Disgusting 1950s HO Streetcar Trolly Train - Will It Run Again?

[@kevinshortell7604]

Harrison, great job on fixing up the old trolley. 😊 One neat tip that I learned when custom painting stripes in my garage years ago is to use one more coat of the underlying color AFTER masking the paint line off. This seals the edge with the base color and provides a nice, crisp edge. I've been using this technique on my models and have found that it works really well for them, too! 🚂🚃🚃🚃🙂👍

[@s4usea]

Good point. I do flat clearcoat.

[@railroadsandrandom]

The train doctor is back

[@buzzcuttsshorts]

Indeed I gusse

[@MannoulaZ]

@@buzzcuttsshortsgusse

[@MannoulaZ]

@@buzzcuttsshortsgusse fring

[@MannoulaZ]

Gustavo

[@gigan_TheWingedCyborgKfc]

He fixes everything like bob the builder

[@gpalmt]

Congratulations Harrison on a splendid job. I’m a retired T.T.C. driver (although they called us operators, when we drove streetcars). I started with streetcars in 1970 and moved onto buses and the subway two years later. You did a great paint job as well, and It brought back memories as I watched you work, and run it on your layout. I have a bachmann pcc in Toronto Transit colours that I run on my n scale layout. once again well done, and thank you

[@Petemonster62]

GPalmT - Further back in time a trolley, subway, elevated train, or any light rail train driver was called a " motor man ".

[@robertknight4672]

That's really cool. My friend is a bus driver for the MBTA ( Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority). He is a bus driver only but he did get to drive the trackless trolley buses before they were retired. The MBTA actually does have vintage PCC cars still in Revenue Services on the Mattapan High Speed Line. These are really unusual PCC cars because they actually have a door on the left as they were used in subway service.

[@SMTMainline]

It's nice to hear from someone who actually ran these things.

[@thunderfox53]

Always a pleasure to see a old model train given a new lease on life

[@FrankTedesco]

Rode PCC's in Brooklyn, NY as a kid . The trolley barn at Coney Island was my favorite. Super work, Harrison.

[@SMTMainline]

Didn't know they had them there, thanks for sharing.

[@JackDangerous]

Instead of a paper napkin try to get cheap tooth brushes that you can clean and re-use, they get to the tight spots well enough and they give a good scrub too. Keep it up i love your videos!

[@ApproachDiverging013]

Great job restoring that PCC trolley! I enjoy seeing you bring old models back to life and running on the layout!

[@wilde1909]

My favorite videos are when you bring these old models back to life.

[@w.rustylane5650]

I'd be using an old tooth brush to clean up those greasy parts using Gunk. Serenity! We have a runner! Now you need to add an interior LED light. Cheers from eastern TN

[@BroWCarey]

Another one brought back from the dead. Great work, Harrison!

[@thomaslevy2119]

The Bowser PCC body is made from cast zinc alloy, not lead. It is not a toxic metal. The rope allowing the trolley pole to be pulled down goes into a device called a "retriever." If the retriever is working correctly, the rope will NOT hang down. The retriever is a safety device and contains a strong, spring-loaded reel to keep the rope taught. The retriever also contains a clutch which allows the rope to play in and out as the pole follows the trolley wire sags. However, if the pole dewires, the clutch engages to prevent the pole from suddenly springing up vertically and snagging on the overhead wire support arms, possibly tearing them down. (Trolley passengers are safe, being inside the grounded steel body of the car. However, they would probably not appreciate the 600 volt fireworks happening outside.)

[@hush6149]

Ah so basically how seatbelts work

[@thomaslevy2119]

@@hush6149 Basically, yes. However, the rewind clock spring inside it very large and very powerful, unlike a little seatbelt spring. Tension must be taken off the spring before it is removed. I knew a guy who didn't do that when he was trying to repair a retriever. The spring suddenly popped out at full force and almost removed the guy's fingers. He never finished that project for some reason . . .

[@RailRide]

Funny thing...first ad I got on this video was a Hornby ad for their _Flying Scotsman_ . Never thought I'd see one of those here, but at least it was appropriate to the subject.

[@SMTMainline]

I haven't got a model train ad before, that's interesting.

[@DrakeBaldwin-wl5rt]

Nice! I'm glad you could fix it. It look beautiful!

[@garycloud9631]

One of the things i like most about this channel is your knowledge and tenacity to get things running again. Great job and keep the vids coming.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@markwilliams2620]

Automotive engine primer has very fine pigments and is an excellent rattle-can base coat for cast metal locomotives. Wet sanding lessens the problems of lead aresol. Wear gloves and a mask. Ter-on-O. That's a word I haven't heard in a long time. A very long time. Excellent work, as always. Keep having fun.

[@schuey089]

Even though I'm not a train person I love to see the enthusiasm for your hobby, was facinating watching you repair the train for someone so young as well, keep the videos coming, all the best from the UK

[@SMTMainline]

It means a lot hearing that, especially from someone who isn’t into trains

[@Skyfire_The_Goth]

Something I started doing years ago for glass in my models is, after buying anything that's packaged in hard but flexible clear plastic with a lot of flat areas, things like Q-tips and some electronics, hold onto the plastic part of the packaging, then, when needed, cut the plastic to size and glue it to the inside, it now looks like the windows have glass from the outside of the model.

[@Gfysimpletons]

Absolutely…… The swiffer wet pads box top is nice and sturdy.

[@nathanieldaiken1064]

I use Chinese takeout lids for my clear glass.

[@tompaul2591]

Don't toss that glass!! Like others have said you can fab new windows from packaging of all sorts, or toothpaste polish the old one like car headlights, or just try dipping it in pledge floorwax or similar after a good cleaning. The wax fills in small scratches and gives it a shine. I've done that on restoring hot wheels and matchbox cars.

[@DoubleX8620]

Amazing repair yet again. At first, it looked like a "simple" clean will do, but I didn't expect it to be this much work. I do own a Bowser locomotive as well, the PRR E6 Atlantic kit. That thing was also a huge pain to get running again after the original owner abandoned the project 40 years ago and the model shop gave it to me for free. Really like the paint job you did. I paint my locomotives with a brush, as I don't have an airbrush. Runs very nicely now and looks stunning. Another locomotive saved 👍👍

[@robertknight4672]

Very nice restoration. In Massachusetts we still have PCC cars in regular service on the Mattapan High Speed Line. The Massachusetts cars are the only pcc's in the country that have doors on the left.

[@Cape_Cod_Steve]

✋ I lived a few streets over from Ashmont Station off Dot Ave.

[@edwarddavis507]

Nice Job! Harrison you have excellent skills and excellent creativity!

[@TheEcoGuys]

Loved to watch this recondition of this street car. You really have mu juices flowing on rebuilding my collection after loosing everything in a fire. I am learning so much...

[@richardsweeney197]

So, it now looks and runs great, Congratulations!! As a kid I have ridden TTC PCC cars in Toronto. Love your Trolley pole.

[@TSMGL_Youtube]

Excellent choice of livery! I volunteer at a trolley museum with sister Toronto cars of this type (they're called PCCs)

[@andrebankston-ct6ws]

I've seen several of your videos and bro you are unbelievable repairing locamotives. This one is awesome. Great going dude.

[@MMRails]

Absolutely incredible. A true restoration. You turned an ugly troll into a shiny trolley. Yikes, that was bad.

[@SMTMainline]

I still laughed lol

[@paulbervid1610]

Harrison fantastic work. Superb video.

[@MattKonsol]

Really nice restoration on this trolley or streetcar man! Yeah the oringial owner who had this must’ve did alright job on the paint i would say at least they tried and that thing runs like a champ now you restored this!

[@johnsterling7420]

The wizard strikes again 😊 great job Harrison.👍👌😇😀

[@cjdavis2684]

was Awesome you got that trolley working again Harrison, As if there was ever a doubt.... Knew you would figure a solution out and get it going down the tracks again. Well Done.

[@David-yo5re]

He was working in the lab late one night, when his eyes befell a dreary sight. Seems the trolley he bought was not quite right. With a little TLC and ingenuity he got it going again as you see. An ode to Dr. Trainkenstein. Great job Harrison. 👍

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks, nice play on the lyrics

[@antonbruce1241]

Wow....that was basically a complete re-build on that trolley. Superb work, Harrison! And, it's running relatively quietly as well. My congratulations!

[@SMTMainline]

Pretty much, I'm glad it worked out.

[@irenecraggs6123]

you are a jack of all trades Harrison nice job bringing her back from the dead👍

[@thomasdallmann8864]

Dear Harrison, great job !!! One idea to exchange the spoiled original plastic "window- layin" of your model: I had a smilare problem with a nowerdays more than 60 year old model. I took a smooth plastic stripe of a packaging from a chocolate item and made it in form carfully with a light warm stream of a hair-fan. Has been a fantastic result ! What a pitty that i can't show you photos about my work via YT ! Try it, the effect is amazing and you only can win with this for your model ! Kind regards to you Thomas from Berlin, Germany

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks for the idea

[@martinross5521]

Well done Harrison, what a great result from your skill and dedication! Running so easily…

[@Bryson-iy7mg]

I can’t believe you made that thing look so good. Nice job and awesome video.

[@RolandForest]

excellent work. It is a joy to see and hear your excitement at the success. This is a great channel.

[@johnallred716]

Nice restoration Harrison, Looks good running down Main Street! Rode Line 28 in Lisbon (1930's trolleiy) in May and the wheel popped out of the wire at a particularly tight turn. Engineer had his hands full guiding it back in, as the tourists looked on.

[@ferrovocho28]

Congrats for your "new" PCC, great job!

[@johnellick7362]

That was an amazing transformation. Great work on the old trolley!

[@briankopp825]

Nice job Harrison. Inspirational as always. Another significant rehab. The electrical work and grease removal really show what a challenge that was! First time post but getting caught up on all your videos. Would love to see your top 5 cheap STEAM loco brands to compliment your Top 5 under $20 diesel video.....

[@garyjardine9882]

hey Harrison another great video excellent work. The old streetcars are actually named red rockets here in Toronto. But Stomoing Tom's name is good too

[@sva60_cyyz59]

Having built many TTC bus and subway models this streetcar is right up my alley! Awesome work SMT, you are on a roll!

[@oskarvalance3041]

Will it run again? That's the million-dollar question. As always, you seem to have the Midas touch. Glad to see the streetcar running again. Another job well done. From Texas

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks, this was a fun project.

[@johnheinzl8771]

Great job Harrison! Please continue to challenge yourself. I love watching videos where you bring engines back life.

[@lotsatrains]

Great job 👍 and what an amazing job you did with making the electric pole that looks so fantastic 👌

[@neanderthal88]

Fantastic 31 minutes to watch. Love the sound of these motors. She took right off in the finale. Nice find, great job.

[@andrewferguson5653]

Great restoration, SMT! I was aghast when I saw all that old grease too.

[@dbtech7914]

Great job on the repair. I like working on the old engines. Nice touch to add the pantograph. I've used large paper clips to make one.

[@ruagoof2]

What a fabulous little model and a very successful restoration looks great. I hope to see you painting more models in the future...practice makes perfect... Rich...

[@ruagoof2]

I was thinking...it would be neat to extend your trolley line from the town to the Hershey factory to help folks get to work on time... Rich...

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks

[@davidztog9011]

"It's Alive," said Harristein enthusiastically. If anyone can raise the dead from the locomotive graveyard, Harrison can. And yes, Definitely Dodgy Trolley Track, but realistic. Gotta get an airbrush, and definitely a coat of primer first. But that's a whole different skill set. Thanks for sharing. 👍🐾👍

[@David-yo5re]

That's why I call him Dr. Trainkenstein. 😊👍

[@davidztog9011]

@@David-yo5re 😅😂🤣

[@SMTMainline]

I wasn't so sure if this one was gonna be okay, it had so many issues lol

[@davidztog9011]

@@SMTMainline now for the tricky part -- putting a DCC decoder in that beast. Don't do it, Bud, but I'm sure you could if you wanted too.

[@Lambo.Hobbies]

Amazing restoration! Well done SMT!

[@richgreene7043]

Good job Nice work 👍 Rich

[@davidballoid2118]

That makes me happy to see something so old simply come back to life again, good job Harrison. Even though I never been on one, I've always liked Trolley's, Trams & Interurbans and the stories behind them. From what I've gathered they would be the most practical way to go shop in a major big city's to cut down on traffic congestion. I wished we still had them to travel on Connecting small Townships to the big City's via light rail it would make for a relaxing commute.🚞🚞

[@garysprandel1817]

Nice resto on that PCC and that on the fly trolley pole worked nice. IIRC if you still have the window " glass " one of those disposable clear food storage containers and submerge the the window piece in hydrogen peroxide and place it in a sunny window for a couple days. It's a trick for bleaching yellowed plastics. Failing that or in addition to very very fine grit sandpaper will act as a polish to remove the yellowing and any fine scratches or fogging can be fixed with a dip in an acrylic floor wax like the old Future floor wax. Just dip and let dry

[@bryanwhat2268]

You lay out looking a lot cleaner I see there a party going on at the town center. Great work on that old trolly love the new colors

[@ohiovalleyrailfan]

Nice to see it refreshed. You should definitely consider getting an airbrush for painting.

[@kjamison5951]

Sweet restoration! The coachwork is stunning and a throwback to times past. Painting tip; after spraying one colour, make the areas to remain the base coat and then use clear coat. This will find any gaps in the masking tape and fill them with a clear shield. Once dry, spray over with the second coat. When you remove the masking tape, there should be no bleed of the top colour on the base colour. Then clear coat the whole thing to protect all of the paint from chipping. Use several thin coats rather than a few thick coats to avoid runs in the paint. A brass brush is a good alternative to sanding the shell before paint. Brass will not scratch the metal as much as a steel brush. It does help provide a good key for the paint. Try to use a primer before any paint as this will provide a good base layer for the main colour. Liked and subscribed!

[@DJE2025]

👍👍WOW! I'm totally amazed...Great job! 🚂🚂

[@christophermondone6864]

great job bringing it back to life again

[@briankaufman2596]

Hi Harrison, I love your SMT Videos. I watch you every day. Many times. I'm a big fan of you and your videos make my heart beat fast. I'm a big HO fan of yours. We love your channel so much--Charlie, from Michigan- Age 5.

[@exarkun42]

Really nice paintjob there! very sharp. Makes me want to get right to the repaint that I have planned.

[@mjamesb66]

Great jog rehabbing a neat old trolley. Now you need to add more track to your trolley line.

[@ginaklein8964]

Loved your video bringing the trolley back to life!!! And it is very satisfying when "the efforts pay off"!!!! Thanks for doing the video.

[@alanwbelcher]

Save!!! You might be able to clear up the windows with some polishing compound and a coat of Pledge floor polish.

[@callmebigpapa]

The shot on the streetcar track is fantastic. Another great video!!

[@nathanaldrich4633]

They make 3 different kinds of the degreaser I’d get the foam I think it’s the stage one I love that stuff works for everything just don’t put it on the motor obviously lol I’m sure you know but yeah I’d try the stage one or 2 I can’t remember lol but it’s like foam and it’ll wash that stuff clean but your awesome dude I just stared watching you’re vids about a month ago and man I can’t get enough lol keep it up love the content 🤟

[@larrysmith9359]

Dawn dishwashing liquid cleans off grease and oil well. Also, a sonic bath does the trick!

[@johncloar1692]

Really nice job It great to see you getting the old trolley going. Thanks for the video Harrison.

[@curtisaskew1515]

Now you got a work trolley for the town folks to get to the Hershey's plant!

[@RayBoebel]

Very Cool Harrison!!! another win!!!

[@toonkrijthe7565]

Nice, we had these pcc cars in the Netherlands too. Also yellow, and most had a slightly different window configuration.

[@johnlongssilverrailz5873]

You do really good work with a creative positive attitude. Now here is the thing. These modern chemicals (this is not in reference to the specific product you are using) can be very hazardous and may be absorbed by your skin and you should always use some type of hand protection such as nitrile gloves. Yes, gloves may be a nuisance but may be well worth it in the long run. If there is any danger of fumes or splashing you should consider further precautions as well. Happy silver railz.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks for the tip, I generally wear gloves when working with degreasers etc but it makes it tricky to grab small parts. I've gotta watch it though, I've heard similar stories from older mechanics about not protecting your hands.

[@henkherta1vanzitteren50]

Hi Harrison I Think this tram must be at least 60 years old,I`ve seen a lot of your repairs but i think this is surely in the top 5 You`ve held in your hands, I think it`s great that you you can still get some things working, Just to get that paint off,That`s A strong stuff, Because you always have to watch out,What kind of substance is in the paintwork, But he`s done well, Good looking work Harrison, I enjoy your Channel Beautiful MVGR Henk From Belgium Essen Village,😀😉

[@4everdc302]

Grease was trying to turn itself back to dinosaurs.😂🚂🇨🇦

[@SMTMainline]

Back to the earth it goes lol

[@Benthetrainkid]

That "pantograph" was actually the trolley pole

[@robertmunguia6172]

Another great 👍 👌 👏 brock back to life

[@shnops]

Every repair job is a learning experience ! Great job !

[@randallellison6421]

Nice restoration on the trolley Harrison!

[@justinhess7587]

Hey Harrison, with your Hershey factory of the layout looks amazing! My Dad used to haul milk and delivered to the Hershey dairy, was able to go with him a few times to the plant and they would always give you Hershey bars to take with you.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks for sharing, this was at the Smiths falls or PA plant?

[@gabemiller4882]

Great job in getting the train Tolley running again on the track from the 1950's ! Love the video 😊❤ 💯👍👍👍! Wow 😊😊 she lives !

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you very much!

[@enriquemireles8947]

Great video would like to see more like these with updated paint jobs. Don’t know if they sell it in Canada but you can pick up air craft stripper at auto parts like autozone strips paints in seconds on old die cast cars.

[@user-MotoTrains1974]

That engine cleaner was excellent. was excellent to use on the SMT from Australia.

[@user-MotoTrains1974]

Sorry the engine clearer used on the trolley was extremely great l will consider using myself in the future good Onya SMT

[@starguard4122]

Congratulations. You did an EXCELLENT Job 😎

[@TheAmazingDrCheat]

Here comes the Toronto Flyer racing down the tracks, look at her go!

[@hestheMaster]

Impressive restore of this old Bowser PCC. Painting with a "rattle can" won't yield great results but you can go back to it later when you decide an air brush and air compressor should be purchased. Then you can get some decals to really make it good! The trolley retriever wire was usually a taught wire that went to a bell shaped container holding a round spring inside and some extra space for extra length of wire mounted on the rear. That might be added later too.

[@alexanderrobichaux7943]

Thank-you for referencing Stompin Tom not enough Canadians know who he is!!!

[@SMTMainline]

He deserves more credit, what a legend.

[@jessemillington5988]

The one thing that makes me happy is how you have the same appreciation when it comes to knowing that the train hadn't been on the rails in 20-40 years. All the world events and generations came and gone and she lay silent....until now! To run again! I love all my old 40's-80's HO and I understand this more then you think. P.S. I have a bunch of goodies at trains and such like these that have arrived! If you are in town or need something let me know!

[@christopherdelgaudio9484]

Top notch top notch ! ! Great job all around KID!!!

[@garysmith394]

Excellent video and fun to watch. My only comments are to echo what a previous poster said about the rope hanging down from the pole and to ask why you painted over the front headlight. Wonderful job of restoration.

[@Quince828]

The TTC used to sell the plastic HO model of that trolley. Eventually I hope to have mine travelling the main street of my town.

[@chazco]

cool to see this run again - good job

[@Chow_Hound1964]

Really good work Harrison! I'm surprised there was not a working light inside. Perhaps that is what that tab was for on the non powered truck.?

[@StoddardCountyRailfan]

Nice work and paint job Smt👍👍

[@PDLM1221]

Love the way the trolly worked out nice job , I love it!

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

Ultrasonic jewelry cleaning machine works really good on stuff like take. You did a really good cleaning that up.

[@radarthefox508]

I love these videos so much!😁

[@stanleybaker8707]

You did a great paint job,looks really cool 😎👍😀👌👏😄.

[@rayhuntermusic]

Super job on reviving that one. Well done!!!

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@maltnz]

Suggest cleaning the commutator slots as the last step after polishing. The polishing process may put detritus in the slots.

[@richardcorcorran8965]

That is so cool to see that old thing come back to life