Years ago, for the newer and younger readers, there was a Company known as the Mantua Metal Products Company of Woodbury Heights, New Jersey, that was a premire manufacturer in the HO Scale field.
Owned by John Tyler family, they did indeed offer a wide selection of motive power and rolling stock, in kit form, Under the Mantua name, as well as TYCO (Tyler Company) in the Ready-to-Run (R-T-R).
From their resepective production facility in the Garden State, they produced just about their entire line, in house.
MR (Model Railroader), did indeed, write a very good feature article, by the MR Staff, back in the early 1980's on the rebirth of Mantua, when the Tyler Family purchased some of the former line back from the Sarah Lea(?) Corporation.
Just a bit of history.
Now, do you guys remember the the Mantua Made motors for both Steam and Diesel Locomotives?
Of coarse, some of us do, but others do not.
They were very simple electrical motors, back before the days of flywheel drive and electronic add ons.
Built to take abuse and various other harsh situations, they were indeed outstanding motors, with just one design fault for the PM-2 Steam and MU-2 Diesel motors.
They were not built to be taken apart for repair, other than commutator brushes.
The units equiped, whether steam or diesel could pull and a good size train single handed.
Additionally, the MU-2 motor had a additional fault, the traction tires (2). Worked excellent until worn, with they would fly off. Too much stretch, comes with wear.
Here's to today.
Calumet Trains offers traction tires, none of which will fit the American Made MU-2 motor. Hey Calumet are you listing?
Model Power, current owner of the former Mantua Line, does still stock parts, which in all probability, was the remaining inventory that the "New Mantua Company", had on hand, when they exited the market for ever, back in 2001 (?).
I do not know if the tractions tires that they presently stock for the MU-2, will fit the U.S.of A. made motors.
The tires come in a package of 10, as I recall for around $10.00 per pack, which is reasonable. But the killer is that it is a additional $10.00 dollars in shipping charges for something that probably wiehgts 2 ounce max. with packaging and shipping packaging weight.
In other words, shipping charges, with shipping package, shouldn't be over let's say $3.00. For that matter, the more your buy in parts from Model Power, let's say three packages, will come to around $30.00 for shipping only!
Talk about gouging the customer.
Forget E-Bay.
How do you know, if the MU-2 traction tires offered by various people are not stretched and dry rotted? You don't, until you receive them.
And the price for a pair, not a fixed priced but bidding price.
What are we General Contractors bidding on a building project, in this case the highest bidder getting the job?
NUTTS!!!
Parts dealers, come on, your prices are a bit much. Have you ever heard of the term "A Fair Profit"?
I don't like being gouged.
Not everyone is near a "Annual Train Show", or locally owned train store either.
Others, such as myself, relie on "Willy K" and other reputable mail order dealers, exclusively.
Years ago, Rubber "O' Rings, used in plumbing, hvac, hydraulic, etc. manufacturing and repair work, were available in the exact size, that Manuta used for drive tires on the MU-2.
That's right, Mantua did not manufacture or have manufactured a special traction tire for the MU-2 motor.
They used a "off the shelf" industrial product.
Anyone out there, has any idea, if any manufacturer here in the U.S. of "O" Rings, still makes this size, compatable for Mantua MU-2 motors?
Have a couple of Mantua/Tyco powered Diesel Locomotives, (U.S. Made), which I purchased new, back in the early 1970's from... Woolsworth/Woolco Stores.
You guys remember them and their after Christmas Model Trains Sale?
If you do, remeber the Athearn, Train Miniaturer, Tyco, Atlas, AHM, etc. stuff, that you could get a hefty discounted prices?
As a matter of fact, the 1st every "Brass Locomotive", that I ever say in my life, back in the mid-1960's were several steam locomotives, (unpainted), offered by AHM and was a Woolsworth's "Woolco" chain.
Got a bit off track, but now rerailed.
Like to hear what other modelers, who still run old Mantua/Tyco diesels are doing for traction tires and solutions of using "off the shelf" availible parts to keep them running.
So your thoughts, comments and suggestions are appreciated and will be appreciated.
Have at it guys!!!