Ive been looking to finally start on a layout and Ive decided on a small logging/mining road, and one (well two technically) engine has caught my eye, the Mantua 2-6-6-2 w/t tender (http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=71019) and the Mantua 2-6-6-2T (http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=71018) now I haven't been aware of Mantua's existence for very long, so I don't know whether or not these are limited availability like BLI engines, or produced in small numbers many times like Blackstone locomotives, or just occasionally go out of stock like B-mann. So should I start to build the layout now and not worry about it, or should I get my hand on one of these beautiful suckers first? Help is appreciated!
Jake
The Mantua line is now being produced by Model Power.
The loco's you are interested in are available at many online
hobby shops, and possibly at your LHS.
They are currently available.
Tim Anders
Souderton, Pa
I know they are available, my problem is, how long? Because, I can't pull up money very quickly, and I am concerned with whether-or-not to purcase one now becuase I don't know if they will go out of production forever (or almost forever) like a BLI.
The hardest part of model RR is deciding on a "theme". It sounds like you have already decided that, so I would definitely go ahead with the layout.
However, the next part of planning is the layout size, which will be determined by your available space and size of your planned locomotives.
Even if the model is a true mallet, you should probably consider 22" as minimum radius, larger if space permits.
I think an early mining/logging layout would be a lot of fun, and there are a lot of available structures or you could scratch build for the era. Check out this site for ideas.
http://www.narrowgauge.org/
Bo
^Thanks for the tips Bo, and as for layout size, I'll probably do a 6.5-7x12 table-top deal layout, since the space I have won't permit a big U with terminals & turnarounds at each end. But I think there may be a few (maybe even quite a few) curves that go to 18" radius (or maybe even 15"! :o ) just to give it that rugged built-on-a-dime feel. :) So I am going to assume that these will not go out of production anythime soon and not to worry about it.
Model Power is not known for limited runs. I think both the 2-6-6-2 and th 2-6-6-2T will be around for awhile. In addition, Model Power lowered the prices to a reasonable level.
Gene
Thanks gene! ;D
Sorry for the double post but I have one last question, does anyone have any Idea on how big these are, they are probably no longer than 16" but I don't want to have to rework an entire section of the layout to accomodate a larger turntable. And I don't want to have to buy a new kit either, they are expeeeensiiiiivvvve.
I've only seen one, but they are small. They actually model a 3 foot gauge locomotive. You might want to check the Model Power web site - they may have dimensions.
Gene
MSRP for the 2-6-6-2 is $153. Model Power site does not give dimensions.
Gene
I guess I'll just have to go out on a limb and get a 16" turntable. Again, thanks gene! You have been a lot of help! And thanks to everyone else!
Jake;
The 2-6-6-2 w/t is about the same size as the PFM HOn3 2-6-6-2. It does take tight radii nicely, but I wouldn't push it; if for no other reason, than esthetics...It would look rather gawky on a 15" rad.-if it would take it at all.
These engines will wear a Tsunami DCC unit nicely, but it takes somepre-planning to install. MIne went in nicely, but I had two Bachmann 2-6-6-2s to practice on.
They arr a rather smooth ruinning engine; do lubricate according to instructions. There have been some rather interesting conversions to an )n3 Sumpter Valley 2-6-6-2, and some attempts at "narry-gaging" the HO version...Nahhhhh!!! By the way, I still have my PFM 2-6-6-2 in the box, wrapped, unpainted...
...Eat your hearts out, you "Brass Monkeys"...
Rich
Jake - contact me by e-mail. I THINK I have a 16" turntable I can't use.
Gene
The Micro-Mark price is $97.50 for the 2-6-6-2.
http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Department&ID=175
Best Wishes,
Jack
Jake:
Don't be misled by the factory's "better buy it now or you won't get it" ads. If it is that popular it will probably be around a while. If not, well usually something even better comes along.
By the way, this board is sponsored by Bachmann, so it is not appropriate to elaborate on links and prices for competitor's items. I say that from experience.
We have a lot of "freedom of speech" here, but it can go "over the line".
Bo
Quote from: Bojangle on July 18, 2007, 12:09:35 AM
By the way, this board is sponsored by Bachmann, so it is not appropriate to elaborate on links and prices for competitor's items. I say that from experience.
We have a lot of "freedom of speech" here, but it can go "over the line".
Bo
Umm, I can see what you are saying there, but bachmann doesn't even offer 2-6-6-2's anymore, nevermind in both tender & tank logging varieties. And I'm sure they do not mind because most people here are dedicated customers. And I'm sure if Bachmann had a problem with it, they would have said something by now.
Bachmann gives a lot of leeway regarding discussing other products, and I can see your viewpoint as well. However, it is the posting of sources combined with posting of prices that is the problem. If you give a link, the reader can determine the price, no need to post it here.
The Bachman removed one of my threads for reasons mentioned above, so they have already "spoken". It's just a reminder to not overdo it.
Bo
Dear Mr. B, et al,
Sorry for posting the price. Did not think, ergo I erred. Perhaps that is why I have a size 12 mouth, from inserting foot.
Best Wishes,
Jack
They don't come in Great Northern, do they. :-\
They do, you just have to go to the Model Power website.
Yes. 8)
Hey Bo;
I bet one or two of us are: ROFLMAO!!!
Rich
Re: 2-6-6-2.
I am sidetracking a bit here, but I have a Spectrum 2-6-6-2 and wanted to acquire another and was advised that the units were no longer in production, they seemed to be sold out most places I contacted.
As a result I came across the Mantua's 2-6-6-2 and picked up one of them, Very happy with the unit overall. I would prefer the Spectrum (bias preference) but it still is a most acceptable unit. Good slow speed control, very smooth runner.
Having read how most of the owners of the Spectrum 2-6-6-2's had nothing but high praise for these engine, would anyone know if Bachmann will be re-releasing these units?
A final note, as a result of obtaining the 2-6-6-2 Mantua I later obtained the 2-6-6-2 tank version as well.
micro mark sells the articulateds for $80-90 so that compared to what it used to be is like awesome, I'm actually going to save money to buy another one for another one of my bashes
Rich:
I think my brain is fried from info overload. I don't even understand some of the questions, it's like: What! I feel like the caveman in the Geico commercial. Having an existential meltdown. Anyway glad to find another human with a sense of humor. :D :D :D
Bo
Look around. The Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2s are still available. I just bought an undecoarated one which will soon be given a 16V tender and assigned a VT&P road number.
Gene
I feel like the caveman in the Geico commercial. Having an existential meltdown. Anyway glad to find another human with a sense of humor.
Bo; that may be my strongest point here...
Hey, by the way; I heard somewher that the "Caveman" is going to have his own show. What have you heard?
It woud be pretty funny; premordial Don Rickels type sarcasm...emanating from a mouth with rather ponderously large dentures...
Rich
Rich:
I heard the same thing. He has become a very popular personality. They have an entire cast, don't know what the "cavewoman" will look like. I better clam up, not on topic. :D :D
Bo
When did this topic turn into the caveman discussion page? lol :P
Hi there from my side of the Pacific. I've been reading the discussion regarding the two artics anfd all I can add is that they are both great. I noticed that you wanted the lengths of the two locos in question so I shot down to my layout and here they are. The Mantua 2-6-6-2 and tender is 12 1/2" and the Bachman 2-6-6-2 and tender is 14 1/2" over the couplers. I propose to swing these two locos on a 16" T/T. I hope this is of some help. Cheers from Kiwiland, Rob.
P.S. It looks like a small mproblem is rearing its ugly head with my Bachman 2-6-6-2. If I can't get to the bottom of it I'll post the the problem and pick your brains.
Jake:
Realistically, I think a 16-inch turntable is too long, unless you plan to also run locos longer than the Mantua logger. It's my understanding that most railroads installed the minimum turntable length they needed for their longest locos to minimize cost and space used, which means that often the tables were just long enough to accomodate the overall wheelbase with front and rear couplers hanging off the ends.
On a related note, I have a Diamond Scale 75-foot turntable kit that I no longer need -- I bought it to accomodate a Mantua logger w/ tender back when it was going to be my longest loco. E-mail me if you're interested.
When did this topic turn into the caveman discussion page? lol
Because, Jake; Model railroading is so easy.. (OK everybody; all together now: one, two, three...)
Rich
A CAVEMAN COULD DO IT!!!!!!!
lol. But yeah, knowing me, I'll just stay with the 14" turntable and make a longer seperate shed for engines that go longer than that.
A friend who works for Geico loves the lizard and caveman. Business is booming. Looks like a caveman didn't come up with the marketing strategy.
As for posting about other manufacturers, the Bachman has been very tolerant. Simple etiquette would dictate that you inform people that other products may be available by another manufacturer and let them do the rest of the work.
Maybe Athearn will re-release the former MDC old timer series. They would go nicely with the former Mantua cars. A lot of these cars, and the AHM old timers, appear from time to time on Ebay. Just check the prices - they may be called "rare" or "vintage" but they are hardly scarce or worth very much.
Woody;
Eight or so years ago, I switched from HOn3 to HO, but while I was in Narry gauge" I stumbled upon the "old timer" series by ROundhouse; and lo and behold, two cars came up aces!! The "GRAMPS" tank car, and the short flat.
Now, the D&RGW had these flats-6500 series-and I wanted some. With a little re-sizing work and a new "Evergreen deck", those little flats filled the bill nicely! Those tanks also fit on a narrow guge frame nicely, with a little alteration; and the"CONOCO" and "GRAMPS" lettering was a shoe-in, as well. Grandt and TIchy detail parts finished the projects.
I do hope that Horizon does re-release those cars. If I do another flat, however, I will use wood for the deck, if I can get it thin enough. I think wood "weathers" better than plastic in this application.
RIch
Rich
The MDC HO Old Timer tank car was a nicely done car. It was easily converted to Hon3. I liked their Old Timer caboose - I had several and kit bashed them into all kinds of work train cars.
Best bet is for interested parties to contact Horizon.