Can We Make it Run? $5 Vintage Junked Lionel Locomotive

[@heyjay25]

I love that you put the “we” in the title. it makes it sound like we are repairing it together.

[@IllinoisCentralVideography]

We totally all are what are you talking about

[@nickl3184]

COMRADE!

[@buzzygaming7667]

@@IllinoisCentralVideography what

[@newenglandfantasypainthobbies]

I agree

[@_mozz_LEGOGOD]

We are 🥺🥺🥺🥹🥹🥹 if you know what I mean

[@johnsterling7420]

Harrison your new name is wizard,. There is not too many that you can't repair. So good work Wizard. 👌👍😇🇺🇸

[@ebt12]

Despite being three years old, I saw this video just today, thanks to my son running across it. He got his first vintage Lionel a few weeks ago. I once worked at a museum with a large model railroad, and we used only Lionel trains. Part of my job was repairs. These Lionel AC engines are very durable. Keep the commutator and the brushes clean, lubricate well, and you are fine. Be sure to take off and clean the plate that holds the cluster gear. Vaseline works great as a lubricant. It doesn't harden like grease or run off like oil.

[@dkendrick1916]

The titles of these videos are like Bob The Builder, “Can we make it run?” “YES WE CAN!”

[@americansaxon2101]

STM Mainline! CAN WE RUN IT! YES WE CAN!

[@Aiden_likes_trains3]

WE CAN MAKE IT OHHHH YEAH

[@VintageRenewed]

Older Lionel stuff is pretty bullet proof, most of them just need a little bit of tlc and it will run just fine

[@Kmaster2007]

Usually the postwar locos are built like tanks, greasing it up usually gets the job done, and get a Lionel transformer if you want to run O scale a bit because the MARX one will burn up eventually because the two brands have different requirements

[@roguesans6556]

I actually own 2 of these Lionel 2-4-2 Scout locomotives, sadly they are in a bit of a worse condition than the one you have which your lucky to have one in a better condition which honestly makes me glad I found this video as this could actually help me repair the 2 of them as I been wanting to repair them and get them working again as well as find spare parts for the parts it's missing since the ones I got were gifted to me around Christmas as they were found at a fare and my family managed to clean them up a good amount but so far the rest I been gathering what's needed to have them restored so honestly thank you for making a video on fixing this type of locomotive!

[@ABDOSPIANO]

This is 1130 Colombian Loco featured in 1954 Scout set 1500!! A gift to me when I was 5!

[@Petemonster62]

SMT - Take a look at that wire running to the front of the mechanism; it is for the headlight socket. The head light socket has been broken off & lost; that wire is connected to the center-rail roller contacts & may short-circuit to the frame. It might also be a good idea to clean the brush holders & brush springs with alcohol & a Q-tip. You might also want to use that carbon pen to clean the center-rail roller contacts. You could also put some Labelle white Teflon grease on the armature shaft gear & it will be transferred to the center gear & drive wheel gears when the engine is operated. Do not put any lubrication on the E-unit.

[@robertbarth8964]

If anybody can , you can. You are the master mechanic.

[@kevinjennerproductions2025]

Next should be some paint touch-ups. things been sitting, but that's ok SMT Mainline is here to spark new life into these old model trains, even lionel

[@kevinjennerproductions2025]

@@horsdevors4559 Not every train is meant to be valued by a monetary standard, some people value them for their enjoyment and that is more satisfactory. It's SMT's Railroad therefore he shoild run it the way he sees fit

[@robertnielsen2461]

Amen and amen

[@warrenvalentino5763]

Wow! i had one of these Lionel locomotives when i was a kid. i Loved to play with it! i just subscribed to your channel and i hit the bell thing too. Awesome job on fixing it! :)

[@engineerpat5290]

yessir!!!!!!!!!! Love your talent!!! If it doesn't run, you can fix it!!!! great job!

[@starguard4122]

Wow.. You are very smart. You can fix ANYTHING!!

[@garysprandel1817]

Cleaning 60 or 70 years of crud off the electrical and similar years of carpet fuzz seems to have done the job. You sir are the Mike Holmes of model railroading.

[@w.rustylane5650]

Serenity, we've got a runner. I've got 2 Lionel 2-4-2 Scout locomotives -- one is a die cast smoker and the other is a plastic one with smoker. Both had brushes stuck in the brush plate holder. After maintenance, they both run like new. Cheers from eastern TN

[@GaryDavis-ir6fh]

i dont doubt for a fraction of a second that you bring that old lionel steamer back to life, you are absolutely amazing!

[@rickygarrett6508]

Just got one of these and it's a runner. Can't wait to get it set up

[@bernardsaucier2062]

I am an O gauge & 027 gauge guy and was very impressed with your repair processes!,

[@antonbruce1241]

Harrison, your skills are top notch! Beware, faulty locos...the force is STRONG with this one!!!!

[@yambo59]

Looks like an earlier version of the same exact same engine that came in my "Grand Trunk Western" Lionel train set from the early 70's except mine has a headlight and I think a smoke unit as well, I still have it and it still runs like a champ.

[@hackenbeckproductions2683]

Lionel Scout #1130, produced in 1953, and uses a 6066T tender. You can find more on Tandem-Associates. Also, I would recommend a different O gauge layout, well, the track. You're using O-27 track and I would recommend getting actual O gauge track with O-31 curves just in case you do get the larger, more expensive locomotives as some will not work on O-27 curves

[@nightisright1873]

You can have both types of track on a layout . Plus I don’t think he’s big into O gauge

[@hackenbeckproductions2683]

@@nightisright1873 Yes and no. O-27 track is just smaller in every way to O gauge except for the actual gauge. If you're going to go from O to O-27, you're going to need adapters

[@nightisright1873]

@@hackenbeckproductions2683lionel doesn't even make adapters

[@sharkyfish3492]

the 50s made locos are the best. I have a 1955 hudson that my brother got new. I use it all the time, it seems to be bullet proof ;)

[@mercuryoak2]

Wow that is someold Lionel. My dad has his simce he was about 4 years old. My great grandfather had Lionel trains layout and all. Im assuming he bought it back when my dad was born and gave it to him when he was older . It is from 1952,anyway I did the same as you did one day few years ago and man that locomotive needed oil and his freight cars needed cleaning carpet and oil gunked up . on his id be nervous about taking apart his motor is different where the comutator is more exposed . Awesome to see that one go flying as it needed just the right amount of attention. Nice job .

[@BenandMylesMom]

That engine definitely ran like new after that amazing restoration! This has given me some info on how to work on O Scale engines as well for future reference.

[@shockstrains5077]

Smt: I’m not very experienced with these old Lionels. Also Smt: *removes every nut, bolt and, screw*

[@bernardsaucier2062]

Like your technique and choice of music!!

[@williamrathwell766]

Why to go !!! That's the first time I have seen in side an old 3 rail locomotive.

[@hexxoid9263]

Great restoration SMT! You should remove the shell, strip all of the paint off, and give it what it deserves: a fresh coat of semi- gloss black paint.

[@Killer-Of-Night]

SMT, just a heads up, there's a non-working Rivarossi UP Big Boy up for auction/best offer on Ebay ATM. No bids on it yet, apparently the DCC/Sound Decoder is fried on it. Thought to give you a heads up if you are interested.

[@randalldunkley1042]

Next video would be how to repaint that old 2-4-2 to look like new or at least get that silver paint off it. Thanks.

[@leverettrailfan5414]

It's a darn good thing you got a more 'standard' 2-4-2, and not a "true Scout". The Lionel 'scout' line was Lionel's attempt to steal some of the market for budget train sets, dominated by toy manufacturer giant Louis Marx & Co. The scout locomotives utilized an unusual motor, instead of the conventional open frame style on most Lionel steam engines, with steel or aluminum plates, the original scouts used a bakelite plastic motor with a unique combined motor and E-Unit contained inside. The E-Unit and motor actually share parts. These motors are notorious for being a pain to work on, and since they were generally poor pullers and liable to burn out if given too many cars, most collectors eschew them. Part of what makes them fussy to deal with is the fact that you can't access most of the motor without pulling the wheels. Shocked that your E-Unit was still good. That shell has been through a lot, but the guts appear to be in fabulous shape- that sounds like a very healthy motor to me. I've seen far, far worse so you made off quite well with that buy.

[@clearcreek69]

I've yet to work on the Lionel locomotive I bought in Calgary last month, as I'm still working on my HO engines.

[@SPUPRR]

might be a year late but that was pretty normal on the finished run. The E units usually have a Neutral position. So power it goes in a direction. Turn off power. Turn it back on neutral then off and back on to change direction. Repeat again to change direction again. 100 year old mechanical electric technology used pretty much the same today.

[@scpvrr]

The 1130, although a 2-4-2 does not have the Scout plastic motor. This is in fact a standard locomotive built from 52 to 53. Well done. Good basic maintenance video on the typical postwar motor.

[@markshogan2642]

I’ve serviced many of these. They’re usually well made, and will run for years if cleaned and lubricated. The E unit drums are replaceable as are most of the other parts. As a suggestion, I would recommend replacing any of the old rubber coated wire. The insulation gets brittle over time.

[@SMTMainline]

They certainly made them to last. I worked on a 110 year old lionel still running with its original windings!

[@fozi_tatoz5045]

I love old model trains, got loads of them

[@richardakajazzyamx9690]

Very nice. The first ever Lionel equipment I ever bought was an 1130 Scout like this, pulled from a similar junk bin at a rail fair with a mismatched tender. I also bought some old track and a transformer that day, fulfilling a dream I'd had for a long time to own 3-rail O. The E-Unit barrel has a snapped end and can't rotate, but my friend and I secured it so it runs forward. I don't know if I'll ever fix it, it's almost more about the memories even though my collection has since expanded a lot.

[@ShinGojira1]

With the tender and a consist, this would look even better!

[@stoystownpa]

You are so talented

[@SuperNova-43]

That’s a post war Lionel for ya. From box to running in no time.

[@tableseven8133]

Oh, that ball of grey stuff you pulled from the inside.That almost looked like it was steel wool. If that was at the spot against the center track roller and inside the frame. Then that was you main problem causing and short. If this train had magnatraction using steel wool would have been the worst for it. I learned that the hard way beside a short of the power, if it gets into the gears then your gears will just be eaten away, especially if they are brass or steel.

[@AmmonMurphy]

U need to make more o gauge videos! Awesome!

[@chr1sda1sey]

It's good to see it working

[@northernvirginianrailfan2116]

I just love old Lionel locos!

[@EdwinsTrains]

Lionel Commutators, I have newer seen a clean one. People always got these trains and ran them until they don't. Yikes is a great way to describe it.

[@DelcoImagery]

Get a tender for it because the tender for it has a whistle in it for the extra fun

[@Uptownloki47]

Serenity! Great video SMT.

[@stefanschneider3681]

Good job! Looking for a video about Ho-Locos and being Swiss guess if I was having fun 🤣!

[@TheTrainFreak]

Good job on getting that back and up in running condition!

[@therandomtransformersanima6236]

I have a near identical loco with the roadnumber 242 which is missing a few pieces, I wanna try getting it to work tho

[@jansenhobbs2214]

Lionel train go brrrrrrrrrrrr. From my experience Lionel has always made tanks of trains

[@Tyc11114]

That's true you could throw one of the postwar locos at a wall and it will still run "definitely didnt try it"

[@SMTMainline]

Considering the age of this model, it really wasn't too bad. Certainly an example of something simple and well built.

[@Tyc11114]

@@SMTMainline they are vary strong locos

[@robby062]

Nice work!

[@warbabyproductions]

Wow it looks happier to go. First it was dead and you didn’t know how to dissemble it and after it’s running like a charm. This makes me confident on the blue goose will run better then

[@Engine1988]

I have a loco that is quite similar: the 249 Pennsy. The primary difference, aside from paint, tender, and lettering, would be the E-Unit which is 2-position on the 249 as compared to 3-position on the 1130. Both the 1130 and the 249 are VERY lightweight due to a plastic boiler (there exists a rare variation of the 1130 that does have a diecast boiler, though) and can be slippery engines.

[@hector.sully1234]

I just started watching you and you have given me some great tips already, keep up the good work!

[@VintageRenewed]

By the way smt, since I do a lot with Lionel postwar I have a book of repair and diagrams for the different postwar items. So any time you ever want help or advice with postwar o scale let me know

[@petermot645]

I own two 242, and with a alittle work I always get great results.

[@scottledbetter7212]

Love the old Lionel tubular track. Great video !

[@atshinkansen7439]

What was the red-handled tool you used to clean the motor armature? I could use something like that to clean up my old locomotives.

[@samcohen3438]

Love those trains

[@Shipwright1918]

Why I love old Lionel trains, they were designed to be serviced and repaired, so with a little TLC and lube, they can run forever.

[@BOBXFILES2374a]

I bought the same engine in the bargain bin. Took it apart, getting it back together wasn't so easy but it runs. Didn't know that triangular thing hid the wire-wound armature. That silver paint needs to go! Thanks!

[@xandernicol3980]

Hay It’s Xander nice to see you buddy

[@jorgel.fernandeziii8278]

Hello Harrison ! I want to thank you for showing me how to open up that little scout, it seems as if most 4-4-2, 2-4-2, 2-4-0, & 0-4-0’s are built in the same manner and I was also glad that you mentioned that it was a 2-4-2 which most people regrettably forget to mention when they’re doing a layout or Video ! I also agree with most of your subscribers as to the fact that little scouts like these as well as the larger Lionel steam locomotives trains like the Berkshire 2-8-4, The Atlantic’s “4-4-2”, the Pacific’s “4-6-2”, and all the other steam locomotives that are geared in this fashion as well as being built like tanks !!! Currently I have a 4-6-2 which regrettably has warped wheels or a warped chassis that I could definitely use some help on ! But this is a case where I don’t know whether to take it apart myself to see if I can repair it myself or if I have to send it to Lionel to see if maybe they can get it fixed ? I even went as far as buying extra wheels for the driving unit ! The main 6 ! If you do get a chance to read this and have an opinion that could help me, I’d appreciate it ! And by the way, I agree with most of your subscribers because I’ve never seen you paint a locomotive ! And I also agree with your subscriber that mentioned you should get a specific Lionel transformer for the same reason that he mentioned ! 🌊🐺

[@johnblair8146]

91% Isopropyl Alcohol is your best friend when cleaning greasy old Lionel trains.

[@inserthandlehere648]

Whenever I hear well folks I know this day is going to be a great

[@jamesdenny4734]

Hey, i have an ole lionel engine that the last time i ran it( two years ago Christmas), it was acting slugish! I think I'll try that! Thanks 😊

[@rickym.3416]

SMT is a model train wizard

[@owendinostudios1200]

If you want to get the tender, get the Lionel scout tender as I think this is the Lionel scout

[@iforgettolikegoodvideosony5929]

This has inspired me to get my grandpas old Lionel train running

[@Tyc11114]

Finally you restored it my 1130 had the same problem all the need is some oil and they'll run

[@wantsomecoffe]

Well that concludes it. Mine is painly slow, alot of rattling and a Bunch of sparks. 😂 Need some attention, thats for sure. Got two post war budget trains barely working.

[@SMTMainline]

Maybe they didn't stock these with strong enough motors?

[@wesleyoos71]

Got a green one of these when i was a little kid for 5 dollars at a garage sail track transformer train and all. Wasn't expecting much but it ended up lasting like six years worked perfectly. Same track and everything except mine had a light.

[@alcopower5710]

Total success. As always......well done Harrison

[@manthony1956]

Good job on the repair, but still probably worth five bucks. Scouts are the bane of Lionel collectors. Then again, MPC was not the favorite era either. Generally Scout locomotives are just tossed aside. I worked for a Lionel repair shop forty years ago. Refurbished many locomotives from Lionel, Gilbert, American Flyer, Marx, Unique, Hafner and others. The E unit is not replaceable. Scouts generally do not have standard Lionel knuckle couplers, and the rolling stock is very limited. Lionel managed to find sponsors, or advertisers to stamp on the rolling stock to keep the prices down, Cheap when first sold, and cheap to collect because it is undesired by most collectors.

[@Benthetrainkid]

This Lionel Scout is one of the Scout models that uses a metal chassis as opposed to a plastic one.

[@timstrainroom8007]

Two comments Harrison, first though great job and I enjoy your channel. Ok comment one, never doubt an old Lionel Loco. They run forever with a little TLC. 😀. I must have 50 or so. Two, the old track, love it but clean it with alcohol and a cotton ball. Worst case, if there is any rust use a 220 grit sandpaper and sand it lightly. The connectivity will be improved tremendously. Otherwise, you are doing a great job and I think most everyone is proud of what you are doing. Keep up the good work. Tim from the USA

[@SPUPRR]

that wasn't carpet. That was Journal box packing. Helps hold the grease on the axle bearings.......

[@aaronsadowski1691]

Asking if SMT can make a locomotive run is like asking if Nerf Cat is grey. Great job, it's a fast one!

[@billylauwda9178]

If thats the details available on a O scale locomotive in the 50s, imagine someone from the 50s transported to today and seeing a DCC sound n scale locomotive.

[@evanj2400]

Of course we can make it that’s why here

[@normanrowe2831]

Hi, my older brother had a Lionel steam loco in the fifties. I always loved the way their smelt. Especially with the smoke. Ah........I can smell it now. Great job on getting it up and running again. I agree with some of the others, it needs a paint job. See ya.

[@crudecaboose8382]

O scale is so cool, one day I want to buy some

[@414cyclerider2]

The brushes are the biggest thing you can clean with some crc

[@davidztog9011]

Wow, that Scout runs like a champ now, Harrison. Even the unknown locomotives don't stand a chance when you tear them apart. When you had the shell off, you should have painted it CP red with white accents just to make it stand out. Do you have the tender? Thanks for sharing. 👍 👍 👍

[@borailroadfan8964]

Nice Video SMT. Glad It Ran.

[@nostalgiakarlk.f.7386]

Nobody: SMT Mainline: *Welllllllllll folkssssssss, in todaaaaaaaaay's videooooooooooooo*

[@RUNAWAYTRAIN3010]

Now all that locomotive needs is a tender a fresh paint job

[@johnlongssilverrailz5873]

Good job. I you paint it you may wish to mask the cab numbers.

[@minecarpro]

Another great video by SMT I think I have that engine too mine came with a whistling tender

[@Adamingraham885]

Very nice, that'l be fun to run during live streams

[@northerncountryrailroad8939]

Very nice!

[@adamwhite7275]

Very cool old engine probably post war era

[@Barb5001]

That is not really "O" gauge.. it is Lionel's "027" gauge which is smaller "S" gauge (American Flyer gauge) rolling stock on their very cheap "O" gauge track. 027 also had minimum detailing. The 027 gauge was marketed manly for young children as a cheaper alternative for them than their "0" gauge. BTW, the oval you have is their cheap "027" track and not their regular "0" gauge track.

[@andrews9512]

I used to have one kinda like this. Sparks flew from the wheels and if you didn't have cars coupled to it it would fly off the track at full speed

[@stever.5092]

Can you tell me about the carbon eraser? Where did you get it?

[@LukeLovesTrains-Mr.RailYard]

Pretty cool Lionel post-war steam locomotive.

[@mistermadmachine6311]

Yay you did it😊👍

[@DrummingWriterTrekfan84]

Maybe someone here can help. I just cleaned and fixed my dad's 1950's Lionel postwar steam engine(thanks of course to this video! Credit where credit is due). It runs great now especially since I cleaned the armature and replaced the carbon brushes. But there's lot of sparks sporadically off and on. Not sure if it's the engine or tracks. The tracks are just as old as they came with the engine and train when my dad got them brand new back in the 50's. so maybe clean the tracks more? Sorry. I'm not an electrical expert. Also there's a kind of a loud hum when running the engine. So I'm not sure if that's normal or not.

[@Petemonster62]

Trekfan84 - Try using a new plastic scrub pad to shine up the tops of the rails and to clean any dirt build-up on the locomotive's wheels.