Buying Shady Model Trains on eBay - Best Haul Yet??

I'm often asked how I find the lots of model trains that I do so I decided to show how I go about finding these lots and how I appraise the values of the items they have.
In this case I ended up finding a large lot of twenty locomotives plus a couple pieces of rolling stock and unlike most of the lots I purchase this one has several high-end locomotives which look to be in great shape.
0:00 Intro
0:31 Searching for trains
10:38 Appraising the value
17:01 Auction
18:04 Unboxing
25:38 Haul
30:01 Ending

[@dirtboy45]

This young man puts the fun back into model railroading that the nit picking detail worrying high price train snobs took from the hobby. Also he shows many ways to fix model trains so owners won’t have to worry about searching for or buying over bloated pricey trains. Also the shipping has gotten ridiculous on these online bought trains. This young man shows how to get past the bloated junk for sale. We all should take time to get the younger generation interested in model railroading again and keep the hobby in its original amateur form, not some bloated gig to make money and become the know it all of the hobby. Thanks SMT Trains for making the hobby fun and affordable again to many amateur model train enthusiasts. Keep up the great work!

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks for your comment. That's exactly what I aim to do, focus on fun and not realism.

[@sandman9677]

My 4 year old loves trains, saw you randomly on KZbin. We've been hooked since! Me included! We've been catching up on all your past videos. His favorite part is when you clean the commutators! Long story short, I'm glad we found your channel!

[@tommurphy4307]

i envy you, vince. if i had a kid- he or she would be a train-person, too. thanks for spreading the joy. rob

[@rivitedrailfan]

I really enjoy this series, seeing what all can run or not or be repaired is always great. Can’t wait to see part two!

[@SMTMainline]

Glad to hear you enjoyed. I haven't made a video like this in a while.

[@billfusionenterprise]

true, be neat to see how well they run. It is why I like train shows, you can try them out

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

@@SMTMainline Good day SMT there was a live stream you ran your trains and even repaired your new york central about maybe 6 weeks ago cant find it .its seamed to vanish a day after you did it.

[@Timerman765]

@@normancoreyBuildingTrains Ya I can't wait.

[@terrymajewski8028]

​

[@randallellison6421]

Very cool lot Harrison! Both the Athearn NS model and the Guilford/D&H models are U33Cs. It wouldn't be difficult to turn the NS dummy unit into a powered unit as Athearn still manufactures the necessary parts for these blue box locomotives! The interesting thing about the D&H Atlas model is they do in fact use Kato drives, I have several U36Cs (technically they're actually the same model, the road name determines whether the locomotive is a U33C or a U36C) and they run smooth as silk, plus they have an 8 pin plug which makes them easy to add DCC decoders to them! Really cool to that the Athearn blue box UP SD40-2 has been super detailed, to me that always adds a little extra value because the work has already been done for you, can't wait for the test video!

[@tommurphy4307]

i would recommend finding a used powered-unit to get those parts needed for the conversion cuz i know how much athearn gets for their parts. you'll be way ahead money-wise and its usually less work/hassle. yes kato quality is something to behold- i'm a firm believer in japan-made quality AND prices.

[@randallellison6421]

@@tommurphy4307 yes I know buying these parts new from Athearn can get pricey and you are correct buying a model that cosmetically is to far gone but still having good usable parts is the better way to go. I was basically saying it is still possible to buy the parts new as a last resort even though it's a more expensive route.

[@williammcgeehan3424]

20:52 Southern Pacific subsidiary Cotton Belt EMD SD40T-2. The T stands for tunnel motor. These were used on the famous Tehachappi Loop. The radiator intakes were lowered to walkway level on these for Espee and Rio Grande because earlier SP engines were drawing in hot air at the intakes up near the roofline inside the tunnels on Espee's lines in Southern California. Espee used as many as 15 engines to get coal trains and the GATX oil can trains over the The Tehachappi mountains back in the 1970's.

[@williammcgeehan3424]

19:14 Atlas EMD GP38.

[@williammcgeehan3424]

24:20 The G on Delaware & Hudson U- boat stood for Timothy Mellon's ( Mellon Bank ) Guilford Transportation Industries. The G.E. Delaware & Hudson U-boats looked great 👌 in light gray with blue and yellow and the D & H yellow shield. In the the 1970's you could see the D & H U-boats on their line underneath Erie Lackawanna's Starrucca Viaduct.

[@safehavenvalleyrailroad]

Hey Harrison been watching your channel for a few months now and have learned alot about buying and working on these beautiful engines. I have started to work on them my self now thanks you for what you do I have gained great confidence in working with locamotives. It has added so much enjoyment to the hobby for me. I love this lot its seem to be worth the money paid for it.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you so kindly!

[@safehavenvalleyrailroad]

Your so welcome I'm in oregon and loved trains all my life and I like what you say about building a layout ( don't try to build somebody's else layout or dream build your own with what you like) I can't have a layout yet do to my living situation but plan on buying a house next year but I have a work bench to buy and service trains and structures in the mean time.thanks again

[@safehavenvalleyrailroad]

Also do d You have any suggestions about brass gears on locamotives I have a couple I just got that I have to service before use as the guys said they been sitting I have a fa union pacific band driven n scale locomotive made In England got it yesterday and did not see that it was what a great lot to find have a great day

[@tommurphy4307]

@@safehavenvalleyrailroad treble-o-lectric?

[@safehavenvalleyrailroad]

@@tommurphy4307 yes it from England look up loan star its a British England where they are maid

[@joallawestervelt6918]

What a huge haul. Always appreciate all that you do in trying to help others out. Looking forward in the future to see you test out and start fixing them up. "The Harrison Touch" is always fun to watch. Hope you meant to comment here as I seem to be lagged so the live comments had already ended by the time I heard you mention about the give a ways. Thank you so much Harrison. 😊💜

[@SMTMainline]

Really appreciate that Joalla. There definitely was some lag towards the end but thanks for watching anyway, there will probably be news about the giveaway within the next two weeks :)

[@icemorons5678]

Thanks for taking the time to put this video together. I loved the premise about doing the Ebay searches, then actually opening the box once the shipment reached you. Well done, SMT!

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks. I decided when I started making these they would be far different to the other stuff on the channel- Fast paced style, music and instant results on what I ended up buying.

[@tommurphy4307]

yes, harrison- the two-part vid is a novel concept for people who appreciate instant gratification- just about all of us....rob

[@claytonkillenbeck1102]

The "odd number" bid always works well for me. Sometimes searching "Old Junk Toy Train Lot" works as well. I had one of those Athearn DDA35"s, and was a good runner as you said. Wish I still had it, but lost 98% of my collection, and am (very) slowly rebuilding it.

[@tommurphy4307]

the sad reality is many eBayers are too damn lazy to type in anything but a whole, round number in the 'bid amount' box. as a smart shopper, you must somehow make that work to your advantage.

[@ratsbird]

Harrison, good price for the lot. Dummy locos are great to pull behind power. No speed matching issues. Not too often do railroads run just single power. It adds to the realism when running double or triple power.

[@billfusionenterprise]

great if doing A-B-B-A F7 lash up

[@logandavis9748]

Your layout has been my favorite out of everyone that I watch on KZbin! I’m only 23, but when I get my first actual house in the near future, I fully intend on creating one of my own. Yours has inspired me to do so.

[@SMTMainline]

Time to sacrifice the living room for a layout muhahah

[@logandavis9748]

Exactly! 😂

[@tommurphy4307]

@@SMTMainline that's funny- i live in my parents former house and only use the family room, so my layout and hobby room is the old living room. so- what's wrong with that? i got your muhaha right here, buddy. rob

[@SuspiciousSalmon-pk3sk]

Thanks for all you do! You e inspired me to start fixing up locos on my own, and as a 16 year old I’m on a pretty tight budget. Thanks for giving me some great advice!

[@SMTMainline]

That's awesome, glad I could help!

[@tommurphy4307]

good on you, young man.

[@aapeli0]

When im bored i always watch these videos to entertain me!

[@jensenleblanc]

Even if there were a few unexpected “dummies” it was still a pretty nice buy! Shipping is crazy nowadays… Excellent work!

[@SMTMainline]

For the size of lot $60 wasn't even the highest I've seen. I miss when $15 was usual.

[@CarlCJV]

I kinda don’t mind dummy units, my railroad is just cheap and low budget because i can’t afford a full fledged train set. and also, I end up damaging the powered locomotives most of the time, due to my tendencies to badly set up tracks to the point where it derails and damages the engines.

[@tommurphy4307]

@@CarlCJV since you put it THAT way- dummies are perfect! on the other hand- if they were ALL dummies, our sessions would be a lot more boring and i would be out of a job- boo-hoo....

[@johncloar1692]

It is hard some time to know what you are getting on eBay. But most of the time it work out. Love you channel Harrison can't wait for the next.

[@billfusionenterprise]

ever hear of the "picture of item" scam?

[@music100vid]

Thanks Harrison for sharing your process and strategy for finding good deals on ebay! I like that you actually showed your bidding even. Nice haul there!

[@SMTMainline]

I wanted this one to be a lot more clear than the others, glad to hear you liked it :)

[@chrismcdevitt9374]

I just wanted to say thanks for all the videos you upload. Its nice to see someone with the mentality of repair rather than replace. As someone who is a lifelong rail fain but new to the hobby of model railroading your videos are a big help to see how I can keep my trains running longer than there anticipated lifespan. I see from all the fan mail you get that inspire so many young new railfans to get involved in model railroading and to not be afraid to get there hands dirty and take things apart and try and fix them, you really are an ambassador to the hobby. Keep up the good work.

[@SMTMainline]

Really appreciate that

[@narso5258]

My five year old daughter and I have been watching your videos for the past year or so. I've been contemplating buying our first train set for Christmas, but having one from your collection would be amazing. Love your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@toddsnee8126]

What a cool lot, SMT! Always enjoy getting to see what you pick up next!

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks

[@thebrandonrailfan]

I definitely love the bigger American Diesels, there's just something about them. Not as good as steam engines but pretty close.

[@colinjohnson5749]

You did well. It is not easy finding good deals in Canada because of the high shipping costs. I was in Ottawa recently and found a bachmann gp40 set with cars and track for ten dollars in a thrift store. It always possible to find stuff even when you not looking for it. I always enjoy your videos and glad to see the next generation enjoying the hobby like I have for the last 40 years

[@SMTMainline]

What shop was that? I'm in the area

[@colinjohnson5749]

It was a Value Village store. I was looking for something else, I looked over, and spotted this clear bag of trains. You never know, I got lucky it's one of the spectrum style drives. It runs well but a little beaten up. I repainted it already for the Penn Central railroad. Keep an eye out, I have also got lucky at antique stores that have the individual booths. Good luck I enjoy your channel.

[@tommurphy4307]

@@colinjohnson5749 ooh, a PC fan- you must have grown up in the 60's! penn central is often referred to as the railroad that grew up too fast.

[@ecidaho]

Thanks for the tutorial. Always enjoy your videos and can’t say thanks enough for all you have taught me on restoring locomotives!

[@Hiawatha_Productions]

I really love seeing videos like these, it’s really cool to see the stuff you can get from eBay lots. I would love to have models like these in the future, especially and Athearn SD40-2, as the only SD40-2 I have in my collection is an old RSO. I love it, but it would be nice to have some more modern stuff in my collection. Keep up the good work 😁

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks. The other Athearn locomotives I own have been solid so I have confidence in these. That RSO locomotive of yours is made by AHM, pretty reliable drives in my experience. RSO was actually just certification for RF in the country it was made.

[@Hiawatha_Productions]

@@SMTMainline That’s pretty cool, and I know that they are reliable, mines still kicking but definitely needs a service, it’s starting to have inconsistent running

[@edwarddavis507]

I really enjoyed having you go through how you find your lots on eBay! Very helpful!

[@andrewferguson5653]

Great video, SMT! I enjoy looking around on eBay too, and I've found good deals too.

[@betsy662]

Enjoyed the video, always enjoy your vids, one thing to always remember, you gets what you pay for, and sometimes you get taken! One thing about the model train community, the crooks are few and far between, so you don't always get taken, but sometimes ya do!

[@RACaptialRegion]

Great haul!! Those athearn units are very nice. My first ever loco was a LifeLike UP #2007. Brought back memories seeing another one

[@tommurphy4307]

like-like has roots associated with gordon varney's company.

[@alessandrocomisso9154]

What a lot, Harrison. Looking forward for the repairing videos of these locomotives, I always learn a lot from them

[@Top-Trains-1943]

Wow that's an awesome lot you got it did cost a pretty penny but it was worth it and seeing all those GE locomotives made me happy. GE is one of my favorite locomotive manufacturers. Once again awesome video and can't wait to see your next.

[@tommurphy4307]

all those locomotives brand new (if you could get them today) would cost THOUSANDS of dollars. he did GREAT.

[@timothyhein8400]

Really appreciate the time you take on the engines and rolling stock. Bought a couple of engines from ebay recently and this is a very timely video on how to go about looking for models and placing bids for them. Now I just have to figure out how to price them.

[@tommurphy4307]

that comes with experience- so go low while youre learning.

[@Churchkey83]

Im already in the train hobby, and after watching a few vids i think getting into the fixing side might be fun.

[@tommurphy4307]

matthew: it IS fun, but make sure you get something for your efforts- even if its just a few bucks 'to cover parts and supplies'. no freebies. getting into/being in a club with a fun bunch of guys makes it all worthwhile. also, back up your work and keep in mind that if you work on a locomotive, and it develops an unrelated issue- they will nearly always try to get it fixed free just because you already worked on it. make sure they understand and its a great way to sell complete shopping jobs. those are great jobs but you have to back up ALL your labor on anything that goes wrong going forward (within reason). can you tell i used to write automotive service? good luck. rob

[@railroadguy99]

Great video as usual. I’ve been watching for a long time now and the videos just keep getting better. I can’t wait to see these engines tested and worked on.

[@bobbybill6784]

I love that special edition one, the box is the best part.

[@justinechols5290]

I enjoy watching your box openings and repair sessions. They're interesting.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks

[@trainst]

The Guilford/D&H u boat was my favorite I’m a big fan of the Guilford stuff and it’s nice to see that quite a few manufacturers have made Guilford engines in ho scale

[@trainboy3340]

This is very useful! I always wanted to know how to search for lots and such! Great video as always!

[@qwincyq6412]

A very interesting lot. I’ve never tried buying on ebay but your tips might inspire me to give it a shot. Even if not everything is in useable condition parts donors are good to have on hand if the price is right.

[@tommurphy4307]

parts is parts and they rise in value faster than any powered loco. once those factory parts are exhausted, the prices really accelerate. even if his intention was just to get some spare parts together- harrison made a good buy on this equipment. any HO motor man would be tickled to have this bunch of stuff on hand....

[@karafaunt4386]

I love how you are happy to buy SHADY model trains, great video!

[@tommurphy4307]

sometimes- to save money- you have to go downtown....

[@doggonedog]

I like what you do with the old engines. May not fit in today with where the hobby has gone, but its good to still show how it all works. I like making the old Athearn dummy units run, got a Santa Fe F7b I need to fix up. Southern Pacific is what I really want to model, but Santa Fe has is roots for me. Generally I prefer locomotives made in the later 90's to current due to the motor and electrical setup for dcc. Keep it up.

[@billfusionenterprise]

with a bunch of us looking for bargins, it does help with fixing them. 300-500 for locos and 60 for cars, uhm no

[@tommurphy4307]

power units haven't changed much over the years- most older locos are a cinch to digitize as long as there is room for a decoder (kind of a big concern for us fine-scalers who like to run critters/switchers). once you understand the basic concepts of DCC electronics, you'll find its easy to upgrade. i also like to hoard parts to convert my club guys' dummies into powered units- its one of my thangs. rob

[@NorthmassRails]

Yes! He finally got a Guilford engine! Those are some great finds!

[@BlakesTrainsandMore4014]

Awesome haul, that's alot of UP locomotives in that lot

[@davidwatts9025]

Looking forward to the road tests, it is always interesting to access and repair the engines. Best wishes.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks a bunch!

[@BroWCarey]

Very cool. Can't wait to see you test them.

[@CCSkater100]

Thanks SMT for another great video. I have been watching your channel for over a year now. I managed to get my old TYCO locomotive running after watching one of your videos. Thanks!

[@awr1050]

Awesome lot. Those DCC ready locos are definitely my favorite from this lot. Great haul!

[@waffler222]

Your generosity is incredible!

[@4everdc302]

Great presentation Harrison. I might have a video coming up on how I buy. Super happy that your Ebay haul was this good.

[@lotsatrains]

That’s a really great lot you got there 👍 especially that sweet MRC locomotive

[@jasonthebnsfrailfaner7418]

I Love the haul, especially the modern Union Pacific locomotives. SMT you have inspired me to get a Santa Fa A and B unit and make them a project locomotives.

[@nutball7537]

Good haul. I think you ended up with some decent locos. As you said, when purchasing lots you often have to take some less than good stuff to get the good stuff.

[@tommurphy4307]

whats funny is the 'less than good stuff' are often parts that save your bacon! you just never know, so having the stuff on hand is golden.

[@captandysir8670]

Got some old HO in boxes. I may have to get them out and fixed up. A "new to me loco" would be fun! Thanks!!

[@user-jn5jr2df1g]

I love these videos brings back memories of my childhood. Especially the repair ones.

[@bobsbasementhotrains3020]

Great video . To determine Atheran powered from dummies I look for photos of the bottoms of the engine where you can see the white motor mount plugs in the fuel tank (blue box engines ) and sometimes the fly wheels will show up.

[@billfusionenterprise]

although there was some blue box with no flywheels, you can also look at wheels sometimes

[@stevenplank1916]

Anxious to see which ones run. Thanks for the videos.

[@fredrich9841]

Thanks Harrison. Enjoyed the video and looking forward to you testing them all out soon! 🙂

[@gunmasterdran8113]

I love a good fantasy paint scheme. Especially on big power.

[@josephrandazo2627]

I'm just starting out on my set up and have relied on your videos in helping with the repairs on items that I had purchased or have been given. Finding the spare parts will surely help. Thank you. PS . yes I would like to win one of the engines but would settle on any thing not fixed even if you consider it junk. Main thing is keep up the great work I have not only enjoyed seeing you bring back to life something most would have discarded, but I have learned from you. Thanks again Joe R USA

[@wceyuki]

18:27 I just love those MASSIVE 86ft autopart boxcars! i haven't seen them in real life but i hope to.

[@dadoutside]

I always enjoy watching your videos Harrison!!! I model N-Scale but I’m slowly starting back into HO!!! Keep up the great work!! Take care from Winnipeg!

[@tommurphy4307]

really? right when N scale is really starting to rock?

[@randallellison6421]

@@tommurphy4307 nothing wrong with doing multiple scales, I have HO and N scale, even have a couple O and S scale pieces too!

[@MichaelJohnson-td1me]

Good job on your purchase. Even though some turnrf out to be non powered you still got some good stuff.

[@tommurphy4307]

even dummies have a lot of useful parts....some of the makers use the same chassis for their dummies.

[@foremanbaselice]

Wow, what a diverse collection of locomotive manufacturers!

[@stevelittle1885]

Love these Shady Deal videos. The best part is the Fast forward from Purchase to Unboxing the Haul. I look forward to seeing these locomotives tested.

[@jamesweaver1913]

Love your video man! I have been watching for over a year now and you had helped me fix a lot of my locomotives! Keep the videos coming. Very much appreciated!

[@TheBarry1m]

I discovered your channel about a month ago, you have inspired me to get back into the hobby.

[@jimmyseaver3647]

Quite the haul. I'm starting out with eBay and managed to get an old Bachmann and a Tyco billboard car for less than $20 (including S&H). Pretty solid condition for vintage pieces. Keeping an eye out for inexpensive stuff since I'm on a tight budget. It's been quite the learning experience, though thankfully I'm not learning the hard way.

[@SMTMainline]

eBay can be risky sometimes but if you play your cards right you can get some decent deals.

[@billfusionenterprise]

@@SMTMainline you think? love those "picture of item" sales, where you are bidding on a picture of the item, not the real thing

[@jimmyseaver3647]

@@billfusionenterprise It's like NFTs, but somehow even scummier.

[@tommurphy4307]

@@billfusionenterprise go to a real live auction or train swap and see what this lot would go for- prolly double or triple what harrison paid. you ARE bidding on a picture, but all that is usually taken into account by both buyers and sellers in online auctions. the seller has the option of taking multiple shots of a given unit (even shown with the shell removed, in some cases), or provide zoom-able photos, in an attempt to get a higher price.

[@Meijin_viper]

Love those Centennial locomotives. I live in Iowa, so its about a 90minute drive to see a DD40x and a Big Boy together.

[@Daquivius69]

I found this guy on youtobe today... I LOVE THIS! congrats you just got yourself another subscriber. Keep up the good work!

[@Hazy429]

Your my favorite KZbinr, your videos always make me smile. I just wanted to let you know! Hope you have a great day.

[@anthonybannister5909]

Pretty cool - I love watching your videos and learning- I’m going to see if I can put into practice your tricks and tips ! I’d love to find a steam locomotive myself !

[@thomasfrench2012]

I used to have one of those power packs back in the 1970's. Dad bought it for me to run my trains with.

[@quinnsvictoriantrains7963]

Really enjoy this series! 10:35 appears to what could've been tri'angs attempt of a Victorian Railways L class electric by attaching pantographs to their B class.

[@tommurphy4307]

the bid is at $300USD- whats your bid with free shipping?

[@mrrailfan95]

The series is back and love it

[@domstrains]

Looking forward to seeing some of these run on the layout! Hope they all run well without too much work!

[@SMTMainline]

Should be soon :)

[@kirkbailey1836]

You have a great channel and you have given me much help when working on locomotives.

[@mercuryoak2]

I love seeing this take on "shady " model trains. even though you got some dummy locomotives in the lot to make them powered is an adventure in itself as well. Knowing how great the Athearn locos and Atlas ones do you know for a fact they will start up and run without a hitch. Some of these locomotives are Huge if they were on my layout such as the DD40 or dash 9 type being that they 12 or 16 wheel drive is wild because im used to the 8 wheel variants. One of them box cars you have in that lot is crazy long like one of my refrigerator cars i have they are massive especially on a 4x8 layout 22R curves are like the minimum for such things. By the way Love the mood lighting in the room at the beginning just looks relaxing to just fall asleep to it. I got some luck on ebay but a local flea market has been very good to me as of late the Hobby hasn't left me its just taken a back burner for a little while otherwise ive always been into it and wont stop at that. Great LOT you bought man !

[@transformnroll2752]

Please keep doing this series, it's enjoyable and informative for new people to the hobby like me.

[@SMTMainline]

Glad to hear it :)

[@tommurphy4307]

don't get the notion you are a motor man just by watching harrison fix stuff- there's no substitute for hands-on knowledge/experience and this kid has tons of both. but, yes, too much info is always better than not enough...

[@transformnroll2752]

@@tommurphy4307 bruh what? Where in my comment did I say I was a motor man?

[@JohnPW22]

Very interesting video - I use some of those techniques too. Using the word 'lot' though is a great idea! Nice haul by the end. Cheers.

[@nicksmith3756]

I am not really sure what to say but SMT i love your video, your information on maintenance is very useful towards the hobby an keep up the great work!

[@Jacobes16]

Gotta say Harrison, great haul! That MRC is beautiful as is that UP Dash9!

[@newhavennscale]

Great informative video, SMT! I hate it that they were sneaky with the dummy locomotives. Looking forward to when you test them on your layout.

[@tommurphy4307]

do you he think should try to contact the guy and grind him for a partial refund? sometimes you can get a few bucks off that way- especially before you give him his feedback.

[@jdubs78]

That’s a really great lot. Don’t beat yourself up over it. There are quite a few pieces in there I’d even like to have in my collection. Lol. Another great video.

[@adamjriley1988]

That's a nice lot of locomotives. Thanks for the Ebay tips. Good job.

[@DFWRailVideos]

Those “DD40’s” are actually DDA35’s, but Athearn mistakenly called them DD40s. Just wanted to make that point clear. Great video Harrison!

[@natestrains1166]

DD35s have two smaller radiator fans on the roof. These have only large fans. Athearn admitted that these were not prototypical models, and that they were a representation of what a standard-cab DDA40X would look like.

[@ReadingAreaRailfan]

The Virtual Railroading Channel no they're DD40's. The DD40 was a model that emd had in their catalog, but nobody ever ordered it, so none were built. It was the same as a DDA40X but with a normal Geep cab. So no, athearn didn't make a mistake, it was based on a loco that was never officially built.

[@ReadingAreaRailfan]

@@natestrains1166 The DD40 was just a DDA40X with a normal Geep cab it was in EMD's catalog but nobody ever ordered any so none were built

[@dugenpippenger4811]

Athearn's are DD40s, even though they never existed! They built them off EMD blueprints, but EMD cancelled productions

[@SMTMainline]

I'm not sure they can be even be correctly classified since they aren't prototypical. Probably why there is a lot of debate on what they are.

[@lorandefeyter2178]

Love your videos. I've learned a lot watching you.

[@darrenoftheNorth]

Incredible. I'm gonna have to try your method. Like the find.

[@chrisaplet324]

Hi Harrison, I love watching you test trains and fix them.!!! (: Love part two.

[@antonbruce1241]

Some of those look in fantastic shape! I'm willing to bet most of them are runners - especially the Athearn locos.

[@melissasprecher2073]

: ) Thank you!(: for your videos as they have added much joy with understanding more about my Ho scale collection and for the fun time that came from your teachings. (:

[@shaqtus3365]

Great video. Been looking forward to a new video, unboxing videos are always great!

[@moderndaysalvage3976]

Another video that taught me some things. Thanks for doing these I am just starting and you are incredibly helpful

[@HuckFinnDiner]

Thanks for the eBay lesson! I wish I had the eye you do for spotting various models when they're not in boxes. I have a bad habit of searching for individual items on eBay (a particular road name or a particular locomotive type), which results in me paying perhaps more than I should. Maybe I need to get into buying lots instead.

[@tommurphy4307]

nothing wrong with that- the key is to know how to search. harrison came up with some good pointers for that but there are LOTS more. as for being a good spotter- experience and a good eidetic memory are both priceless.

[@lucase.garcia8026]

I remember a long time ago on a visit to a model railroader friend's house, he had very similar designs to what I see here... but there was a crown jewel: An "ERIE 2-8-8-8-2 Triplex"... a wonderful engine. It stuck in my head, although I recently discovered the name.

[@vandenbricks]

Some very nice items, good stuff and useful tricks and tips!

[@v8vega383]

Great channel. I’m a total newbie and the information you provide on your videos are awesome. 👌

[@Kevin_A324]

Great video! Love those U.P. engines, would be cool to see those two sd40s double head.

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Nice update enjoyed it and liked thanks for sharing DD.

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

That's the great part about the hobby sharing ideas and learning new ideas from other people to improve our Channel.

[@ReadingAreaRailfan]

Hey Harrison, I noticed a lot of people calling your DD40 a DD35 so I wanted to clear up the confusion, what you have is infact a DD40. EMD planned to build them if anyone ordered one but none were ordered so none were ever built, which is where athearn got the blue prints from. It was a DDA40X but with a GP cab instead of a wide cab.

[@1dikba]

Thanks for educating me on repairing engines

[@kvnhstn]

Really enjoy your videos. I'm just starting in the hobby and have learned a lot from you.

[@Ace-kr6gu]

I love buying used engines but I've been burned a few times unfortunately. Even got burned at the train show. I mostly stick with buying rolling stock kits now. Great video as always.