I recently acquired a Mantua PRR 2-8-2 that’s in pretty nice shape. It’s all there and runs, although I would like to repower it.
Question 1- I believe the motor that powers this engine now is a Pittman. Should I replace it with the same or should I go with a can motor, and why? Also, what about that worm gear? Can I get a new one of those or does the one I have pull off, I don’t want to damage what I have to find out. I guess I’m looking for a lot of direction here.
Question 2- Repainting. I’m trying to get a hold of a die cast cab for this unit. It’s one of those all weather cabs, really neat and will change the looks a lot. It is white cast and will have to be painted. I would of course repaint the whole engine even though it’s pretty decent as is. I like the fini***hat’s on it and want to know what paint matches it exactly. It’s the normal smooth black satin finish. If you have a suggestion that might look even better, let me know.
Question 3- Stripping the diecast boiler of paint. How?
The Pittman motor is an open frame device known for noise, both mechanical and electrical. If it runs well relatively quietly, use it. If not,replace it with a can motor. Quieter, potentially more torque. Mantua offered an upgrade can motor and the later RTR locos came with the can motor installed as OEM.
The noise problem and the stodgy running characteristics have to do with the gear drive. NWSL offers a motor and gear box upgrade for this and other steamers. The gear drive upgrade makes a big difference in the running qualities of the loco.
As best as I can tell, PollyScale Steam Power Black is awful close if not dead on for a paint match. Don’t know what would be a match for the smokebox and the cab roof, if you intend to keep them the same as OEM. Everything I’ve read is that Model Master Russian Iron is a better color for most boiler smoke boxes.
Now I know the paint to use and what engines to look for. I did a little research last night and also came across those helix humpers. I see they have the model 162 for heavy mikados and the 163 for light mikados. The 163 looks like one that would actually work in mine due to the angle of the motor, it’s very similar to the stock. I was not aware that there were actually two versions that Mantua made.
Has anyone ever stripped paint off of one of these?
Do what Nfmisso said. I recently did this same thing on a Roundhouse die cast model. Also, one of my other hobbies is, for the last couple of years, rebuilding an old Volkswagen. Here I stipped off all of the paint from the body . I used leftover stripper for the model. I experimented with about every stripper the stores had (car parts stores, home centers -Lowes, etc.). Don’t waste your money on 3M Safest Stripper; it didn’t seem to work either on the car or the model. As long as the model is all metal, an aggressive stripper is OK. Plastics will get soft and/or dissolve.
Also I suggest you do the stripping outside - the fumes are nasty and potentially harmful. Wear rubber gloves. I used dish detergent and water and an old toothbru***o clean the model after stripping followed by a rinse with acetone (do this outside!).
The Helix Humper remotoring kits for Mantua and Bowser steam are great. So long as the axle gear is in good shape, you don’t have to replace it. The HH remotors will greatly increase the slow speed control of the engine, making it run almost as well as modern plastic steam.
For an all-weather cab, try Greenway Products or Precision Scale. Both have what you’re looking for. Athabasca Scale Models made CN and CP brass all-weather cabs, but their website has recently disappeared.
As for stripping old Mantuas, I prefer using a Dremel tool with a wire wheel. Most Mantuas over the years were painted witl all sorts of things, and many of the factory-painted RTR engines came with a baked on finish. Mechanically removing the paint is the only way to remove the finish for many of these engines. Besides, the wire wheel will start poplishing the parts and removing flash & burrs.
I’ve restored dozens of Mantua engines, mostly Mikes and Pacifics. With a little thought and a LOT of work, they can be upgraded into VERY good engines.
OK, heres where I stand with the conversion/upgrade.
I have a good airbrush now and have the correct paints I need. I found a great deal on Ebay for 2 brand new Precision Scale All Weather cabs. I only payed $6 each, I think that’s good. I also bought a die cast plow to replace the plastic pilot which came with it.
I definately want to get the helix humper now. I was able to actually run a locomotive which someone converted and it’s in a whole other league than the stock engine.
NYC,
Another option to consider is a Cary cast boiler and a detail kit. They are available from Bowser/Calscale. The Mantua engines can be made to run very well and last almost forever!!
There’s one more place to check into for Mantua steam - Yardbird Trains: www.yardbirdtrains.com
He has lots of parts and details for Mantua steam locomotives (as well as other vintage cast locomotives). He is also a Helix Humper dealer. He runs a lot of auctions on eBay, but you can also purchase direct.
I’m also upgrading a couple of old Mantua steamers.
I just finished a Tyco/Mantua 282 Heavy Mike kit. The open frame motor that came with it works OK, but I’m going to put a NWSL Helix Humper in it when I can afford it. (a small price to pay for a better running Mike)