Can anyone tell me how to distinguish Pre-Tyco Mantua locos from Post Tyco? Yes, I've been to e-bay (again).
Not the answer you'd like, but this isn't easy. The name Tyco, was from John Tyler's name, who was president of Mantua Metal Products. When Tyco was brought out in the 50's, it was some of items from the line of Mantua kits, but already assembled...so you basically had the very same cast zamak locomotive from Tyco, as the Mantua kit...one notable difference is that the R-T-R Tyco had side & main rods only, no valve gear. Many items sold as Tyco, had "Mantua"molded into the bottom...it was in the dies. The whole Tyco line was R-T-R, engines, passenger & freight cars. It was later, in the early 60's, when the Tyco line veered over to plastic. Many changes took place over the next few decades,including R-T-R Mantua in both metal and plastic, while the Tyco name disappeared. Now of course, the Mantua name is a division of Model Power. regards / Mike
