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

A few months ago I was on eBay and a listing caught my eye because it included three very rusted out locomotives. I won the auction and the locomotives showed up around a week later.
There is no telling what exactly happened but I suspect they were probably involved in a flood at some point. I've never seen so much rust on an ho scale locomotive in my life.
With some unusual techniques I was able to remove most of the rust but getting the locomotive actually running was a whole other matter.

[@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!

[@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!

[@JackDangerous]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@sdrc92126]

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

[@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.

[@tamasbasa9132]

Rég volt már egy ilyen érdekes videó ! Szép munka!

[@abethpezarkar9946]

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

[@coltonedmonds9958]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@reidlibby7159]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@fredcotterell645]

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

[@modelrailroader5619]

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

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

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

[@MrtyMrtn]

Looks great. Like an old short line locomotive.

[@niallcasey2057]

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

[@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!!

[@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!!!

[@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. 👍😁

[@BroWCarey]

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

[@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.

[@jeannedarcalterberserker8620]

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 👌

[@dsingh412]

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

[@JohnNack]

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

[@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. :)

[@andrewferguson5653]

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

[@williammcgeehan3424]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@johnsterling7420]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@fredcotterell645]

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

[@timtate226]

Impressive work and a tenacious performance, bravo.

[@chrisgertz8250]

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

[@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.

[@thetruecptcrackers]

Wonderful transformation. Keep up the good work!

[@EliasLarsson-ck6qn]

Hello smt, hows it going with finding swedish equitment? I know that its super expensive, bought a siemens vectron loco from märklin and it costed me 2500 sek (swedish crowns)

[@hungrymoose7627]

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

[@christophermondone6706]

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

[@alanwbelcher]

Good one! Amazing job keeping it from the dumpster. Is it’s name Rusty or Crusty?

[@rhealsabourin5650]

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

[@misterflibble6601]

I definitely feel the need for more than hand sanitizer

[@mynx_uk]

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

[@CardboardSliver]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@MozanaRN]

Very impressive restoration. Inspired!! 🙂

[@andydeveaux8763]

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

[@sp4282]

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

[@RichardHume-l4r]

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

[@RayBoebel]

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

[@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.

[@jamesdenny4734]

You almost persuaded me to become a tinkerer!

[@robby062]

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

[@robertcrundwell2782]

Great job gratin it running. I admit I was hoping it wouldn’t run because I envisioned it setting on an abandoned spur line with a couple of rusted and dented gondolas with trees, shrubs, and various grasses growing around it.

[@poppa1965]

Wonderful job! How much do you charge to work on HO engines?

[@cmdrflake]

Serenity! You brought a junk model and got it to work. Reward yourself.

[@elleryparsons2433]

SMT Hell Yeah !!!!!!. Now go aback Into your partsBin And Rebuild More Engines.👍👍👍👍👍.

[@darklordojeda]

Awesome job! I love your restorations.

[@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.

[@ehcatsfaneric2211]

Your hard work skills and knowledge are unsurpassed congrats sir

[@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!

[@caryhewitt1256]

I just came across your videos. I am enjoying watching you repair the "junk" locomotives.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you very much!

[@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.

[@newhavennscale]

Amazing work, SMT. I love RS-3 locomotives.

[@mercuryoak2]

It's actually an rs2 I have the same one. Actually I have four of them one is a dummy loco

[@LarryAugsburger]

Thank you for your channel, and all the resto modes you do , learning alot from your repairs! keep up the good work!!

[@jcure]

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

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

Nice job

[@jameswyatt2739]

Impressive Dr. Frankenstein. That really was a great job.

[@claudeinpenderharbour6743]

The F unit, just after the 3:00 minute point, The frame looks to be Revelle about 1956-57. they had a 5 pole motor and the rear truck drove the front truck with a dog-bone, which you appear to be missing. I still have my CP unit but converted to a Sagami motor. Old model train guys fix things, thank goodness for old parts and Train Shows. Liked your fix, apple cider vinegar is another cleaner. I had never thought of the hot glue gun, good idea. Regards from the BC Sunshine Coast

[@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!

[@metrotechguru5863]

Excellent job, Harrison. Nice "weathering" effect.

[@aceact9883]

Now if it was weathered like that it before you cleaned it that would be sick weather job.

[@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 . 😁😆😂

[@Goofyboi2002]

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

[@SMTMainline]

I like it.

[@yourfellowpancake6335]

Just got back from filming a train, wonderful timing SMT

[@millcreekrails]

You have an absolutely amazing amount of natural talent for bringing these back to life! It's very much inspiring me to attempt to revive some seized-up locos that were given to me some time ago. Very Impressive. I subbed and have been binge watching your videos. God Bless!

[@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.

[@darrenrawlinson6344]

Great save! Loving the "Universal motor mount".....

[@Tractors101]

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

[@Joe30101]

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

[@dinviesel4649]

honestly aside from not running I first thought it looked like a fantastic weathering job.

[@TheCSXrailfanner]

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