Mansfield questions...

By default, getting rid of a modern VC is a good idea. Even better if the trade is for a mansfield so long as the mansfield hasn't been abused. I run a heritage which is not a N/S stove so I can't comment on the wood length issue. The folks with mansfield stoves do not have draft issues and of course the chimney is what determines draft and not the stove but the Hearthstone line isn't known for being sensitive.

The VC line is known for many things which are not good. They do look sharp though and back in the day (decades ago) they made some great stoves.

You can fit 18" wood either way in a Mansfield.

The Mansfield can handle 18" wood easily both ways

As for myself I would do the swap in a minute. I love my Mansfield. I have never had a draft issue and 18" is no problem. Soap Stone is a different critter so it may take some getting used to. I don't know your set up but I once had a Cast Iron stove in my basement to bring heat up to the house. For that purpose it was great because I needed quick high heat to make it upstairs before it was lost to the un-insulated basement walls. I couldn't stay down the basement long without losing a pound of sweat but upstairs it was nice. For that scenario I would stay with steel or cast Iron. Otherwise go with the Soap Stone and you can sit right in front of it at full blast. Do inspect the stove good. Look closely at the stones for cracks, the ceramic board under the airtubes for holes, the airtubes for warpage (overfire) etc. The one thing I don't like on the Mansfield is the ash pan. It's just a bad design. I use the old trusty shovel and bucket, much easier.

I agree, I used the ole bucket and shovel trick myself. You'll never be sorry with purchasing the Mansfield. Having burned a number of Hearthstone wood stoves, I have to say that one is my favorite.

Had a steel stove...... New Mansfield installed a couple months ago..... Won't look back! We love it. And like others have said, it will chew 18" logs any way you chose. Jump on that deal!