Disgusting, Rusted HO Flood Locomotive - Can We Make It Run?

[@PLG8gen]

Looks like its been weathered without paint lol

[@98755785]

My thoughts exactly

[@douglasskaalrud6865]

There are all kinds of weathering materials besides paint. In fact, looking at scale fidelity, paint is about the least prototypical material there is for weathering. I use powders, which are ground a lot finer than paint pigments.

[@randallellison6421]

Can't beat the "all natural" weathering!

[@ericwalstrand3512]

I think it looks neat. I would leave it

[@KaidsTrains]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a locomotive that rusted before. Great job restoring it!

[@PWaco-yq7wr]

It can happen,

[@HrLBolle]

what I quite like are the close ups when it runs on the track and the fact those are set in a way that can make you think it be a proper locomotive. And a hard worker at that, one of those that are kept in working but not the beauty order...

[@Quince828]

We will have to start calling you the transplant specialist. You took the heart out of the locomotive and brought it back to life. Well done!

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks

[@damntheman2]

I guess you can call him, A TRAINsplant specialist! no? nobody?

[@SMTMainline]

@@damntheman2 I laughed more than I should’ve

[@Quince828]

@@damntheman2 lol

[@misterflibble6601]

"Universal motor mount"👍 I'm always amazed at your ability to get these old busted up, junky locos to run but never more so than with this hot mess!

[@haraldhechler3557]

If you want to avoid the bad acidic vinegar smell, just use citric acid instead. You can buy it as granulate and dilute in hot water. Let it cool down until luke warm (the warmer the faster the reaction, but you won't let your loco parts simmer...), throw rusted parts in, same procedure as with vinegar. It's natural and safe, but the smell isn't by far biting your nostrils like the vinegar.

[@JackDangerous]

Pretty neat project, amazing how quiet and smooth it runs, also the rust really makes it look neat, like a locomotive rat rod

[@johnellick7362]

Great job getting that rust bucket running the rails again. I heard that white vingar works good on rusted O gauge metal track too.

[@jamesschultz7550]

Bravo Dr Frankenstein you brought back the dead again. Great job, love the free weathering. Peace

[@wilde1909]

This is my favorite video of yours. Your attitude toward this engine was delightful.

[@sdrc92126]

That's the best and most realistic weathering job I have ever seen. It's perfect

[@Toontrain]

Even if you had not attempted to restore it, as it was it would have made an excellent "scrap loco" sitting in scrapyard or an abandoned siding, as that rusted patina it originally had looked amazing, still amazing Job on what was a lost cause restoration 😊

[@vernonsmith6176]

Wow! Such a great idea!

[@Photoline1]

The Pennsy rides again! In fact, the "weathering" is consistent with any loco that's sat outside for a number of years, or has had a fire that did not damage it beyond repair. Recovered from the scrap line, it still has some revenue freight to haul. In the years prior to Penn Central being formed, such a scenario would be totally within reason. If for no other reason, PC painting all their locos jet black would have cosmetically hidden such defects.

[@ROBERTN-ut2il]

But it's a RS2, a model the PRR never owned

[@Papa_Shurika]

Hello! This renovation is an example of incredible resourcefulness!👍👍👍The trash can froze in amazement, and then quietly began to cry. Ведро для мусора застыло от изумления, а потом тихо заплакало.

[@willosfloppydrive]

At 2:51 the brown car on the edge of the layout starts to fall off the layout

[@w.rustylane5650]

That's the worst rusted loco I've ever seen except for the ones I have rusted on purpose (just the plastic painted to look like rust). Serenity, we have a runner! Cheers from eastern TN

[@coltonedmonds9958]

Harrison it always amazes me when your able to get something that rusty, and gross, to a quote quiet locomotive, your amazing.

[@johnmayer158]

Harrison, Great job getting that Loco running again. I also wanted to let you know that there is a product out there called Evaporust. It is available in auto parts stores, and a tool store here in the States called Harbour Freight. I don't know if you have them over there, but even if you don't, I'm sure you can Google the product and most likely find it locally. I've used it to clean rusted tools like pliers, and it would probably help. Good luck, and again, congrats.

[@borg6849]

Up here in Canada it's available from Princess Auto & Lee Valley Tools

[@trekzilladmc]

I was just gonna recommend him using Evapo-Rust.

[@modelrailroader5619]

The ultimate weathering! Nice…❤ that engine was toast, and I got a warm fuzzy feeling when she did her first lap. Great job!

[@jamesdenny4734]

You almost persuaded me to become a tinkerer!

[@sjgerber]

I would suggest you try Evaporust - using vinegar in case like these work…sort of - problem is you have zinc and copper, lead and iron...combining that with acid, even a week one like vinegar, will chew up the delicate copper and zinc parts. Great job getting it working again

[@kroy1037]

This was beyond restoration, Harrison, more like resurrection. Congratulations on a challenging project, and thanks for the vinegar solution to rust. Definitely worth remembering the next time I sprinkle my French fries. I'm repairing a vintage wheelbarrow, wanting to save the original very rusted bolts, so I'm going to give the vinegar a try, then neutralize the parts with baking soda and a good coat of oil when dry. As always, your instructional video was much appreciated.

[@SMTMainline]

It seems to work quite well.

[@davidballoid2118]

Harrison, You can use that Switcher to switch out your chocolate plant ! Good thing you had a spare junk motor or you would have to had used that loco for a Door Stop . 😁😆😂

[@reidlibby7159]

You can never have too many Alco's. Well done, Sir. I am impressed.😃

[@abethpezarkar9946]

Good job Harrison, 1 down, 2 to go.. awaiting videos for those too. Keep inspiring.

[@DoubleX8620]

Universal motor Mount had me there 🤣 but seriously, this locomotive basically drowned somewhere, rusted to hell and you come along and fix it like it's no big deal at all. I feared this one may be for the bin, but you saved it lile that 1$ locomotive 👍 truly amazing. The vinegar trick is new to me I had no idea. Luckily none of the engines I've encounted were as rusty as this one. Great repairjob as always 👌

[@KosaiAvonej]

I like seeing these models that someone would otherwise throw away because it doesn’t work anymore assume it’s busted for good but a little bit of work and you have a runner. I always appreciate the restoration of antiques like this, good work.

[@Morganstein-Railroad]

Harrison - You are a model railroad Genius! Most people would give up on that level of destruction, but you - Fixed it. Brilliant! I have an n scale Rivarossi 2-8-2 Mikado that a friend serviced for me and he says it needs brushes and some TLC. Where can I get brushes for this?

[@cjdavis2684]

That was crazy Harrison, never saw an engine in that bad a shape. and was really thinking especially after seeing you sink in in the vinegar if that didn't put the final nail in the coffin it will be amazing.... But still kept thinking of course he will get it running again though even if he has to use a whole other frame and motor from another train.... But was totally amazed you got it running with only needing a new motor.....Well Done as always.

[@SMTMainline]

I don't know if the vinegar is what ruined the motor but ether way it's running.

[@fredcotterell645]

Wow! What a transformation! Harrison you really hit man grand slam! Of course RS3'S are among my faves

[@chipetke]

'"Universal Motor Mount" 😂 dude, I almost spilled my coffee... never thought someone would call hot snot that way, though some "lifehack" vids use it all the time... man, this is genius, how you gave a bit of life to that loco

[@SMTMainline]

JB weld would probably work better but hot glue is much more forgiving if you make a mistake.

[@David-yo5re]

Hey Harrison, another awesome restoration. I had my doubts on this one, but you pulled it off. Another runner. Your skills never cease to amaze me. 👍😁

[@engineerpat5290]

WOW! What a transformation!! Glad to see it run again!! The first unit is an F7, the second unit is an SW1 switcher. The SW1 is not mentioned very often. That RS3 came a long way! Using some parts you have and using some creativity! Love your energy to save these locomotives! Keep it up SMT!

[@BroWCarey]

Another hopeless case brought back from the dead. Great job, Harrison!

[@mynx_uk]

that was brilliant. I found my mystery train, its a mikado either 2 8 2 or 4 8 2.

[@niallcasey2057]

Well done Harrison . An other revival . Your saving the planet piece by piece . Thanks

[@antonbruce1241]

Harrison, you are without doubt an absolute GENIUS!!!!! If you can take that old rusted out hulk and get it back on the rails again....there's probably no loco which could stop you!!!

[@JacksonSubNScaleModelRailroad]

I'm not gonna lie, that is very impressive. I like the "Universal Motor Mount" terminology. My first thought was to keep all of the rust on the shell and not touch it, but if you can't get the shell off, no can do I guess. Plenty of room in there for a decoder too! I would love to see and hear Loksound coming from that thing! So smooth and quiet! Very well done!

[@SMTMainline]

I would be hilarious to add sound. The motor is probably efficient enough not to ruin the decoder.

[@infinity6450]

You should have a wall of fame for some of the most ridiculous locomotive projects. This and the Yellowstone are good contenders for being at the top of said list. But in all seriousness, this looks like something you pulled out from under my workbench, so you did an amazing job today.

[@johncloar1692]

WoW what a project. You never know I though it was a goner, Harrison you done a great job on this one. Thanks for the video.

[@gpalmt]

Congratulations on another excellent video. You never cease to amaze me with the magic you can work on these old trains. Well done I await more of your fabulous videos.

[@tamasbasa9132]

Rég volt már egy ilyen érdekes videó ! Szép munka!

[@brigitteschwedhelm8631]

Wow! That must be the worst, rusty engine you’ve ever unwrapped. 😮 Don’t doubt you’ll bring it back to life. Know you’ll will succeed! 👍

[@Vintagetime1784]

1100 liked hell yeah

[@RayBoebel]

Harrison....that was INCREDIBLE bud!!! Nice job!! Free weathering...LOVE IT!!

[@johnheinzl8771]

Wow, ANOTHER impressive and creative engine repair, Harrison! Agree with you, the by-product weathering looks good. Thanks so much for sharing these videos with us. Please keep them coming!

[@williammcgeehan3424]

1:25 Perfect weathering. That's an Alco RS2 from Naporano Iron & Metal in Newark New Jersey. ☺

[@andrewferguson5653]

Another great restoration SMT! I couldn't believe how rusty and corroded that engine was.

[@dsingh412]

Well done Harrison for getting this locomotive riding the rails again and keep up the great work + have a good one.

[@Make573]

Reminds me of our homey Fnnish, VR (Valtion Rautatiet/ Finland Estate Railways), DR 14 (pr.yr 1968-1971). Nicknames: Zebra, Belarus, Bendlet Rooster, Streak Rooster, Peacock & Diesel Rooster 24 Built in total, currently 21 still in use on cargo lines, 1 in museum, 2 scrappedd for parts. In passenger service from 1969 till 2017.

[@MarioAlvesJr]

Nice restore. But am I the only one who actually liked the way the rust looked on the shell prior to cleaning? I think it would have looked nice parked somewhere on the layout.

[@SMTMainline]

There is something interesting about the rough look it had.

[@andydeveaux8763]

"Universal motor mounts", and "free weathering". Loved it.

[@yourfellowpancake6335]

Just got back from filming a train, wonderful timing SMT

[@brianpagemodeltrains]

That is impressive - Good job! I did not think that rust bucket would run. I like that comment about "free weathering", that's awesome!

[@strobson1]

great video Harrison again with aloha

[@JohnNack]

Wow! Looked like the resident of a scrap yard! I am amazed you actually made it run again!

[@Goofyboi2002]

That alco just got its new name! "The crusty alco"

[@SMTMainline]

I like it.

[@dannagy546]

Random fact, the Pennsy always ran long nose front and the RS-3, despite being a switcher, was used on local passenger trains throughout the system

[@Engine1988]

Actually, I never thought of it as a switcher. To me, it's more of a road switcher. Isn't that what RS stands for?

[@dannagy546]

@Engine1988 yeah, but it was designed for switching and transfer runs, not really as a passenger locomotive

[@VestedUTuber]

@@dannagy546 "nO! yOu CaN't UsE a FrEiGhT lOcOmOtIvE tO pUlL pAsSeNgEr TrAiNs!" PRR: "lol, RS3 go brrrrrrr".

[@dannagy546]

@@VestedUTuber haha

[@ROBERTN-ut2il]

so it's an It lacks the raised walkways fore and aft of gthe cab

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

Hello Harrison..Love projects . That's definitely a challenge.

[@fredcotterell645]

What a job! Harrison. That rescue was amazing to say that the least!

[@beyondtheouterrim3025]

there was a time I should have def bought this super cool custom loco that looked just like that rusty guy, really sad I passed cause I was a little scared of the rust, great video!!

[@Tractors101]

Vinegar can work wonders. Currently using it in an attempt to free up a rusted stuck engine in a Farmall tractor.

[@christophermondone6706]

Very impressive, what a great outcome from a disaster flood. Bringing it back to life. Great Job Harrison 👍🚂👍🚂

[@johnsterling7420]

The wizard does it again great job Harrison!!!!!!! 👍👌😇🇺🇸

[@MrtyMrtn]

Looks great. Like an old short line locomotive.

[@ericwalstrand3512]

I would just clean up the trucks and everything to get it run right. The rust on the carriage and the shell looks kind of cool.

[@SMTMainline]

I wish I had left the shell as is after.

[@vincebuono2135]

Nice work!!👍👍👍👍 i love that you didn’t give up keep up The great work!!!

[@hungrymoose7627]

God I would kill for that kind of patina on my scrapyard locomotives.

[@CardboardSliver]

Even if it never ran, it would be so cool for an "abandoned line" decoration.

[@thetruecptcrackers]

Wonderful transformation. Keep up the good work!

[@waynead40]

Harrison, you are a genius!

[@Zebrails]

Have you watched "PennCentral 1974" ? The way your RS-2 looks, it's a dead ringer for the video (albeit yours runs better than the real one did... it doesn't smoke!.) Thanks Dr. Frankenstein, you've made another creature run! Awesome work, sir! John (BC)

[@ScottRails]

That was a really great video, well done. The natural weathering actually looks amazing, lol.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks, I should have tried to preserve more of it.

[@Joe30101]

If I did not see it myself, I don't think I would believe it. WOW

[@darklordojeda]

Awesome job! I love your restorations.

[@MrMagicFingers1]

I loved it when it was still rusty! That would have been part of a static display of a company that scraps railroad equipment. Great for a cool scrapyard. I love rusty stuff!! Great job though. :)

[@robertmunguia6172]

Another great 👍 👌 job completed a lot of rust

[@timtate226]

Impressive work and a tenacious performance, bravo.

[@John-op5vi]

Every section of your layout looks so well done and your never say never outlook all added to the charm in this video. Oh.. and your parts drawer is a real Gold mine!

[@yambo59]

I really thought ya met your match on this one, glad to see I was wrong you never cease to amaze me - lol What an amazing resurrection.

[@SMTMainline]

I did too, it escaped the scrap pile by the skin of its teeth.

[@RichardHume-l4r]

Congratulations, you brought your patients back to life,good work doctor.

[@ROBERTN-ut2il]

1. I'm surprised the vinegar didn't attack the paint 2. The cab unit is either one of 80 PRR F3A's - sine it resembles a F7, I'd say it's an “F5” (The first "F5A" EMDX demonstrator #59 was built in March 1948. Production of the "F5" started in August 1948 through the end of F3 production in February 1949. The difference between the "F5" and the F3 were the D27 traction motors with heavier-duty cables and higher capacity traction motor blowers fitted. Nearly all previously built F3's received the same upgrades by 1955. A total of 381 F5As and 238 F5Bs were produced. The note in the January 1, 1959 EMD Service Department Locomotive Reference Data states, "All F5 locomotives were delivered as F3 units." All EMD DC traction motors are backwards compatible so as the better motors became available the D37, D47, D57, D67 and D77 all could be found on an F unit) some of which the PRR had or one of 100 1500hp EMD f7's. 3. The switcher is one of 85 600 hp EMD SW1 light switchers 4. The “star” is not a 1600 hp Alco RS3 - but a 1500 hp RS2, You can see that because there is no raised walkway front and behind the cab. 4. The AHM literature also identifies it as an RS2 ahmbuildersbiblepage100.jpg (840×1122) (hoseeker.net) ahmbuildersbiblepage101.jpg (840×1112) (hoseeker.net) ahmrs2pg1.jpg (640×838) (hoseeker.net) ahmrs2pg2.jpg (640×821) (hoseeker.net) ahmalcors21976.jpg (840×1117) (hoseeker.net) ahmbuildersbiblepage102.jpg (1040×1402) (hoseeker.net) 5. This is an as delivered unit as it has the fore and aft stack of a GE air cooled turbocharger. This was a disaster having sires and explosions. It was replaced with a water cooled unit with its stack going from side to side. Almost Alco locomotives of any type equipped with gther air cooled unit had them replaced - usually at Alco's expense. This caused severe damage to Alco's reputation that it never recovered from. 6. Unfortunately, the PRR never owned a RS2.You could strip the paint and repaint it for one of the five Canadian Pacific RS2's or assume the South Manitoba Terminal Railway bought some.

[@ROBERTN-ut2il]

The 85 is the number the PRR owned

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks for all the information on this model and others like it.

[@TheCSXrailfanner]

W Alco for not just giving up and breaking in whatever happened to it (Edit) Love the paint-scheme on these locos

[@robby062]

Great job of pickling an HO locomotive! But seriously, you did an amazing job restoring that old one!

[@dominorth]

Quite an amazing job Harrison! If you ever are looking for another source of motors for your engines; dvd/cd drivers (the ones you stick in your computer) have often 12V motors in them to spin the disks. A Dutch forum I used to visit often has a bunch of project where members replaced old junked motors with motors out of DVD/CD-Rom drives.

[@SMTMainline]

Those might work well on pancake drives.

[@Freshpizza11]

That locomotive is gone but you fix it

[@jdubs78]

Great restoration job. Most people would have just tossed this aside but this just shows with a little elbow grease, anything can run again. Great work!

[@MattKonsol]

Oh yeah nice restoration on this little rs2 in ho scale! I can’t believe the rust has been eaten away from vinegar plus give it a good clean and then turns it into a great runner again!!! Serenity it’s a runner!!!

[@ROBERTN-ut2il]

It's a RS2, Google AHM RS2

[@MattKonsol]

@@ROBERTN-ut2il yeah I know what an rs2 looks like and sorry. They’re pretty cool engines.

[@rhealsabourin5650]

I feel I needed a Tetanus shot just looking at it. LOL

[@misterflibble6601]

I definitely feel the need for more than hand sanitizer

[@carlvitko1355]

You're amazing,love watching your videos buddy!

[@mercuryoak2]

That's an amazing restoration. I have four of these rs2 locomotives. I have the exact same Pennsylvania paint scheme as yours got it has no rust issues. And then I have another one that has slight rusting on the frame itself but I never thought of the idea of using vinegar. That's a really good idea. My fourth one is a dummy locomotive but I was going to make it a powered one because I have the motor and stuff on a phone that I bought from a flea market with a bunch of parts. I might just do that so then I have all four RS2 locomotives running. Just want to have to change the paint scheme because whoever painted it looks horrible.. good job as always

[@sp4282]

Awsome work, love the real weathering look. Good to see her having a 2nd life riding the rails

[@darrenoftheNorth]

Half acetone and half automatic transmission fluid solution will unseize any screw bolt or nut that it can reach. Just a little dab just like the labbell oil.😊

[@chrisgertz8250]

Viewer: Ain't no way that will run again! Harrison: Hold my beer. Great job !

[@mattomon1045]

Harrison . silver paint can conduct electric . great work Harrison

[@jcure]

Pretty darn cool. Don't know where that whole process came from. But it twirked!

[@LifeOfRiley2166]

Video idea - take random parts and assemble them into a locomotive.

[@ROBERTN-ut2il]

He's done it

[@joehall7869]

You are the Dr Frankenstein of HO engines. ITS ALIVE

[@callmebigpapa]

This may top the Keystone video!!! Great stuff!

[@troyhiett1885]

Harrison watch using silver paint. The silver makes it a conductor

[@SMTMainline]

The metal parts are also a conductor so provided I don't add them over any isolators, it shouldn't make a difference.

[@metrotechguru5863]

Excellent job, Harrison. Nice "weathering" effect.

[@t.s.railfanning]

I have never thought of using vinegar for rust removal. Yes its not the greatest option to use but it does seem to work.

[@markwilliams2620]

The AHM SW1 is closer to 3:06

[@johncartwright4041]

I used a few litres of vinegar to clean up some old tools. It worked very well. Greetings from Brisbane Australia.