Trying to Fix a Ruined TYCO Santa Fe C630 - Seized & Broken Gears

[@davidstrainsandlego]

Looks so cursed without the pilot

[@harperlarry49]

Now you need to repair that body. Nice work on the motor and gear box.

[@tracynation2820]

Super. I love your parts selection. My ALCO C-630 was still in running condition about two years after I bought it when it derailed and rolled over right into my lap while I was sitting there. In my effort to save it, I kicked it with my knee, knocked it into the side of my layout, then flung it up into the air with my hands, where it did a perfect barrel roll and landed face first on the concrete, smashing itself into a dozen pieces on the floor. I did eventually rebuild it as a detailed, lighted dummy locomotive, (After I pouted for a while.) and put its Powertorque drive into my Tyco Baldwin RF-16 Sharknose to make a twelve wheel drive, dual motor, pseudo Baldwin BP-20 Passenger Sharknose locomotive. Both locomotives still call my railroad home, and the Shark still operates, which technically means that I have two over 40 year old Powertorque drives still operating and moving the freight and passengers on my railroad. Hang in there Tyco fans. I do restrict the Shark somewhat from operating outside, especially in the snow, for sentimental reasons, but my lighted, detailed, glued back together 40 year old Tyco ALCO C-630 Century dummy locomotive has had snowplows mounted on each end, partly to cover the pilot coupler holes, and partly to cover some damage, and I usually put it out front with three big locomotives behind it to buck the snow drifts and clear the track. Thanks for the memories. Hello again from the Tracy Mountain Railway in Colorado. 💙 T.E.N.

[@edwarddavis507]

Thanks for taking us on the parts search. I was excited when you found the boggy cover.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks. It's something I usually do off camera but it's kinda exciting looking for parks, kinda like having a treasure hunt at the dump lol

[@mercuryoak2]

That's good you got it running. I myself had a golden eagle years ago my mom got a yard sale and I went to go and run it and I didn't know anything about fixing locomotives or any of that stuff. The motor was humming and I think it was that I accidentally put it on the AC side went to go and runner on the DC side and a huge cloud of smoke came out of the motor even though it ran for a brief second. Not a huge loss I was young once lol I think when I moved the freight cars got out misplaced. Most of what I have now is basically replacements of things that have gone.

[@engineerpat5290]

Glad you were able to save it from the scrap Yard! The thumping noise is from one of the wheels that is bent on the powered truck. Would inspect the wheel for alignment.

[@dbtech7914]

I was going to say, maybe a flat spot on one of the wheels.

[@engineerpat5290]

@@dbtech7914 I think one of the wheels is bent. Look at the wheel in the middle of the powered truck.

[@NorthmassRails]

Looks very strange without the pilot! I love all the restorations!

[@aceact9883]

It’s amazing that you fix the most common, cheapest, broken shell, low quality locomotives that have no big value. It’s good to see a person that cares for any model locomotive.

[@SMTMainline]

Exactly, it's still fun to work on them so why not?

[@carstrainsandcrossings8639]

Here’s a good example of why you shouldn’t glue your model trains well done Harrison

[@SMTMainline]

Crazy glue has got me out of a bind several times but it must be used carefully.

[@carstrainsandcrossings8639]

@@SMTMainline exactly and this is a good example of what happens when you do the exact opposite

[@B-and-O-Operator-Fairmont]

"Santa" brought me one of those Christmas 1975. I looked at that big unit and thought "I'll get a lot of power out of this!" If only. My Tyco / Mantua F9 pulled much better. It was also too much engine for a layout made of 18" curves, a 15" curve, "snap" switches, and couple of good Atlas Number 4's. I can't remember how long I "used" it, but it seemed to spend a lot of time on a storage track in my yard.

[@Canadianmann]

Harrison! I highly doubt you’ll see this but! If you do, you remind me of a father figure, you’ve helped me repair a loco on my own, 2! Keep it up!

[@abethpezarkar9946]

Wow, that looked absolutely dead. But great work on it and it's back to life.. Well done.. Lots of sacrifice done before learning to repair them properly..

[@qwincyq6412]

Cracked gears are the bane of loco repair

[@SMTMainline]

Absolutely and it seems to be a common problem.

[@qwincyq6412]

@@SMTMainline yes I’m about to try doing one on a Proto2000. Apparently the Athearn gears fit it but I’ve yet to find a shop that stocks them

[@TooManyHobbiesJeremy]

It's always fun to tackle this kind of project. Congrats on getting it going.

[@dbtech7914]

I was just as excited as you when you found the main gear in the box!! It's hard of find those coupler boxes. Great job as always!

[@SMTMainline]

I'm glad I did, that was the last box to check.

[@paulbervid1610]

Great job as always

[@MMRails]

My favourite part of this video was when you searched for the gear. You turned something that could have been nothing into an epic adventure. I knew you were going to find one but you made it seem like you might not. I was a freakin’ rollercoaster!! Great job as always.

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

Thumping could be traction tire just replace some on a shark nose for same thing I used the rubber bands people use when the have braces and two very small drops of crazy glue to stop them from coming off when pulling a heavy load. Nice job SMT nice job

[@SMTMainline]

I think you're right, I didn't check that.

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

@@SMTMainline do you ever sleep man you are alot like me unfortunately I was 21 32 years ago God bless ya. I sent you a link to a video I made a hours ago one of my vintage rivarossi big boys I upgraded if you have time check it out let me know what you think my layout is a work in progress have a good night

[@philhamsher3977]

love these repair videos. Very helpful and informative.

[@SouRwy4501Productions]

I once bought one of these engines back in 2020, although in way better condition than the one in this video started out in. Mine ran fine but it made a strange smell every time I ran it, and I eventually stopped using it regularly after buying better locomotives. I finally ran it late last year as a “new year’s train run” where I operate every single locomotive I have owned that works.

[@SMTMainline]

It's probably a built up of oil or carbon on the commutator.

[@cowcar87]

This is the exact loco & set I've had in my possession for almost 40 years! I'm working on a proper Christmas tree base/display so my kids can enjoy it to it's fullest. Thanks for the informative video. I may have to perform some of the maintenance you've described here.

[@thatsimulatorguy]

I dunno why we even question if it can run anymore 😂 you do such a good job on all these!

[@SMTMainline]

I'm not impervious to mistakes working on these but I try my best :)

[@richardseiler3305]

Could you tell me where I could find carbon brushes for my vintage tyco locomotive??. Thank you so much

[@ronaldrondeau7870]

Nice job again Harrison

[@Gravity461]

I have one of these tyco C630s in almost new condition, except for the fact that I am missing one of the truck sideframes because it fell off in the car on the way home from the hobby shop and I have not found it. Great video!!

[@cmdrflake]

Wow. That locomotive is almost beyond saving. But, the challenge it represents makes the effort worthwhile.

[@captandysir8670]

Wow! When the camera is at track level, we get a great view and can hear the noise you mentioned. I think things look much better with that S curve gone!

[@SMTMainline]

Yeah, I don't miss that S curve for a minute.

[@glhx2112]

I bought that loco back in 1976 when I was a kid. Fun fact, when turned around, with cab to the rear, it could pull more cars.

[@SMTMainline]

They seem to be stronger in reverse

[@garysprandel1817]

Serious business here as Harrison had to dig down to the 4th level of the super secret Tyco parts vault ( picturing Harrison in the leather jacket, fedora with the bullwhip) to fix this one.

[@SMTMainline]

It's true, glad I found the part since that was the last one to check.

[@MattKonsol]

Very nice runner here friend although the shell right there is in pretty poor shape there but hey I call this a success right there so serenity and we have a runner!

[@farmerdave09]

These trains are classic.

[@randallellison6421]

Very cool Harrison, I've got one of these that's still in its original box, can't remember if it runs or not, but it's in great cosmetic shape!

[@SMTMainline]

I'm sure it would start with a bit of cleaning but if it's mint you might want to leave it that way. I suspect tyco locomotives (only in good condition) will become collectable in 20 years.

[@MattKonsol]

Yes but unfortunately the shell on it is kinda beat up here which is sad here.

[@irenecraggs6123]

nice job harrison that thing really moves

[@RevRenegade]

Good job!

[@agressive_cementbag]

very nice!

[@waterloocentral9production475]

Awesome restoration! Here’s an idea maybe that you can do that can maybe put it to a good use: maybe try and make it into a Maintenance of way vehicle and maybe have cars for it to use for a MOW train for your collection?

[@SMTMainline]

Why not, it seems to run fine

[@waterloocentral9production475]

@@SMTMainline well you said it doesn’t have couplers, plus the shell is in bad shape so was just a suggestion to make the engine looking more of a less beaten up loco.

[@railfan475productions3]

If only there was something you could do about the missing pilot though. maybe you could put a snowplow or cow catcher on the front.

[@newhavennscale]

Great job SMT!

[@theplumber33]

Interesting locomotive!! Nice repair!!✌️

[@ryans413]

That dust looked like carpet fibres looked like the locomotive was ran on the floor

[@SMTMainline]

70s shag carpet vs tyco track without roadbed.

[@MartaSinging]

Great video, thank you for all you do!

[@johnpadams8079]

Molar plastic slides out easier while holding the brushes in place. Cardboard is too stiff and more abrasive in texture so the brushes grab the cardboard when you try and remove it. I would love to connect with you. I have a huge inventory of vintage engines.

[@Rickster5176]

Good save. That one was rode hard and put away wet.

[@Lil_Pennsy]

Sounds like a fan is on😂

[@jebbohanan2626]

That was a whole cat you dug out of that gearbox!

[@SMTMainline]

Pretty much

[@timpriddy349]

Santa Fe fantasy locomotive

[@richardking2762]

Now that it's running you can pull it apart for parts. The body shell is hopeless.

[@JBofBrisbane]

I'd certainly make sure the mech worked, but I would classify a loco in that state as class D - good only for breaking up for parts. Helps that I already have a good condition Santa Fe liveried "Super 630".

[@wowdad3055]

Another great Video.

[@elleryparsons2433]

The Passion is Strong on this one Harrison Lol.

[@SMTMainline]

I don't know how the motor is still heathy after seeing how everything else looked.

[@elleryparsons2433]

Maybe There are Things that Are not supposed to Be Figured out.

[@MoosesWorkshop]

Nice fix!

[@normanrowe2831]

Nice.

[@Papa_Shurika]

These are the boxes with spare parts I love no less than the locomotives themselves👍

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

Well folks I bet Smt gets it riding the rails once again

[@yesip1562]

Maybe you should consider investing in a ultrasonic cleaner. It would make cleaning small metal parts a walk in the park

[@RACaptialRegion]

Harrison, just a thought, I bet 3d printing could really save you if you didn't have a part for something too!

[@SMTMainline]

That's not a bad idea. I've been looking for one precise enough to make this kind of stuff which is tricky to find at a good price.

[@shockstrains5077]

not gonna lie this is probably one of the most cursed locomotives i’ve ever seen

[@SMTMainline]

It's pretty bad.

[@Emir3000]

Kinds looks like my old silver streak locomotive lol.

[@QuebecGamer20]

Now I really want to see this thing with a nicer shell and some couplers

[@SMTMainline]

It can always be changed.

[@juangabrielsolanoperez2929]

Muy bien 👍👌

[@JaxTheReaper21]

You could always get an FDM printer and print your own gears. That's a thing now.

[@qwincyq6412]

That’s got to be the smallest brightboy ever! A sign of how many repairs you’ve done?

[@SMTMainline]

I cut it off the block to clean hard to reach spots on wheels etc

[@user-ol8gi3lg9z]

Hermosa locomotora

[@chasesrailwaylinesrr6447]

Just got 1 of these in the golden eagle paint scheme but it runs really slow and Screeches

[@micoasters]

Is $21 usd for a in box Bachman spectrum Canadian pacific Fairbanks Morse a good deal? It’s the same one that the Pennsylvania loco was u got at a train show some months ago. The Amtrak by our house just derailed I think. There’s a bunch of police and other stuff

[@SMTMainline]

If the locomotive runs that's a pretty good deal.

[@chrisdaniell2990]

While I enjoy the "Fibreglass Pencil" channel, I wish you had some 'skin in the game' and repaired locos where you actually: (a) had a good amount of $$$ invested, and/or (b) valued the locomotive as part of your collection. Repaired junk is still just junk, lol.. I guess, at the end of the day, you got a number of 'views' so the loco served a "purpose"...not sure how many modellers have a repair 'to do' list for power torque motors out there (I could be wrong, perhaps a lot of guys/girls are still running Tyco locomotives after 40 years?). Anyways, love the channel :)

[@SMTMainline]

There is much more on the way in terms of higher end locomotive projects for the future but honestly I don't have a problem working on these cheap locomotives. I enjoy the process of getting something written off as junk running again and I've got comments from countless people saying they helped guide them towards fixing up sentimental engines from their childhood.

[@chrisdaniell2990]

Point taken, as the saying goes, "one man's junk is another man's treasure"... how true. Keep up the good work.

[@davidrodgers1321]

Love seeing loco's being saved even if they aren't the nicest! I just put back together a Tyco Rocky Mountain Line that was in pieces that I bought for $5. It actually ran as good as my Lifelike loco's until the little gear on the motor shaft started slipping. Any suggestions on what adhesive to use to secure the gear in place?

[@davidtillwach5542]

Those old Tyco trains were made well compared to what's made today.I think that were made in the United States

[@garrettsubproductions8705]

There’s no way that’s a real locomotive

[@farmerdave09]

Let's take a look at parts bin 500. Lol, you have so many random train parts.

[@SMTMainline]

That's what it was gonna have to go to before long lol

[@johnpadams8079]

I have engines that clunk or thump like that and can’t figure out what is causing the noise. The response of the engine is like a partial derailment where the truck is dragging on the track ties and slowing the engine motion down compared to the voltage applied. But you lubed it up well so how could it be the gears. I think it is the motor axel supports causing an irregular rotation causing the motor to rub as it spins. I could be very wrong 😞

[@kaikuklik9748]

Hi Harrison, you did a perfect job on this one as usual 👍🏻 Even though that engine looked like it was better been shipped to the nearest scrapyard 🙈 Just out of curiousity: Do you see a chance to complete the shell of that engine? Because this isn't the first incomplete one on your workbench, I often questioned myself what you are planning to do with a locomotive that finally runs but still looks like an accident... Best greetings, Kai 😊

[@Train_Master_4014]

Looks cursed without the bars and ladders

[@christopherwalkerbeltrangu5427]

me when looking for a lego piece: 6:47

[@davidballoid2118]

5:01 pubic hairs🤢🤮your braver than me dude. I wish you the best of luck on reconstruction of the "front end stall" AKA "front porch" on that loco, that would make for excellent content also. Happy New Year !🥳🎉🎊🧨

[@SMTMainline]

I don't think that's what it is or at least I sure hope not🤮

[@randomrazr]

do u eventually sell the trains u fix

[@papersack4290]

I need that motor.

[@Benthetrainkid]

Have you considered replacing the missing couplers anytime in the future?

[@gregnowak2492]

Angry squirrel... LOL

[@PWaco-yq7wr]

SANTA FE never had any of the ALCO C630 or the C628 either but SOUTHERN PACIFIC had booth ALCO C630 and C628 UNION PACIFIC HAD 10 ALCO C630 I have 3 of them. TYCO did all kinds of things that time. Did you get to gather with your family?

[@YatesMissiondotcom]

Great great video! What is the little gray block you are using on the brass wheels? Are you polishing them or cleaning them or sanding them?

[@SMTMainline]

It's a shaving of a track bright.

[@jerryspann8713]

I have never had a Power Torque last me more than a week.

[@SMTMainline]

They might be the most troubled design ever made

[@iannarita9816]

Neat

[@jerryspann8713]

Looks like the same mold as the Golden Eagle. Rd# 1102

[@SMTMainline]

Same design

[@KBronze13]

Pinion gear... not pivot gear... P I N I O N Otherwise great job as usual

[@v8vega383]

Great video Harrison. Question, I have the same motor in my Tyco locomotive, but need the larger gear, as mine is worn out. Any idea where I can find one?

[@SMTMainline]

The cheapest way is to buy a ruined tyco power torque locomotive and get the parts.

[@bbtrainproductions1225]

🤢🤢🤢🤮 they have the motor mounted on the axle

[@smudger797]

🤠

[@trainsandstuff119]

Hi everyone

[@dansmodelrailways7886]

Hey Harrison, i am looking for a boiler front, smoke box door for a Rivarossi big boy. Do you have one in your parts bin i could buy?

[@SMTMainline]

Unfortunately not

[@dansmodelrailways7886]

@@SMTMainline no problem thank you. 👍🏻

[@dansmodelrailways7886]

@@SMTMainline just found out the Revell 1:87 kit parts fit the Rivarossi model exactly! So fixing mine up should be easy. Worth remembering if you ever need parts

[@dennishagans6339]

Great videos and thank you for reaffirming what has happened to me in buying train stuff from electronic bandits after you or ebay for short. I have a question, I am looking for a Santa Fe war bonnet loco that is geared for power not speed. I have a bridge section and the down hill part ends at a curve, so guess what happens at the curve? Between 4 and 5 of my phillips 66 tankers derail, of which I have 7 in all. My bachmann engine is the only one that comes close to running but will have the cars derailing on the second to third time around. I have thought of a curved tunnel but the one I found that is square on the outside has to be ordered by various degrees of track curvature of which I have no clue what mine is, all I know is that it takes 6 curve pieces to make a 180 degree turn. Any help would be appriciated.

[@SMTMainline]

Most modern locomotives are geared for power. Older Athearn locomotives certainly are and can be found fairly cheap.

[@smithgroove945]

Cool I would take it.

[@bryanwhat2268]

with that front piece missing remind me of a sub way car but that just me

[@SMTMainline]

Kinda so

[@UPRailfan]

Ahh yes I have one of those shells, mine is in a little better shape than yours so I will probably re-engine it with Athearn undersides, and that is going to be cool

[@marklinproductions2180]

heya harrison bet you're gonna ignore this.

[@SMTMainline]

:/

[@railsofontario3029]

Looks like Hoarding parts comes in Handy again lol! I do the same thing as well. But in all seriousness the locos drive was pretty in pretty good shape and where do you find all the replacement light bulbs? Great job on bringing this junky back!

[@SMTMainline]

Yep, never throw good parts away lol

[@westerniowarailfan9480]

how do you solve the "angry squirrel" noise? i have a locomotive exactly like that but Illinois central and it constantly makes the noise.

[@SMTMainline]

Usually it's a lubrication issue with ether the gears or the motor.

[@cadillacescalade5428]

Question? I've been servicing these since I was in my teens....and I've got a Alco 630 and when I have it on the track the the transformer on forward the engine goes backwards.....but when I put all my other engines on they go forward when the transformer is on forward direction... can you explain why the other goes backwards the forward is on.

[@SMTMainline]

It depends on which way the controller is wired to the track and motor. If you swap the wires, you switch the polarity. With tyco locomotives, if you put the cover for the motor on upside down, it will cause the locomotive to run in reverse from the other locomotives.

[@cadillacescalade5428]

​@SMTMainline ok Thanks I may have the cover upside down. Ima turn it around

[@masonlayman-yj2qn]

It looks like it had a head on collision

[@noahknowstrains9640]

I have an ic one of those

[@4everdc302]

That power-touque would of been considered a bio hazard. Yuck😝 How bad can a Tyco get. Footnote in the SMT Manual

[@SMTMainline]

It's bad but far from the most disgusting locomotive I've opened.