I just got the Mantua Classic six train set today, and I want to start off with a little review to the set. Mine has some issues that I'd like to point out.
When I first started up the locomotive (mantua saddletank 0-6-0), the motor spun but the wheels did not turn. I inspected it and saw that the worm gear was not properly aligned with the axle gear. I proceded to dismantle it. The motor mounting screws were not tightened, so that the worm gear was not tightly aligned to the axle. I corrected this. However, after spending half an hour putting the running gear back together (steam chest and slide valve was a nightmare). The locomotive runs rather strangely. It lurches to the timing of the pistons. Lunging and slowing down when the crank pins reach certain positions. Perhaps the pins are misaligned?
The following things are little peaves, not particular cries for help, but just so you're aware:
1. Creeping with this power pack is impossible. It is either stop or start at about 25 scale mph. Now I have lots of power packs lying around, so no biggie, but for someone starting off this may be kind of frustrating.
2. While the cars themselves are beautiful and roll wonderfully, the couplers are just plain icky. They aren't horn-hook/NMRA couplers either. They look to be a spring type I am not familiar with (bear with me, this is my first HO set in a decade). They constantly bounce around and disconnect.
3. Why do all sets these days come with roadbed track? Wouldn't be cheaper to use standard track?
4. The track terminals set up is very strange. It seems like a run off of fahnstock clips, only not as strong. Should probably be pinched with plyers to hold the wire.
Thanks for any comments, questions, advice, etc.
Michael T. Downes
When I first started up the locomotive (mantua saddletank 0-6-0), the motor spun but the wheels did not turn. I inspected it and saw that the worm gear was not properly aligned with the axle gear. I proceded to dismantle it. The motor mounting screws were not tightened, so that the worm gear was not tightly aligned to the axle. I corrected this. However, after spending half an hour putting the running gear back together (steam chest and slide valve was a nightmare). The locomotive runs rather strangely. It lurches to the timing of the pistons. Lunging and slowing down when the crank pins reach certain positions. Perhaps the pins are misaligned?
The following things are little peaves, not particular cries for help, but just so you're aware:
1. Creeping with this power pack is impossible. It is either stop or start at about 25 scale mph. Now I have lots of power packs lying around, so no biggie, but for someone starting off this may be kind of frustrating.
2. While the cars themselves are beautiful and roll wonderfully, the couplers are just plain icky. They aren't horn-hook/NMRA couplers either. They look to be a spring type I am not familiar with (bear with me, this is my first HO set in a decade). They constantly bounce around and disconnect.
3. Why do all sets these days come with roadbed track? Wouldn't be cheaper to use standard track?
4. The track terminals set up is very strange. It seems like a run off of fahnstock clips, only not as strong. Should probably be pinched with plyers to hold the wire.
Thanks for any comments, questions, advice, etc.
Michael T. Downes