How to Get Tyco Tender Drives Working Again!!

[@peterkneissl3358]

When I was in junior high I worked Saturdays in a hobby shop that was an authorized tyco repair center. The local department stores were selling the Chattanooga sets. We got so many for repair we couldn't keep up. Tyco eventually sent us two cases of locos. We sent the defective ones back to new jersey.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Wow!! First off......COOL job for being in Jr. High!!!! second, thanks for the good story. Too bad these were so problematic

[@MrNutsandwashers]

I lived in New Jersey, as a kid I was thrilled to get my Loco back from Morristown!

[@73lemontwistcuda]

This engine at 10 years old the Chattanooga witch I loved the set so much but was so disappointed by the engine this is the reason in 2012 to purchase the trix. Big boy of 700.oo dollars my revenge this trix is very top of high end

[@dirtydanstrains1414]

Thanks for the mention man! I’m still on the hunt for one, they’re out there just a rare bird. Fantastic video by the way, I’ve wanted to make a comprehensive video on tender drives for years now and this video serves as some good motivation. Keep it up my friend!

[@classicmodeltrains]

You bet Dan!!

[@SantaFeBob]

Definitely worth watching this video more than once. I had to rewatch it because I was laughing and missing some of your maintenance steps. “Jesus” clips is a good name for those pieces. Thank you for taking the time for us lucky guys that have these engines to fix on our own. lol

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks so much SFBob!! Hopefully a few more tender drives will live on a bit longer

[@varrunningtrains4112]

Absolutely incredible! I have fixed a number of these, but never seen someone go so in depth with this repair. Truly impressive workmanship

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you!!

[@Zebrails]

20:00 In 1982, I was in the eighth grade, Minnesota, bought an 0-8-0 Canadian Pacific version from Target. Go figure! Solid metal chassis beneath the boiler. The tender kept bucking the locomotive after a while. There was a melt down... both the locomotive and me. I got frustrated... with a hammer and because of anti-aircraft guns, this locomotive never roamed the rails... became a static display... static, because it attracted dust. Nice to see one of these getting worked. John p.s. Ironic how, I've been in Canada over 22 years now, little did I know 40 years after owning that locomotive I would be here.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello John, I believe a lot of these had the same fate as yours :-)

[@MozanaRN]

Hi Ron. I was so stoked after watching your video I broke out the two Chattanooga steam locos I had in the fleet and test ran both. I have the 1261 and 638 which is what you worked on. I had good luck replacing the traction tires and basic lubbing on the 638. I used a small amount of graphite for the tender drive electrical pick up axles instead of grease. 638 was easily able to pull 9 cars on a slight grade after this procedure. Before the upgrade it could barely move itself. I saw one at my local hobby store 2 weeks ago for 15.00 but let the negative remarks by the store owner sway my desire to grab it. Sadly upon my next visit to the store it was gone. That will not happen again. I liked your presentation so much I watched it a second time! Thank you for the inspiration and keep up the good work!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you for your kind words! Dang Hobby shop guys always running down entry level stuff. Wish they would keep there negative opinions to themselves. People need something to start with.

[@DRCRailroard]

Wow, Ron, thanks. You gave me all the reasons I needed to stay with my 0-gague trains. I didn't know anyone could survive being admitted to a mental institution after attempting to repair just one of these and always assumed they must be disposable once they had any problems running. I thought I had tenacity and patience. Happy rails.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I wish I had more "O" to fix. Easier to find dropped parts :-)

[@michigandon]

If my eyesight continues to deteriorate, I'm switching over to either 2 rail O Scale or G Scale outside.

[@DRCRailroard]

@@michigandonH0 has some really nice elements to it but as they say "it's 0-gauge or no gauge" The big rugged ones.

[@whip-its_dad4239]

As a child of a farm working family in the central valley of California in the early sixties it just wasn't in the budget for these kind of toys , it is just so heart warming for me to watch these little trains on the track. Thank you so much for making your videos . They are priceless to me .

[@classicmodeltrains]

I'm glad you are enjoying them. Yes it is about reliving memories for sure. You have trains now?

[@whip-its_dad4239]

Hello , thanks for replying . Yes I do ,I managed to buy some HO stuff when I was old enough to work better paying jobs . Tyco Mantua steam engines . I have about 9 steam and diesel locos and about 26 cars that ended up in cardboard boxes in my garage . I did run them a lot when I was younger , I'm 67 now .@@classicmodeltrains

[@scotabot7826]

What a great show!!!!!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you!!

[@ArcadiaJunctionHobbies]

That was almost painful to watch at times but you got there in the end! Well done.

[@classicmodeltrains]

It was painful to work on as well. Rivarossi Big Boys were simpler :-)

[@tomshannon7513]

Cool train and history, never knew tender drive was a thing. Thanks Ron

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Tom. There kinda like the Delorean. Odd but out there :-)

[@RichyN25]

Hey Ron, thanks to your awesome videos I've been enjoying a lot of locmotive repair and just finished the full restoration of one of my 4 Tyco Chattanoogas! I posted it as a KZbin Short on my channel pulling my "beer train" haha

[@dbtech7914]

I have The Royal Blue and Chattanooga. They run good. I didn't know they made so many different versions of that model.

[@classicmodeltrains]

glad to hear you got good runners. I didnt either till I researched for this video

[@dbtech7914]

I just got a Clementine at a train show. I didn't do anything with it yet. Video coming soon.

[@johnbanicki7232]

Great video. Those TYCO stean engines are the reason I model the diesel era. You could never get them running right without lots and lots of work. Thanks for sharing the work you did to get these running again. And welcome to the modern era, even if it is on AOL. LOL

[@classicmodeltrains]

Welcome! You've got mail!! It dont do that anymore. but it's cool to find such a old ".Com" address. The tyco pacific's and mikado's are a lot more reliable. Consolidated foods did this brand no favors other than line THEIR pockets.

[@RocketStephen618]

Outstanding job Ron! I've never wanted a Chattanooga... until now that is! (Kind of, seems like a pain!!!) Makes it seem like one may actually be worth it as a base for a Kitbash project, maybe a repower too. Thanks for making my time doing schoolwork a little more bearable by sitting on the side of my screen and talkin 'bout trains!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks! Glad to help out any way I can :-)

[@ThomasWLalor]

When you buy one of these (2-8-0), roll the drivers with your fingers. If they don't roll freely, the loco is b-a-d.

[@classicmodeltrains]

@@ThomasWLalor I'm never able to touch most of the stuff I score off eBay. But Good advice for sure!!

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing. I didn't know there were so many different models, very much enjoyed the video. 👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you liked it!

[@RichyN25]

I somehow have 4 of these now lol. Finally got my traction tires delivered. At first I thought they were weird, but they've grown on me

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hope you got some good runners. They can be finicky

[@RichyN25]

@@classicmodeltrains one ran, the other 2 didn't do anything on the track at first, but now they do run! Gotta work on the 4th and I'm pretty confident it'll run too

[@Dragonbear13-k2r]

What an ordeal, Ron. I feel for ya, man. Had it been me, I might have had a new ornament attached to the wall or a new piece of garbage to sweep up! Ya make me wonder now- I’ve got some 0-8-0’s and 2-8-0’s but I don’t remember the builders. Mantuas most likely, but I truly don’t remember and don’t feel like researching them right now now. Anyway, you like the Tycos. Ya got a hell of a collection and quite the knowledge and history so you’re the better man for it!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you so much! A lot of Fellers have commented theirs suffered extreme sudden de-acceleration syndrome also :-)

[@startrekking359]

Ron, you said a couple of Frosty ones, well I ended having 5 or 7 Frosty ones or more,I think I got it,a Atherah deasel3 work great now, thanks.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Nice!! A Feller I could keep up with ;-)

[@jamesford2942]

I have a few of those in different states of disrepair as that is their natural state. I repowered one with a diesel locomotive motor and trucks. I built a brass frame for the tender, attached a nice motor with a brass flywheel, and shortened the driveshafts. I put a different light on the front and drilled out the rear light on the tender and installed a reverse light, and brass side frames for the trucks. The smoke box works well. I recommend a total repower of these things.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree with you and it sounds like you got a real nice runner there!

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

Ron, when you're doing close-ups of you working on the engines and stuff it is slightly out of focus.. your fingers are more in focus than the train parts, at 16:37 onwards section, for example. Is there any way you can adjust this, please, I watch your videos on a PC full screen. .......... I used to have one of the early models of this (possibly the Chattanooga but I don't recall it having a smoke unit) when I was a kid back in the 70s here in Melbourne Australia. I love watching your repair videos it helps me with mine haha....

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Tim, I appreciate any and all feedback. I shoot with a Iphone 8 held up 24" from my work surface. When the close ups are taking place the image is zoomed in during editing. I believe it's becoming pixelated do to zooming in so far. I think one shooting session I had a thumb print I failed to wipe off the lens after handling the phone. Thats why it looks kinda hazy for awhile. Perhaps I should shoot in 4k? Would help out them extreme close up shots for sure. Thanks for your kind words also Sir!!

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

Ron, You're more than welcome, we content creators need to stick together and help each other.. I make my videos with my old Samsung S6 and my new Samsung S21, I'm not an iPhone person but each to their own....... I don't have a lot of train stuff on my channel as yet (it is mostly my repairs on my 4WD and my fish tanks and fish), as I have just been acquiring track, engines and rolling stock and am about to start with my new layout but will in the meantime be using an existing layout that I purchased nice n cheaply off Marketplace as I make my layout and start making videos as I go.. I have made a few videos and am in the editing stage and should be releasing them soon. Thanks for your great videos and for helping me to see what sort of stuff I want to feature and create and also your humour helps as mine is a bit different like yours.. haha....

[@mjamesb66]

This video came at a perfect time. I got one if these off ebay and need to work on it. I'll be studying this video for tips. Keep them coming. 33%

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad this worked out for ya! Thanks for the support!!

[@TheRailroader576]

This is great! I'm getting one of these on christmas, so this'll be a great help! Thanks Ron! 😄

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad to help out. Make sure to clean and lube before you attempt to run it.

[@TheRailroader576]

@@classicmodeltrains Update, 9 months later, I got the thing running! It was missing it's main pivot gear and after buying a whole new motor for it, it runs (although stuttery) in forward and very smoothly in reverse. I think what the problem could be is the same one that yours had where the tender axles need some conductive oil, so I'll get to that when I can. (By the way, it wouldn't have needed the new motor, but it ran better than the one that was already in it, so I put it in anyway.)

[@darrenrawlinson6344]

A lovely "train set" loco. Who wouldn't want one! Tenacious as always with your repair.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Darren :-)

[@josephschuster1494]

Your vids are ALL fantastic and cover ALL gauges, which great! I’m ALWAYS learning off of you, which is a great way to spend my limited leisure time. Continue rolling down the track, Ron! 🚂

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much Joseph!

[@RayBoebel]

Nicely done Ron! The only tender drives I have a Bachmann (Orient Express, John Bull, DeWitt Clinton and Lafayette). I may have to pull them out and show them off. Hmmm....might be good for an STS episode in January!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Complete tender drives like this or motor in tender and a driveling up to the loco? Lots of interesting drive systems out there for sure :-)

[@WadeGlass]

Oh boy. 10 hours, huh. Not sure if I’m up for that. But thanks for filming the whole process. Lots of good tips/tricks for a neophyte wondering if he can resurrect a Chattanooga from his childhood.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup....shooting and editing take up a lot of time. Hope you can get your Ol gal running again!

[@AppalachiaRRlover]

i have both the clementine and a chattanooga up on my tyco display shelf. I have so many memories as a kid running the chattanooga steam engine thinking how cool it was.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Right on! I never had any HO steamers as a kid. I'm making up for it 40 years later :-)

[@josephschuster1494]

Ron, I JUST purchased a Brown Box Era Tyco 0-8-0 loco/tender at a local train show in its original box/packaging with the smoke fluid/funnel in a non-running condition for $15. The Brown Box Era is my favorite era to collect, and yes, you’re right, Tyco is, and always will be, a collectible entity, as I LOVE mine! This video will enable me to get my new acquisition back onto the rails, running once again! I love your channel, your humor, and learning to repair my American Flyer, Marx, and Tyco HO motive power and rolling stock. I also really like the “Mystery Model” you display, as it’s fun to try to guess who she is before the end of the video! Many thanks, continued good luck, and keep the humor and videos coming! 🚂

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Joseph!

[@bowlerguy219]

I had one of these…thanks Ron

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@normfredriksen1381]

What a great episode Ron. I haven't seen all your videos but this one for me has been your best so far and not for the usual reasons. I'm going off the reservation here and please bear with me. Your ability to express your frustrations and share your mistakes is a lesson for all of us. I wish that our youth today would watch this and understand that admitting a failure or lack of knowledge is how we grow, learn, and mature as we work our way through life. Once again, well done. 👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Norm, This is a really good comment you penned (typed out?). Showing the mistakes help others see they are not alone. Helps them if there project is frustrating them the same. When I was younger a lot of stuff that frustrated me would feel the wrath of Thor's hammer. It is nice to FINALLY be maturing enough and slow down, take the time and learn how to fix it right. Now if just my back, knees, shoulders, eye's would just put in a full days work XD !!

[@normfredriksen1381]

@@classicmodeltrains Lol. I suffer from the same maladies. 47 years a carpenter. I can't even remember the last time I woke up fresh and ready to go.... But I go anyway.

[@ScottTaipaleRail]

I found an unused one of those once and gave it to my son for Christmas when he was about 5. It sure was a pile of junk, I’m surprised how many years they made those. Anyway he had lots of fun though. When it quit he reduced it to parts without putting it back together. Sometime we’ll rust it up and find a place in the layout junkyard for it.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Greetings Scott, I took everything apart as a kid. had to know how it worked. Didnt learn how to re-assemble everything till many years later. Models are a great way to learn many things in life.

[@trentmiller2870]

Jeez Ron. That was quite the effort.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yes it was

[@brentpodoll5848]

Wow u did good. I got one in a box in pieces. Maby some day I can get it going

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Brent! Get it going for the nostalgia, There weak pullers :-)

[@firefly0282]

Man your brave taking that thing appart.Ive always heard it was a nightmare to take the boiler apart on a tyco chattanooga. Glad you took it apart first so we all can see how hard it is, I still think it's a nightmare. Kudos to you. Ron for this. Now I know I don't want to take it apart!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Its just the valve gearing that's the biggest hassle

[@firefly0282]

@@classicmodeltrains I never knew what was in there, heck i don't even think tyco knew what was in there! I think they hired little elves to come and assemble those tyco chattanoogas!

[@williamsantangelo]

Great video perfect visit for a Sunday afternoon best sense of humor too!! Some locomotives could run you thru the ringer! Thank You

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you William!

[@waynebehm7853]

Another great helpful video. I just discovered you about two weeks ago. I am playing catch up now but plan on watching all of your train videos. I find them very entertaining and extremely helpful. Just to let you know I watch them to the end. I don't comment much because I usually watch them on a large screen tv. Any way thanks for all the entertainment and help. I love the horseshoe mode approach and the Suupper Luube.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Wayne for supporting my channel, Glad to help out :-)

[@rickestabrook4987]

So complicated! Well done.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Rick

[@bartcashman8000]

Another great, informative video,this one helped me repower a 60s Tyco switcher with a later style Tyco power truck,but not with the "power torque"truck.Thank Ron

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you liked it Bart. The motorized truck assembly before the "power torque" was called a "MU-2". there was several variations. Its what they use in the diesels in the 60's

[@bartcashman8000]

Yes I drilled out the rivets,found a bad arm and am going to put the early 70s plastic power truck in,they look similar,Thank for the info Ron

[@Rbs35405]

Great video really enjoyed !

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ecidaho]

Great video! I have one torn apart at moment, and still have to clean the power torque motor on it! These are a challenge for those of us who don’t solder! I fixed up my old one and got it running but also disconnected the smoke unit and will with the one I have apart too. I have a few Mehano Pacifics and their version of the Chattanooga and their smoke units tend to melt the smoke stack. I have had to do surgery on one and replace the stack completely. Thank again and really great video! I have watched Dan’s videos on these as well!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Erick! You dont solder? It's not that hard with a good soldering iron that has a lot of heat, and the correct solder.

[@ecidaho]

@@classicmodeltrains Soldering is a skill my dad did not pass down to me. I watched him dozens of time but never did it myself. Do you have a recommendation on a good soldering iron for model train work?

[@ecidaho]

@@classicmodeltrains … Also,I like the shorts!

[@klemenradoman2052]

Love the ClemenTine 😊

[@classicmodeltrains]

It does have cool graphics and the whole set is very interesting

[@klemenradoman2052]

@@classicmodeltrains and it has my name on 😉

[@classicmodeltrains]

@@klemenradoman2052 I noticed that a bit ;-)

[@jebbohanan2626]

I watched this on my other account. Good video!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Jeb! Thanks for an extra viewing Sir!!

[@buryware]

I wondered why my Royal Blue didn't smoke, nice video, THANKS! My circuit is open, need a new heat element... 🙂

[@classicmodeltrains]

they dont smoke well even when its getting juice threw it.

[@modelrailpreservation]

If you ever end up with a bunch of one-off roadname passenger cars, these Chattanoogas look good pulling them as an excursion train. I got one that I went all in on the rebuild. Used a rectifier diode to install a headlight in the tender, only comes on in reverse, added weight to the tender (Better traction), Kadees on tender and loco pilot. Crew figures, cab window glazing, red firebox glow light, it looks good as a special excursion. Even made a small sign for a station "Chattanooga Choo Choo Rail Excursions". Cab number makes sense too. 638 was the 2-8-0 type Casey Jones usually ran. He took his last trip on engine 382, yes, but as a relief engineer.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Sounds like you have put a lot of extra work into yours :-)

[@WWIIREBEL]

I recently restored one of these locos (The Royal Blue version). That sucker was a true pain with all the zinc pest (fractured parts). I was lucky enough to find the plastic chassis of a later version to finish it.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you found the pieces needed! Another one rides the rails!!

[@RobertRiddle-l6r]

Ron your videos are well done and your off key way of sharing your knowledge with us. I've got a small delema you might be able to help with, I have a Bowser 4 8 8 4 kit I picked up a couple months ago, the was complete except 3 of the tires on the drive wheel are split with one of them won't stay on the axle, I'm in search of replacements for only 3 if the sets but I would take a full set, thank you Bob..

[@classicmodeltrains]

All I can recommend is search ebay or see if Bowser still makes them

[@eddiejoe5928]

Ron I'm a fan of the Tyco tender drives I am slowly building up a collection. I have a mint Royal Blue that is the flagship of the collection. They are not bad runners if you get them cleaned and lubed but in the long run they make better shelf queens than runners. I just find them fun to collect.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Eddie, Yes they are fun to collect. During research of this video I found 2 I didnt even know about. I'm trying to collect every tyco brown and red box loco. The search is fun. Shipping expenses kinda kill a good deal

[@johnbullaro6788]

youre very funny. and comical,, but its all great love your videos. btw. the way to get the valve gear rods in the steam chest the easyest way is to hold the frame with the valve rods facing doenward as ur bring the steam chest up into the rods

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks John. I will try out your tip!!

[@phidias523]

You’re a better man than me. I would have thrown mine against the wall after 30 minutes.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I used to be that way as a teen. Guess Ive settled down a bit. Or my fixing skills have gotten better :-)

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

Nice job Ron. Inwould take the cam off that moves the smoker pump its just causing resistance seeing that the smoker is junk.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Norman, I agree with you

[@ruagoof2]

Thanks for another great video Ron... I did my Chattanooga reno a while back and had a bear of a time also...My loco had been overheated and someone else "fixed' it before I had at it...Needless to say I also had a heck of a time getting mine to run also...During the testing phase I noticed the drawbar was bent slightly (probably from a fall) and it was causing the tender to ride up a bit and loose contact with the rails...you may want to watch for a similar issue on yours... Seeing your other one with the added weight I may revisit mine in the near future and fatten it up a bit with a couple ounces as you did...Thanks again for the inspiration and ideas... Hope to see your GS4 vid soon also...maybe you can compare the 1st and 2nd gen chassis when you do as I have a first gen with zinc rot on the drivers and am hoping to find some replacement drivers for it and don't know if the newer ones will fit into the 1st gen... Keep up the great videos... Rich...

[@classicmodeltrains]

Greetings Rich, This AT&SF did have the drawbar problem you were mentioning. Front wheels of the tender were being held up a bit. In the GS video I do have a Gen 1, Gen 2, and a Lionel/Bachmann one as well. The wheels are completely different from the 1 to the 2. I will show all this in great detail. The new parts just arrived yesterday so production is back on!!

[@ruagoof2]

@@classicmodeltrains Thanks Ron...I look forward to checking it out when you're ready to post it... Rich...

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

Funny you mentioned listening to Ozzy while working on this loco. One of my suggested videos on the right is a documentary on Black Sabbath.

[@classicmodeltrains]

A Black Sabbath Doc? Wheres my search bar!!!!!

[@78rangerxlt75]

I have one of the 256-76 Southerns, in its original box. It is a green 0-8-0, but the lettering on the tender is much smaller than the earlier version.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for that good piece of information!!

[@Closet_Jedi]

I got my first train set in the early 80s, the Tyco Chattanooga Choo Choo with a tender drive 0-8-0. The old girl still runs well, though looking a bit worse for wear. A casualty of my shoddy trackwork being too close to the edge of the table.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Always hate that learning curve of track to close to the edge. We all go thru it in our early modeling years

[@Hacksworth_Sidings]

Absolutely a victim of zinc pest, I’ve had experience with the problem before on old Graham Farish and Airfix OO models, the GraFar being a rare 5MT model, the Airfix being a GWR 2-6-2T, got my own Tyco 2-8-0 in need of repair so this will certainly come in handy for my own projects

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad this will be handy for you!

[@SleeperBBQ]

great just picked up the Clemetine for 20 bucks. Oh well it looks good.Thank You

[@classicmodeltrains]

Good price!

[@johnmalley4355]

Good show Ron. Lot of work on that darn tender drive, you got it going though. I bet it was a little frustrating, I probably would have wanted to throw it across the room if it was so darn troublesome lol. You have patience. Very nice 👍🏻

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello John, A lot of comments stated the same thing. Sudden rapid deceleration syndrome has taken a lot of these loco's out ;-)

[@regisbraga3833]

Ten hours? Gee, you shall have love for her. Congratulations on your patience…

[@classicmodeltrains]

These are a bit particular to get to run decent. Very poor design in the power truck. Loco and rod valves and such are real nice though .

[@majortomtogc]

Very helpful for my Chattanooga tear down, except I opened up the motor. It had a screeching noise. Promptly lost a brush spring...

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hope you found the spring? That screeching is the armature shaft asking for oil please :-)

[@majortomtogc]

@@classicmodeltrains Sadly, no... :(

[@classicmodeltrains]

@@majortomtogc any Tyco power torque drive will work for parts. Very cheap parts loco's on the eBay. hope you get her going again

[@majortomtogc]

@@classicmodeltrains Looking at a few things. The box-o-stuff mine came in might fess up some donors....

[@silvertrain7945]

Can’t go wrong with some Ozzy while working on a crazy train.

[@classicmodeltrains]

TO FUNNY!!!!

[@traviscurlutu7723]

Hey got a question. Would the axle sets say from an Alco 430 or 630 power torque truck fit to get better electrical pickup? Or are the wheel diameters different?

[@classicmodeltrains]

The drive wheels in the tender drive do not do any electrical pickup. If you look close you will see there are 4 traction tires on them wheels. You do pose a good question about the diameter. I only assume they are all the same because its cheaper to manufacture them that way but now I will have to take a measurement and find out for sure.

[@leedooley502]

Hi Ron, Question for you. I need a nutdriver to tighten the screws on steam locomotive driver rods. What size are those and where can one purchase that item? Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Ive been looking for a small nutdriver set myself. Someone once mentioned a cell phone repair tool kit would have tiny tools in it.

[@davydigger708]

Hey, what are the chances of a used, untested Power Torque actually running? What are the chances of the gears being stripped out?

[@classicmodeltrains]

Chances are pretty good it won't run with out doing some maintenance to it. Gears do strip out, because of lack of maintenance

[@MygrandpasTrain]

You probably dont want to take it apart again, but you can get smoke units from Bachmann $6 or Sueth $more (Sooth or Seeth, German I think). Would be neat to see a working smoker. These drop in units are passive and just put out a stream of smoke (no puffing action). Nice job on another tired old loco- pulling the tyco chugger boxcar too!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks, Ive never really cared for smokers. Always looked so fake. Them new fancy O gauge buggers though, WOW!! $800 and up gets you an impressive smoker for sure :-)

[@MygrandpasTrain]

@@classicmodeltrains Thought I saw you picked up a Gilbert HO with the smoke in tender. Should put on a real smoke show if it works :) I think rebuild kits are available to convert the S-gauge S-I-T units, not sure about the HO ones, but am greatly looking forward to that one whenever you get to it! I also tend to not use the smoker engines much, ends up irritating my nose.

[@raymondleggs5508]

I once had the Chatanooga 2-8-0 and Babe ruth steam sound car that was full of rocks

[@classicmodeltrains]

Lots of companies produced the rock rolling cars. Was good enough for us back then for sure!!

[@raoulcruz4404]

I think tender drive is an excellent idea. Powered steam locomotives can be problematic when the side rods get a small amount of wear. I’m presently converting a very nice Bachmann 2-8-0 with a broken axle gear to tender drive. I’m using the power chassis from a Bachmann 44 ton switcher.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Oh WOW! I didnt know Bachmann made any powered tenders. Right ON!!!!!

[@raoulcruz4404]

@@classicmodeltrains They didn't. This a kitbash. Deleting the drive motor and broken gears from the steam engine. Putting a 44 ton switcher chassis inside the empty tender. Got something to send you. Should be helpful to your channel.

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

First thing I did, after checking my Bank Account returning from our cruise. Was to watch your latest Video and later any I missed while gone. You know I will have many comments. But the one that sticks out of my head (that's weird, isn't it?) Is if you totally rebuild a Vega and put lots of time and money in it. You still have a Vega. Same with Tyco's. But it still makes for a Great video.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Vega's....I've seen Fellers put a lot of money by swapping in a 350 chevy back in the day. Pinto's get a small block ford. We all cant roll up in Cadillacs (coming from a Feller who drives a Mercedes). He he!! Hope the cruise was a good time and sunny every day!!

[@yuwei9293]

Hey Ron Happy New Year thanks for having a great channel. I have a Tyco Chattanooga 280 and was wondering if you know if there is a motor upgrade for these tenders as I am interested in converting it to DCC. The train is from childhood and has sentimental value that I want to pass on to my boy. I've researched and had no luck in finding a solution.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Greetings, There is no motor upgrade for the tender drive Tyco's. A few Fellers have made custom power chassis for them but that takes a lot of fabrication skill sets to pull off. Should be able to clean and lube it up and get it running fairly well. If it needs parts many can be found on the eBay.

[@yuwei9293]

Hey Ron, thanks. One follow up question, is it possible to add DCC to the old Tyco engine since there is no replacement like you did with your Tyco?

[@classicmodeltrains]

@@yuwei9293 the original motor Needs to be removed and upgraded to a can motor with isolated power inputs for DCC. The older Mantua designed ones are simple enough to replace but the diesels and the tender drives are not good candidates because the original motors pull too many amps.

[@azmike1]

Hello! Make a "jig" to hold HO Locomotives while their in the "shop!" Maybe outta foam? I made one for G scale! Works OK. Hold the Steamers tight enough to work on 'em.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I have a really fancy one but it's still kind of a hassle. The loco's really get moved around and man handled while fixing them.

[@azmike1]

@@classicmodeltrains There's that word. "Hassle." LOL!

[@keepamericayisraelgreat5708]

I have a 1261 Chattanooga and a 638 both run well

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks, The gen 3's I hear are really good. DCC and everything

[@kevinleis6092]

My first train set was the clementine

[@classicmodeltrains]

Right on!

[@greg0063]

I got rid of the smoke clicker and it runs more smoothly.

[@classicmodeltrains]

It is a bit noisy for sure

[@davydigger708]

Is $70 a good deal for a lot with a Chattanooga set and a Rail Master 72 det, plus some extras, even if they are untested?

[@classicmodeltrains]

untested $70 is a bit steep.

[@davydigger708]

@@classicmodeltrains Is $35 good for untested? I would have a little extra for ordering parts if needed

[@classicmodeltrains]

@@davydigger708 I believe so

[@rapcreeperproductions3269]

Speaking of rare locomotives I have a model power "old time" 0-8-0 switcher in DRGW bumble bee livery and the only pictures I can find are the eBay list I bought it from.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I love the DRGW Livery color scheme

[@AEStudt]

They are definitely a pain I have a royal blue Ron pinion gear problems mostly but I have it running an it smokes as well

[@classicmodeltrains]

Still smoking? Must be one of the better ones ;-)

[@ericoxner326]

I had one the 0-8-0 working head light and smoke never got it to smoke.I don't like tender drive cause I think it puts to much pressure on the motor.I mean think about it.The motor is pulling and pushing at the same time.But best of luck to you.

[@classicmodeltrains]

There is not too much work for the motor, its just a poor design and cant pull much. design team and accountants really let us down with these :-)

[@ericoxner326]

@@classicmodeltrains Didn't the last few made had their in the locomotive instead of the tender?

[@dennisbisconti4583]

I am looking at that Royal Blue Ive had that back in 1980 been watching on eBay

[@classicmodeltrains]

A Royal Blue Pacific from Tyco?

[@dennisbisconti4583]

@@classicmodeltrains Yes

[@caboosech]

I got a few of them if you get one that runs great your lucky

[@classicmodeltrains]

Well running at all is about all I knew I could ask out of these. Running great would be a reach ;-D

[@OldIronVideo]

My favorite way to clean wheels is with a dremel using a steel wire brush

[@classicmodeltrains]

It sure cleans them fast !

[@SuperScottCrawford]

Use a pool noodle cut lengthwise to hold your trains while working on them.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Cool idea!

[@amyreynolds3619]

The other Southern railway locomotive is black and a 2-8-0. I own this locomotive for under $20 at a train show in South Carolina about 3 to 4 years ago.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for that info!! Now I know what to look for at least :-)

[@brianstafford5604]

I broke out my Tyco Chattanooga from Christmas '74 or so a few years ago to show my 8 year old boy the puffer, but could barely get it moving down the tracks and the puffer, sheeeez, I have do idea how to go about that. It's a dog but I'm gonna try what you did with the jewelry cleaner and see if we can get those bad boys chugging again.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Good luck to you Brian, I hope you get the ol' gal running again!!

[@azmike1]

Great Job Ron! But you must be asking yourself: " Is TYCO worth it?

[@classicmodeltrains]

For the childhood memories I say YES

[@Benthetrainkid]

The boiler cover is actually the smokebox door

[@classicmodeltrains]

THANK YOU!! I brain farted that word for a month now. I'm gunna write it down :-)

[@Benthetrainkid]

@@classicmodeltrains also that "poor metal" was actually affected by zinc rot/zinc pest

[@classicmodeltrains]

@@Benthetrainkid Yup.

[@sopcopotoptop]

Canadian Pacific was a 2-8-0.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree

[@SouRwy4501Productions]

If only they had proper boiler-mounted can motors that drove the driving wheels like every other model steam engine. That would make it way easier and smoother to work on.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree with you!!

[@Steamer96]

That engine is lucky you serviced it. If it was in my possession I would've scrapped it for being plastic.

[@classicmodeltrains]

A lot of locomotive body are plastic. You running all Brass loco's?

[@Steamer96]

@@classicmodeltrains Mostly die-cast like the old Mantuas and Bowsers.

[@johnramirez5996]

And clementines. Have 2 of them. Have like 6 of them but 2 are Clem's

[@classicmodeltrains]

Right on!

[@kurtstrains]

My friend had one in the 80s and it wasn't very good when new...

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree Sir!

[@danshobbies13]

That took a header off a table onto a concrete floor. Fer sure.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Its had a rough existence for sure :-)

[@mathuetax]

I had the Clementine as a child with the whole gold mine set. When I revisited the hobby in my 20's all of the old TYCO stuff was retired for Bachmans which ran way better. As I got more serious those got switched out for Atherns and the Proto Life-Like engines. Eventually Clementine was painted white (I don't know why I chose that) and made into a 'park' engine on the layout. Dunno where it is now but I left it at home when I moved out. I'd wager it got sold off in a box of old TYCO and Bachman locomotives in a garage sale when my parents sold the house I grew up in.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Interesting story. Do you still model trains now?

[@mathuetax]

@@classicmodeltrains Not currently, all of my locomotives and rolling stock are somewhere in storage.

[@Gregtrainmaster]

i take it no wobbly pop while you work on one of these

[@classicmodeltrains]

No.... Get all my work done first THEN relax and enjoy the W.P.'s :-)

[@jeremiahwilliams7809]

I was given one of those back in the 70s,as soon as I realized the locomotive was not motorized, I immediately gave it away........

[@classicmodeltrains]

Passing the curse on X-D

[@4everdc302]

Im guilty of scraping out more then one of these for powertorque tenders for parts.Some must die for others to live😮

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yes, Parts are parts. If the loco is hammered cosmetically it goes on to thrive as parts.

[@doublenickelbob]

When in ohms mode ( horseshoe mode ) never touch your fingers to both probes ( stabby thinges ) youll get a false reading.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Good info!

[@robertmartinez1228]

Been there done that with them. their Oldies but Goodies.you don't get that full charge like you did back in 78 for Christmas.it's a squeaker.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yes I agree! Not as much enthusiasm seeing it run around now compared to back then!!

[@JosephMendez-w8l]

Very nice.....but.......U forgot today's episode model..........lol....

[@classicmodeltrains]

;-)

[@jimciancio9005]

Dude Ron! Why do the guys with the biggest hands always working with or on the smaller of objects??? 😂😅 Ya know......! There's a standard and 0 gauge for guys like us! Don't know how you do this with H.O.'s? Everything is so much easier when parts and pieces are actually tangible without a microscope and tweezers! N gauge F them! Lol! That's a girl hand size train and them things were built for the ultimate torture test for anyone willing to mess with em! ❤ the channel though Ron, keep it up and maybe the money will follow too? Lol. God Bess brother!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Jim. Guess I cut my teeth rebuilding carburetors back in the day. Working with teeny tiny pieces. Yes them N's are no fun at all to work on :-)

[@YourLocalRailfan]

I cut one of mine up and I regret it

[@classicmodeltrains]

At least there cheap to get another one :-)

[@YourLocalRailfan]

@@classicmodeltrains yeah