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 Posted - May 21 2018 : 8:18:25 PM
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Yea, get to start this weeks topic. My loco this week is a Mantua Belle of the 80's. However,
this one is mucho different from all of my others.
The first difference is the crosshead guide. This one is made of stamped brass as opposed to
diecast metal.
The second difference is the motor. I have never seen a DC motor made like this. Mantua
normally used a Pittman motor, this is not one of those. It has Mantua stamped on the frame
and has replaceable armature shaft bearings.
As near as I can figure, this must be one of the very early productions of this locomotive kit.
That and the fact that the water hatch on the tender is round as opposed to rectangular.
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Posted - May 21 2018 : 8:45:45 PM
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Posted - May 21 2018 : 11:33:23 PM
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| That's pretty fine George. Definitely early production with the round hatch. That motor is the kicker, though. Perhaps Sean will know about the motor.
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Posted - May 22 2018 : 12:54:03 AM
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Finally got around to cleaning and lubricating the
inner workings of this Cox F unit. It is a lot like
the MU2 motor, but the armature is not enclosed
much at all. This critter sparked to life and pulled
like a mule. I was delighted with its mid-range
speed and hauling power. Seen here below on its
maiden voyage at the EP Model Train Club.
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Posted - May 22 2018 : 01:04:08 AM
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Mike
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Posted - May 22 2018 : 10:13:25 AM
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| Where in the world do you find these things, MIke??
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Posted - May 22 2018 : 8:28:46 PM
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My Bachmann DCC Alco SW-2 switcher
Yardmaster 54
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Posted - May 22 2018 : 10:10:05 PM
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I'm lovin' all these locomotives - great contributions, everyone! 
Here's my LOTW offering:
Hallmarks of Tyco production from as far back as the Red Box Era, I present.............Santa Fe "Warbonnet" F9A Powered and Dummy #4015 & #4016, most likely from the 1970's/early 1980's. I obtained these 2 Tyco Santa Fe F9A's thanks to a great deal on Ebay. The seller had them listed for $14.99, buy-it-now or best offer, with $10.00 shipping. I submitted an offer of $9.99, which the seller promptly accepted! Therefore, I ended up purchasing both diesels for $19.99, shipping included!!!
With Goody's Hairband traction tires installed, and 2 drops of Liberty Oil, these 2 Tyco A.T.S.F. "Warbonnet" F9's are performing well on RETRO TYCO, currently hauling 7 cars. I'm honored to now have these!
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/rpmodelrailroads
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rp_model_railroads/
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Posted - May 23 2018 : 12:17:23 AM
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Nice classic pair, Shark Master. Hey, Yard Master, I wanna
see that layout you're building. Give us some pics, will ya
pretty please?? I like that snakey cross over- just be careful,
those S curves look pretty, but they can be the devil to
pay, particularly with anything over 40 foot.
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Posted - May 23 2018 : 02:06:30 AM
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Well, after a little tinkering and experimenting, I found out that the motor in this Belle is a
3-pole, 6 volt motor. I tested it by slowly running it up 1 volt at a time. It ran fine up to
6 volts, but would start overheating once the voltage went over 6 volts. So, it looks like
I'm gonna have to replace it with a standard Pittman 12 volt that I have available. With
this in mind I am now very sure that this is a VERY early production model.
Another item that I discovered while dis-assembling the unit is that the side rods each
have their own bearing where the driver bolts attach them to the drivers. Something
I have never seen on a steamer yet.
Edited by - oldtimer52 on May 23 2018 02:10:57 AM
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Posted - May 23 2018 : 11:43:21 AM
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| George, it looks like you have a unique find there. You should submit some photos to www.hoseeker.net . It would be a great addition to their reference literature.
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Posted - May 23 2018 : 5:43:00 PM
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quote:Nice classic pair, Shark Master. Hey, Yard Master, I wanna
see that layout you're building. Give us some pics, will ya
pretty please?? I like that snakey cross over- just be careful,
those S curves look pretty, but they can be the devil to
pay, particularly with anything over 40 foot.
Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â May 23 2018Â :Â 12:17:23 AM
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Its 2 switches together. The track the switcher is sitting on is going to be an excursion line. We put the switches in so the excursion locos can get to the yard.
Yardmaster 54
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Posted - May 24 2018 : 12:03:33 PM
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Here is a nice loco I found at an antique store. It's a smooth runner.
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