So i am interested in converting my mallet and upgrading it to dcc but I have a serious issue operating it as is unconverted and woupdate like to figure out how to tackle that without the need for a tender As mine has one built into the back of the cab. The problem is that it stops working at turnouts at the blind center drivers. i want to tackle this problem first before I sp more money into upgrading this interesting and detailed model. I also want to know if my version is older than the 1980's or made during the late 80's as it has a 5 pole motor. I would love to fully upgrade this engine to have all the bells and whistles dcc has to Truly offer but the closest thing I have experienced to dcc is Lionel's tmcc trainmaster command control as i am just getting into ho after find this engine and 7 others in various degrees of condition some I have posted earlier about here For 2 dollars a piece! I have a loop of code 100 ez track with two turnouts and a marklin transformer I use for some marklin z gauge trains I have as well. Here is the mantua mallet again for your analysis!
As it has the open frame "Pittman" type motor it is prior to 1987. Supposedly that version came out in the early Eighties. To install DCC, you need to isolate it from the frame (tape between motor and frame and substitute nylon screws for metal on the motor mounts). You'll need to get a DCC wiring harness and solder the wires in place and then install the decoder and speaker of your choice. 1) Don't know if there is room to install DCC. 2) Open frame motors lose magnetism and strength over time, so I'd swap out the ALNICO magnet for "super magnets" or substitute a can motor. Super Magnets 20 pieces, super strong mini magnets with pull up to 6.5 pounds, corrosion resistant. (micromark.com) 2) A "stay alive" attachment to the DCC board should solve your stalling problem - BUT get an NMRA standards gauge (they're cheap) and check that the drivers and turnouts meet the NMRA standards Nmra HO STANDARDS GAUGE for sale | eBay and NMRA Standards and Recommended Practices | National Model Railroad Association
Fixed!
Thanks!
Show us a clear view of the underside of the chassis, with the wiper arrangements if any to the drivers.
A number of people on this forum are experts in designing and fabricating better electrical pickup for locomotives, and I hope they will comment here and post some relevant links to earlier detailed threads...
Since your Mallet has no separate tender, and there is very little space in the locomotive to place a decoder, I wonder if the answer is to place a decoder in the first trailing car.
Just a thought.
Rich
Alton Junction
I don't see any wipers at all, and with the heavy and wide chassis I think you may have trouble with the type of wiper that rides against the back of the driver tire. Hopefully Doctor Wayne will provide the usual splendid display of how he does this, and some of the other experts will give you advice on how to do this while making the necessary "DCC readiness" changes...
Mantua engines of this size did not use wipers. The rigid set of drivers is connected to one rail thru the frame, the forward pivoting set is connected to the other rail thru its frame.
There is a complete set of instructions on HO Seeker.
Sheldon