Got an old Mantua diesel you want to run, but a bad wheel or two are causing it to have an annoying wobble? Or maybe you want it to run through switches without losing power? Here's how to make it all better!
Mantua uses 40" wheels on their diesels with a 1/8" axle. For this conversion, I'll be using Precision Scale wheels because they were available. For anyone else, I would highly recommend using NWSL 37129-4 axles. The PSC wheels are great, but their axles are slightly larger than 3/32" (0.097"), making them very difficult to work with. NWSL axles are a true 3/32" diameter (0.093", it makes a huge difference!). 1/8" brass tubing, thin brass sheet, fine wire (I use 24 gauge), thin plastic bubble packaging, and Kadee centering springs are also needed.
My Mantua Sharknose is now a smoother and more reliable runner. Because there are no tires, some extra weight is needed to improve traction. If a lot of traction is needed, "Bullfrog Snot" can be used on a wheel or two, or a second power truck can be added.
This project applies to all MU-1 and MU-2 power trucks built by Mantua. The later MU-2 trucks made by Tyco and Roco (for Tyco) should also be compatible, but many of them use plastic construction that will require a little modification to work. This will not work on Tyco's "Power Torque" sidewinder trucks.
_________________________________________________________________
Hi, I just saw this and am really intrigued. I have 3 A-Units and 1 B-Unit of these cast sharks. I can see that it is pretty easy to replace the wheelsets on the power truck, but how did you remove the wheelsets from the dummy truck. On mine, the sideframes are riveted together and hold the wheelsets captive. Did you remove the rivets and replace with new ones?
Thanks and regards, Vic Bitleris
My Shark is from the earliest run (1953?), so there were screws instead of rivets. The rivets will have to be drilled out to remove the wheels from your truck, and then you'll have to use long screws and nuts to reassemble the truck. Or, if the rivets are still in decent shape, you can glue them back in place when you're done.