Older Mantua Brass Steam Locomotives

[CNJ831]

Don - Read my posted reply to Kerrskountry. Mantua offered the Master Model Builder's series of eight locomotives, built mainly of brass, for some 20 years (1939-1959)! In 1950 Mantua began introducing engines made from zamac and there was a slow transition to an all-zamac line (and then mainly plastic with zamac frames) during the ensuing years. Incidentally, during the latter half of the 1950's both much of the zamac line and the remaining brass engines could be purchased as either kits or as RTR and painted.

CNJ831

[Don Gibson]

1. I don't recall Mantua Metal Products (Mantua) making BRASS engines. They were painted metal castings, and sold as kits with motors and parts to be assembled.
They were very decent. They may need new motors, or just lubrication.

Mantua's product line was recently sold, and re-issued. They may have some 'Assembly' instructions, but disassembly for lubrication is pretty simple and straight forward. Check MR for address.

There was an article im Model Railroading a year or so ago on 'Lubrication' of Older engines. i would follow their recommendations.

Side note: 50 year old engines should get new plastic sleeved shaft connections, and if the PM motor's are still magnetized, you should end up with some decent runners.

[CNJ831]

As a suggestion, check carefully to see just how many of those Mantuas you have are really made from brass. If they date from 1954 to 1961, with the exception of an 0-4-0 camelback switcher, 8-Ball Mogul, and Bell of the Eighties, Mantua had discontinued its brass Master Model Builder line of locomotives by '54. Of those engines you cite, the 2-8-2 and 0-6-0 are most probably made of zamac. And Mantua never made a shay.

All that said, after nearly fifty years I'd expect that each model needs to be stripped down, fully cleaned and lubed, motors carefully checked out and wiring looked at and perhaps repaired or replaced. This is not really a job for a novice if you cheri***he models and want them restored to full operating condition. Plus, the question of availability of repair and replacement parts for Mantua locomotives is very much in doubt at present. I'd check with the local hobby shop to see if anyone in the area does servicing of older models (unlike today, many older steam engines were built from kits and have individual/unique quirks in their operation).

CNJ831

[Anonymous]

I'm in possession of several (8 - 10) Mantua Brass Locos dated 1954 thru 1961. These were passed on to me from my father;s train collection and have not been used in years. I now have pulled these gems out of the dust box and have tried to run them on my current layout to no avail. They are just deader than a rail spike. Where can I find some info on repair and maintenance on these older models? I've read through the Kalmbach's Maintenance and care book, but the section on steam loco's is very general and covers newer equipment. These locos are almost 50 years old and externally they are in great shape. I would like to get them running on my layout and not sit in a display case gathering dust. I have several 2-8-2's, 0-6-00's, camelbacks and shays. Any help as to where to start wiill be gratefully appreciated. [:)]

Joe