New moters for Mantua 0-4-0

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I just baught an old Mantua tank engine at a train show. It has the origanal moter in it. I was wondering if I could repower it with a can moter and flywheel. The moter mounts at an angle with a wormgear. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I have never repowered before.

One other thing, before I start “butchering” this engine I was wondering if I should at all. As stated in the title it’s an 0-4-0 tank engine with square tanks like Thomas has. I have seem quite a few of them in junk bins at train shows in verying states of disrepair. This one is in pretty nice shape and has fully detailed valve gear (the thing that attracted me to the engine in the first place). The molded detail on the boiler leaves a bit to be desired and it has no lights. I was thinking of grinding off the molded details and adding some detail parts. What do you guys think, would I be ruining the engine?

Thanks for your input.

2

Try Yardbird Trains and Helix Humper. Both have motors that are virtually drop-in replacements. Yardbird also has a full stock of any of the other parts you might need, including piping and other details. The great thing about Mantuas is that they serve as a blank canvas for all sorts of kitbashes, so don’t worry about ruining a collector’s piece. You can get a lot of mileage out of that old loco, so have fun with it!

3

Here is a picture of the engine.

4

Thanks. I’ve bookmarked both of those sites.

5

You’re right. The full valve gear makes it look better than the stripped-down model. Good luck with your upgrades.