Building My First Ho Scale Steam Locomotive - Roundhouse 2-8-0

[@DarthSantaFe]

Nice job on your first kit! I also built one of these a few years back, and it smoothed out a lot after a few hours of running. One thing to keep in mind when building kits is to work out as many kinks in the drive as possible before painting and the final assembly, since it's easier to work on it without damaging anything or scratching the paint. MDC/Roundhouse kits are generally good, but had a tendency to cut corners to keep them cheap as you've found. They're good, reliable runners after some tuning and break-in time. Mantua, Varney and Bowser kits have been better out of the box in my experience. Tyco kits are the same as Mantua, but their quality control wasn't quite as good after they were bought by a food company in the 70's...

[@Alerrecks]

Darth! You're back! What's up!

[@stuartsammodels6750]

@@Alerrecks and then they never respond...

[@Kuhnakarm]

@@stuartsammodels6750 and than Blaxland never responded...

[@corwin81]

@@Kuhnakarm and then StuartSamModels never responded (sorry, couldn’t resist 😂)

[@smokencoffee7680]

Never underestimate the dollar store spray paint. Especially colours like Black and White, you cannot loose with those 2. I just found this one in all your posts. Good job, Roundhouse/Model Die Casting, over the years was known for it's metal parts to have a lot of flashing and requiring a lot of sanding. (I have kits behind me here for future projects that have had the sanding done to them already so when I pull one to build, they should go together easier.) That is what I do while watching videos.

[@STho205]

Roundhouse kits (MDC) are truly a blast from the past. They assumed you wanted to almost build it from scratch if you were a modeller in 1975. The Mantua kits were a bit better. The Browser kits were some of the better budget kits. Trying to build working valve gear with mm peen rivets is a true learning experience. At least this one skipped the valve gear. My first attempt was a 040 Mantua slopeback switcher at age 9. It worked with some struggles and mistakes. I thought about buying the valve gear option, but wisely never did. Learned how hard that was at 35 when I bought a Bowser K1 Pacific. Beautiful model. Quite a pain to build and detail. The biggest problem with most of these die casts are short circuits on the metal chassis or the motor touching the boiler and the boiler touching the frame occasionally after a track bump. Benchmark testing each assembly milestone with some lead wires, and NMRA gauge each step helps. Rolling the assembled drivers before attaching the motor helps loads. It will likely never run as well as most RTR but, like you said, it is a challenge and truly more modelling than just plopping down a RTR.

[@haroldalexis4200]

You did a fine job.that was heavy work & assembling, & painting this classic ROUNDHOUSE CNW steam engine..

[@shipbuilding1000]

This brings back memories. The store I worked in as a teen sold these Roundhouse steam kits as well as some similar kits made by Bowser. Early this year I helped a close friend liquidate his late father's large HO collection on eBay and he had quite a few Roundhouse and Bowser kits similar to yours, still unopened, some likely 30+ years old.

[@MMRails]

This reminded me of a Simpsons episode when Marge and Homer see a robot malfunction and its wires spill out. Marge turns to Homer and says “see all those wires Homey? That’s why your robot didn’t work” Not really sure where I’m going with this. Cool build. Great paint job. Loved the homemade bandage.

[@Alerrecks]

Dang, nice! I would've gone for a graphite smokebox though, gives it some more color. i've always wanted to build my own loco. Really nice job you did! Next you have to tackle the Yellowstone! :P

[@54guy54]

I got one of these about 20 years ago. I’ve filed all the parts, just haven’t gotten around to paint and assemble. Mine is a Nickel Plate Road 2-8-0.

[@aidens.7370]

Loved the new format in the beginning, keep up the good work!

[@jefflynnalex]

Those kit locos always take some time to get "broken in." The edges of the gears wear a bit making it run a bit smoother and quieter.

[@erikhilsinger9421]

those are some skookum rigs for sure, especially the can motor. I think i have a dozen. The Shay was the first kit I built and I still have it. Fun!

[@MozanaRN]

Very nice final assembly. It will eventually run fine with a little tweaking. I built the Roundhouse 4-6-2 kit and had to replace my lead wheels with metal ones so they would not jump track. When adjusted and broke in it turned out to be one of my finer steam locomotives.

[@Uptownloki47]

As always, I love the video. It’s always fun working on old kits. I’m currently working on rebuilding an old bowser cast brass 4-8-2 kit.

[@hexxoid9263]

WOW! Great job! Im also working on a kit right now. Its a Bowser kit, which are a little more in- depth. With the bowser kits theres a lot more assembly, painting, and gluing. I would recommend trying one of them out if you want to increase your skill level. Im converting a Bowser 4-8-4 kit into SP&S #700 which currently resides in the same roundhouse as SP #4449!

[@jacojasso9901]

Your hard work pays off because it looks like a beautiful CNW locomotive

[@alcopower5710]

Excellent job Harrison. She’s not only a runner but she’s beautiful.

[@j.mcq.8418]

The giant soldering gun and Rambo knife crack me up!

[@modelrailroader5619]

Hey SMT...Great build! If and when you get to a hobby store or train show , treat yourself to a set of Swiss jewellers files to add to your toolbox. You won’t regret it. That loco looks 👍 Cheers, A

[@Zebrails]

Congrats on your first steam loco' kit. Perhaps there's a bit more flash to trim. Tweaking the gears and a good oil/break-in is very important. That's a good motor for it (Japanese, I believe.) Thanks for covering your thumb. John Kamloops

[@roberthubal6278]

Welcome to kit building. Beautiful job😁🚂

[@robertnielsen2461]

If you should do this again and I wish you well.A Word of advice when you do,once the chassis is finished but before valve gear is added just side rods,break in the mechanism.Side rods will most likely need run in time to insure that everything is properly broken in,take this step and you will be amazed at how smooth and quiet this loco runs.

[@FuzionHyperX]

Finally the true story on SMT’s thumb!!

[@gschroeder7753]

Cool vid Harrison love the steamys (EDIT) you should do a Q&A on your next live stream

[@jackrabbit2688]

I agree.

[@thayersubdivisionproductio9233]

Same

[@dbtech7914]

Great job on the locomotive. I'll have to look for one of those to build. I drilled through my finger one time. Someone had to take me to the hospital while I held onto the drill with the other hand.

[@quintinbarnhart]

Nice! Mdc kits are a very good way to learn how to build locomotives and kitbash with other parts! A couple of notes: the tender truck axle wipers should be bent down on top of the axle as the tender sits on the track, not bent up pushing up on the bottom of the axle. You should always have the wipers pressing down for better contact. The clicking sound is the piston stem/main rod hitting either the piston assembly or the hanger assembly on one side. It also looked like there were some pilot steps missing, and your front coupler! 😁 if you want to feel adventurous, look up the mdc shay kit!

[@albertweir5070]

well done cobber such a nice loco cheers

[@forrestsampsel1958]

Great job!! Those mdc kits are fun to build they had several different variations on the way there built. I have built tons of them over the years.

[@joallawestervelt6918]

Great job. Steam engines have always been my favorite. She is a beautiful engine. ♥

[@adamhinkle7982]

A set of small files works wonders and MDC is famous for these kits. Nice job on your first build.

[@mamodsteamreturns5492]

looked to be a nice straight forward kit to build.. wish some kit manufactures over here in England took this idea..would make life easier

[@anthonyj.adventures9736]

I bought a Stewart Hobbies Alco century 628 from eBay. It was a model kit but the entire drive system was assembled. I basically had to screw down the Circuit board to the mounts above the motor/driveshafts,. I did have to assembly all the cab glass and the body/cab shell and the handrails. It has great directional lighting but after about 30 40 seconds of running the motor free spins inside the little CV joint pivot thing that goes to drivers. Can't glue it cause then the locomotive would not be able to turn but ran with my when doubled heading with a Walters Gp9M. It runs fine. I love the directional lighting. Anyway I found out Stewart Hobbies which used to be a small modeling company from Chalfont PA USA was bought by Bowser model trains.

[@jim_cathymcclendon6091]

Back in my day kit Building was part of the journey of model railroading

[@keithmurrow5448]

Nice job! I tried building one of the MDC narrow-gauge, outside-frame 2-8-0 locomotive kits when I was in my 20s and never could get it to work well. I recently bought one of the standard gauge Old Timer 2-8-0 kits and am going to try it again now that 30 years have passed. Hope my results are even half as good as yours.

[@SMTMainline]

These things can be a real challenge to build properly. I’m happy to have got this one running but it’s far from perfect. Having said that, how else is one suppose to learn?

[@rogerhuber3133]

"Hairy Man"?? LOL Nice job and a lot of new knowledge for your hobby.

[@normanrowe2831]

Nice job. These kits were popular many years ago. You can still find them at shows and auction sites. See ya next time.

[@wisconsinandnorthwesternra8381]

Nice video, glad to see some CNW making an appearance

[@SkywiseStormwolf]

just found this video. that looks a lot like Norfolk & Western #475 (currently owned by Strasburg Railroad in Pennsylvania. Beautiful locomotive.

[@babiesblankie1459]

I like how that thing wrapped around your thumb says image not found

[@c418stal5]

Hahahaha “image not found” on your thumb that’s hilarious

[@mistermadmachine6311]

😂👏👏👏👏👏

[@thatd59ladlarry]

Umm what? oh wait

[@mercuryoak2]

Awesome a locomotive kit. Fun part is the mantua customized road name pacific i have. Shown you. I gotta post some video on Instagram or KZbin of progress on the other one and one im working on . but it's fun to take apart and put together. Even though i never built a kit technically what im doing as I rebuild them is . anyway this is awesome good job! Ps i never paid attention to your thumb i figured it was something like a hammer accident glad its ok though.

[@garywilliamson-x8w]

Awesome Job Harrison

[@J.Tstudioproduction6375]

Awesome video, I’ll give it a 50 out of 50,

[@normaclark7608]

You did a great job on it

[@Petemonster62]

SMT - looking at the Kadee Coupler List in my 2007 Walther's catalog; it says the 2-8-0 ( Old ) uses # 26 on the Pilot, & # 4 on the Tender. The 2-8-0 ( New ) uses # 26 on the Pilot, & # 28 on the Tender. Keep the horn-hooks for an engine that you use with the older cars!

[@Hjerte_Verke]

I've seen it all now, a model locomotive built in brute fashion, with the aid of a Mora knife. 😃

[@warbabyproductions]

It even looks better then what I expected from when it was in pieces

[@randallellison6421]

Although I'm familiar with Roundhouse products (I have several of their freight car kits) and I knew they made locomotives, this is the first time I've seen one! Great job on the build! Glad you and your thumb are still doing well😂👍! I'll try to catch you on your next live stream!

[@realcanadian67]

Congrats!

[@johnramirez5996]

Awesome... Man when i went to the Lansing show i got a brass car. 1920s type ford car. Is cool but delicate brass.

[@tjprptchable]

That looks awsome I like that its Chicago northwestern keep up the great work

[@johnmajane3731]

I built a few Bowser kits which are more detailed and required riveting. They actually are good running locomotives.

[@LRSX]

Wow that looks great, this will be requested alot on your next live stream haha.

[@warbabyproductions]

About time and what a beautiful engine

[@railsofthenorthland1181]

Finally a real locomotive. I’m proud!

[@railsofthenorthland1181]

Also that is actually based off a Northern Pacific 2-8-0.

[@aerodisfunction9896]

Looks awesome SMT! I actually just got some more HO Trains on my birthday, and I’m gonna try and test a rivarossi B&O switcher later and see if it works.

[@antonbruce1241]

Those old Roundhouse kits were fun to build, but as said below...they needed a bit of "break in time" to get them running just right. And as a reminder...ALWAYS remove any flash from the casting(s)!!! And...I suggest you run it and break it in BEFORE you paint it.

[@Steamer96]

I think you should've taken a scouring pad to the cylinders to help remove flask. I do that with my Mantua engines and it gives em a nice polish.

[@philliprowe1893]

I made the MDC 2 truck Shay kit in 84 .tricky but she is still running strong!

[@michaelbujaki2462]

Building one of these would be a great way to learn how to fix these things.

[@gaberogers6827]

Can you do a updated video of all your locomotives you have collected but by the railroad names not the dates you got them?

[@MattKonsol]

That looks beautiful! Say hello to nerf cat!

[@jh-kn2bc]

I built a mantua 4 6 2 kit and it was pretty easy but the valve gear was a pain in the a##

[@Natty92062]

Great job on the loco! Looks awesome. Why do the couplers not fit your purpose? Do you use a particular type? Thanks...

[@irondiamondrailproductions9038]

Roundhouse is a very nice model company. Great find! Also feels bad about your finger.

[@MoosesWorkshop]

Cool little kit!

[@TrainsofChicagoland]

Beautiful steamer

[@jeffsikes5312]

those need a lot of filing and trimming but i have many of them have not built most yet but did file every thing for prep

[@enriqueaguilar4892]

That steam engine you are putting together would be great to convert to DCC n Sound technology go with soundtraxx system it's worth adding sound to steam 🚂 n diesel locomotive's

[@barnfulloftrains]

Good Job, I wish train manufactures would still make kits that you could put together.

[@parts323]

Get yourself a nice set of small jewelers files. they work wonders when it comes to cleaning the metal flash off some of this kits.

[@Brian_rock_railfan]

Awesome video liked 🚂👍

[@benh3518]

I am supremely jealous - it is EXTREMELY hard to find CNW steam locomotives for affordable prices!

[@davidztog9011]

We don't need instructions (as you toss them aside). 🙄 I was wondering why you were assembling the locomotive, Harrison, before painting the parts. But then, through the magic of video editing, it was painted and detailed. Nice job with the dollar store spray paint. She's a looker, and a sleek little runner. How much time did it take overall, including the troubleshooting after the first attempt at riding the rails? Thanks for sharing. 👍 👍 👍

[@SMTMainline]

I had no idea how to put this thing together so I figured it would be best to see how it all went together before painting etc. Troubleshooting didn't take too long. Just a careful look at the bottom revealed what was going on with the wheels.

[@ColbysProjectBin]

smt I just got my first lot from ebay today for $23, and all 4 pieces of rolling stock and 2 locomotives are in ok shape. I haven't tested them yet

[@WWIIREBEL]

Currently ,I am working on an MDC/Roundhouse 3 truck Shay kit....talk about a challenge? Hoooo boy,lol.

[@warbabyproductions]

It’s like everything that inspires me in model railroading is all thanks to smt and dirty dan which know includes me know wanting to build a steam locomotive kit

[@thatd59ladlarry]

Not bad for a first attempt!

[@TunnelMotorMann]

That is a very nice loco.

[@williamfindspeople4341]

I would recommend not doing a big brass then. The big models take about a year to build with all the detail. There's definitely a difference between building models and running them and fixing them and running them. Some people go to Great Lengths in great detail to run there track by laying individual rail line and tides.

[@davidstrainsandlego]

I like the simplistic box

[@mistermadmachine6311]

I almost bought a unbuild roundhouse climax but I didn’t because I had zero experience with these kits and I couldn’t find parts that could work

[@lafox2833]

Nice way better than anything I could do

[@thayersubdivisionproductio9233]

Finally after 2 years finally built

[@SMTMainline]

Hasn't been that long. It was May of last year.

[@thayersubdivisionproductio9233]

@@SMTMainline felt like it

[@Annuld]

Hey SMT, do a video about your favorite trains. Also what controller do you use?

[@henryandhistrains9849]

I wish it Encouraged me to do something like that but it kind of discouraged first time LOL!

[@henryandhistrains9849]

But it is awesome

[@amtrakp4242]

I’m planning to build a Atlas Passenger Depot.

[@warbabyproductions]

What’s the tool that you used to place the bolts to the rods

[@ItsTrainFun]

Where did you bought this loco? Do you recommend it or not?

[@bnsfandcsxrailroad5244]

That was so cool

[@c44-9w9]

Nice engine!

[@jonstrite6381]

Have you ever seen unstoppable?

[@Rafe0921]

In the wise words of Micheal Reeves,”booga booga brain think metal strong, metal not strong, more like McDonald’s trampoline.”

[@localrat2796]

hi im back awsome vid is this a kit????

[@jasonlowes6212]

It was snowing where I live today

[@briandonovan9560]

There's a real 2-8-0 CNW loco and caboose in a small historical display area located in Antigo Wisconsin.

[@metrolinxfan3005]

One of mbtas heritige unit has a broken bell

[@tylergehring7879]

Kind of looks like a USATC S160 2-8-0, but I could be wrong

[@elleryparsons5766]

I am starting to think But Maybey I should get em to Assemble instead of getting them ready to go.

[@LydeckerFan]

Were the tender trucks backwards?

[@soontobesopwith_production4705]

nice! I made a ho big boy plastic model kit that has instructions on how to install a motor and running gear (if anyone has tips on where to get stuff plz say so)