Can We Make This Rusted, Trashed HO Diesel Run Again?

I was sent this very rusted out ho scale Tyco Mantua diesel a while back along with a couple other broken engines to repair and out of all of them this one was certainly the most challenging of the bunch. I suspect the loco had been involved in a flood at some point due to there being rust all over many parts of the loco.

[@MMRails]

I’m always waiting for an evil spirit to be released from one of these old locos. “Who darrrre disturb my slumberrrrr?!”

[@antonbruce1241]

SMT isn't afraid of evil spirits...he conquers them and destroys them. He cast them out of this loco most successfully!!!

[@Petemonster62]

That might happen if SMT works on a Marx # 666 O27 gauge locomotive.

[@evanj2400]

My cat stepped on my iPad and he chose a great video

[@plaguedoctormuffin]

Ngl because of you Harrison I have fixed my first model that was my dad's now mine AND 40 years ago it was submerged in water for awhile it but I dont know the model maker

[@kenytha5]

Nice video of getting that old Mantua running again.

[@extremelightingbolt199]

I haven't even watched the video and I'm excited

[@engineerpat5290]

ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!! GREAT JOB!

[@lackawannarailfan5206]

Great video! Awesome work!👍

[@47DavidG]

I like your background music. Nice to see the nanny Engineering.

[@williamkolina3988]

This video a testament to your skill.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@williamkolina3988]

@@SMTMainline some day I'll see you driving a CN sd40 for real

[@BenandMylesMom]

That was an epic restoration.

[@DowneastProductions211]

Good job Harrison

[@alcopower5710]

Great restoration.......one of your best ones yet 👍

[@johnellick7362]

This was a great restoration. The locomotive was totally trashed and you brought it back to life. Great job !!!

[@Zebrails]

From original parts, so you're no Dr. Frankenstein! But... IT'S ALIVE!

[@caboosech]

great job getting some old tyco loco runing again i got a kato f7 a&b units that i got from a friend he had his basement flooded these 2 kato units he told me they would never run again & they are still runing today

[@GreatBowlsAfire]

Serenity!! 🤓💕👍

[@rouell5630]

Why is this video so satisfying to me?

[@smokeycat1152]

Super cool that you got it to run. B and o is my favorite railroad because my great great grandfather was a conductor for them

[@FostoriaOhiomodelrailroadclub]

Nice job 👍🏻

[@mollycaz1]

That was one of your best repair jobs the shape it was in.

[@Ansowhat]

B&O: Who you calling busted buster! SMT: 🙄

[@albertweir5070]

wow buddy you are amasing

[@jaedenlyons]

You can pretty much restore any HO scale train!! How did you get so experienced!! I’m very impressed!!

[@Yourmom-et1xo]

Are you testing us to see who’s loyal and will watch this vid at 12:00 am

[@mercuryoak2]

I would say its an accident when he probably ment to schedule it earlier probably didnt see the time to do so which I can understand ive done it myself had to go back and fix it. He also probably figures. Nobody would he up so they would get video in the morning. No harm no fowl id say.

[@NYMR-Pacific-6323]

Its 11:30 Here In Chicago

[@Ansowhat]

12:33 here

[@NYMR-Pacific-6323]

@@Ansowhat Nice.

[@mercuryoak2]

Also remember hea been really busy so to get videos out i think is pretty impressive when your busy schedule. I rarely put videos up cause im a truck driver but i find it fun when i can

[@mercuryoak2]

Good job! At 8:35 hearing you laugh of the shadiest fixes and lets see if it runs made me laugh and smile how I knew it run one way or another. I had a locomotive like this that came in a box at a yardsale But shell wasnt good the motors however are. Yes i said motors 2 mantua mu motors for a F unit. I robbed the brushes for my mantua steamers but the motors are still of use if someone wanted them. The plastic wheels have chipped from previous owner but I dont need them . good work getting this old girl fixed up.

[@charlieb308]

Great job

[@lawrencephelps3181]

You are one of the coolest dudes on KZbin. Caught those B&Os (Capitol Limited) from Silver Spring Md in the early 60s to Harper's Ferry WV. Smooth ride and most comfortable seats ever. Lots of printers from GPO used it to get home to Brunswick MD.

[@MattKonsol]

Wow SMT I didn’t know you put CA on the truck covers where it goes. I was expecting screws and nuts but this will be easier for me to repair my Burlington GP 20. Thanks for showing me!

[@Bender13]

He could also drill and tap the post for small screws as the matchbox car sites do when they restore. Then again.....is it worth the time and trouble?

[@MattKonsol]

@@Bender13 some of my tyco groups on Facebook used those too sometimes

[@paulstitz7954]

Good job

[@felixfelix9062]

HOLY CRAP FINALLY ONE I HAVE! I got this one from a thrift store near a Nutcracker Village in Ohio. It SUCKED, didn't run, and was extremely jerky. Dremel to the contacts, clean up the wheels, and now it's one of my best runners. Edit: I broke it and am now attempting to fix it

[@crazytrainschannel]

Wow... how are you so smart with these things?! Exelent job i i really enjoyed this video! You also got the exact tools, really cool

[@CR7659]

I have seen guys replace those rivets with screws but getting something to still hold it to that mount bracket is a challenge, because the top of it holds that on. If the rivet is hollow maybe they could be tapped for a screw from the bottom. The front truck is no big deal for a couple of long screws through with nuts probably on the top. Engine is missing a plastic fuel tank and metal weight that sits inside of it.

[@WTafterburner]

Sorry I’m a bit late I fell asleep but nice restoration smt I’m fixing a tyco mantua Pennsylvania f7 but I’m painting it into a New York central scheme

[@randallellison6421]

Nice restoration Harrison! Kind of odd they would rivet the trucks together especially knowing that eventually, that area of the locomotive will have to be serviced!

[@randallellison6421]

@@Gma7788 I didn't say that I don't understand rivets, what I meant was that it's unusual that they would do that knowing the eventual owner would have to service that area of locomotive eventually. Not everyone has the necessary tools, or would go through the trouble of drilling out the rivets and then having to replace them with new rivets after servicing! If that makes me odd, so be it, it's just that I've never seen one done this way before.

[@trainstorm1225]

Harrison: **puts “we” in the title** **COMMUNISM INTENSIFIES**

[@plaguedoctormuffin]

Союз нерушимый республик свободных Сплотила навеки Великая Русь Да здравствует созданный волей народов Единый, могучий Советский Союз Славься, Отечество наше свободное Дружбы народов надёжный оплот! Партия Ленина - сила народная Нас к торжеству коммунизма ведёт Сквозь грозы сияло нам солнце свободы И Ленин великий нам путь озарил На правое дело он поднял народы На труд и на подвиги нас вдохновил Славься, Отечество наше свободное Дружбы народов надёжный оплот Партия Ленина - сила народная Нас к торжеству коммунизма ведёт В победе бессмертных идей коммунизма Мы видим грядущее нашей страны И Красному знамени славной Отчизны Мы будем всегда беззаветно верны Славься, Отечество наше свободное Дружбы народов надёжный оплот Партия Ленина - сила народная Нас к торжеству коммунизма ведёт

[@plaguedoctormuffin]

@Samuel Olesek Союз нерушимый республик свободных Сплотила навеки Великая Русь Да здравствует созданный волей народов Единый, могучий Советский Союз Славься, Отечество наше свободное Дружбы народов надёжный оплот! Партия Ленина - сила народная Нас к торжеству коммунизма ведёт Сквозь грозы сияло нам солнце свободы И Ленин великий нам путь озарил На правое дело он поднял народы На труд и на подвиги нас вдохновил Славься, Отечество наше свободное Дружбы народов надёжный оплот Партия Ленина - сила народная Нас к торжеству коммунизма ведёт В победе бессмертных идей коммунизма Мы видим грядущее нашей страны И Красному знамени славной Отчизны Мы будем всегда беззаветно верны Славься, Отечество наше свободное Дружбы народов надёжный оплот Партия Ленина - сила народная Нас к торжеству коммунизма ведёт

[@dinnerfromthediningcar1080]

It might not be communism. Maybe Harrison has a multiple personality disorder??? :)

[@plaguedoctormuffin]

@@dinnerfromthediningcar1080 Союз нерушимый республик свободных Сплотила навеки Великая Русь Да здравствует созданный волей народов Единый, могучий Советский Союз Славься, Отечество наше свободное Дружбы народов надёжный оплот! Партия Ленина - сила народная Нас к торжеству коммунизма ведёт Сквозь грозы сияло нам солнце свободы И Ленин великий нам путь озарил На правое дело он поднял народы На труд и на подвиги нас вдохновил Славься, Отечество наше свободное Дружбы народов надёжный оплот Партия Ленина - сила народная Нас к торжеству коммунизма ведёт В победе бессмертных идей коммунизма Мы видим грядущее нашей страны И Красному знамени славной Отчизны Мы будем всегда беззаветно верны Славься, Отечество наше свободное Дружбы народов надёжный оплот Партия Ленина - сила народная Нас к торжеству коммунизма ведёт

[@TheDiamondFish]

@Samuel Olesek no it’s the national anthem of the USSR

[@MrBnsftrain]

So the B&O dummy unit I got many years ago was a Tyco one. I got it in a bog lot of HO scale trains with a table back in 2011. This unit lacking a powered companion led me to purchase an Athearn B&O A-B pair at a train show, which I now use without the Tyco dummy due to it lacking a proper back coupler holder

[@reconphil]

If you drill and tap those rivets, you can put a small screw in place to hold the trucks together.

[@reconphil]

For an idea on how to do it, look at Marty's Matchbox Makeovers. He does it frequently with Matchbox cars. The rivets should be about the same size.

[@johnramirez5996]

You should invest into small bench wire wheel and grinder. Put brass wheels in it and pretty much anything you run through it will look new again. Helps with rust and polishing metal.

[@SMTMainline]

That would probably help.

[@williambruceboisjoli8455]

I have a few of the Mantua engines, I see you need rubber wheels and a weight to make it run better. But great job to get it running

[@steveg3981]

Methinks you have more patience than most . How long did you spend on it? I'd have binned it within thirty seconds. Will you address the cosmetic issues? Thanks

[@NYMR-Pacific-6323]

Exited. I Also Have A Bit Of Tyco

[@davidstrainsandlego]

Were learning about motors in school because of you I think I'll pass.

[@SMTMainline]

Never did, just learned though the internet and experience.

[@dennisdamiani3565]

I’ve used a soldering iron in similar situations where the rivets are drilled out

[@bernadettegarbers9552]

Just a simple thought you could put alligator clips on your testing wires that way you can clip on at least one wire and hold the other in place.....

[@Petemonster62]

SMT - You may want to inspect the wheel that you glued the cracked flange back in place. Some of the CA may be on the wheel's tread & on the surface of the flange, potentially causing intermittent power pick-up.

[@fanofblueshockey107]

Well Sam’s trains is from England and I told him in the comments said how much would it cost if Bachhmann made inspection trAin

[@YourLocalRailfan]

I made a video of a 1953 athern band driven f unit that I bought second hand running like a dream

[@evanstraintubeyt6950]

Smt is the bob ross if trains

[@tracynation2820]

Super. I still operate two road locomotives and four switching locomotives with the MU-2 drive, and even with mine pulling snowplow duty, they do not look anything like this rusty locomotive. 💙 T.E.N.

[@SMTMainline]

I'm a firm believer that humility will do far more damage to a locomotive than ice. I ran several of my Athearns in the snow, it didn't make any difference to performance.

[@billshultz73456]

Epic

[@bernadettegarbers9552]

Here is a thought you could put alligator clips on the end of your testing wires then you can clip one and use the other two test with.....

[@TRRailfan]

9:38 I don’t remember that part of the layout looking like that, wasn’t there a bridge there?

[@dbtech7914]

My first thought was "You are never going to get that to run unless you drill out those rivets!" You can replace them with 2.5mm x 20mm screws. Great job. I like that Baltimore & Ohio paint.

[@SMTMainline]

That's good to know. I tried to buy some screws at my hardware store but the smallest ones they had were still too big.

[@antonbruce1241]

@@SMTMainline You might have to order them from a hobby supply store, or an on-line source such as Micro-Mark. You can get them as short as 1/4" (appx 6.35mm) on their website. They are also available at Jameco Electronics.

[@micahepps6606]

You should try using evapo rust on heavily corroded parts its great and safe on plastic and brass

[@SMTMainline]

I haven't heard of that before but I will look into it.

[@antonbruce1241]

For removing that rust...do you happen to have a Dremel Moto-Tool with a brush bit? That's get that rust off quickly!

[@JBofBrisbane]

Needs the central weight pack.

[@DerekDarcy]

I am just getting back into the hobby after nearly 3 decades away. I am curious what power controller are you running. I like how it is set up and would like to know more

[@Trainman777]

I like how the music is matched up with the locomotive as it first starts to move on the track. Also how do you get the rust off the wheels?

[@mercuryoak2]

I think he used a high grit sandpaper . even sand block or could have used his track brite track cleaner bar

[@alcopower5710]

I use emery boards. If it’s heavy rust then I use my Dremel tool with a wire brush attachment.

[@SMTMainline]

@@mercuryoak2 I used the track cleaner, it works pretty well for letting rust off.

[@mercuryoak2]

@@SMTMainline ahhh I see I see. Very good idea. I figured track brite cleaner bar which basically would do that not bad man .

[@mercuryoak2]

@@alcopower5710 oh I want a rotary tool. Dremel brand is nice I just don't like price. Harbor freight or something id go for myself but to each is own :)

[@L.I.Thunderbolt1003]

My favorite engine just stoped working . It’s a Funit. The motor still works however it moves but Very slow. I’m paranoid to take it apart I love it a lot. I’ve had her for 5 years now first problem. Any help will be appropriated thanks

[@Petemonster62]

Check out SMT's other repair videos & see if he has worked on your make of engine before.

[@thiruraj3866]

Yes

[@DarkpawTheWolf]

@SMT Mainline - what type of brush is that you use on the commutator to clean it? I can't seem to find anything like it, but I'm likely searching with the wrong terms.

[@SMTMainline]

It’s a fibreglass pencil

[@DarkpawTheWolf]

@@SMTMainline Cool, thanks.

[@RAND-233]

Please tell me what drill bit u use to remove the revits?

[@BCrailguy45]

That is one damage loco

[@dalecherne5377]

So whats the story behind the whole "Serenity" thing?

[@SMTMainline]

I don't entirely know, I guess it's just an unusual way of saying "perfection, or great!".

[@dalecherne5377]

@@SMTMainline Haha for sure. It definitely became your slogan :-)

[@brucedavenport3931]

Was wondering what type of power pack you are using as I wish to buy one

[@SMTMainline]

It's an MRC Tech iii 9500 series.

[@michaelwalters7554]

Look up marties matchbox makeover for ideas for the rivet replacment

[@tpurdy1956]

Can you tell us about your transformer with the dial gauges? Brand, etc. and where to buy.

[@williamsantangelo]

Kid your Great how about that!!

[@OpCrossRoads]

The trucks look like someone submerged them in water for a week.

[@SMTMainline]

Yeah, how knows.

[@bobgutsmiedl3375]

I have an old B&O by Athearn. Looks like it used rubber bands to run it. Not a gear system. How do I get it to run? When I pick it up the wheels fall off.I actually have 4 or 5 from an estate, HeLP! please. Bob

[@TheSoulman007]

What conductive lubricant do you use on these locomotives?

[@williamkolina3988]

What brand conductive oil do you use

[@SMTMainline]

I believe it was this brand www.google.com/search?q=Conducta+lube&sxsrf=ALeKk010SkTtcLXFtd4VzGrtoSqMb_3cdQ:1603976346120&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjdoNrC7dnsAhVSmuAKHZRCDi8Q_AUoAXoECAYQAw&biw=1440&bih=686#imgrc=9Wdz355LX4FGcM

[@heirandspare]

How dose one replace a broken coupler on a vintage Tyco passenger car?

[@jongustin2056]

Nice 👍 I came across a tyco with a oringal box it ran for a sec and then shutoff any ideas it’s a tyco chatniga

[@jongustin2056]

Chattanooga

[@mercuryoak2]

Check the wiring , commutator. If the motor turns and its not running. Id say the pivot gear. The metal on. Motor is spinning on the shaft or something. That be my honest guess SMT may know better. I have a chattanooga but the gear on Motor looks different its a 1st gen 1974-1975 locomotive with cars and 1stgen caboose. Quiet runner

[@bernadettegarbers9552]

Since you drilled the rivets out you can run a tap and set screws....

[@jmcfarlandjr]

Just needed a little encouragement.

[@gerardtrigo380]

I am confused as to why you did not replace the rivets with screws.

[@thehastyterrainmaker9485]

Great video! I did notice the Que flag BUT you’re very Anglophone... I take it you’re in the Mtl area?

[@briandonovan9560]

Recommend a designated area for specifically drilling. Metal filings are a bad thing..

[@tatonka12345]

How do I post pics bec I seen famous diesel locos

[@pieseasmyseas]

You should have used screws in the rivet heads

[@SMTMainline]

I couldn't find any small enough.

[@mistermadmachine6311]

🤔but wait could the bottom of the one truck be cleaned

[@Techmonies92]

0:15 your going to fix that?????

[@Railfan225]

Smt you can make everything run again

[@edwarddavis507]

Looks like the box of parts was missing the weight.

[@TheSoulman007]

What is CA?

[@aidens.7370]

Bit late, eh?

[@azmike1]

Of course we all know that TYCO locomotives are nothing but temporary toys built to run for around 5 hours of operation and then it breaks forever. bachmann is the same way. Although the Spectrum Series has better performance. Don't waste your money on anything but Atlas Locomotives. Or maybe Athearn. Good Luck!

[@traminzaporizhzhya]

Greetings from Zaporozhye👋 I certainly think that you will not answer, but there is a request can you do a Russian translation? Please, you have a very interesting channel !!!! I will continue to watch you !!! Thanks!!!!!

[@ianfernandez2735]

It alive

[@sethandotts3763]

Someone put one of these motors in a tyco spirit of 76' engine I bought, weird

[@tatonka12345]

Wanna see locos I saw before

[@antonbruce1241]

There's a term for that loco, normally applied to automobiles: POS. PLEASE don't make me explain. That being said...I have every confidence that Harrison will work his magic and get that ugly beast running again.

[@TRRailfan]

Do you have to post e v e r y video in the middle of the night??

[@SMTMainline]

It's not really planned that way, it kinda just happens.

[@Kobe13111]

hey

[@gustman9048]

You could start a job by doing this for people they ship their trains to you and you ship it back

[@epicrailfannersproductions551]

F7a

[@piedmontrailfan81]

I am the 100th like 💯

[@jolla9963]

This was my first ever diesel loco, it is now painted in a Hogwarts livery.

[@bryanwhat2268]

Its a live