This engine was imported by Ed Suydam under the Suydam brand name. He began importing many traction related models in the 1950s. You did a very nice job in bringing it back to life. Many Suydam models are difficult to find these days. Congratulations on an excellent buy.

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info!

@LarsPW

3 ай бұрын

If this model dates in the 1950s it is recomendable to renew the wiring because old wires tend to loose their insulation. Current wire insulations get less brittle over time.

I sold that exact model in the video on eBay 2 years ago, because I have a fleet of 6 already and this one was deemed needing too much work. Glad to see you got it running. It definitely didn’t run when I sold it, so whoever you bought it from wasn’t honest.

The prototype of this locomotive is a Class C from the Illinois Terminal and was built in Decatur, Illinois in the 1940's. I have seen these models with all 16 wheels driven.

I've never seen a Tenshodo locomotive before. They are quite expensive here but this one I must admit looks very cool. Didn't expect a band drive. Excellent repair. Thanks to your videos I eventually got confident enough to buy broken locos and repair them myself. 90% of the time it's just dirty wheels and commutators. You're truly a locomotive wizard 👌 great video really love em

The inter urban is a strong runner! Your clean-up n maintenance repairs really helped maximize its former glory!❤🎉😊

Good job on fixing such a complex motor! I could’ve never done that. 😂

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

The design of the chassis was super confusing when I first started working on it. The challenge with brass is that everything is a spot for a short.

What a great addition to your collection! Always amazed at how you bring these locomotives back to life.

Master class in trouble shooting and servicing. Nice to see something a little different. You’re at the point where nothing fazes you anymore, you just fix it. Thanks for sharing!

I enjoy your, “We got a runner!” declaration! Ironically funny! Your problem solving assessment skills are impressive. Bravo!

Sorry it wasn't a runner right out of the box but I'm really glad we got to see you fix it. I love your restoration and clean up videos.

I have a couple of these, as well as a couple of Class B’s (the two truck version of these freight motors. The Class C’s I have are from a later run that have all four trucks powered. These were made by Orion, and imported by Suydam. If you want any history on the freight motors these are based on, I’m a member of the Illinois Traction Society. We cover the history of the Illinois Traction/Terminal. I grew up one street over from where the IT ran in my hometown. Great video!

Great video. As someone who is planning their first layout, it's great to see the troubleshooting along with the regular videos just to give everyone ideas how to fix stuff. (Hoping to get some newer engines and cars to start with though.) 😉

You are the king of locomotive restorations! I can't believe you got that beat up short circuit producing loco back into great running shape! Btw good job on the restoration!

You, my friend, are an inspiration. Just by watching your handiwork, I am getting the urge to "try my hand" at repairing MY troubled locos. Keep up the great work and know that you are doing your part in promoting this wonderful hobby. Be well and enjoy a prosperous new year.

@SMTMainline

6 ай бұрын

I really appreciate that. So long as something doesn't have too much value from a monetary or sentimental standpoint I really don't see the risk of cracking it open.

I've never seen a locomotive like that before....enjoyed watching you get it running and how you got it going!!!!!

Amazing how you diagnosed and fixed all the problems. Looks great running.

Hi again Harrison greetings from the UK, I am watching another one of your rebuilds sadly a lot of us have bought ebay models that turn out to be non-runners but with a little work they can usually be returned to working order. Your collection of HO models are so different to what we usually see here and your solutions to problems are really helpful. Keep up the good work. Brian.

@SMTMainline

2 ай бұрын

I'm glad you find these videos helpful. I don't have an issue with people selling non runners, I just want them to be honest about it since it effects the price.

That is really a great find in my opinion - and to see how you repair things and find the issues to correct is cool. I’m new to the hobby and have yet to lay some track - bought a simple “starter set” just about to begin - I’d love to have the knowledge you have and enjoy all your videos so far. Thanks for sharing .

@SMTMainline

4 ай бұрын

Thanks. What starter set did you choose?

Nice job finding all the issues. Great repairs as well. Hope you get many years of operation out of it.

Thanks Harrison for the video. Very nice model, it always interesting to see how many different kinds of trains and engines out in the world.

Interurban railways were very widely used all over the place, sadly most of the orginal track has been removed for a long time. The closest interurban line to my home was in Northville MI, and the line ran right down Main Street. I learned once that some interurbans also hauled various freight cars along with their passengers. Nice locomotive, though! Most interurbans I've seen look more like streetcars. It's nice to see some variation.

found your channel today, i'm not into trains but is very interesting how those small things work i already watched 10 vid on your channel, great work man keep it up love vidoes like this.

@SMTMainline

3 ай бұрын

Welcome aboard!

That locomotive is so cool with the 16 wheels under it. I'm glad you were able to get it running.

Oh no!😢 Sorry for you Harrison. Maybe just don't buy stuff from that seller anymore. Great to see you at least got it going again!

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

Not a big deal since I got it working honestly, I just wish they had just been more truthful.

@user-TheBestRailfan

Жыл бұрын

I certainly agree.

You did a great job of sorting out the running problem. I find if you have some idea of how it should work - you have a good start. Well done and Thank you. Stay Safe.

I'm impressed by your fettling skills. A lovely, unique loco brought back.

I'm a big fan of your content. I hope you enjoy fixing your locomotives!

Outstanding job man. I am impressed with the way you worked on the train...

I'm new to the hobbie and have yet to build my first layout. I have a plan in mind. First im building a small diorama just to practice and learn what im doing. I discovered your KZread channel (among the hundreds out there) and enjoy watch how you do things. Thank you.

Alot of far eastern hanbuilt brass equipment has problems even when new. Usually the earlier they were made the worse they were. Some makers were far worse than others. However owners back then had more capabilities to fix some if the problems to an extent. Well done that you were able to get it running where many could not. A cautionary tale for those buying old brass equipment or any models without knowing what to expect. Sellers seem to have unusual ideas of what running means.

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

The thing I find challenging with hunting down shorts on brass locomotives is that any surface could be where the short is coming from.

You always got good content, like watching your videos especially when you make repairs to locomotives

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Nice work. You are very skilled at trouble shooting problems with old model trains. Keep up the good work. Rich

I started an ho layout because of this Chanel, my first 3 locos were projects, and using your video's i saved two of them. Thanks for the content.

It's great you didn't give up on the little guy it looks like happy now zipping around your layout.

Wow.. Doctor.. That was really really great of you to work on this unusual locomotive.. Real brain work.. Also had never seen this kind off locomotive.. ILLINOIS TERMINAL SYSTEM Class C Electric Locomotive.. Well done.

This videos are the best. I learned a lot from you, Thanks!

Very entertaining and fun to watch. Thanks for posting this.

Harrison great work as always. Awesome video.

Amazing job as always, and keep being awesome! :D

Nice trouble shoot bud!! Fine looking/running engine. The slow roll through the layout is worth watching a few times! Kudos

Gonna be honest, I would've given up and thrown the towel in once I saw it wouldn't run. You're so talented and patient that you saw it as an opportunity, that's amazing! love the videos, keep it up!

@charamspaint

Жыл бұрын

I have learned from smt, and have repaired plenty of locos

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

Thanks. Honestly I had to step back a couple times working on this one and think about what to do next. The problem this brass is that just about anything could be where the short is coming from.

@Train_Master_4014

Жыл бұрын

Same 😆

@katho8472

Жыл бұрын

Well but those locos are a bit like classic cars. Repairs are part of the deal ;)

Noooo, people are horrible but atleast you made it run! I swear you work magic on these trains!

congratulations harden! i hope your layout comes out well!

That runs much better than most TYCO locomotives did when new, Harrison. You're getting better at diagnosing the problem. Now all you need to do is set it up for power from the trolley poles. 🤔 Great job again, Harrison. Thanks for sharing. 👍🐾👍

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

Thanks David. Happy 4th of July!

I've learned so much from this channel. And I don't even have a train set yet!

What a great find. Hopefully, you find a front-end plow along with adding couplers to add it to a run session in the future.

Great job here! Motors similar to these use to run very close to where I am, except they belonged the the north shore electric railroad. They are obscure and in my opinion underrated. Thanks!

Darn i missed the give away! Been searching for an american locomotive here in Romania for a veeeery long time, but not much luck, and they're usually very expensive. Anyway, amazing purchase even if you got scammed! You got a lot of patience so i admire you for that. Cheers from Romania!

Always enjoy your videos, this was helpful.

I normally comment from my other KZread account called the Eco guys, but watching you today on this account of course I've followed you on both accounts subscribe that is. This was a fantastic little video to watch. This is what scares me about ordering things on eBay since I'm not as good as you are at fixing things if I get something that's broken. But I am learning a lot by watching you. I am the guy who lost my entire HO train set in a house fire. But I was collecting from a little boy. Sad and I am very slowly as I can afford it which I can't afford much these days rebuilding my ho set. Right now I'm buying box cars and other items that I lost in the fire that I'm finding on eBay vintage things that go back to that point. But enough of my sad story. I just enjoy watching your videos and I'm learning a lot. This Channel and the education you put out. Entertaining becoming one of my favorite channels definitely.

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear about your loss, I can't imagine what going through that must have been like. I hope you can find exactly what you need to build an awesome new layout.

@killroylives

Жыл бұрын

@@SMTMainline I am trying. The Covid really hurt my businesses and money is an issue, but I will not give up. Thank you for the knowledge and inspiration

You can never be too sure when it comes to buying stuff online. Some people you can trust to back up their descriptions, but some people simply aren't as invested in making sure that everything they sell is exactly as advertised. And one person's "runs well" might be another person's "barely runs at all"- it's all very subjective. Depending on the fault, it's not a problem to me if the things I buy don't work- I always expect that, when buying used, I need to service my new purchase. The problem comes when someone advertises something as working- especially if they're charging more for it, because it doesn't need any work. If it turns out it's in need of a lot of work, while I technically can do it, it's still upsetting. It feels rather insulting to shell out extra for something ready to run, and then end up having to put in all the work to make it run again because it wasn't sold as advertised.

@neilm.greenberg4173

Жыл бұрын

I had someone about ten years ago pitch a fit on eBay, because he sold a "mint" condition engine to me that didn't run...the years of corrosion on the wheels and gears were obvious to a blind man...didn't like the negative feedback...tried to get me to ship it back, for a refund, which I wouldn't do, because it wasn't a million dollars, and I knew he'd just repost it for sale again...figured I'd take the loss, and save someone else the headache when he tried to sell it again...learned to keep a naughty and nice list of ebay sellers after that...luckily, he's been the only problem I've ever really had with n gauge trains & CD/DVDs...🤔

@markxxx21

6 ай бұрын

"Runs well" and "barely runs at all" are not subjective terms. They are completely different.

Brilliant work there! Would have never guessed that a mechanism of that sort of design could run so well. Guess that is a testament to Tenshodo's quality.

@tramways_1435

11 ай бұрын

This isn't Tenshodo....

Great video! You did good that's a very nice unit, but your repair was top notch. Thank you

That rain looks so cool. Your the best SMT, keep making good content

@Airplanes2765

Жыл бұрын

*train*

Outstanding, SMT... congrat's on this brass electric. You've done well. John BC, Canada

Nice work, I would still leave negative feedback as that's the really the only weapon we have to combat dishonest Escam errr Ebay sellers. Great video!

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

I'll try to give them the benefit of the doubt and say that they might have somehow got it to run for a few seconds but considering how many issues it had I find that hard to believe.

Love seeing the wide collection of trains you have. its certainly inspired me to start my own! ^w^

@BNSF-RR

Жыл бұрын

I like your profile picture

@durrainsnow8455

Жыл бұрын

Thanks ❤️

@BNSF-RR

Жыл бұрын

@@durrainsnow8455 my profile picture is a robot

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

Welcome to the hobby!

@c44-9w9

Жыл бұрын

@@durrainsnow8455 are you a furry?

Great job Harrison luv your site very informative

You put so much effort into maintenance, upgrades and repair and as a result, you teach us a lot-thank you! I’m glad you could make this a working locomotive. eBay is an unpredictable place. Do you plan to string an overhead wire for a growing traction fleet? 😊

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

Maybe on the industrial side

Love your channel! Just getting back in the hobby here.

Been awhile. Been busy working. Had new neighbors. And he brought me a surprise. 35 various n scale cars and 7 new locos. All are different from what I have in all scale. Paint schemes and engine types. Haven't tested yet . Will when I have some me free time. But great video as you do. Nice engine to.

Nice video. Thanks for sharing. Quite interesting way to troubleshoot the issue!

Ebay is really just another place where caveat emptor is good policy. Congratulations on this acquisition, and thank you for showing the way troubleshooting ought to be done. I think I should say a word on terminology: while the scorch marks indicate there were short circuits the initial problem (the disconnected wire) is an open circuit. Thank you for letting me climb on my soapbox for a moment and address a pet peeve.

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

I the wheels being rotated and the missing isolators were probably the main issue although that wire could have been touching anything inside and causing a short.

@wranglerboi

Жыл бұрын

@ChrisBullington - While I would agree with you, Chris, that some sellers on eBay aren't the most honest of people, my experience has shown me that most are. Of the 2300 or so purchases I've made on eBay (most of which were for NOT brand new product), only about 30 (or 0.013%) have had issues. The worse was getting a DVD that I'd been looking for a long time. Seller said it was Brand New. When it arrived (Media Mail) it was still in its original cellophane wrap. I opened it up, popped it into my player, and it ran perfectly for the first 43 minutes (video was 1 hour 16 minutes long). At that point the video on the screen literally froze. I popped the disk out to see if I'd accidentally scratched it. Nothing that I could see. Then I gave it a careful cleaning. Looked truly brand new after that. Popped it back in the player again--and the same thing happened. Popped it back out and skimmed the playing surface with a magnifier. Saw no defects. In fact, the the disk looked pristine in all aspects. Tried it again--same thing! I then contacted the seller, described my problem, and then waited (and waited and waited) for a reply. Three weeks later I got a "new" disk. Popped it in my player--and it, too, did the same thing. I notified the Seller again, letting him know that his source was sending him defective disks--or else he was making copies from a defective disk. Haven't heard anything from him since. Left all negative feedback for him, too. Still have the disks in case anyone has any suggestions on resurrecting (if it's possible) the disk.

That was a great video. Nice job with the diagnosis and fix. It's a great looking locomotive. Reminds me almost like Christmas. Something Santa would have running the elves to and from there work...lol.. have a great day.

Neat find definitely, always lots to learn from your videos. I’ve fixed a couple locomotives myself after watching. :)

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Great job. Patience and perseverance paid off.

Nice restoration! I’m only familiar with the more modern motors, so I wouldn’t even know were to start. I also got scammed, too, at a flea market, when I bought a life like that the guy selling it said it ran, but it turned out that it was a dummy.

I admire your (failure is not an option attitude) ,I think there is no train you can't bring back to life. Enjoyed the video. :)

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

So long as the armature is still good most of these things are fixable

Starting to play around with traction. Very nice Harrison. Think you might have a typo in the description as Illinois Central was a steam road and the Class C would have been Illinois Terminal. IT started out as an interurban but deep sixed passenger service in the mid 50s and dieselized at that time. Lasted as an independent diesel road til 80 or 81 when it got borged by NW. We have one of their Class B motors ( same design but simply the non articulated 2 truck version)out at Illinois Railway Museum.

@c44-9w9

Жыл бұрын

Did you know Illinois terminal is my favorite railroad

It’s amazing that you have the Midas touch for older model locomotives

Great job sticking with it. I troubleshoot the same way. Start with the obvious and work up to the complex issues.

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

Thanks. This one was a little more tricky.

Great railcar and quite an easy fix. Cleaning, adjusting, some soldering and ready to roll !

Great job Harrison!! I still need to fix my Gem Brass GOAT. I did get it running, but its running opposite of everything else.

Great job and wow what a beautiful runner that thing is amazing 👍

Really interesting engine, the drive system is apparently a common design for old brass models, I have a 2-6-6-2 with a similar drive to that interurban car

Hi Harrison. I'm back home from Ottawa after my first trip out east in 30 years. I spent part of Tuesday morning and afternoon at Hobby Centre and Hobby House. I bought dozens of cast metal detailing parts and a few dry transfer sets, all still in their original packaging, and dating from the late 70s and early 80s. Most seemed to be at or near the original price, along with a few mark-downs (50 cents to $4). I bought an HO Jordan Spreader kit for only $30. It's one of the MoW items I've always wanted. I filled a gap in my collection of American-outline die-cast cars in HO scale with a ready-to-use display of junk cars ($15). Following your advice, I bought a track cleaning block and a tube of Labelle 107. I didn't buy any rolling stock/locos, first because I already had so many, and second, because I had limited luggage space. As it turned out, all those metal castings triggered the censors at YOW, so I had to watch as my carefully-packed items (some fragile) were pulled out of my suitcase. The security person was perplexed as to what they were, even though I explained it in basic terms. Despite that little episode, I saved about $40 on shipping, and I got to inspect my purchases first-hand. I wonder if any of your viewers got pulled aside because they had what looked like wired remote control devices, instead of a locomotive or controller? I should add that the staff at Hobby House were great to chat to about new and old aspects of model rr-ing.

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

I've been stopped three times for trying to bring trains back. The final time I just took them out of my bag and explained before they even went through.

Buying on eBay is always a gamble to some extent. I purchased a Bachmann 4-8-4 Northern. The description said sluggish in forward, but runs better in reverse. In actuality the plastic couplers between the eight drivers were all cracked causing the quartering to be way off. Contacted Bachmann repair. Wasted time. They said it was too old to make any guarantees, but send it and they should be able to take a look in 4-6 weeks! Their further response was parts were discontinued 15 years ago. There are NO after market replacements to get the loco running again.

@willausterman3104

Жыл бұрын

Yeah the old Bachmann Daylights are notorious for quartering problems as they age. They thankfully fixed that problem on modern releases, but those old ones are all SOL.

Yea ebay can be a shady place if you’re not too careful i always check the full description even if its claimed to be powered or running but usually ebay isnt all that bad

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

Most sellers are pretty good about being honest to avoid negative feedback but that doesn't mean it can't go wrong.

Awesome little machine, love the drive.

I agree, it's not always worth returning something. Might as well fix it while you have it. It's possible that it got bounced around in shipping. Great job on the repair. That looks like a pretty strong motor and drive system. All metal parts.

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

Hopefully that was the case and it actually did work on the test. Despite being unlikely

That things got a great litttle motor in it, very smooth no cogging and good low speed. Nice quality brass interurban great find.

very beautiful engine I like the arched windows. Nice job of analyzing and fixing the defects! Now to add a coupler and a little passenger car ;)

Nice got the Old interurban trolley running looks nice I like it

Great loco and beautiful motor traction ,that model are rare and difficult to find. All need is maintenance ,clean up wheels for better conductivity. Great collection

An entry for the manual, getting someone started in the hobby&vintage brass for the collection. Nice Harrison🚂🇨🇦👍

Nice repair job. That is a very cool piece to have.

Good work! I'll bet you could show the real railroads a thing or two!

Seller: "It was running fine, so I detached a wire, flipped a truck, and took off some insulators for you."

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

Haha, "yeah bro, it like was running before I broke it"

That’s a cool locomotive! Wow…it creeps along really well also!

Great video and I love watch your vids

excellent troubleshooting, most interesting. nice layout.

Good job! I remember these advertised in the 60's for $49.95, brand new!

Those are a great motor - strong and almost bullet proof. I've run a few of them in older slot cars.

Awesome fix, when you took the shell off, it looked like a tram lol.

The spring band design was designed by a Japanese firm called Syndam. They're best known for models of traction, including freight motors, trolleys, interurbans, and gas electric rail cars. I'd date this model late 70s to late 80s.

@tramways_1435

11 ай бұрын

Ed Suydam wasn't japanese but American, he got the brass trolleys and interurbans made in small series in the far east

There such a complex locomotive good luck SMT

Honestly its VERY common for old brass trains to have shorting issues. They can be a real pain.

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

When everything is a potential source it can be hard to track.

That is a pretty cool locomotive. I have never seen that sort of drive system before, not sure what it is called, with the double spring band for each truck. The motor seems to have an electromagnet instead of a permanent magnet for the stator, don't think I've seen that on a model train before. Also, when it was running at the higher speeds, the noise it made sort of reminded me of the noise that old electric motors and subway cars would make, with their straight cut gears.

Cleaning brass pickup Wheels with a piece of bright boy track cleaner boy does that bring back memories of my HO scale days.

@SMTMainline

Жыл бұрын

They do a wonderful job at that.

One reason it may not have run wa because it was meant to run on overhead wire, and not on regular track. It's a common thing in traction modelling.

@paulkemner829

11 ай бұрын

And some traction models don't have the wheels insulated. It's a bit like Lionel, except the 2nd contact is overhead. No special wiring for reverse loops.