Mantua Availability?

[Jake]

Ive been looking to finally start on a layout and Ive decided on a small logging/mining road, and one (well two technically) engine has caught my eye, the Mantua 2-6-6-2 w/t tender and the Mantua 2-6-6-2T now I haven't been aware of Mantua's existence for very long, so I don't know whether or not these are limited availability like BLI engines, or produced in small numbers many times like Blackstone locomotives, or just occasionally go out of stock like B-mann. So should I start to build the layout now and not worry about it, or should I get my hand on one of these beautiful suckers first? Help is appreciated!

[Tim]

Jake

The Mantua line is now being produced by Model Power.

The loco's you are interested in are available at many online
hobby shops, and possibly at your LHS.

They are currently available.

Tim Anders
Souderton, Pa

[Jake]

I know they are available, my problem is, how long? Because, I can't pull up money very quickly, and I am concerned with whether-or-not to purcase one now becuase I don't know if they will go out of production forever (or almost forever) like a BLI.

[Bojangle]

The hardest part of model RR is deciding on a "theme".  It sounds like you have already decided that, so I would definitely go ahead with the layout.  

However, the next part of planning is the layout size, which will be determined by your available space and size of your planned locomotives.

Even if the model is a true mallet, you should probably consider 22" as minimum radius, larger if space permits.  

I think an early mining/logging layout would be a lot of fun, and there are a lot of available structures or you could scratch build for the era.  Check out this site for ideas.
http://www.narrowgauge.org/
Bo
 

[Jake]

^Thanks for the tips Bo, and as for layout size, I'll probably do a 6.5-7x12 table-top deal layout, since the space I have won't permit a big U with terminals & turnarounds at each end. But I think there may be a few (maybe even quite a few) curves that go to 18" radius (or maybe even 15"!  ) just to give it that rugged built-on-a-dime feel.  So I am going to assume that these will not go out of production anythime soon and not to worry about it.

[SteamGene]

Model Power is not known for limited runs.  I think both the 2-6-6-2 and th 2-6-6-2T will be around for awhile.  In addition, Model Power lowered the prices to a reasonable level. 
Gene

[Jake]

Thanks gene! 

[Jake]

Sorry for the double post but I have one last question, does anyone have any Idea on how big these are, they are probably no longer than 16" but I don't want to have to rework an entire section of the layout to accomodate a larger turntable. And I don't want to have to buy a new kit either, they are expeeeensiiiiivvvve.

[SteamGene]

I've only seen one, but they are small.  They actually model a 3 foot gauge locomotive.  You might want to check the Model Power web site - they may have dimensions.
Gene

[SteamGene]

MSRP for the 2-6-6-2 is $153.  Model Power site does not give dimensions.
Gene

[Jake]

I guess I'll just have to go out on a limb and get a 16" turntable. Again, thanks gene! You have been a lot of help! And thanks to everyone else!

[r.cprmier]

Jake;
The 2-6-6-2 w/t is about the same size as the PFM HOn3 2-6-6-2.  It does take tight radii nicely, but I wouldn't push it; if for no other reason, than esthetics...It would look rather gawky on a 15" rad.-if it would take it at all.

These engines will wear a Tsunami DCC unit nicely, but it takes somepre-planning to install.  MIne went in nicely, but I had two Bachmann 2-6-6-2s to practice on.

They arr a rather smooth ruinning engine; do lubricate according to instructions.  There have been some rather interesting conversions to an )n3 Sumpter Valley 2-6-6-2, and some attempts at "narry-gaging" the HO version...Nahhhhh!!!  By the way, I still have my PFM 2-6-6-2 in the box, wrapped, unpainted...
...Eat your hearts out, you "Brass Monkeys"...

Rich

[SteamGene]

Jake - contact me by e-mail.  I THINK I have a 16" turntable I can't use.
Gene

[jsmvmd]

The Micro-Mark price is $97.50 for the 2-6-6-2.

http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Department&ID=175

Best Wishes,

Jack

[Bojangle]

Jake:

Don't be misled by the factory's "better buy it now or you won't get it" ads.  If it is that popular it will probably be around a while.  If not, well usually something even better comes along.

By the way, this board is sponsored by Bachmann, so it is  not appropriate to elaborate on  links and prices for competitor's items.  I say that from experience.
We have a lot of "freedom of speech" here, but it can go "over the line". 

Bo