Disgusting, Rusted 1950s Rivarossi Locomotive - Will it Run?

Several months ago I was browsing eBay when I found an extremely rusty AHM RS3. I purchased the locomotive and ended up getting it running again however the seller also had a pair of Rivarossi 040 steam locomotives in similar condition, likely from the same flooded collection.
After unboxing these locomotives it was clear the drive system was full of problems. Everything was seized and corroded and needed extensive cleaning before I could even disassemble each locomotive.
Trying to get the motors to turn over was no small task since they needed to be taken completely apart without damaging anything. Surprisingly the windings on each motor turned out to be in working order.
Fibreglass pencil (affiliate) amzn.to/49rvvKV

[@DarthSantaFe]

Next video: SMT shovels a literal pile of dirt from the backyard onto the table and turns it into a working vintage model.

[@SMTMainline]

Haha, I wish. I was pretty sure I had already bit off more than I could chew with this one.

[@JeffHanna-f3d]

Darth that comment made me laugh out loud! You and the others who commented about Harrison’s abilities to resurrect from the dead are spot on. So impressive Harrison what you have done over the years with what look like hopeless wrecks. Best hobby in the world! Thanks, Jeff

[@DarthSantaFe]

@@SMTMainline I’ve felt that way about a few projects too, and when that happens, I’ll set the project on the back burner (sometimes for years) until I get a new idea to finish it. It’s amazing what can be restored with a little patience, and you’ve definitely been able to learn all about that fixing projects like these Docksides!

[@linuskorff4074]

That is what I am attempting right now 😆found a partial model train in horrible condition.... like wow

[@gamingwithlukeJToH]

technically that is possible, you just have to put the dirt into a container and then glue the container into the inside of a model. if you have done this correctly, the dirt has been turned into a model train, with the help of a couple extra parts.

[@WWIIREBEL]

As a precaution , i would put the motor (disassembled) and all other metal parts back into the ultrasonic cleaner. No telling when that remaining rust would rebuild over time. I did that until the inside of the motor casing was spotless , as well as the commutator and windings. I wasn't taking any chances was all,lol.

[@SMTMainline]

That's a good point. I'll keep it in mind if I ever work on another one this bad.

[@mrclaus859]

Unbelievable. Nice job. Thanks for posting

[@jclark2752]

Yes! I just keep on thinking - Put it Back in the Ultrasonic! There are several different sorts of solutions you could try… if you want.

[@jodyreeder4820]

WD 40?

[@hoscaleconstuction]

It never ceases to amaze me how much time and effort you put into these locomotives that are largely overlooked. Always cool to see them resurrected!

[@murphsmodels8853]

I work with an industrial ultrasonic parts washer (it holds 30 gallons). One thing i learned from the manufacturer is that the ultrasonic waves can actually heat up the water.

[@SMTMainline]

I haven't heard that before, thanks for letting me know.

[@MygrandpasTrain]

I found that too, after several continuous runs of my cheap ultrasonic cleaner which has no heater, the water was warm.

[@antonbruce1241]

Harrison, is there any locomotive you CAN'T fix???? Really...these two were ready for the dumpster, and yet...you brought them back to life!

[@jcure]

Rusty Magic the restoral magician

[@a2020vision_official]

12:00 "Introducing! SMT Mainline GENUINE PARTS" Ha nice. Great work. I don't have one myself but I've seen Ron from Classic Model Trains fills his ultrasonic cleaner with clear water, then puts his train parts in a baggie with water and soap. I don't know to what extent that would interfere with the ultrasound but it looks to be effective for him and also means he uses less soap and doesn't have to clean the ultrasonic cleaner tank every time.

[@jeffreyeash9720]

Two more successful operations from Dr Trains way to go you always amaze me

[@johnheinzl8771]

Masterful job Harrison! Thanks again for sharing the repairs with us.

[@spencercorby4571]

The "M" in SMT must stand for "magician" haha, good work man. That probably took some more perseverance compared to other projects.

[@hycube_dunnage]

When you think about it, the leftover rust on the two shells gives it a “realistic” look! It’s impressive that you even managed to repair two locomotives that were seeing the end of their days… Another amazing video and impressive work once again, Harrison! - Storm

[@starguard4122]

At this point after watching so many of your videos, I am now officially convinced that you can repair ANYTHING!! 😎 Congratulations Sir, you definitely have Skills!

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you so kindly!

[@az80311]

I am utterly amazed Harrison. You actually built an excelent shelter for these two pups left out in the rain and snow. This has to be one of your best jobs, or at least the best I have seen so far. Good job my friend.

[@MMRails]

“You play stupid games, you get stupid prizes” lol. Love it. I usually put French fries in that cooker thing. Great with the vinegar you used. Another top notch repair. Well done x 2.

[@SMTMainline]

Deep fried Rivarossi 040s Mmmm

[@antonbruce1241]

@@SMTMainline Yea, but what do you serve with them????

[@SMTMainline]

@@antonbruce1241 How's about some of Western Pacific's Chicken Cacciatora

[@antonbruce1241]

@@SMTMainline Well, with you being Canadian, wouldn't you prefer the Canadian National Swiss Steak???? And do you need the recipes for both?

[@BBBranch]

SMT, I did not buy the Mantua locomotive. I actually bought a river Riverossi locomotive that’s exactly like this! I was able to get it back to working order as you know from my last comment. I just thought you would like to know. Thanks for sharing! My rods also got rusted and fell off.😢 anyways, thanks again for the video!

[@SMTMainline]

I'm glad you got it running, sorry to hear about the rods.

[@jimshafer3101]

You do amazing work to get those beyond repair running again

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks!

[@garycloud9631]

I am shocked that you were able to get even one of them working let alone both, great job.

[@dbtech7914]

You took on a big challenge. That was pretty impressive. The sonics cleaner was a big help.

[@TonyBellina-k8v]

Never thought it would run unbelievable.great job

[@jasper_saberwolf]

Woah, this was certainly another extensive repair, great job bringing these back from the brink, SMT! They were really running well at the end considering how they started out. lol the race at the end was like The Fast and the Furious: Rivarossi Edition 😂 even with lane hopping action with your turnouts.

[@Steamtheamaricanengine]

Lol

[@SMTMainline]

That sounds like an excellent movie, I can already hear "I live my life a quarter mile at a time."

[@edwardwerick2420]

I enjoy working with older locos and cars (in HO scale) I have rewired some older Rivarossi engines to run on DCC. Most of the less expensive DCC decoders carry a warning not to exceed 1 amp to the motor leads so I tested some Rivarossi motors with an ammeter. At full stall they draw .9 (nine tenths) of one ampere. I installed decoders in some of these engines and they ran well. I felt safe in doing this because I noticed that if I overloaded an engine I would experience wheel slip long before I reached full throttle.

[@SMTMainline]

I heard the CVs need to be adjusted to work with 3 pole motors. I added a decoder to my grandmothers Hiawatha, with a draw of 1/4th of an amp it was within spec and still fried the decoder.

[@HaroldAlexis-bb8sd]

Hi SMT . I knew you could do it. I think of it this way mechanically 🧰 The engines were still alive but equivalent of a coma. Very exotic clean up & restored performance. Both good runners. My favorite part is when you had both steam engines (actually yard switchers) high speeding each other. I want to share this: Wow Harrison now has a train racing set in steam format.🤭 Not since TYCO did on their High speed train racing set or the first drag racing with steam engines.🤣I like this video excellent work restoring & repairing these Rivararossi classics. 👏👏👏👏👏🚂🚂🛤️🛤️🛤️🛤️

[@CreeperAdventures]

Restored back to their formal glory! They look and run great!

[@TheUnknown-sh9vz]

Amazing job Harrison!! A rusted locomotive most people would say it would never ride the rail again and you got them running!!

[@SMTMainline]

I really had my doubts on this one, I'm glad I was wrong.

[@o.northland4942]

Very inspiring Harrison, thanks and greetings from Berlin Germany

[@davidstrainsandlego]

Woah, that thing was rough, nice job getting them working

[@DTIMainline]

Awesome Harrison!!! you showed us why they didn`t belong in the garbage.

[@lotsatrains]

😊great job getting both of those to run I thought for sure the motors were toast 👍

[@1471SirFrederickBanbury]

Wow Harrison! you really made a lot of miracles happen! I would have probably given up and scratchbuilt new frames for those locos, but I'm glad to see that such dire mechanisms can be revived.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@Shadowarcher1100]

I’ve just rebuilt and restored about 5 different 0-4-0 including a Rivarossi just like yours. But none of mine were as rusty as yours. I’m impressed that you got them running. Good job! 👍🏻

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@armandisip2287]

Hi Harrison…running those Dockside locos together reminded me of the old Athearn Hustler locos with the rubber band drive, top speed 100+ scale miles per hour!

[@railfan475productions3]

I cannot believe those engines were salvageable, shame part of the valve gear couldn't be saved on the first one. I've heard from classic model trains that you can also use jewelry cleaner to clean motors. btw, those fiberglass pencils are a godsend, my mom bought me some a few months ago and they make cleaning wheels and pickups so much easier.

[@SMTMainline]

I completely agree. I didn't realize how helpful they were until I got one years ago.

[@williammcgeehan3424]

The first 0-4-0 has the full Walscherats valve gear.

[@shortlinestudios]

I invested in one of those fiber glass pencils and MAN they work wonders on my locomotives!

[@SMTMainline]

They are very helpful.

[@williamstander4877]

Nice going, these little buggers can be difficult, I recently repaired one that now runs great. Keep up the good work.

[@andrewferguson5653]

I'm amazed, that was quite a repair job!

[@bryanwhat2268]

I'm really surprised you got that one rust bucket to even run you train skills are amazing. I kind of think you should make a train junk yard on your layout.

[@SMTMainline]

You and me both, I was sure those motors were gonna be total junk.

[@carldean5987]

Hey SMT great job on bringing the rusty locos back to life like that, most people just throw them away now a days, keep up the good work, we have a runner not one but two runners lol, when your next video on just running your trains???????

[@SMTMainline]

I'll probably do another livestream this week.

[@davidvincent1093]

GREAT TO SEE YOU TOOK LISTENERS VOICES You will love the ability of things you can do!

[@SMTMainline]

For sure. I'm always open to new ideas on how to get things done best.

[@newhavennscale]

Wow, you did the impossible again SMT! Congratulations.

[@alanwbelcher]

I’m amazed you could get the motors running again, but to see them back on the rail. Good work! If you have carburetor cleaner up in Canada that might help clean some of the gunk out of the windings.

[@SMTMainline]

They do sell carb cleaner here, I should pick some up.

[@uncleh5460]

Amazing. Great look at your layout with the run/race around. The rust you allowed to stay looks realistic. I remember those B&O 0-4-0s from starter sets in the 70s. My great nephews have mine now

[@terrytraina6080]

Great job harry ,they were a challenge that's for sure!!! Take care

[@yambo59]

Sometimes you can get more complete results by disassembling (when possible) and placing the parts in smaller containers like the ones watchmakers use or similar. This is how watch restorers and watchmakers rescue heavily rusted parts, they even use liquids like "evaporust" which may be too harsh for MRR use, but you can also use diluted vinegar but be careful it can eat up the zamach castings, so limit this to steel or similar parts. Im sure there is more eomplete info on these uses online

[@SMTMainline]

I haven't tried evaporust but I've heard good things about it. I'll have to try it in a future video.

[@brettbuck7362]

@@SMTMainline Good - that is far, far more effective and much safer than the various acid solutions like vinegar, which will certainly damage any ferrous metal if you leave it too long. Evaporust is operating on a completely different principle and will only dissolve rust, so you can leave it in indefinitely, as long as it takes. I would have expected a few days in evaporust to completely free it up.

[@rayvestrayvene5376]

A Dremel tool with a wire wheel would be nice too.

[@RichardBough-yk2ei]

And a paint job

[@ginaklein8964]

Loved your video dealing with two "disasters"!!!!! I can watch your videos like this all night!!!!!!!!!!

[@mercuryoak2]

Good job on the restoration of these locomotives. The dockside locomotive with the valve gear is the deluxe model. The one without the valve gear is the standard model. I have the standard one myself. I actually prefer the one with the valve gear it's just very complex for something that small.

[@XBOXShawn12thman]

Hats Off Buddy .... Amazing!!!

[@adamspender6595]

Wow, that was excellent. I so love watching your videos. This was amazing. I'm so lucky. Thank you Harrison.

[@SMTMainline]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@oskarvalance3041]

Persevere; continue on a course of action even in the face of difficulty. You the man. From Texas

[@linuskorff4074]

That is awesome! You did an outstanding job!

[@4everdc302]

SMT Manual chapter"Thee Impossible"👏Bravo Harrison. Pre-request for a Live. Double Steam with log cars. Now ya gotta put couplers on😋🚂🇨🇦

[@SMTMainline]

Chapter 43, "from rust to eat my dust"

[@4everdc302]

The author has spoken👍

[@indridcold8433]

It reminds me of my wonderful childhood and early adulthood running a 2.5 metre x 1.5 metre HO railroad with three and a half loops, a roundhouse, four side parking tracks, lots of switches to jump from loop to loop, a center figure 8, ballast that seemed to be constantly flaking off, and an enormous power pack with all the switches, and two power boxes. I loved ever moment with that old track. I had it in the finished basement. But, while away on a weekend, a severe thunderstorm knocked out power and the sump pump quit six hours after that when the battery exhausted itself. For a day and a half, the nasty water rose and overtook the track table. When we returned on Monday afternoon the basement was destroyed, along with my beautiful track. I knew that was the end. I sold the power pack, scrapped everything else and kept my favourite Bultimore & Ohio 2-8-4 slope and tender. I had that old locomotive until three years ago when a house fire took it from me. I had it mounted on a segment of track and on a wooden Base to remember my beautiful HO track. After 35 years, the last of my amazing track is gone. Today, I miss that track layout more than ever because I do not have the last locomotive. I am getting depressed right now. I priced an N scale recently. I can not believe how much prices have increased. They have increased disproportionate to inflation. Thus, I just dream on.

[@SMTMainline]

I'm sorry to hear that. You can still find good deals at train shows but for most used stuff online the prices are insane.

[@NotGavin]

Should name them “The Rusty Duo!” I’m just amazed at how good they turned out in the end, especially the one in horrible condition! Superb job Harrison!!

[@matthewbaker1621]

I love watching your youtube videos you are very informitve about your hobby keep it up

[@MattKonsol]

Nice work on derusting these rivarossi tank engines man! I like it when they are racing each other.

[@irenecraggs6123]

great job SMT thats the way to bring back the dead

[@MozanaRN]

Premium video Harrison. Loved the train race at the end. Carry on and keep up the good work. Sincerely, George

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you, a lot of effort went into this one.

[@scottudave4499]

To save on cleaner, you can fill your UltraSonicCleaner with water, and put your item in a bag, Tupperware with cleaner in the machine, when done you cleanup on your ultrasoniccleaner is minimal

[@swiv99]

wow i applaud your patience...think i'd get a new can motor, they dirt cheap, but for the sake of the video it's good to see what can be done to bring them back to life....good job!

[@modelrailroader5619]

I cannot believe you resurrected those locomotives! Great job…

[@ericzaiz8358]

A good idea is to acquire probably junk parts and use them as test pieces to dial in the ultrasconics.

[@lillywho]

Honestly, you don't even really need to make it run. Just plonk it in a scrapyard scene on a layout and call it a day. :P

[@SMTMainline]

That would be a good last resort but I'd rather give them a chance first.

[@Steamtheamaricanengine]

And a chance you shall give them Note:this is before you try to repair it

[@ronaldrondeau7870]

well Harrison hat is a great job

[@TheRailwayProductions]

2 steam engines involved in a flood and some thought may not run again but no this guy fixed them and they're running again and also awesome video SMT

[@7badtothebone]

Wow! This is a Crunchy one for sure!! 😳👏🏻

[@ct92404]

It's amazing that those locomotives work again! Something else you should try is Evaporust. It's non-toxic and not corrosive at all, and it does a REALLY good job at removing rust. Just submerge parts overnight or maybe for a couple of days. I've used it when I restored antique typewriters, including one that was horribly rusted and looked like it was left outside in the rain or something. I was amazed at what that stuff will do. Rusted parts ended up being clean metal again.

[@SMTMainline]

I'll have to try that

[@TopHotDog]

You have great patience and determination. Someday you will be doing scratch building work with the skills you have developed. 😊

[@tompPRR8976]

Pretty amazing that you got them to run. Good repair skills and interesting video. Long live the Dockside!

[@SMTMainline]

More to come!

[@cooperludwig3842]

Nice video as always Harrison

[@randallellison6421]

2 more brought back from the dead, nice work, Harrison!

[@Altomar51]

Well, being Italian I'm very happy to see that Rivarossi motors can still work after that... Amazing!

[@SMTMainline]

You should be proud of them. Rivarossi sacrificed profits by keeping production in Italy, all because Hong Kong made motors were not up to the same standards as their own.

[@katies6426]

Amazing! Would love to see a part 2 about cosmetic touch-ups on these 2.

[@stevenchambers6174]

amazing work Harrison you have worked wonders

[@93gamrx]

You are a recovery beast, man. Never fail to impress.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@leslieforan1334]

Hello Harrison, Back in the 70s I had a couple of these HO Docksides. I combined them to make a 0 4 4 0 Mallet. The front engine was not powered.

[@williamsantangelo]

Remarkable indeed! Thanks Harrison Happy Railroading son!

[@WinterroSP]

I once found a locomotive that had been oiled with glue, it was hell but I finally got it working.

[@_t1_]

You brought those locos back from the dead

[@JessicaBarney-r8s]

I can't believe you fixed that. with so much rust. Also I got that n scale mikado working again.

[@SMTMainline]

That's awesome!

[@wesleysim1805]

Glad to see the sonic cleaner. I was one of the many who said go for it. These little bugger are alive. Too cool. I’m trying to fix my dad Riva bigboy. Mostly cosmetic

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

Nice job

[@doctordeath.5716]

Oh wow how cool brother and great job at bringing the locomotives back from the dead. ❤❤❤❤

[@appleman9695]

Greetings from Moscow! Interesting video, good luck!

[@goupigoupi6953]

Beautifully weathered locomotives!

[@thisolesignguy2733]

This was fun :) A little tip that I do all the time, used 50% diluted evaporust in the ultrasonic cleaner. That will dissolve the rust in the motor & gears. You will need to clean the contacts with IPA, but that's easy enough. It also won't hurt the plastic if you turn the heat off or make it really low. Works great on bachmanns, usually when their motors seize it's virtually impossible to fix without rewinding. But I've saved over a dozen engines using this method. Also worked great on a few Lionel engines 🚂🚂🚂

[@SMTMainline]

I'll have to look for some evaporust.

[@richardmoser1272]

Looked hopeless. Amazing job!

[@ct92404]

...one other quick suggestion, to clean out motors, maybe try electrical contact spray cleaner. It comes in aerosol cans like WD40 but is specifically intended to clean electronic parts. It will NOT damage windings. Just spray the motors with it and it was blast out any grime, rust, etc and won't leave any residue. It does a great job cleaning mechanical parts too. I use it all the time whenever I'm restoring things.

[@SMTMainline]

That's good to know.

[@darylhitchcock7680]

Nice bit of work...

[@nitrorrat8190]

Awesome job sir thank you for sharing

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks for watching!

[@wulfbytez136]

If I ever got a locomotive like that i'd add it to the scenery. Maybe a Percy takes a plunge sort of scene?

[@crashryanphoto]

We were rooting for the little guy!!!

[@music100vid]

Amazing restorations!

[@johncloar1692]

Thanks Harrison for the videos It nice the your persistence paid off. WD 40 is a water displacement chemical. Not a good lubcranit but is good for cleaning. I have use a Ultrasonic cleaner at time on my trains, They will remove paint, I use them on metal parts mostly. Have a grate day.

[@SMTMainline]

I tend to agree. Its way to thin to lubricate but I find it does a decent job getting things unstuck.

[@gabemiller4882]

Is there any locomotive that you can't fix? Wow and Great job in fixing and cleaning theses two old rusty locomotive😊😊😊💯💯👍👍😍😍😍! Keep up the great work in finding locomotives and fixing them up !! Great job 👍👍💯! Love watching your videos and working on these steam locomotive and diesel engines 👍👍💯💯!! Wow , Great Job ! The locomotives lives they're running on the track again!

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you so kindly!

[@ianhamilton3172]

I’m a big fan of Evaporust - especially for metal stuff. I also really like watching ‘Mend it Mark’ You Tube channel. Mark makes lots of use of an ultrasonic cleaner for electronic stuff. Not sure what compound he uses in the cleaner but that might be worth a look as well. Love your channel & am a frequent watcher.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks for the tips, I should check out his videos.

[@davidztog9011]

The Spectacular Magical Tinker does it again. But who uses a hammer to free up a stuck motor... Harrison does. Honestly, those locomotives should've gone straight into the circular file. But, of course you worked your Magic, Harry, and got a pair of runners. Just don't let them sit or they'll seize up again. Thanks for sharing. 👍🐾👍

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks David. This ones were tricky :)

[@petershepherd53]

I don't know how you did it, but you did. Amazing

[@LynnConley-b7n]

The smoke coming from the whells make it more realistic

[@robertmunguia6172]

Wow 👌 👏 👌 rusty 😳 I was not sure if they go but they did

[@samuelbenge524]

You seem to have quite a wild obsession with Riverossi

[@SMTMainline]

I quite like the brand. More Rivarossi videos are on the way lol

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Success Harrison another pair of winners, great video