Can We Make This 50 Year Old HO Steam Locomotive Run Again?

A buddy of mine was walking through a train store when he noticed this 50 year old ho scale steam locomotive being sold in non working order for $5. Today I decided to see if I could make it run again. The condition wasn't great, a seized drive and rusty wheels.
Fiberglass pencil: amzn.to/2VeB6CU (affiliate) USA

[@papawoody9597]

There's something really satisfying about seeing these old locos brought back to life. These restoration videos probably bring as much happiness to viewers as the day some kid 50 years ago first ran their new train.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks for your comment :)

[@jacquylenoir9097]

Ce n'est pas de la "restauration", mais du mauvais bricolage

[@jjc4577]

it totally does! I had one of these locos to run on my train set when I was a kid! I remember get ting a little bottle of smoke oil to but in it and as it ran around the track the oil would burn off and smoke would come out the funnel- The fondest of memories!

[@stevethecountrycook1227]

@@jjc4577 My oldest Brother got a train set for Christmas in about 65 that did the smoke thing. I was 5 and he was 8. I can't remember if he let me run it or not? I think I did a few times. Thought it was "neato" and "groovy" to blow smoke! haha

[@MrDave1918]

Can you say whats the Name of the Electrical Meter device you use for running the train by increasing the speed. ??? Thanz sir

[@rvninnorthcarolina3377]

I have this exact loco that I got in 1971. It still has all it paint and it runs as well. It has been "pm'ed" a couple of times in its life but she runs good....right alongside the same era 2-6-4 Tyco B&O Heavy Pacific. Loved watching you bring this one to life!

[@texlalongbow6325]

I have one displayed on track beside my bed. Such good memories, thank you, Dad, and mom

[@kroy1037]

Beyond retro (+/- 50 years), Harrison, this is vintage: practically museum quality. I agree with the comment about retaining the actual paint job -- cleaned of the dust, it carries its age well beyond what all but the most talented of weathering efforts would accomplish. Well done and informative, as always!

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks

[@trainguySteve-bw7uq]

Great job, Harrison! A hallmark of the Mantua Tyco steamers w tenders is that get to a point where they run better backward than forward . Cleaning the axle journals, especialy on the pickup side will help in more than 50% of the cases. Why? Usually, the train runs forward and the arcing of the axle in the journal builds up carbon on the backside of the journal. Clean out the journal, even w spray electrical contact cleaner, and you'll have a runner forward and reverse.... Again, great work Harrison! Steve

[@davidjohnson497]

She's a runner! My favorite phrase when watching your repair videos. Thanks for sharing. I love the little 0-4-0s. That one has good detail. With just a bit more work you could bring it back to full glory. All the best from a Pennsy lover. Keep having fun and sharing your adventures. THANK you!

[@marinegunny826]

I have an 0-4-0 Santa Fe #99. Still runs like a top. Got it for Christmas in 1974. Best Christmas ever!

[@colbeausabre8842]

Great start. I'd then disassemble the engine, park the drive wheels, valve gear, screws, couplers and draft gear in a project box (that way you keep all the parts together - an old shoe box does fine) remove the motor and put it in the box, disconnect the feeder from the tender and remove the tender trucks. Dunk the cab/boiler, frame and tender in a pan of brake fluid for an hour or two, then scrub with an old tooth brush while wearing gloves. Wash off with dish soap and water. Let dry for several days. While waiting, go on line and order a pair of tender trucks (I think one truck with leaf springs and the other with coil springs would mean trouble on the real thing) Then mask the wheel bearings, spray with primer (a rattle can works fine), let dry, spray with gloss, apply decals, spray with dull coat. Reassemble. Weather to your heart's content. grab your favorite beverage and step back to admire your masterpiece. It really isn't as time consuming as it sounds, you may learn some new skills and you'll have a beauty. The only modification I might make is to replace the motor's old magnets (which weaken with time) with new "super magnets" - an easy procedure that will improve performance, particularly at low speeds www.kjmagnetics.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAmpyRBhC-ARIsABs2EAo3hJkvyR45swljRx4pB3pHpiE7PiBcsJG4TNzt8kTKoS8C4Vu20d8aAmOwEALw_wcB or www.micromark.com/Super-Magnets-20-pieces_2?gclid=Cj0KCQiAmpyRBhC-ARIsABs2EAo0NJOnKeLhk3EzrsEzKjdeN8-E3n7bbr-jr08YiqTDkutnjhIjPmAaAifYEALw_wcB

[@051TEFFY]

If I were going to replace the magnets in the motor, I'd just replace the motor. This "shifter" was my first loco - my dad gave it to me in 1952. I found it several years ago and installed a new can motor and a digitrax decoder. It and the "big 6" are some of my most requested locos to run by quest at my open house.

[@antonbruce1241]

She goes both directions? I live in Southern California - it isn't the first time I've heard that! Joking aside - damned fine work there, Harrison. She's DEFINITELY a runner!!!

[@SMTMainline]

Haha, thanks

[@petercermak1910]

Just worked on 3 of my Marklin HO 0-6-0 locos today. Wheels, pick up, gears, and reversing springs all were serviced. They are 54, 42, and 20 years old. Run great. Next, the 2-6-4's! Keep up the great work! These electric toys need monthly maintenance for best results.

[@ecidaho]

Looks like an old tyco motor. Just tore apart a 4 6 2 and had same motor as well as a 0 6 0 with same thing. Tyco Manuta. Love the old fabric covered wiring.

[@NorthernBandit1]

Very cool you got this back to life...I've a 50+ Tenshodo 4884, going to try to fire it up soon, two of the Tender wheels are reversed so I fix that and give it a test. I was able to pick up a PFM controller for is so I'm pretty stoked. Great video, great little engine too!

[@jakeschulte1831]

As someone just getting into the hobby, this video was really informative about some of the issues effecting trains that don't work. Awesome video, look forward to watching more train restorations in the future!

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks for watching

[@EmeraldKnight4611]

This thing is only 50 years old and it looks Damn well for a model! It actually looks like a locomotive

[@fball8052]

I have the very same Mantua switcher that was bought in 1953 and it still runs like new. Of course it gets used quite a lot. The only thing I have replaced is the brushes about 30 years ago. Nice video!!

[@HarryDiecast]

Nice job on that 0-4-0 restoration.

[@hmhobbies]

You know it’s a good day when Amtrakguy365 and Harrison upload at the same time

[@CurdsFromDaCulvers420]

You know I was thinking the same thing!

[@RayBoebel]

I have one of those!!! Belong to my dad and was a set: 2 flat cars, a gon and a caboose. Nice to see another 70 year old loco come back to life!!!

[@chrissharp5073]

Absolutely brilliant. $5 bargain and it just goes to show what can be achieved with these older models. Well done you.

[@SMTMainline]

Absolutely, the simple drives are great.

[@georgebrown8312]

Good work making that locomotive work again.

[@exarkun42]

I always find it therapeutic to watch loco restorations. Keep up the good work!

[@SMTMainline]

I’m happy to hear that :)

[@joallawestervelt6918]

That is so cool. Love seeing these old locomotives run. You are quite the Wizard. Thanks for sharing. 💕😊💕🤗💕

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks :)

[@An_Actual_Fish]

Fun fact, I had gotten a brand new Hornby 4-4-0 Ho scale that stopped running, I was uber depressed but I saw one of your videos, It inspired me to open the thing up and fix it. The problem was something with the wiring it would not draw an electrical current. The Drive Wheels still do not but the Tender wheels do so it kinda functions. So thanks man for the inspiration.

[@SMTMainline]

It's great to hear that you got it running again :)

[@An_Actual_Fish]

@@SMTMainline well "Running" its not perfect and conducting power doesn't work perfectly because only the tender seems to be getting enough power to power the engine

[@rayshutsa6690]

Thank you for a great video. I love the 50 yr locamotive. Glad to see it runs boyh ways. Model trains has held a place in my heart.

[@crsrdash-840b5]

Love seeing those trucks on the tender. The front is tender designed and the rear is freight. Gives it a unique look and somehow I can the railroads doing this to older equipment.

[@SMTMainline]

Whatever keeps it rolling

[@crsrdash-840b5]

@@SMTMainline Yeah! Rock those rails young stud!

[@williamrathwell766]

I really enjoy your repair videos. Great job!

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@ralphgreenwood5857]

You got a runner there! Awesome job!!

[@meliketrolleys]

Nothing like the mantua shifter. It was our first locomotive in about 1948 with mantua couplers. Good job!

[@maicodoug]

That plate will not require any alignment whatsoever due to the fact that their flat head screws (self aligning). Great video Sir!

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks

[@maicodoug]

You guys are awesome keep up the good work.

[@MMRails]

At one point when you were cleaning the wheels, it reminded me of the dentist. And that reminded me of the kid who used to eat trains on KZbin. He had no head, afraid to show his teeth. Anything for views. ;) Great job as always.

[@SMTMainline]

That guy was messed up, must have had weekly trips to the dentist lol

[@ratheonhudson3311]

I remember seeing this on sale in the first catalogue I read of model trains! Thank you for taking such care to restore it

[@dbtech7914]

I Love those old Tyco, die-cast, Mantua engines. They run great. You should be able to pull at least ten cars with it. Good job!

[@mercuryoak2]

I think i found something on that loco that may help the slow speed. David correct me if im wrong the valve gear timing is a bit off on one side the part that wig wags back and forth up near boiler on the side he repaired was timed good the other side was going way way too far and can cause some minor jamming . if he loosened up one of the gear screw on rear driver or tried to match the other side making sure its opposite side the loco would run at lower speed. Due to the other side timing a little out of sort it causes to run higher power around 13:00 you can see the one nearest Harrison that little tiny part that sicks up is going further then other when you go back to the part when he bent the guide in place . the one thats near him needs a slight adjustment i know all 3 of mine had similar issue but were set so its not binding or requires more power. Just a thought what do you think?

[@SMTMainline]

With a bit of work they can be decent engines that don’t cost much.

[@greglivo]

@@mercuryoak2 I noticed that too. The eccentric crank should be set so that it's roughly 5-10 degrees "ahead" of the wheel center. The one on the fireman's side looks way off.

[@T199Productions]

I honestly do not like american locos but there is somting about seeing them run again makes me happy, keep it up

[@christosgian.8399]

Your video was so calming and soothing.. really enjoyed it :)

[@SMTMainline]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Anguskowald]

Hi I love your videos I love how you fix trains you give me heaps of tips thanks

[@yambo59]

Remove and clean the brushes and commutator segments along with the axle bearings, wheels where the contact the track etc Thats a great looking little vintage piece to have sitting on a layout

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

They were built in an age when nothing was made to be disposable. Simple and sturdy with lubrication and maintenance they last forever.

[@shaygetz52]

Nice catch... that complete valve gear was an optional kit that sold for three dollars...not easy to find. They were available for all four and six driver configurations. The deep flanges make it a 1950s era Mantua.

[@Gravity461]

So 70 year old loco not 50 like the title says lol

[@shaygetz52]

@@Gravity461 The loco was made all the way up to the early 2000s... I think it was offered as a "Mantua Classic" as well by Model Power after that. I have ads for it going all the way back to 1951. The nice thing is that the parts are largely interchangable, so putting a twenty year old tender on a 70 year old loco is quite easy.

[@johnhood9567]

This is so cool - loved watching this!

[@peterward2275]

She's a vintage beauty, too!

[@TrainmasterSP-qk2lo]

Great job! Another happy locomotive!

[@williamwatson840]

Thank you. I have a engine just like that one. It was my Dads and have been hoping to get it running again. Thanks again.

[@CR7659]

$5 is a steal for one of those. I wondered if the issue might be the valve gear. Tyco would eliminate that at some point, maybe when they went to the all plastic body. The last one like this I had, I sat at a train show between customers and went through it and got it up and going. I usually sell them for around $25 US if they're complete and run well.

[@SMTMainline]

This one could probably fetch $25 if I slapped some new paint on it.

[@STho205]

Not sure if all the 50s ones had valve gear. It was a mail away option in the kit instructikns through the 70s. None of the late 60s plastic RTR with clunky headlight had them...probably to get the price down to $10 or $30 for a set. The kits by then had the plastic tender, plastic universal Mantua cab (big or small steamers) with rhinestone headlight, but still the die-cast boiler and chassis.

[@meliketrolleys]

@@SMTMainline don't paint it. leave it alone, it's perfect.

[@4everdc302]

Good save Harrison. I like the dead finish on it. Be hard to duplicate as far as weathering. 🚂🇨🇦🙋

[@SMTMainline]

Matt finish gives things a certain rough look which I quite like.

[@4everdc302]

Agreed 👍

[@shockstrains5077]

awesome little loco!

[@Mikep01978]

Nice job. Love your energy. Keep up with the hobby

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you so kindly!

[@christophermarshall5765]

Nice job!! Reminds me of the Hornby train set I had when I was younger.

[@dc-10luderyliner]

you make the best ho scale comtent ever.

[@beyondroom3133]

wonderful little loco

[@avlisk]

I bought this same loco new around 1960, and it was in similar condition when I threw it out about 20 years ago. So, this video was very interesting for me to see what I should have done instead.

[@lorettacaputo6997]

I always loved these little runners. The motors and crappy electrical pickup were the biggest problems. I always wanted to put in a can motor with either a fly wheel or regearing for slower, smoother operation.

[@Scraghunter]

Got 4 or 5 of those old Mantua locos. Once you get them running, they tend to stay running for a good long time. I have a pretty ancient 4-6-2 Pacific that even got a DCC upgrade (motor insulation from the frame required!).

[@richardsouthey430]

Great video, and another one saved, i love them old Tyco's .

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks

[@dylanmatros5877]

Smt You really do a good job On repairing HO Train Engine. I also bought an ho engine from this one store Oldest stuff I bought a taco diesel engine I took it apart and the gears off I bought a taco diesel engine I took it apart and the gears off I found a lot of hair On the gear the engine Was Sluggish I still need to buy Lubricating oil You aspire me a lot Work on HO engines You help me to understand how to fix them Keep the good work On the ho of engines.

[@magnuswettermark8293]

Great job as always. The old Tyco's is awesome.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you

[@ciaranburke3243]

Good job, it runs smooth and quiet 😀

[@RJCormanRailfan]

Subscribed! More on point, these old Mantuas are really tough!

[@SMTMainline]

Yes they are!

[@RJCormanRailfan]

@@SMTMainline What kind of motors do they have, and are they better than the Powertorque motors?

[@2nd66tube2]

nice score , they normally don't have that type of valve gear

[@foxhillrailway2252]

really didn't think you could get that to move let alone run as smooth as that... top job... Neil in Dunkerque

[@SMTMainline]

It could be improved too

[@jamesemerson3414]

The side rods and valve gear seem to be binding. They need adjustment.

[@ededwardson6074]

check strength of magnet remagnatizing it might help lowering current draw

[@dougcrocfer9629]

All Right Well Done!. Well I Learned Alot From You !. Thank You.......

[@Cyberpuppy63]

I had a Tycho (?) - 1973 2-4-2 type train many years ago - painted black. It suffered several scuffs, before being given away to Salvation Army. Recently tried looking it up. Probably not sold anymore.

[@stephenbarlin2314]

I think these beautiful well designed old engines deserve a full strip down , thorough cleaning and lubricating followed by body repair, repainting and detailing as required so that they look and run as well as when new,

[@stefanjouef5079]

Great Channel!!!!!!

[@stevenjolls8968]

This seems like a good time to bring up something I have observed several times in your videos. I was an aviation electronics technician in the Navy and retired as such. One of the very first things that was embedded in my mind in trouble shooting was first, #1 “visual inspection!” Being new to this wonderful hobby of HO’s my first inclination is to look at the drive rods and connections. As you know, a bent rod or linkage can freeze the entire operation. A simple repair in most cases. You have overlooked this obvious problem in many of your repair videos. You always Eventually find the problem but, a visual inspection first, zowee! Got it. And, it is so quick and easily done. No offense meant. I’ve learned more from you than all other sources combined! We won’t count my short comings.😊

[@SMTMainline]

That's a fair point. I usually do an inspection of the rods however more times than not its old grease seizing the drive.

[@Quacks0]

15:12 ...aaaand the old girl rumbles over the rail once again! :D :D

[@lenkubiak3051]

Liked the video .Got a nice layout hope to see more of it .Well i subscribed growing uo with 4 bros and a sister in a 5 room house ment NO room for model trains except for chrismas time

[@mercuryoak2]

Serenity! Awesome work. I have a tender that goes to this exact locomotive I've been trying to find a 0-4-0 also a 2-6-2 and a 0-6-0 they are out there I also think that Tyco mantua run beautiful run 1000 times better then any of Bachman's cheap pancake motor split gear and chassis versions.

[@2nd66tube2]

you might be surprised how well the old Bachmann pancake 0-6-0 can be made to run. one thing that helps is 8 wheel tender pick up's

[@mercuryoak2]

@@2nd66tube2 I had a 262 Prairie pile of junk I also didn't have tender pickup either I will not buy Bachmann products that are junk like that the split chassis and a split axles garbage. Mantua made better product

[@danielcoburn8635]

Great little locomotives to learn on, fun to build and or refurbish, and plentiful at decent price.

[@SMTMainline]

Absolutely

[@EdwardZNorton]

Was hoping to see the shell get cleaned up and possibly painted or restored too but overall not bad!

[@ionwebs1907]

Looks like it is a Mantua 0-4-0 model 3959 with tender 2199. Great work.

[@Lil_Pennsy]

I have a fondness for these kinds of switchers. I have the same exact loco n it is my prized engine. My smallest steamer n engine but it is my number 1

[@nelslyman8167]

You my friend are very talented

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks

[@danagovang2520]

Very good job. With all that dirt inside it may have spent years running on a carpet loop of track.

[@RomaRomaUA]

Excellent video! That is great that I found your channel, maybe I will don’t think about war. Greetings from Ukraine 🇺🇦!

[@railfan475productions3]

if you do end up painting this one, might I recommend a Pennsylvania Railroad paint scheme.

[@kevinbreaker2683]

Fantastic👏👏👍

[@samusvi2693]

i am always amazed at how you get those to run.

[@leverettrailfan5414]

It looks like your replacement truck might be from a Gilbert HO engine. I got a Gilbert 433 a bit over 2 months ago, thankfully while a tender axle was missing, both tender trucks were otherwise complete. I had to replace one of the copper wipers since it was missing. Those Mantua-Tyco motors honestly run really nicely (at least the ones I've toyed with so far), the only thing wrong with them is they tend to need cleaning up.

[@SMTMainline]

It was off a Gilbert but the best thing I had in terms of spare parts.

[@peterhiggins3329]

straight up.... the out of place left side return (eccentric) crank rigging below the flange of the wheel is a potential mechanical and electrical issue...... In fact both return cranks are well out of their correct position. Right coupling rod has also been installed upside down.

[@christophermondone84]

great job bring it back to life

[@cryzz0n]

Nice job SMT , it would be cool to see you start making these undecorated engines into your own SMT Mainline RR scheme for the layout

[@tompPRR8976]

Another great rehab/rescue.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@micoasters]

I just bought one of these in a eBay lot a few hours ago so when that comes in I will def be using this video to repair it

[@Brian_rock_railfan]

great video

[@jonas2431]

This is how my new bachman yard master looks like

[@robertelliott44]

Just found your channel 👍 nice work man !

[@johnsterling7420]

That is why I call you the wizard.👍👌😇

[@Tuckaway]

Excellent, you did well with that one. Luckily for you the armature was good. It looks like the kids had left that engine out doors over winter.

[@SMTMainline]

It was certainly exposed to moisture.

[@peterhiggins3329]

This is what my new clubs layout locos are looking like.. There seems to be a general aversion to cleaning locos.

[@MrJearley6]

Thank you for this video I learned a lot thank you

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

A locomotive where's the accessory Central Valley added valve kit that was advertised in Model Railroader for $3. This was the same as the price for a Year's subscription to Model Railroader. I believe the metal kit that they have was sold for about 7:50 if I remember right. They use it in one of those Atlas track planning books at you used to be able to get for $0.99 boy am I getting old

[@Jjmodsstuff]

hello im just getting started on trains i love your set up❤

[@nightisright1873]

SERENITY NOW

[@brandonharris7516]

Looks like you got it Outside somewhere

[@racerxforever2765]

That one brings back memories Mine was painted up nice. I ran light but okay

[@coquitlam_railfan5686]

You should give it a fresh coat of black paint.

[@carriecabrera7720]

I love you restore shin videos

[@FluxAscender]

I have this EXACT model, in Rock Island livery... the draw bar for the tender broke, though. I need to pull it out sometime and make a replacement... and replace the knuckle on the front.