Will it Run? 83 Year Old Yellowstone Locomotive - Abandoned Project
Ойын-сауық
Around two years ago I was digging through some boxes at a train store and ended up finding this ho scale Varney 2-8-8-4 Yellowstone locomotive from around 1939. Unfortunately this locomotive was missing countless parts and was in some of the worst condition I've ever seen.
I believe this was likely started as a project that was never finished so getting it going would require making an entire drivetrain from scratch. I used Rivarossi and Tyco sets for the wheels, a generic 12volt motor and some gears from an Athearn.
After many hours of adjusting things and putting the engine together I was finally able to get it running again. I decided to give it a new coat of paint and some new details as well to finish it off.
Пікірлер: 609
My husband is a train enthusiast and he just loves your show. We can’t believe how you brought this thing back to life. You are just amazing to watch.
@SMTMainline
5 ай бұрын
Thank you, I appreciate hearing that!
Harrison, this repair was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!! You took a certifiable piece of junk, and got it on the rails and running again. Now all ya need is that trailing tuck, and it'll be PERFECT! BTW - love the paint job as well!
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, I know it isn't perfect but I'm happy with what it is now.
@normancoreyBuildingTrains
Жыл бұрын
@@SMTMainline if you can find a way to put a traction tire on the front truck it will stop the wheels from binding I don't think it's actually binding there is probably not enough weight to hold wheels on the rails even though you added some weight the tyco tender driven steams would bind a bit I actually took a piece of electric tape and cut it to size and put it on one wheel and it stopped the wheels from sliding on the rails where the two ends meet put a drop of glue don't over lap it will cause it to thump when it hits that spot.
@olafjentzsch6759
Жыл бұрын
You really have alot of talent. Very cool locomotive. Thanks for sharing with us.🚂 Happy Railroading
@John-op5vi
Жыл бұрын
Yes Antoni agree so join me in nominating Harrison for a Noble Piece Prize.)
@brennenseibert6708
Жыл бұрын
@@SMTMainline maybe at some trailing Wheels under the cab
I'm always impressed at what you do with a box full of spares and a hot glue gun. MacGyver of the RR hobby.
Wow 83 years old. Makes me realize i dont know when the first HO scale train was made. Nice job buddy.
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
For HO that's pretty long ago, I suspect the first were probably from the late 20s early 30s.
@Petemonster62
Жыл бұрын
@@SMTMainline - Leonard Williams has some You Tube videos on that subject, " Bing Table Top Railway HO gauge vintage train deluxe outfit #4 clockwork circa 1923 made in Germany ". " Pennsylvania K4 steam engine 1st HO gauge engine made in America by George D Stock 1929 outside third rail ". & " Vintage Alco Diesel Locomotive Train Walther's one of the first HO gauge /scale diesels 1938-40 ".
Harrison, your success with this engine was beyond restoration, it's resurrection: well done!
2 years after the project was was announced it runs…. but seriously it is amazing how you got this ancient locomotive running again with parts that would not fit originally in the slightest! Amazing work! I was dumbfounded by how well it runs considering the kit-bashed drive. Also like how you preserved the original numbers;)
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
It might have taken a while but better late than never right? I'm amazed the drive works as well as it does too, that motor is pretty strong.
@An_Official_Scratcher
Жыл бұрын
@@SMTMainline I wouldn't disagree, that motor is strong.
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
@@An_Official_Scratcher that’s what I said.
😲😲😲This is absolutely the most jaw dropping-est rebuild you have ever done!!! WOW!
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
Thanks
Another successful restoration by SMT! Also, 15:30 was one of my favorite parts. The excitement you could hear from him made me smile. :) Keep up the great work, my guy!
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, this was a challenging one but I am happy with the results. Super excited when I first got it going again.
Now it's official, i'm addicted to this channel...
Another fine mission! Completed!!😎
Great job on restoring at Old Yellowstone nice to see something old but good running
😁wow I am very happy to see this locomotive run
That one looked a little rough at the beginning lol. Amazing transformation!!!
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
It needed some love for sure. I wish I had the OEM parts though.
You are definitely the Frankenstein of model trains
You’re becoming the MacGyver of model railroading! Well done.
you did a amazing job fixing it up from a shell and a truck to a fully functional loco Great job
Bravo Harrison. This has to be your finest project to date. You took a piece of junk and turned it into a working engine. I’m sure that no one else would have taken the time nor had the success that you had. Congratulations!!
O M G!!!!! Absolutely amazing! The Harrison Touch prevails!! You did an incredible job on bringing life back to this beautiful old girl. Way to go Harrison. 💕
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, this one was pretty tricky but I'm happy with the results.
This is what model railroading is all about! Great work. Your resourcefulness with these projects always amazes me and it is another reason I am a subscriber. I can’t wait to see the final product!
Congrats on flexing your engineering muscles. Nice job using what you had on hand to get this running.
You NEVER cease to amaze! 😮 Impressive indeed!
One man's junk is another man's Yellowstone! I enjoyed seeing this being built! Great job!
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
Watching this make me want to make a Yellowstone,not just that but this kinda inspires me because it was in bad condition but you still pulled through even if it wasn’t 100% finished
@wilfred8326
4 ай бұрын
😅 Me too
Harrison you did a TREMENDOUS on this rebuild what a great piece of work. Keep going young man once once again CONGRADS !!!!!!!!!!
This by far was the most beautiful amazing video 🥰 love the artwork you did on her
This has been the highlight of the year for me. Great to see you revive, what to many would be scrap. I wish you all the best for future challenges. Niall in Ireland
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
Thanks a bunch! It was a tricky one but I'm very happy with the results.
Funny enough, I was literally looking for ideas to scratchbuild a B&O EM-1, also a Yellowstone, and the notification for this video comes up. I’ll be honest, the sheer excitement in his voice, this man probably hasn’t been happier than that in a LONG time. 😂 Thank you for uploading this when you did Harrison, this is exactly what I needed. Awesome video, keep it up.
Harrison, Awesome restoration on a piece of junk truly a treasure
This was awesome! I'm not much of a steam guy, but this got me really amped to build one as you did! Amazing job, hats off to ya. Would love to see you do this again and again in the future. Thanks for the fantastic content!
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
There’s not much I can say that everyone hasn’t already said. Absolutely incredible. Things I like. As you know, the hot screwdriver through plastic. You rummaging through your parts collection. And finally, your genuine “yes!” when it first started to run. I’d like those 3 things in each video from now on please. 😊
You have a runner! Good work Harrison thanks for taking us along.
Wow! That was by far one of the most amazing model train Restorations I think I've ever seen before. Great job smt!
I’m genuinely impressed with how well this restoration project turned out. Nice work man!
Amazing. I just love watching your videos. This is one of my favorites.
Harrison you have some mad skills. Bringing life back to that 83 year old almost hopeless locomotive is quite an accomplishment.
When I clicked on the video I thought it was going to be a quick fix and motor maintenance, because of how good the thumbnail looked. And when I saw that carcass in your hand when the video started I was startled. I wouldn't have had the slightest idea of how to make that chassis into a running train. Wow I want to say that this is one of the most pleasing videos to watch on your channel. Just because of how stunning the results are, considering that at the beginning this just looked like a piece of metal.
Great stuff!! Always a joy to watch you make something work again.
Running that Intermodal train reminded me about when the UP Challenger pulled an intermodal! 👍
Phenomenal Harrison! I really enjoyed this video. I like how you pieced it together with stuff you have on hand. A skill I do not have.
Yeah buddy!! Rummaging around through spare parts and cobbling together a loco that actually works, IS PROBABLY THE MOST SATISFYING THING, THAT A TINKERER CAN DO!! And you made it look good also!! Definitely a huge thumbs up!!
Congratulations there's nothing you can do you've helped so many people with your knowledge of HO ENGINES TRULY INSPIRING
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
Thanks a bunch!
Wow SMT thats amazing your pretty much the doctor with trains, you fix everything with your skills. The steam locomotive looks amazing, the white painted wheels and side frames look awesome on it as well. Great video Harrison.
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
I would absolutely love more content on this locomotive
Amazing work-love the combining of all the different parts!
Very impressive to say the least. I would like to see a follow up video on this locomotive. I think a tune up to chase out the bugs, some more paint work, this would be a 10/10 rock star. Great work Harrison.
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
I'm gonna try my best to finish it off but I'm already happy with where it's at.
@wilfred8326
4 ай бұрын
@@SMTMainline I am trying to think of trailing trucks for it.... FYI some of the first Diesel Switcher Trucks were adapted from Tender Trucks.... There's a Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Yellowstone that IS PRESERVED. I found it on Google, # 225. 225's rear truck looks *vaguely* like the front truck of an Athearn HO Rotary. The Athearn Rotary Truck would have to be pushed "shimmed down" and an tongue/slot built to swing and guide the engine....
Called kit bashing many years ago,lost art now. Well done,thanks
You basicly build a completely new loc made out of spare parts. I love it.
A beautiful Frankenstein! Well done. Can’t believe it’s running that well!
Great video. Many years ago I tried something similar with two TYCO drives .I pull the axleand added a gear to it and . used a shortend Monogram big boy for the shell. Never got it to run. Nice to see your project is successful.
Wow!! What an awesome job.
Well done SMT! Very impressed how you kitbashed the 2 different wheel sets to get it on the rails! With the new paint job it looks really nice and can even pull your intermodal train fairly well! You should definitely bring that to model train shows to showcase! You can also easily upgrade it to DCC and sound since there's a lot of space for a decoder and cube speaker! Also, regarding my Bachmann F7, I sorted out the brushes in the pancake motor and it now runs like a champ! I used your Bachmann Amtrak F7 resto video as a reference. Its a 43 year old engine that is now back in service!
Wow!! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I am very impressed as well. Nothing can stop smt mainline!
Once again you show yourself to be a true engineer.
i love your content. it makes me so happy to see some of my favorite locomotives in ho scale get restored
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
I appreciate that.
Impressive restoration 👌👍!
This restoration was taken to the next level you really have proven your talents SMT and I wish you the best
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, it tested my skills but I'm happy with the results.
Harrison, that was AWESOME! Your joy in seeing it run was infectious, I was rootin' for ya! It wasn't perfect but I wouldn't have tackled that. You deserve a medal for services to Model Locomotive Restoration! Well Done!
@SMTMainline
9 ай бұрын
I had my doubts this one was gonna work out but somehow it lives on.
You are the MAN !! Great job bringing Frankenloco back to life !!
Harrison that was just awesome work, congrats! SERENITY..................
Jeez, what an astounding restoration. Your talents bringing these ancient model railway relics to life are fantastic. Very cool, Harrison, great job!
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!
Very well done, I'm a big fan of restoring old projects people have left behind and am so glad to see another Modeler who's not afraid to tackle a mess and make it ready for the rails again. A possible fix for that front set "locking up" would be adding some weights to the frame of those wheels. Since the boiler is mounted to the back set none of the weight is on the front, so I'd bet they're just slipping over the rails rather than gripping and spinning; I had a brass C&O 2-6-6-2 with a similar drive to yours and it did the very same thing. Awesome job, keep up the good work!
When you yelled yes, it put a smile on my face. The work you do seems impossible!
Good job! I’m really amazed you got it running.
Wow! You did an awesome job on that Harrison. That is why I called you Dr. Trainkenstein. Parts from multiple manufacturers and miscellaneous parts and you brought it to life.
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
I like the name!
You know own a very unique locomotive. Very nicely done, my hat is off to you.
Harrison: Amazing Transformation. We should be calling you Dr Frankenstein. Great job, you Mad Scientist. Bravo 👏
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
Thank you.
Once again you did it. Just amazing.
Awesome. I love these ancient projects ! Keep them coming..
FINALLY THE YELLOWSTONE AGAIN
Adding a trailing wheel set will help to keep the nose down and get the front drivers working better I think. Excellent effort!
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
I'm on the hunt for some.
You turned a failure into a masterpiece. I salute to you
@SMTMainline
7 ай бұрын
Thanks, I wasn't so sure this one would ever work out.
Nice one pal!! It's great that you adapted everything yourself!! Congratulations!!
Very Enjoyable episode, SMT. Fun project and clever use of parts from other locomotives! Nice adaptation to convert motor position using Athearn gears. The live lighter flame sorta spooks me so close to motor and plastic, when you melted the heat shrink tubing. Amazing the loco makes those turns! Totally free swiveling leading unpowered drive wheels I am sure helped. Paint pen was a great idea, too. Your enthusiasm is a boost for the hobby! Best, Bobby
I really liked this video, hope to see more like this one. Everybody can go out and and buy a new locomotive, but taking one like this and turning it into a runner is special. Hope to see you putting the finishing touches on it sometime.
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
I'd like to get the rest of the parts asap and call it complete :)
Absolut thrilling. Congratulations from Germany. Regards Rainer
Franken-Steam. I love your ingenuity.
Be careful! You’re about to be officially declared a genius! Congrats, Harrison, on an impossible rebuild.
Wow, that was a hoot! I think that build was beyond MacGuyver and more along the lines of Dr. Frankenstein. No one more suprised that you when it actually ran, Nice work! I really enjoy your channel, Keep up the great content.
I remember when you got this like for ever ago nice details and nice job on fixing it!
Absolutely beautiful and fantastic it's been in the making
Just brilliant! Great repair job! 👍
83 years old and still kicking, very nice work!
Very well done pulling it together into a working locomotive. Can’t wait until you get the last couple of pieces and complete it
That was the goofiest repair, ever😇! Bravo!
You all ways amazed me, with your projects. I been working on a kit based from a rivarossi cap forward to a Yellowstone. And I still have problems getting it to run. You have a talent, keep it up. 😊
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, this was a tricky one.
@gamerfan8445
Жыл бұрын
@@SMTMainline I did some research and I found your Yellowstone is most likely a Northern pacific one. Due the shape of the cab, and when it was made.
Nice seeing the Varney running again.
This is my favorite salvage repair video! Love it! The white pin stripes definitely add a touch. Dual motor would be sweet on a heavy locomotive like that. Put the same drive with another can motor in the front.
Pretty darned impressive! You are a master!
its alive!...nice restore....I love doing this to old locos.
Wow you are a very clever man restoring the abandoned 83 year old steam locomotive. Relatively anything old can be made new again I guess 😊. So happy to see it running again as good as brand new
I still remember when you found it. This was awesome to see!
@SMTMainline
Ай бұрын
I remember reading comments from some sceptics at the time suggesting nothing would ever come of this model. I'm glad it all worked out in the end
So cool! Very impressive, sir! Great job!!
When I first saw this locomotive I was thinking well it probably wouldn't run. Or the project will be put off for a while due to lack of parts. But I see that you got it running and I could hear that massive excitement when it's almost like you wanted to jump up as you said it runs. That caught me off guard as well and then I smiled I was like damn that's amazing. Good job on the paintwork I like the white wall effect and lines.
I remember when you first found it now we all see it back and running
It's alive !!! You are the doctor Frankenstein of HO scale locomotives. Lol Great job putting that mess together and getting it running. Best youtube channel out there,especially if you love those old trains. 👍
SMT! That is one heck of an incredible kit-bash! Also, when I sent you the box of items around Christmas time, I included some small weights that might help hold down the front drive wheel assembly. It also wouldn't hurt to also oil the crosshead guides and tender wheel bearings, along with the drivers, valve gear assembly, & where the piston rods enter the cylinders!
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
Shoot, I should have added those weights to the front truck. I added some oil but I think the main issue is that the screws were over torqued.
Love the work done. It looks really nice.
This is great Harrison can't wait for more content
i remember when you first got this piece and now it’s finally running it’s amazing how time flies
You are absolutely amazing with what you doo .... I AM in awe ....
@SMTMainline
Жыл бұрын
Thanks