotive. I returned the first one I purchased because one of the axles was ‘out of line’ with the others (not only did I do some checking, but the seller also tried and finally returned my purchase price). The second item has all its axles on the same plane; but runs terribly…even after a run in and careful cleaning/relube. [I have it stored in a very visible place to remind me of my folly.]
I think the my best course of action is to either: 1) wait until Model Railroader, or some other modeler, reviews this product, or 2) wait until I can actually watch this locomotive perform in person.
Thank you so much for your efforts in my behalf.
Regards,
Ray
I did a little more looking. One with DCC sound was sold on ebay. About $120.00.
It has the MRC 0001869 mini sound decoder and all wheel pickup.The 9 pin JST connector plugs into the decoder.
http://www.modelrectifier.com/search/product-view.asp?ID=12156
All the photos of this loco are of the one I have with only pickups on the left front and center drivers. The right side all pickup via the frame.
From what I have found, the Mantua come with the MC-94 can motor.
I bought one of those motors some years ago for a Mantua General before Mantua went to Model Power.
Yardbird Trains has a lot of experience and parts for some of the Mantua locos.
Rich