Can We Make This Southern Pacific Daylight Run? Brass Locomotive

Ever since buying a Bachmann southern pacific GS4 I've had nothing but derailing issues so I decided to buy one from a different manufacturer this time.
I found a brass Sunset models daylight on eBay for auction which I bought at a good price mostly because the condition was non working.
Getting this locomotive running wasn't too tricky as it mostly just needed fresh oil and cleaning however after the first test it was clear it wouldn't run on my layout without some work.
I ended up having to replace two wheel sets as well as sand the flanges on the centre driving wheels. I also rewired the tender and added a bolt for a drawbar.

[@DrGordonFreeman_Tabi]

Fun Fact: Steam locomotives drive wheels with no center flange(s) those center wheels would be known as blind drivers.

[@yea4826]

Cool

[@ytzpilot]

Yup otherwise it can’t make corners

[@DrGordonFreeman_Tabi]

correct.

[@agressive_cementbag]

affirmative my friend.

[@MajorWolff23]

Wow

[@tertiusimpostor]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="780">13:00</a>: the little ladybug running in the foreground is a really nice companion to this beautiful loco☺

[@TheRacist1234]

He definitely deserves a ticket to get onboard 4449

[@railfanmaximstill7279]

Not a ladybug. One of those Asian Beetles

[@davidknowles2491]

Looking really smart there with a rake on. Always preferred diecast to plastic myself. Anybody else notice the ladybug?

[@CynderHound]

That ladybug was in perfect position for the daylight

[@notcooper339]

That’s just George. He works in advertising. He was demonstrating that the locomotive can crawl as slow as a ladybug.

[@ChamplainDivision]

One minor technicality - that locomotive is brass; not diecast. It was built, most likely in South Korea, by hand.

[@BOZOSMITH-xw3ms]

Years ago bought an HO engine and some track and had it set up on the floor. Bad idea of course. Had a small shop vac to keep the R/W clean and was amazed at the spiders and bugs that had been killed by the train. Am not a good house keeper

[@Chagan44]

I personally don’t like older Bachman daylights or any of theirs steam engines from the 80’s-90’s so cool to see u found a brass one It’s in great shape

[@SMTMainline]

Great looking locomotives but they were not well built.

[@F4productions4072]

@@SMTMainline true

[@goob67896]

@@SMTMainline I had a Bachman Daylight, the drivers literally worked themselves loose and fell off one day.

[@MPRail]

@@SMTMainline have you heard about BNSF 4706? I’m BNSF 4705

[@Papa_Shurika]

Hello, great job! At the 13th minute, a small beetle wanted to ride on a beautiful steam locomotive.

[@Fxe4014]

ladies and gentlemen we have it, finally the Daylight returned to the SMT channel!

[@Tmstrains]

From my personal preference, I'm not a fan of the older Bachman daylights or any of their steam engines that were produced during the 80s and 90s. Therefore, it's exciting to hear that you've discovered a brass one that is in excellent condition.

[@n4pwx]

You done a great job of getting that engine up and going like it should. Congrats to you.

[@ReviewerKid90]

Well I know who I'm sending a non-running locomotive to. You are the greatest when working on non runners. Keep being awesome. 🤟

[@B1ENTERTAINMENT30]

my grandpa has a GS4 that he kept up on a display shelf above the bay window in my grandparents old house before he moved out to Wyoming. I remember sometimes standing in the bay window and getting the locomotive down and then hiding behind their recliner and playing with it. He had a bunch of locomotives but when I got around to opening up the box of stuff he gave me I only found 8 locomotives instead of the original like 30 some-odd locomotives that were in there. A lot of SP and BNSF stuff with some SF. There was even a PBNE switcher that I'm actually converting to DCC.

[@antonbruce1241]

Now that is one fine looking model train!!!! And getting a Sunset Models GS-4 - what a steal!!!!

[@shipbuilding1000]

Nice purchase. It’s a good thing the original owner wrapped the model in plastic, a lot of those older Sunset boxes have petroleum-based foam which breaks down over time and eats into the brass, even when the box is stored in cool, dry conditions. I was shocked to see this phenomenon when a gentlemen brought a collection of older brass into the hobby store I worked at as a teen. Nice looking GS4 you acquired!

[@gustridertrains]

I like how you filled this SMT the video looks great as well and it's another great repair.

[@robertmunguia6172]

Nice ❤️ 👌 👍 you brought it back to life 😀

[@crazygamer0518]

Even the lady bug liked it!!

[@kylestevens6925]

Spectacular work and congrats on your first brass model! Now that’s a disease you can’t cure, trust me, I got several brass model and once you buy one, you’ll want more! Thanks for sharing!

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one from Sunset.

[@kylestevens6925]

@@SMTMainline Sunset is definitely a good intro level for getting into brass. Look into getting some Pacific FastMail(PFM) for another cheap, but great detailed and sometimes good running models.

[@VestedUTuber]

The one thing keeping me from a brass addiction is the scale my brass models are at, and their resulting pricetags. My entry into brass is an LGB/Aster Live Steam Frank S. in G-scale, and since then I've only purchased one other, an Accucraft Fn3 0-4-2ST Plantation Locomotive, also live steam, because each one was over a grand.

[@jamesweaver1913]

I did enjoy watching! Love your videos.

[@RayBoebel]

WOW!!! Nicely done Harrison! BTW, giving you a shout out in my next video. Had a loco kicking around in "needs repair" box, so I got it running last night! No spoilers here, your just gonna have to wait for the video to drop on April 7th, 2023 at 8am Eastern! :)

[@RocketStephen618]

I own a few brass engines. And yes, There should be a drawbar. That wire would connect to a screw, that would hold a drawbar. They would also have the rivarossi style metal wire contact. Great job replacing the drawbar, and getting the engine running! With that Can Motor, you might be able to put DCC in it!

[@train_man5975]

One of my favorite things to do is to buy engines that don’t quite work. You open it up and it’s like a single contact that “sliped.” It’s a good way of saving money

[@brentpodoll5848]

Great job again. We had the daylight 4449 steam thrue Minot N D a few years ago. We got to get up close to it was super cool. I love the matching lady bug.

[@agressive_cementbag]

very lovely. the GS4’s are beautiful.

[@ehcatsfaneric2211]

Such a talented work ethic and superior knowledge..you are the sheldon cooper of model railroading!

[@naw611rules6]

Thanks for the upload to my question

[@johncloar1692]

Harrison you have a very nice runner. Thanks for the video. It is alway enjoyable to see the old one run again.

[@w.rustylane5650]

Serenity, you have a runner! W Rusty Lane K9POW in eastern Tennessee

[@SMTMainline]

This one was a bit more of a challenge but hopefully it'll run for countless years to come.

[@ginaklein8964]

I seem to learn something new while watching almost all of your restoration videos!!!!!

[@roberttracy1013]

As an addendum, I was able to fit the decoder and speaker inside the boiler. No need to rig up wiring between loco and tender.

[@Lancelot_Jago]

Thank you Mr Mainline. You have kept inspiring me to get off the chair and get busy. Congratulations on restoring a beautiful model. Cheers Lance 🇦🇺

[@vettebecker1]

Awesome job with this locomotive, the Daylight has always been my favorite train. I’ll have one of my own one day

[@JonathanColemanTrains]

since you have a running Daylight model you can have the other Daylight converted to a dummy model to pull beind the powered one then you can have both daylights running as one big train

[@SMTMainline]

It wouldn't work since the other has a quartering issue.

[@MajorWolff23]

I love Southern Pacific Daylights. Glad see someone talking about them.

[@Petemonster62]

The Montreal Daylight once again makes a stop in Dunderville as it heads to Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, Kansas City, Tucumcari, & El Paso on its way to Los Angeles!

[@SMTMainline]

Just serviced at workbench yard.

[@Chessie-Steam-Special]

I mean brass, nice paint, now running? This is the best restoration ever!

[@whip-its_dad4239]

What a beautiful train , loved watching it going round and round .

[@DRRP]

Great find. Great to see you get it running too :)

[@railroadguy100]

Southern Pacific Daylight engines are really amazing. The remaining GS4 steam engine was restored to pull a special train when the USA was celebrating it's bicentennial in the 1970s. Today, the engine is housed with 2 other steam engines in Portland and open to visitors, part of the week. I have an O Gauge version in my collection and enjoy running the engine with some cars. Already got 4 matching cars

[@kennymcgowan2880]

This train is on my list, good job of fixing and bringing it back to life

[@FrankTedesco]

I hope you gave that ladybug a ride...

[@ytzpilot]

Pretty Sweet Loco 😛

[@alanwbelcher]

Another save by SMT! Well done!

[@TGPilar]

The daylight is easily my all time favorite, just the SP GS’s in general honestly, there’s just something about their design, I’m lucky enough to have a GS-6 in my collection, but I’m looking to get that 4449 soon!

[@David-yo5re]

Way to go Harrison! Dr. Trainkenstein does it again! 😁 That is a beautiful locomotive pulling one of the most beautiful passenger consists ever built. I always enjoy watching your videos.

[@johnellick7362]

Another awesome restoration,good job. Nice looking train! :)

[@modelrailroader5619]

That’s looking mighty fine! Good job.

[@MikeshobbiesJ3A614]

SWEET! I was shocked that it couldn’t handle 22 inch radius curves, I have an vintage brass daylight that does them with no issues. There is something truly special about a hand made brass locomotive!

[@SMTMainline]

Others have said this was meant for 33" radius, I had no idea.

[@ronaldrondeau7870]

Great, this is one of your best engine. Dont know if you heard about a model railroader fan Dayligt Dave. Dave pas away weeks ago. That guy was a great man very fun to exange with. He will be missed

[@jarednolte254]

Hi SMT love the video I got a question when is your next fan mall opening video?

[@SMTMainline]

Quite soon I think, there are several parcels waiting.

[@nicholasbishop3300]

Lovely looking loco Nice job Nick Australia

[@garysprandel1817]

Well darn it Harrison I was about to drag my old backside off to bed and all of a sudden a new SMT video announcement pops up so I guess I can stay up a little later. Very nice acquisition though I'd keep an eye on the running gear as when you started out it was running extremely quiet to the point it was just wheels on track heard but as she went there was a clicking " chugging " noise almost like the driving rods were loosening or deforming and hitting each other. Also might have to have a word with Nerf Cat as it looks like they're falling down on the job and let a trespasser get on railroad property there right before you hooked up the rest of the train.

[@SMTMainline]

The makeshift "drive rod" was loosening and was causing vibration when put under more strain in the corners. I think adding some two stroke fuel like as a replacement might do the job to fix it.

[@markwilliams2620]

One thing, when handling high end loco's wear clean cotton or nitrile gloves. Your oily finger prints can etch into the paint if left on the surface. Nice haul. I bought a brass 4-6-4 Milwaukee Road F6 a few months ago and it is gorgeous. Paint is top tier Display queen so it needs a clean and lube to run. 😊

[@exarkun42]

That is magnificent. Good work there!

[@chrislastname7736]

The Southern Pacific Daylight is my favorite. The Loco and its 15 matching passenger cars is my pride in my collection

[@ferrovocho28]

Wow, congrats for that! Normally brass models are hard to adjust to run well, so well done. Also in this case you were lucky that it had already a good motor. And it looks so good :)

[@FreihEitner]

Now that is the way a Daylight is supposed to look! Really nice. And I was just about to comment that that was probably the easiest disassembly, cleaning and reassembly I've ever seen you do--then it derailed and you cut to "5 hours later". :-)

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

Nice to see a working daylight back on your layout. Nice job

[@lotsatrains]

Beautiful locomotive and fantastic job of getting it going 👍 Definitely a favorite of mine too 👌

[@jamesfitch6431]

You did a great job. Thats a beautiful locomotive and consist. Time for another video to install a decoder. Thanks for sharing, you have such wonderful content. Love watchin your videos

[@anthonyc1883]

Good work. Nice, satisfying run footage.

[@georgefager3772]

Very nice 👍

[@Pisca-kk5cs]

Saw the lady bug 🐞 crawling next to the Lok . 😂

[@vuurvrrailfanner4656]

Cool

[@myvideosetc.8271]

I'm from europe and this locomotives are not usually my thing but I'm actually envious.

[@henkherta1vanzitteren50]

Hello Haul Harrison,I always watch your broadcast in full Admiration,As you got this loco running again, It`s been a few hours, But it runs fine again Haul, I`ve also been a Fan of a number of years now your, And now I wish you and your family,From here from Belgium, A happy Easter in health, Peace and Happiness, I wish you the best, Kind regards from Henk van Zitteren,Machinist at the Belgium State Railways (NMBS)❤😀😉

[@roberttracy1013]

I have an unpainted GS4, same as yours. Runs beautifully. Have fitted leds and TCS WOW steam decoder. Absolute dream to run. Just creeps on speed step 1. Sounds stunning.

[@TroublesomeSlateTruck]

Wow.

[@gregnowak2492]

Beautiful locomotive! Nice find!

[@canadianbehaviour8280]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="781">13:01</a> Ladybug! Great work chief she runs like a dream

[@donsgotmoney]

That Mashima can motor really aids to the slow speed crawl. They are a low volt, low amp draw torque monster that companys such as NWSL utilize. I have had several over the years in one diesel or another. Excellent motors and will make your operations a more pleasurable experience.

[@jasonanderson6583]

Move aside guys there’s a new daylight in town now

[@johnsterling7420]

That is why you are the wizard, congratulations on the daylight. Nice looking train. Does the headlight work.? 😇👌👍

[@callmebigpapa]

@<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="780">13:00</a> there is a passenger trying to get on the train. That speedup effect was cool you should try a shot with the Tilt-shift effect from above!

[@benjaminkline4385]

You were talking about your job with work with model trains. That sounds like a good job. But I work for CSX, so I get to play with the real toys and if a brake it I don’t have to fix it or pay for it. I love to watch your podcast. I learn a lot from watching your show. Keep up the good work and thank you. Ben

[@SMTMainline]

it must be awesome to work with the real things, I actually work at a restaurant.

[@sawyerahbiesadventuressaa4158]

I am in love with tjat one. I love your set up!!!

[@marklinproductions2180]

you have a new channel engine!

[@erwanh7802]

These locs are so beautiful !

[@stillplayswithtrains1442]

Nice! Excellent work.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@heirandspare]

Another outstanding job 👏 Keep up the good work.

[@crashryanphoto]

Good job in making it work. It's always fun to watch how easily you fix these locomotives. I have anxiety issues lubricating the wheels! What a mess.

[@loona4133]

It looks so cool. U are very smart. And u know how to fix trains better than I can. I wish I had ur talent

[@BOBXFILES2374a]

A great Repair 101 video! I lived for a time in SFO, and had the rare privilege of Standing Beside the actual locomotive, when it came through town and stopped at a station. I was late to work, but so what? This MATTERED!

[@SMTMainline]

I'd run late to work anytime to see the daylight in person.

[@oskarvalance3041]

Nice job, as usual. Don't run over the ladybug. It's bad luck, LOL!!

[@eugenewebber4887]

nicest looking train I’ve seen in a long minute…

[@micoasters]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="789">13:09</a> ladybug trying to blend in with the daylight

[@Subpowerzero66]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="776">12:56</a> | If you look in front of the locomotive, you have your first passenger, a lady bug!

[@williamsantangelo]

Great job Harrison very cool!! Thank You!

[@Hazy429]

I kept thinking the Daylight was going to pull an Acela

[@Apoptart]

Nice vid Smt!

[@dvv45]

Look’s good, nice runner!

[@sankardas5974]

Nice locomotive ❤️❤️

[@4everdc302]

I don't have a Daylight😥 BRASS section(advanced)of the SMT Manual. Well done, Harrison🚂🇨🇦🙋

[@bobkohl6779]

Nice to see someone running their trains faster than snail speed!

[@SMTMainline]

Exactly, this isn't a train show.

[@dantamsky9712]

22 inches are very tight curves for an HO scale 4-8-4. I'm glad you got all the old gunk out and were able to make it run well.

[@blazersfan3602]

Love those GS4 class locos, I own both the older bachman worlds fair and the newer daylights

[@TBone-bz9mp]

Smooth as silk.

[@_mozz_LEGOGOD]

Lady bug: hallooooooo DONT KILL MEEEEEEEEE

[@c44-9w9]

Hello smt I found a rare variant of the bachmann chessie system f9 ho scale

[@christophermondone6864]

great job on your repaire and trouble shoot.

[@brandongaines1731]

It would've been nice to see your process for replacing the lead wheelsets, blinding the center drivers, and kitbashing the tender drawbar - great to see an old brass locomotive running around, though! glad that you got it working :-)

[@SMTMainline]

The front wheels just popped out, the centre flanges required hours of sanding lol.

[@mercuryoak2]

Wow very nice. That sure is a sweet runner. Yeah I'm late to the party seeing this lol