Vintage Tyco Chattanooga Diesel Restoration

I got this vintage tyco Chattanooga diesel a few weeks ago as a gift. Upon testing it I discovered that it didn't run so in this video I attempt to restore it. I suspect this loco hasn't run in a while and it needed a fair amount of work to get it going again.

[@williamrathwell766]

I tried your tool for holding the brushes in place of my grandfather's Lima 0 4 0 steam locomotive it worked great in enjoy your repair videos they have helped big time on older locomotives.

[@tadheath5856]

Thanks for giving me a flashback of my childhood in the 70's.....when I had mine!!! Lol love that loco!!!!!!

[@paherbst524]

Thanks for this video, i'm about to try to restore my old engine that hasn't seen action in probably 30 yrs! this video gives me a bit of confidence it isn't too hard to diagnose.

[@Aprilseahorse]

That was the 3rd train I got in my younger days ! I still have it. I just fixed that wire you were talking about but I never tested it. I am just starting on a new table for the grandkids and I hope it will run then!

[@ericoxner9767]

Hey I had this train as a kid.My mother brought for me Christmas.This set had a babyruth boxcar a Jello boxcar a Weston oil tank car and olddutch cleaner hopper car and caboose.This set also had a whistle bill board.But the better go train were bachmann.

[@oldcarsaverjones5124]

Love the looks of the old Tyco locomotives. Like the trick for installing the brushes!

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks. I only use that trick once in a while because it isn't easy but it's not as bad as removing those plates.

[@cbgadget4740]

You amaze me Harrison, definitely the fix it man. Love seeing these classic locomotives running well again. Thanks for sharing 👍👍👍😎😎😎 Cary

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you so much for that Cary, It really means a lot hearing things like that.

[@TheSwitchList]

Very cool Harrison. I love watching you do these repair videos. -Rick

[@SMTMainline]

I appreciate that Rick

[@circleofthewolfairsoft7419]

@Harrison thank you, who has never taken those brushes out IT SUCKS ! Ok going to make one of those shims, why I never thought about it before. Keep up the great work !

[@Petemonster62]

That was a good idea SMT to make that tool; to press the brushes & springs back into their wells! It certainly makes it easier to put the brush plate back on the motor block!

[@willsrc1222]

Chattanooga here!! Very cool

[@patrickwamsley3284]

I got bored last night and made my junk complete Chattanooga steam engine run again. I have three of them and two tenders. I have been using a higher quality Mantua shell with the walshearts valve gear paired with an original tender mounted to a modified caboose chassis with sprung express trucks. Used a silver sharpie to "paint" the fire box and smoke box, fitted pilot truck from a Rivarossi Berkshire and painted striping on the running boards and repainted the tender. It went from being a $5 parts bin engine to a respectable looking model.

[@Alerrecks]

I need to see this. It sounds great!

[@MattKonsol]

Thank you Harrison for showing us how to service and restore a tyco gp20. I might try to clean and lube my santa fe gp20 someday if i want. Also im getting a Tyco GG1 off ebay!

[@MattKonsol]

Btw I have a question at 6:58 can you use a cotton cloth to hold down the springs and the brushes while putting it back together?

[@darklordojeda]

Love the livery on this one.

[@colbeausabre8842]

EMD 2000 hp GP20 of around 1960. One of the first diesels purchased to replace the oldest of the machines that had replaced steam.

[@davidztog9011]

"Serenity now!" A moment of silence for Jerry Stiller... he passed over to the great beyond on Monday, he was 92. Thank goodness it wasn't a "Chatty"nooga or you would have had another issue to deal with, Harrison. You know what I'm talking about - - the sharknose Canadiana is just starting to develop the high-pitch sqeal. Nice to see another Tyco back on the rails, and although you didn't show the step this time, I'm sure you oiled and greased all the proper parts. Thanks for sharing. 👍 👍 👍

[@MattKonsol]

Pretty cool and Very sad to hear bud!

[@raymondleggs5508]

I had no Idea he had passed, he was a very funny man.

[@robintheslavewr1513]

Smt is definitely getting me tru quarantine

[@ashevilletrainman6989]

Chattanooga is my favorite city and railfanning spot In the entire world. Love seeing these locomotives. Cheers

[@mercuryoak2]

At 2:20 when you were saying about tyco engines having a variety of problems. I was thinking as you said that a quote from the commercial. " it's from Tyco Of course!"

[@MMRails]

If only my students put this much effort into their homework. Great job as always.

[@SMTMainline]

I do try. Thanks Mark :)

[@riondoesthings1988]

I don’t know why but I really like this loco

[@williamrathwell766]

Thanks for another restoration video. These are nice to see. I hope you keep doing this. I have a few older locomotives.

[@mshrailfan129]

Nice layout SMT. Keep up the good work

[@adrianmoreno3064]

Hey SMT! My grandfather has that exact same TYCO loco. It had a similar problem where it wouldn’t run at all, but that was combination of a dying motor, dirty contacts, and a weakening solder point. However, I did get it to run a while back, and I am glad you got yours running too! Serenity! Anyway, great video as always!

[@lawnmowermanTX]

Where could i get springs, brushes, and parts for that exact motor for my Chattanooga diesel locomotive to run again? I'm missing a wire... I need coil, and solder diagram if possible.. I might need the center weight tank part... I might need the little grey wheel cover parts? What can I use to clean the gunk off the outer shell without hurting the paint scheme? It's an EMD GP 20? isn't it?

[@tednouver9909]

At that point, just buy a new Chattanooga GP20

[@lawnmowermanTX]

@@tednouver9909 I already did... ;) the old one is just a monitor/desk ornament now. ;)

[@jimbronie]

I have so many dead tyco engines. If I ever get my stuff back out I am going to have to try some of your rebuild technics.

[@atjoe1972]

Great restoration of a notorious Power Torque motor from 40 years ago. Through your videos, I wonder how many of them have been saved from the junk pile. Nice job and congrats on 9K subscribers 👍

[@Uptownloki47]

Hey SMT, love the video! I have never worked with TYCO locomotives before, (Team Athearn Blue Box) and this idea popped into my head. Try adding weight to one of your TYCOs. It would eliminate the need for traction tires and it could pull more cars.

[@Santaanacanyon]

The GP20: TYCO made those for decades. The shell is very nicely detailed, though I don’t know why it doesn’t have dynamic brakes. I’m told a few rare models did, and are sought after by collectors. For such a good model, it’s a bummer it couldn’t be made with 8 wheel drive and a decent motor that can shed some heat.

[@SMTMainline]

TYCO had so much more potential but I think they cut a few too many corners unfortunately.

[@trainstorm1225]

I don’t collect old locomotives since I like to save money for the bigger and more detailed stuff like MTH and BLI. But there’s something about these older units that just grab me. It’s so interesting to see how they made models back then compared to today.

[@MoosesWorkshop]

Another fun rebuild!

[@tjprptchable]

Another well done restoration awsome job SMT stay safe.

[@canadianpacificstudios5835]

Nice dude! I got the same one! Minty 👌

[@andytycotrains1148]

Good Job SMT Harrison-Saludos desde Argentina ))))))

[@shipbuilding1000]

One characteristic on these old Tyco GP20 shells I always found odd (and nice) was the enclosed pilots. Most of the Life-Like, Bachmann, and Model Power stuff from this era had open pilots, and in fact when Mantua re-tooled the shell for their use, they opened the pilots up as well. It does make removing the shell easy but the enclosed pilots do look much better

[@kidreviewsmodels460]

SMT mainline AKA the healer of model trains

[@southaussietrainspotter1685]

congrats on 9K, can't wait when you hit 10K

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks

[@AlexTrain5249]

I have THIS very loco too. It also doesn’t run and it’s because of the broken wire but the light works.

[@aerodisfunction9896]

I have this type of diesel, I believe it has the same problem that’s fixed in this video. When I say type I mean I have the same engine, all it does is the lights turn on and the motor hums yet no movement.

[@SOUFoamer1307]

Check if it’s motor holder is broken

[@JBofBrisbane]

Might be the grease is congealed. Pull all the gears off and clean everything up.

[@jorgel.fernandeziii8278]

Howdy Harrison, not that I want to start a public “debate right now” but, the real Chattanooga choo-choo Train Set From Tyco was a 2-8-0 steam locomotive that was in the set originally called the (“The Chattanooga Choo-Choo”), And somehow the marketer change the set to sell very well in the state of “Tennessee” because of “Chattanooga being in Tennessee” ! This set has something to do with a politician bringing work to support that state ! So they thought ! Now the caboose was not painted anywhere near these colors! Now the colors of the engine you’re holding on to is something I haven’t seen before and remember I’ve been selling in the hobby shop Business since 1976 ! I do remember a brief time that was sold for less than a year and you could be holding the one that was! Now I can tell you this much I know for a fact, Tyco not only invested into racing slot cars but they also invested into Trains at the same time ! Still, it Sounds like a mystery to me ? What say you my friend? Oh, before I forget, “thank you for teaching me with a pancake motor” was but I do have a question; if those pancake motors were the ones that worked in these Locomotive motors, are they going to be the same type of motor that was like in the Aurora, Aurora AFX, and Tyco Slot-cars ??? 🌊🐺

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks for the history on it. I'm not very familiar with tyco slot cars so I'm not sure if they ever used the same kind. The closest thing I have to a tyco slot car is a Tyco turbo train which ran on a modified slot car chassis and had a small 3-pole open frame style motor.

[@jorgel.fernandeziii8278]

SMT Mainline BINGO ! We have a winner ! You are correct my Canadian friend ! Athough why Canada never Seen a slot car racing set is a mystery to me because the first (“Aurora racing slot cars”), were 1/87 scale but, when the Tycos came out, they were more 1/64 to 1/72 scale so Slightly bigger ! But they all ran on the same width of track ! And I know the trains were talking about and yes they are basically the same thing ! But Tyco only made that train for no more than two years because it turned out to be a flop in the United States !!! 🌊🐺

[@jorgel.fernandeziii8278]

SMT Mainline by the way Harrison if you ever wanna know something about the history of the modeling and “Hobbys” industry just Send me a note !! I’d be more than happy to share my knowledge ! 🌊🐺

[@JBofBrisbane]

TYCO gave the steam loco a rest and sold the diesel Chattanooga set during 1977-78. When the steam loco returned it was an 0-8-0, minus the pony truck, most of the side rods and smoker in the boiler.

[@Petemonster62]

SMT - I have heard several modelers say that the locomotive could barely pull its train up & over the trestle. That made me think about what it would be like to double-head the Chattanooga diesel with the steamer. Since you have both locomotives, you could give it a try & see how it works. The train consisted of a covered hopper, three dome tank car, crane car, crane boom tender car, & caboose. You could also try it on your new layout & see how it works with the grades!

[@Petemonster62]

SMT - I wanted to verify that I was referring to the Chattanooga steam locomotive, as the locomotive that modelers reported, could barely pull its train up & over the trestle. I understand the GP20 diesel performed much better!

[@toycarcollector]

What is the proper way to lubricate this Loco?

[@crudecaboose8382]

Cool, I love the colors

[@dragonmasterx2272]

Dude that's fuckin awesome

[@Ellectrica]

Smt, where do you get your parts. I can’t even find a good place to buy parts for newer locos much less vintage. Do you just salvage old engines?

[@Brian_rock_railfan]

great video liked 🚄👍

[@TrainsofChicagoland]

Shes a beauty!

[@fridaynighthikes]

I still have a BN GP20 made by Tyco. It’s about 45 years old.

[@zacharynewhouse5439]

smt what type of cuppler do you like the best

[@digitraxdude4854]

Well! I would have really liked to see the trick to putting the brushes on top of the springs and closing up. I looked at it 3 times but I didn't see it happen. Very disappointing as I am trying to figure out how to put it together..

[@KCDash4400cw]

I finally got a Spirit of 76 and me and my uncle are going to try to restore it

[@SMTMainline]

Best of luck, these things can be a little bit tricky but that doesn't mean the process isn't fun.

[@stupidsmart-phone6911]

Pardon me, boy, is that the Chattanooga choo choo?

[@SMTMainline]

Right on track 29?

[@stupidsmart-phone6911]

You got those gears to shine

[@CurdsFromDaCulvers420]

Hey smt! I have one of these locos it’s a Santa Fe one and it runs well, so I have one question how does these trains fail so easily

[@natestrains1166]

Mantua still makes these. Although I think they have a modernized drive system.

[@MattKonsol]

Yep I believe they do! i owned a mantua emd conrail gp20 with the moderinzed 8 wheel drive system or all wheel.

[@shipbuilding1000]

Yes they do. The huge Northlandz Model Railroad museum in New Jersey (at least a few years ago) ran their trains almost exclusively with Mantua GP20s. The staff said they were "impossible to kill"

[@mistermadmachine6311]

Yay maybe you can fix the Durango next Also my silver streak does the same thing

[@noman4087]

Today I got a old bachmann centennial in the mail it worked but it a bad ozone smell and when I opened it there was a lot of oil on the motor and I guess it was pretty new because I could wipe the oil off really easily(the front truck was a dummy because it did not have a motor for some reason)and now it's faster and runs better

[@SMTMainline]

I'm glad you were able to fix it up. It sounds like the loco you got is one of bachmann's older "pancake" style drive systems.

[@isaiahandmyanyamygirlfrien8167]

You should do a video on your HO scale HO HO scale 40 CW

[@c418stal5]

Yesterday i made my first conversion car

[@SamLovesTrains]

Nice video! I think I have the same engine. I don’t believe mine works either.

[@speedster1093]

Hey SMT you should do a n scale locomotive giveaway. Maybe a few freight cars. Edit: like a bundle, a loco and a few freight cars. The SMT n scale package

[@drgwproductions8866]

Please do the Blue Goose next

[@thegillingroup1303]

As you say now lets take out the SPRINGS. Me oh no death trap

[@dansledepot107]

I wouldnt call this a restoration, rather more of a tune-up. A restoration would involve fixing the traction tires, couplers, shell cleaning, etc.

[@SMTMainline]

I see it as more like, it's been restored from not working to working but I suppose you're right.

[@metropolitantransit7276]

Maybe make a livestream tomorrow night with you Bombardier Talent?

[@baseballguy6770]

I’m not sure what’s wrong with mine but I have an exact same type of train do you think I can send it to you so you can figure out what’s wrong with it please man I’m begging you please read this

[@fiercetrains4052]

what are the positive and negative ends of the motor? Like what wire connects to + and - (which brush does what?) also where are it's electrical contacts for getting power from the track?

[@SMTMainline]

There isn't specifically + and - ends of the motor because it can be ether way depending on the direction the controller is set to, having said this: Each truck picks up power opposite to the other. One brush plate is screwed directly into the truck that say, connects to the left rail while the other plate has a soldered wire which goes to the other truck connecting to the right rail. Hope this helps explain it.

[@fiercetrains4052]

@@SMTMainline so if I can identify those connections I can convert it to DCC? I know the frames in those things can be a b*** but with your video and my research I can probably do it

[@johnthompson5998]

What would you charge to fix a Tyco 4015?It is dead

[@leaf8585]

I have the Burlington route GP-20 Cyclopes version of that one made by tyco

[@paducahandlouisvillerailro3309]

Hey Harrison is Mahano a good ho scale trains

[@saltgoatshaker8844]

I’m from Tennessee this looks familiar

[@freighttrain7773]

I have the same locomotive

[@Elfnetdesigns]

I have 3/4 of one of these.. The cab section was literally cut off

[@wdd6864]

Wow I have that one

[@thelittletug9321]

SMT Can u restore the blue goose next plz

[@rushylvania.northern]

I just grabbed one of these it didn't work though other than lights them lit up

[@lysander.o.c.3580]

Who won the contest

[@SMTMainline]

No one has yet.

[@lysander.o.c.3580]

@@SMTMainline oh, thank you. I love your videos

[@slr_393p]

[@slr_393p]

I have that same loco!

[@slr_393p]

And my loco had the same prob but i dont know how to fix it Mayby if you want another Train to fix I could send it to you.

[@zacharynewhouse5439]

do you know quebec gatineau railway

[@SMTMainline]

Yes, I have an Atlas 2011 model of #3800 from that railroad.

[@smashedcaboose6526]

I have an SP 4449 that is not running at all. If you could be able to fix it. I’m willing to pay you.

[@timpriddy349]

I had the BN version...same 5628 number in the wrong location.....GP 20

[@Santaanacanyon]

I’m probably the only person who noticed this, but…it makes no difference which road name you get. This engine is always numbered 5628.

[@LaneMphoto09]

Hey I have that loco except the roof is navy blue

[@jl-it4rs]

Hey SMT can I drop my trains of at your house. I told you on Instagram about the graham farish n gauge and that stuff

[@hondachopper6978]

Doesn't anyone make an actual gear puller?

[@michaelg8936]

What brand of oil and greese do you use for the locomotives

[@SMTMainline]

Mostly Labelle

[@SHYTE_OSC]

Her I have one of those it is not In The best shape the rand rails are gone but hey at least it works

[@logansnyder6084]

I subbed

[@morganriley9951]

Hi I'm new

[@SMTMainline]

Welcome!

[@Tyc11114]

You never clean the wheels

[@caseycharlieandadam]

I have seen worse in old tycos!

[@pietersnackaert]

2nd?

[@kensbackshop6399]

another sucsessfull surgery DR.Scrump

[@haakonmoninger505]

I have now made it 69 comments.......nice

[@angryrailfan5711]

SMT restores a Tyco engine Me: don’t lose the springs

[@morganriley9951]

I hit a cinder block or marble or sandstone cross on my big toe my mom said that I will lose my big toe's toenail 😱😱😱

[@railsofchicagoandbeyond8832]

First

[@SuburbaniteUrbanite]

I uh... Vintage? Looks like it was made in the last 5 years.

[@SMTMainline]

TYCO hasn't been around since the 90s. This locomotive was likely made in the 70s or 80s, it's far from new.

[@aidens.7370]

Third

[@therailroadempire7993]

third

[@dirtydanstrains1414]

ok dude please stop prying the gears off. thats why you keep breaking them

[@SMTMainline]

How would you take them off?

[@dirtydanstrains1414]

@@SMTMainline ill send you a video but all you do is just take you fingers on each side of the gear and pull up

[@SMTMainline]

@@dirtydanstrains1414 I'm pretty confident that the pivot was already damaged, you can see in the video I didn't apply much force and it still broke off.

[@dirtydanstrains1414]

@@SMTMainline actually you tried to pry it off and then it broke

[@SMTMainline]

@@dirtydanstrains1414 I think you're exaggerating the situation.