Where can I find a book or information on repowering a tyco or mantua locomotives

[Lew3]

Looking for information on how to repower a couple of old tyco diesels I have. Where can I find a book or information on how to do this.
Will probably have to replace the chassies and trucks and just use the shells. Looked on the web and some youtube videos, but really
haven't found what I have been looking for. This would be the first time I have tried this, so will be starting from scratch.
Any help or info you could provide would be very helpful.
Thanks!

 

[dinwitty]

Northwest Shortline has their underpower truck the "Stanton" formerly PDT, redesigned. They have powering kits as well.
There are a few other chassis makers out there that might help out, there is also the Hollywood Foundry in Australia.

I have an old Mantua Sharknose, the old drive was swapped with an AHM/Rivarossi drive, I think now I have something else in it.

I have a mantua 0-6-0, found an article in MR or RMC on repowering the 0-4-0, so I retro-ed that idea for the 0-6-0 using a sagami can and NWSL gears, nice runner, heavy, great for yard switching long trains.

I don't know if any articles have been done on repowering the Mantua diesels.

 

[Lew3]

Thanks for the info. I contacted NWSL and they gave me the same info, but I was looking for something that wasn't quite as pricey.
Was looking for something that a little more cost effective. Would like to see the old engines run again, but cost wise don't know if it
would be worth it. Might have to just use them as dummy units. Once again thanks for the input.

 

[jayl1]

Not a book but you could try www.hoseeker.net. I don't know if that will help you but they do have information on older brands.

 

[Bruette]

I wanted to do the same as you and get new motors and chassis, but it is difficult to be sure what will fit and expensive. If you are good with the cosmetic work I know it can be done. I have seen others do it with different locomotives but they had to modify the shell or chassis and they are true artists in my opinion. I am a mechanic not an artists.

I don't know of a book. The Tyco manual tells you to send them in for repair, but the repair station is long gone.

I know most say the motors are disposable but you can rebuild them. Its tedious, but with patience and lots of light you can do it. I suggest you work over a box to catch any runaway parts, especially the springs.

I restored my old Tyco ALCO Century 430s and 630's by buying more of the same, cheap in poor cosmetic condition, but good running locomotives then I used them for parts. Sometimes it takes 2 or 3 to make one good one. Occasionally you will get lucky and only need 1 good 1 for parts.

Also there is a seller on eBay selling brush kits for the Tyco motors http://www.ebay.com/itm/160601414048?_trksid=p2055120.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Hear is the thread I started when I got started with my project/obsession http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?32073-Tyco-244-Alco-430-Restoration

Be careful, with me it became an obsession and I have 18 of them and 11 in great running condition. I ran one under one of my Christmas trees last Christmas. Three of them did not need to be restored, but I spent nearly $325 doing it. I have 2 more on order and don't ask me why because I can't give you a logical answer. They are just special to me. Christmas is another obsession for me along with Lionel.

I wish you well with your project.

 

[Bruette]

And I see you are new to the forum,

Welcome to the forum, glad to have you onboard!

 

[JimT]

Three or so decades ago I replaced the chassis of Matua/Tyco GP-20's as there were no other available shells. Athearn chassis worked as did the trucks however slimmer can motors had to be used to fit under the thinner shells.

 

[trailrider]

I would agree that Athearn chasis are about the best for the money (and maybe the best, period), even if you have to replace the motor with a flat can.

Now, if you are talking about Mantua/Tyco steamers, I can give you a bunch of tips there! (No brag, just fact!) The biggest hassle with Mantua steam locomotives is finding the gearbox to replace the direct drive from the motor shaft. Yardbird has had some in the past, but not sure of the availability now. Not sure if NWSL has a gearbox setup or not. You could make a gearbox for the Pacific and Mikado from sheet brass and the bearings from the original motor. Add a flat can motor, and you are in business. If you want DCC, there is plenty of room in the tender of most of the larger steamers.

 

[papasmurf37]

My 2 cents: Sounds like you're talking about vintage locos. I'd contact Dan @ Yard Bird Trains and ask his advice. Am sure you could put a good can motor in same space as old Pitman motor occupied. It's worth a try. GOOD LUCK.....Old Tom aka papasmurf in New Hampshire
P.S. Yard Bird trains also has a Yahoo Group!