Mantua 2-10-0 Decapod Prototype

[steamwhistle]

Some years back Mantua produced a 2-10-0 Decapod. Does anyone know what prototype the model was based on? It doesn't appear to be a "Russian" yet the firebox appears to be wrong for a PRR. Any ideas?

[orsonroy]

It has no prototype. Basically, the engine is their stock "freight engine" boiler plunked down onto a 2-10-0 chassis. This boiler was also used on their 2-8-2, 2-8-4 and 4-8-4. As far as I've been able to determine, the boiler itself is completely freelance, being too wide and too short for virtually any engine of the above wheel arrangements.

That said, it could probably be used as the start of a WM or D&H engine. But it's completely unlike anything the Pennsy ever had. You'd be better off buying a Bowser 2-10-0, which IS a Pennsy prototype (or, if you already have the Mantua engine, adding a Bowser boiler)

[dknelson]

The Mantua boiler that they used for their 2-8-2 not only had no prototype, but if you look at it it is shaped like a letter D -- no rounding at the bottom! Some people think it somewhat resembled a Wabash 2-8-2. So it is generic but is a husky looking engine -- a big big decapod and way bigger than a Russian.

I do not know if Bowser still sells the Cary boiler for a PRR decapod that as I recall actually came drilled and tapped to fit on a Mantua mechanism.

I'd suggest keeping the mantua engine as it is but look at old Locomotive Cyclopedias, find something close, and perhaps detail the engine to resemble a prototype. A few details such as headlights, generators, air pumps, new cab, and tender can do wonders for a mantua engine.
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

Yes, Bowser still sells the Cary, drilled Mikado, and Pacific boilers, and others. They also market undrilled versions.
Concerning the Mantua boilers; while the "heavy" boiler is difficult to apply, since it has a large diameter w/o commensurate length, both "light" and"heavy" boilers might used for Norfolk Southern's "baby" Berkshires, also, Nickle Plate Road's "baby" Hudsons.

[dknelson]

I looked in some of my sources, such as the 1930 Locomotive Cyclopedia, and Ray Breyer/orsonroy had a good idea when he suggested the Western Maryland prototype. It was a big big decapod (big tender too) and while I am sure the dimensions are far from the Mantua model the clean lines, general outline and "idea" of the model seems pretty close.
Dave Nelson

[orsonroy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by riverhill
Concerning the Mantua boilers; while the "heavy" boiler is difficult to apply, since it has a large diameter w/o commensurate length, both "light" and"heavy" boilers might used for Norfolk Southern's "baby" Berkshires, also, Nickle Plate Road's "baby" Hudsons.

The only boiler Bowser sells that's anywhere close to the NKP's Hudsons is their NYC K-11 boiler. While the Hudsons LOOK sort of like a USRA light Pacific, they're really a little smaller, and based off older NYC Pacific designs. Anyone wanting to kitbash a NKP Hudson should just pick up one of the older NKP Brass 4-6-4s, which can be found for less than $200.

[wccobb]

When Mantua introduced their 2-8-2 w die cast boiler back in 1950 (or so), there was rumor that it was based on a CNJ prototype. Not able to verify.

[GT Mills]

Why do they not let anyone upload photos to this forum??? Jeez. 

That said -

In my research to model the Pere Marquette ordered/delivered early Alco 2-10-2's, which were based on a 2-10-0 frame with a trailing wheelset stuck under the firebox so you back the thing up w/o derailing it, and/or the later Lehigh Valley- acquired Baldwin B-1's,  I have found that he top of this Mantua 2-10-2 closely resembles the C&O 2-10-2 Baldwin B-2's acquired from HV/LV.  (C&O never bought a new 2-10-2.) 

If someone would be so kind as to allow photo posting on here then perhaps we all could benefit from a little more knowledge about the historic details of this Mantua model.

Signed:  disgruntled paid MR subscriber

 

[gmpullman]

Alco USRA 2-10-2 photo from a 1919 catalog I have.

Alco_USRA by Edmund, on Flickr

And the statistics of said locomotive:

Alco_USRA_0001 by Edmund, on Flickr

and the buyers of said USRA designs:

Alco_USRA_0004 by Edmund, on Flickr

Alco_USRA_0005 by Edmund, on Flickr

GT Mills

If someone would be so kind as to allow photo posting on here then perhaps we all could benefit from a little more knowledge about the historic details of this Mantua model.

I upload thousands of photos to Flickr anyway. Very easy to link them here. At other forums I have to go through the upload process again, resize them to fit their format then try to remember where they are on their server. Much easier to link to a third-party hosting site.

I like the M-R system.

Cheers, Ed

[BigDaddy]

Necro thread, the OP hasn't posted in 2 years and the thread itself is 14 years old.

Once you understand the rules and are willing to follow them, you can post a pic here in less than 2 minutes, maybe less than one.  This forum is never going use state of art technology.  If you can log in and see posts, it's a good day. 

[railandsail]

For fear of retribution I will not mention other sites that are easy to use photo wise.

But after considerable looking around I have found this photo hosting site that seems to be the most easy to use

https://imgbb.com/

imgBB

[GT Mills]

OK, I relented and logged back in to my 2008 Flickr account that I haven't used in years.  I am going to test linking a photo here, of a Samhongsa brass Baldwin C&O B3 I just picked up on Ebay last month (10/2019) for what I consider to be a great deal:  $204.00  It was originally up for sale for $240.00 "Buy It Now" from Trainz, they wanted $35.00 to ship it.  I sent them an offer to pay full price, but asked that they cut the expensive S&H down to 1/2, $18.50.  The offer was declined.  After a week or 10 days, they relisted the item for $204.00, with the same $35.00 shipping.  I figured WTH and bough it.  The Road is all wrong, MPL, but it is definitely a C&O B-3, it matches prototype photos i found on the web and saved, so one day I'll ditch the road name and splash C&O proudly upon her! 

Now, lessee if I can link the pic successfully here...

Hmm...let's try this: 

 

 

[gmpullman]

191127 by Gergyro, on Flickr

 

Simply copy > paste the link text from Flickr (bbcode) directly into the text box here. Don't use the insert photo menu item.

MR_Photo2 by Edmund, on Flickr

Your pasted link will look something like this:

MR_Photo3 by Edmund, on Flickr

When you post your reply the link will become active.

Good Luck, Ed