mantua 2-6-6-2

[jguess733]

i've aquired a mantua 2-6-6-2, and i was wondering if there is a prototype locomotive for this model, and if so what is it. thanks for the help.

[ndbprr]

Not thatI know of. If there was it would have been a shortline like a logging outfit. Certainly not a class 1 mainline railroad. it was reviewed in MR when it first came out which I would estimate about 1965. MR thought it would be the engine everybody would want and said so in the review.

[Anonymous]

There were several versions of this engine. The original tank version was based upon the Uintah Ry 2-6-6-2t. The Uintah was a narrow gauge line, and mantua tweaked the dimensions in order to make a plausable standard gauge engine. The other versions (both tank and with tenders) are basically freelaced based upon that original Uintah model.

kevin

[tomikawaTT]

The prototype (all two of them) was built for the 36 inch gauge Uintah Ry, to haul Gilsonite on a heavily-graded route that had been laid out using a pretzel for a straightedge. Later, they were sold to the Sumpter Valley in Oregon, then went to Central America after the Sumpter Valley was abandoned. I believe, but cannot prove, that they were 'de-tanked' and given tenders by the Sumpter Valley.

Mantua's standard gauge model is simply the narrow gauge engine with widened gauge, usually painted and decorated for a narrow gauge rail line that never owned an inch of standard gauge track.

My own 'standard gauge' Mantua 2-6-6-2T is scheduled for a visit to the shops, from which it will emerge as a 42-inch gauge, 1:80 scale monster with Japanese features and no known prototype.

Chuck.

[Soo Line fan]

Here is a link to some info:
http://loggingmallets.railfan.net/models/mantua/mantua.htm

Jim

[markpierce]

I have seen photographs proving the Sumpter Valley "detanked and tenderized" the former Unitah 2-6-6-2s.

[folkestonekeith]

Last summer LGB did a re-run of the detanked and tenderized Sumpter Valley 2-6-6-2 - in G-Scale - it's a big brute......only problem is that I haven't got many US-outline freight cars to go with it .......but it still looks and sounds great.....