Not sure where to start.
Long story short, my father passed away recently and going through some stuff I found all kinds of trains, track, buildings, etc, etc. I wish I had paid attention to them when he was alive and now feeling guilty I would love to do something with these. The problem is I have no idea where to start. I made a little circle with the track and hooked it up (correctly I hope) but not too successful at getting them running. All together there are about 20 engines and a whole ton of cars to pull behind them. I have been able to get maybe 4 of the engines running although very rough. I have no idea what is wrong with them.
Most of the engines say Tyco on the bottom. One says Bachmann. I was told by the closest hobby shop to me (4 hours) that Tyco is no longer in business so if I need parts or service I am out of luck. I have called Bachman several times today and left messages but can't get anyone to call me back. I am getting very frustrated with not knowing how to proceed.
Any help here would be greatly appreciated.
David
Posting photos will help a lot.
Rich
Posting pics won't help get your trains running for sure.
First try cleaning the track, there are several ways to accomplish this. Do a search on track cleaning.
Second try using a multi meter to check voltage from the power pack, if it's old you may have a problem getting sufficient voltage.
After that repost your findings and we may be able to help further.
Jerry
Thanks for the replies guys.
Is there a Trains for Dummies somewhere here on this forum?
I just laid out a simple oval track and one engine runs great. The others will chirp and pulse when running. Others have no power at all. I will get around to posting some images of what I have.
I guess the important question is before I get too deep here it looks like only one engine is a Bachmann, are you guys willing or able to help me figure out this mess? What I mean is I do not want to waist your time. I realize most of my stuff is quite old and may not be worth much but for the memory of my dad I would love to get something up and running for his grandkids and great grandkids. I would like to devide up allot of the stuff and give to my kids (5) all of which are older and moved out of the house now but they all seem real excited about getting something of their grandpas that they remember him by.
Most of these things may just be garbage. Who knows
Post away, some may get offended but who really cares at least you have one Bachmann loco. The rest is lagniappe.
I'm sure you will find most are helpful here.
Jerry
So I just counted and there are 9 controllers. Why would anyone need 9 of them. I see that it takes one to run the track right? so what are the others for?
Block control ( you can read about that in my other links), and accessories.
Your father must of had a decent size layout or went through a lot of power packs.
Jerry
I tested the power packs and they all work.
I just found two complete sets, new in box Bachman train sets. They look like them may be an inexpensive sets but that is cool. They come with everything you need, track, power, engine and cars. Kinda cool looking. I will upload photos when I can. Probably not till Tuesday.
I really appreciate all the help you guys are giving to me. I think this may become addicting that is if I can get them up and running.
So here are some of the things that I have. Let me know anything about them that you know. It would be good to know if they are good things or trash.
(http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/dkheaton/131205_train_0132_01.jpg) (http://s322.photobucket.com/user/dkheaton/media/131205_train_0132_01.jpg.html)
(http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/dkheaton/131205_train_0136_05.jpg) (http://s322.photobucket.com/user/dkheaton/media/131205_train_0136_05.jpg.html)
(http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/dkheaton/131205_train_0137_06.jpg) (http://s322.photobucket.com/user/dkheaton/media/131205_train_0137_06.jpg.html)
(http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/dkheaton/131205_train_0141_09.jpg) (http://s322.photobucket.com/user/dkheaton/media/131205_train_0141_09.jpg.html)
(http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/dkheaton/131205_train_0143_10.jpg) (http://s322.photobucket.com/user/dkheaton/media/131205_train_0143_10.jpg.html)
(http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/dkheaton/131205_train_0138_07.jpg) (http://s322.photobucket.com/user/dkheaton/media/131205_train_0138_07.jpg.html)
(http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/dkheaton/131205_train_0140_08.jpg) (http://s322.photobucket.com/user/dkheaton/media/131205_train_0140_08.jpg.html)
(http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/dkheaton/131205_train_0134_03.jpg) (http://s322.photobucket.com/user/dkheaton/media/131205_train_0134_03.jpg.html)
(http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/dkheaton/131205_train_0135_04.jpg) (http://s322.photobucket.com/user/dkheaton/media/131205_train_0135_04.jpg.html)
(http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/dkheaton/131205_train_0133_02.jpg) (http://s322.photobucket.com/user/dkheaton/media/131205_train_0133_02.jpg.html)
First of all: Nothing you have shown us is "garbage" or "trash." In fact, you have shown several common, but very usable items, especially the locomotives and power supplies. There is an old saying: "One person's trash is another person's treasure." Do Not under any circumstance throw any of what you have in the trash!
I don't know where you live, but I would suggest you get in contact with the local branch (probably a division) of the NMRA (National Model Railroad Association). Many of the folks there are H0 scale modelers and can help you evaluate your father's collection. They can also help you get some of it running for you and your family members to enjoy, and advise you as to what to do with whatever does not interest you or your family.
See: http://www.nmra.org/ (http://www.nmra.org/)
You do not have to be a member to follow the chain from the national organization down to regional, division and local resources. Just spend a little time exploring and I will bet you find a local club with members who will gladly work with you to understand what you have and how best to preserve the memories.
And yes, Model Railroading IS Addicting!
Happy RRing,
Jerry
here's my take on what you've posted so far.....
most of this stuff appears to be from the late 1970s .early 1980s. the mrc power packs are good, far better than anything you'd get in a train set even to-day. in particular, that tech 2 was state of the art for that era. the atlas selector is a set of block control switches. they are used to control sections of track from either of two power packs. the atlas connector does a similar job, but with only one power supply. in both cases, you can completely turn off a section of track if you want to park a locomotive there. the atlas components are still made. the tyco item is a switch controller which allows you to throw track switches by remote control.
now for the trains: the dewitt clinton set is a fragile piece not known for running well. they make a nice display model though.
the Burlington northern is an athearn sw7. athearns were among the best locomotives of their day. they are a simple, robust design which is easy to work on. parts may still be available but you probably won't need to replace anything. clean the wheels and motor and it will run, I'm sure of it.
the Chattanooga is a tyco gp20. the santa fe appears to be a tyco "f9" both of which were marginal performers. they only pick up power from 4 wheels, usually brass which is hard to keep clean. they also only have 4 wheel drive which means they won't pull much on an upgrade. if they don't run, you can remove the drive gear and use them as dummy locomotives.
the old west train is also probably marginal. due to its small size and light weight it won't pull much.
of all the locomotives you've shown so far, the Burlington northern is the best of the bunch, definitely a keeper.
Thanks guys. Funny you should say that about the Burlington Northorn. It is the only engine that I have been able to make run good.
I live in the middle of nowhere and the closest town to me would be about 4 hours. I will look up that club info though and see what I can learn.
Jward - I'll have to disagree with your assumption that the Old West loco won't pull much. This is my Old Time 4-4-0 pulling 28 or 34 (I can't remember which) Old Time Cars. Half of it is up a 2% grade. It all depends on if the loco has traction tires.
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/1459951_10152117716885522_1609796990_n.jpg)
Your father used DC block control. I had written a long explanation just before my computer crashed! :'(
To get right to the point, that black and green thing is an Atlas Selector. If that is the only one he had, your father had his railroad divided into four blocks: segments of track that could be controlled independently from either power pack. If he had more than one Selector, they can be ganged together by attaching the screws on the left side to the forked terminals on the right side of the next one.
Call one of your power packs (and they are a very good brand) Pack A and the other Pack B. Run the green wire from the upper left of the Selector to one of the controlled DC power terminals on Pack A. Run another wire from the lower left screw on the Selector to the screw in the same position on Pack B.
The four green switches have a center off position, although you probably won't be able to feel it. There are four screw terminals along the top of your Selector (you are missing three screws). Each terminal is fed by the green switch below it. Push the switch up, Pack A feeds it. Down and Pack B feeds it. Center is off.
Power is fed to the track from those four terminals. Divide your track layout into sections based on the number of Selector terminals you have. Use insulated rail joiners to divide one rail (either the outside or inside one) into insulated sections, and wire each section to its own terminal on the Selector. Note that although you have two power packs, you only need one wire from each Selector terminal.
What about the other side of the circuit? Take the other rail (the one not divided) and run a wire from that rail to the other controlled DC terminal screw on one of your power packs. Then run a second wire from that same terminal to the other controlled DC terminal on your other power pack.
That is all there is to it! No DCC, no decoders, no programming. This is the same system your father was using.
What about the other stuff? The Atlas Controller is like half of a Selector. It only controls power from one source to three track blocks. You would use it, for example, powering engine parking spaces that would be powered from only one power pack, or to jump power from an already powered track to make killable sections.
What is the Tyco component with the rusty terminals? I don't know. My guess is either a single-switch version of an Atlas Controller, or maybe something to feed power to a DC-powered accessory (AC-powered accessories usually use three terminals).
If your engines ran OK when last used, they probably will again after being cleaned and oiled. You will probably want to replace your horn-hook couplers with modern knuckle couplers, sine they work a lot better and you are missing some now.
I hope this helps, and takes some of the mystery out of DC wiring.
Les
The Tyco electrical item is a remote switch controller. Power comes in from the left and the thee terminals on the top connect to the switch machine. Slide the button to one side or the other and give it a brief push to throw the switch. Controllers like this have been around forever (at least 50 years), and any book on basic wiring will have instructions on how to hook 'em up, including how to daisy chain them to save wire. The current Atlas controller is almost identical except for color. Hope this helps.
Rusty
David, if all this sounds like Greek to you, the best place to start learning about model trains and wiring is here http://www.nmra.org/beginner/consist.html (http://www.nmra.org/beginner/consist.html). Simple easy language and several diagrams explaining things as you go. If you follow the topics as presented you go from basic to advanced concepts and layouts.
Thank you everyone for the help. There is definitely a learning curve for me.
Quote from: AGSB on December 07, 2013, 10:11:41 AM
David, if all this sounds like Greek to you, the best place to start learning about model trains and wiring is here http://www.nmra.org/beginner/consist.html (http://www.nmra.org/beginner/consist.html). Simple easy language and several diagrams explaining things as you go. If you follow the topics as presented you go from basic to advanced concepts and layouts.
So with all of this being new to me I decided to go to a train store and see if they could answer a few questions. BIG MISTAKE!!!
I called a store called "the Train Shoppe" in Saltlake City. This is a 5 hour drive from my home but is supposed to be one of the biggest stores in the area. I explained my situation to the guy on the phone and he said to bring some of my engines down and he would have a look at them. I told him I would be there Saturday. On Saturday when I got to the store they were busy so I waited, and waited, and waited, and 45 min. later one of the guys came up to me and ask what I needed. I told him about the phone conversation I had and he sad he was not the repair guy but he could have a look. I had 9 engines wrapped up in a towel. As I unwrapped them the guy started laughing. I asked what was funny and he said these are all JUNK. I said what do you mean. He said that if they were running they would only be worth$3. I told him that if he had any on hand I would pay him $5 for them. Any way he began to look at them very quickly and said that they are all trash and will not work. I told him that a couple of them did work and I just wanted to know more about them. Then this is what he said "Why would I help you with anything you are not going to buy anything from me". I was in shock at how rude this guy was and asked him how he knew what I was or was not going to do? I was prepaired to leave several of them to have repaired if possable. I was going to buy a NEW engine so I could see how they were supposed to run. I wanted to buy some other supplies but now will not. I left telling him that he was very rude. He said he is the owner of the store. The sad part of this story is that I had my wife and 3 daughters with me. They all walked out upset at how I was treated. I have never been treated this way at any store no matter what.
Sorry for letting this out so long there were many more things but this is long enough already.
Needles to say I will not go back to another train store and I felt like just putting the things back into the boxes and storing them for whomever.
dheaton,
Sorry to hear you were treated so rudely. I would have left laughing back saying you lost money from a potential customer.
It is a shame that most LHS have to act this way. There are two in my area that I will not visit for the same reason because there is one 45 minutes away that is a full train store N,HO,O,and G. He has tables set up for grown ups to sit and talk and relax whilst the children run trains on 3 different layouts he has set up.
This place is The Electric Train Depot in Hammond La. Balrog21 did a video of his store,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZZPd_FJHBc&feature=youtu.be
http://www.electrictraindepot.com/
He deals mostly in new but also has a room where he sells stuff he purchased from estate sales. Now don't we all wish hobby shops could be as fun as this place is.
Don't let one shop disappoint you there are still good ones out there and online services.
Jerry
Wow, that looks like a pretty nice shop. The one in Saltlake City is pretty big as well. The owner told me that HO is only for kids because it is all junk.
HO is the most popular for various reasons. If I had to guess I'd like to say 75% adults to 25% kids (I am only speculating)
The shop owner must be into a scale that is larger.
He showed allot of "O" there but really had a bit of everything, including a big room with track set ups and even a train big enough for kids to ride on.
This guy may have just been having a bad day but he really took it out on me and my family. He didn't even give me a chance to buy anything. I really wanted to. I will now buy online. He lost my support not that he needed it because he looked busy.
Quote from: Jerrys HO on December 10, 2013, 11:24:39 AM
HO is the most popular for various reasons. If I had to guess I'd like to say 75% adults to 25% kids (I am only speculating)
The shop owner must be into a scale that is larger.
In regard to older products it is sometimes difficult to repair them due to the fact that parts are no longer available. Toy train technology has advanced since the 1960s and 70s. Back then toy trains were just that - toy trains. They were designed as children's toys and sold in toy stores. Electric motors, design methods, plastic molding technologies and electronics have improved drastically over the last few decades as evidenced by the digital age and model trains have also dramatically changed. What you have should not be considered "junk" but they are also not up to todays standards - much the same as a 20 year old computer has become pretty useless unless you are happy with a 20 year old operating system, limited memory and a tiny hard drive. My suggestion would be to keep any rolling stock (cars) and look into purchasing a new loco or two. I personally have my father's original Lionel locomotive from the 1930s which sits in a prominent place in my office (and is not operated). You might want to keeps his locos as a reminder of a special person in your life and start a new railroad empire.
I agree with you 100% and what you say makes perfect sense. I guess what I was just wanting to find out is if the things that I have are considered toys or are they worth putting a bit of money into. It looks like they probably are not worth fixing up and I am just fine with that. I would not mind purchasing new items I just am to new to all of this to know which way to go or what to buy. The other thing is that I am not sure if I want to start from scratch at a new hobby. This forum makes me want to start one.
does that Bachmann engine look to be a toy and not worth fixing?
Quote from: Yardmaster on December 10, 2013, 11:32:04 AM
In regard to older products it is sometimes difficult to repair them due to the fact that parts are no longer available. Toy train technology has advanced since the 1960s and 70s. Back then toy trains were just that - toy trains. They were designed as children's toys and sold in toy stores. Electric motors, design methods, plastic molding technologies and electronics have improved drastically over the last few decades as evidenced by the digital age and model trains have also dramatically changed. What you have should not be considered "junk" but they are also not up to todays standards - much the same as a 20 year old computer has become pretty useless unless you are happy with a 20 year old operating system, limited memory and a tiny hard drive. My suggestion would be to keep any rolling stock (cars) and look into purchasing a new loco or two. I personally have my father's original Lionel locomotive from the 1930s which sits in a prominent place in my office (and is not operated). You might want to keeps his locos as a reminder of a special person in your life and start a new railroad empire.
The Dewitt Clinton is still in the product line and can be repaired if need be. The Old West 4-4-0 is most likely an older version of this locomotive since it has been upgraded in the past and parts may or may not be available. One thing to keep in mind is that the couplers on the cars may also be older types that need to be changed to more current knuckle couplers.
dheaton,
If that guy really was the shop owner, he was indeed a poor one. Apparently, his business was going so well that day that he felt he could insult a potential customer. After the Christmas season, when people are preoccupied with outdoor activities and his store is relatively empty, would he be so rude?
In today's world, it is so easy to order items on-line that conventional hobby shops have to try all the harder to get and keep customers. Even big, successful hobby shops have knowledgeable staff that will take time with their customers. I deal with what is probably the biggest train store in the country and always get treated well.
f I were you, I would look for a smaller train shop that would appreciate your business. There are some brick and mortar shops that also sell on the Internet. I can personally recommend Caboose Hobbies in Denver and Fifer Hobbies in Las Cruces, NM. These places will not insult you or your equipment.
If you can get your older units running smoothly, there is no reason you cannot run and enjoy them. There is even an emerging group in this hobby who specialize in restoring and operating the type of locos your father had in his collection.
When I was in college, I had a model railroad that had a Tyco GP20 like your "Chatanooga" . While no mechanical marvel, it ran smooth and quietly, and pulled well. It served me well alongside an Athearn F7.
If I were you, I would fix up my old locos and get them running, and convert your horn-hook couplers to knuckle couplers. They will work better if you either mount all of them to the car frames or the trucks. Then, try a lower-priced modern model and see how you like it.
The locos like you have now are still readily available used at swap meets. Just be careful of what you buy, as many are worn out by now.
Please don't give p on the hobby because of one bad experience.
Les
Sorry for the silly question but which engine do you say is the "Dwitt Clinton"? The Old west that you are talking about, is that the set that is in the box? That set is new and never put on a track. Thanks for the help.
I guess I didn't even remember the post I made with those images. Both of the trains in the boxes are new (old) and haven't been run so they should work fine. I haven't tested them yet. The engine I was asking about is this one.
(http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/dkheaton/131205_train_0129_02.jpg) (http://s322.photobucket.com/user/dkheaton/media/131205_train_0129_02.jpg.html)
Quote from: Yardmaster on December 10, 2013, 12:04:32 PM
The Dewitt Clinton is still in the product line and can be repaired if need be. The Old West 4-4-0 is most likely an older version of this locomotive since it has been upgraded in the past and parts may or may not be available. One thing to keep in mind is that the couplers on the cars may also be older types that need to be changed to more current knuckle couplers.
Sheesh, no wonder hobby shops go out of business. :(
Ya that is what I was thinking. I would like to buy locally if there was a place. As it was I drove 5 hours to get to this place only to be treated that way.
Quote from: Johnson Bar Jeff on December 10, 2013, 12:21:50 PM
Sheesh, no wonder hobby shops go out of business. :(
Thank you Les for your encouragement. As it turns out I did stop by another hobby shop that sold trains. They did not have too many or know much about them (more than I did though). I purchase 1 engine that was recommended and some other items that I was told I needed. I may have made a mistake on the oil and cleaner as they are in little tiny bottles with home made lables. They were $16 each. Is that normal? One is called "Atlas Motor bearing lube" and the other one is " Atlas Conductalube-cleaner". Seemed kinda expensive to me. Any way I spent just over $100 there. I probably would have spent more at the Train shoppe if they would have even talked nice at all.
David
Quote from: Desertdweller on December 10, 2013, 12:09:50 PM
dheaton,
If that guy really was the shop owner, he was indeed a poor one. Apparently, his business was going so well that day that he felt he could insult a potential customer. After the Christmas season, when people are preoccupied with outdoor activities and his store is relatively empty, would he be so rude?
In today's world, it is so easy to order items on-line that conventional hobby shops have to try all the harder to get and keep customers. Even big, successful hobby shops have knowledgeable staff that will take time with their customers. I deal with what is probably the biggest train store in the country and always get treated well.
f I were you, I would look for a smaller train shop that would appreciate your business. There are some brick and mortar shops that also sell on the Internet. I can personally recommend Caboose Hobbies in Denver and Fifer Hobbies in Las Cruces, NM. These places will not insult you or your equipment.
If you can get your older units running smoothly, there is no reason you cannot run and enjoy them. There is even an emerging group in this hobby who specialize in restoring and operating the type of locos your father had in his collection.
When I was in college, I had a model railroad that had a Tyco GP20 like your "Chatanooga" . While no mechanical marvel, it ran smooth and quietly, and pulled well. It served me well alongside an Athearn F7.
If I were you, I would fix up my old locos and get them running, and convert your horn-hook couplers to knuckle couplers. They will work better if you either mount all of them to the car frames or the trucks. Then, try a lower-priced modern model and see how you like it.
The locos like you have now are still readily available used at swap meets. Just be careful of what you buy, as many are worn out by now.
Please don't give p on the hobby because of one bad experience.
Les
Quote from: Desertdweller on December 10, 2013, 12:09:50 PM
I can personally recommend Caboose Hobbies in Denver and Fifer Hobbies in Las Cruces, NM. These places will not insult you or your equipment.
Caboose Hobbies is a wonderful place! Well worth the visit if you ever get to Denver. I've been teased that I go to Denver to visit Caboose Hobbies and only incidentally to visit my buddy who lives in the area. ;D
here's a site you might be interested in, which attempts to catalog most of the trains from the 1960s to 1980s.
http://ho-scaletrains.net/
Hey DH,
Sorry you had such a bad experience with the train store. I bet it was awesome to get all those boxes of train stuff. Even if it can't be fixed it's yours to have as a keepsake from someone very dear to you. The one's you can get running is just a bonus!
I am glad that you are thinking about getting into the hobby. It's a great one with a multitude of possibilities, especially now with todays technology. You are at the right place. There are plenty of great people on this forum who love to help people out who are new to the hobby. I KNOW because they've helped me when I got back into the hobby just a little over a year ago. Welcome aboard and I can't wait to see what you decide to do!
Best,
Bal
dheaton, the price you paid for the conducta lube is comparable with prices found on line for the stuff, if you also throw in the cost of shipping. I have purchased it from an on line operation called: Northwest Short Line for about the same total cost for what is maybe an ounce or two. Not much is needed per use. There is only a few conducta lube types/makers that I have found, so there are not many to chose from.
The bearing lube, I have found for less at a local hobby shop that has more interest in RC vehicles than HO trains. More choices out there for this kind of lube.
But, it is good you have both lubricants on hand, they come in handy.
Stick with it! :)
It is a shame that that guy treated you that way.
I will say I have been in my LHS more then once when people have brought in their dad or grandpa's collection and seen the customer get very upset and say unpleasant things when they are told the low value of what they have brought in, many times they have visions of $$$ in their head base on the myth that every old dusty train is worth thousands.
The guys at my LHS just explain the facts politely and advise them to check Ebays completed listings to get an idea on market prices.
NM-Jeff
Quote from: NarrowMinded on December 14, 2013, 11:39:46 AM
It is a shame that that guy treated you that way.
I will say I have been in my LHS more then once when people have brought in their dad or grandpa's collection and seen the customer get very upset and say unpleasant things when they are told the low value of what they have brought in, many times they have visions of $$$ in their head base on the myth that every old dusty train is worth thousands.
The guys at my LHS just explain the facts politely and advise them to check Ebays completed listings to get an idea on market prices.
NM-Jeff
Jeff, from reading dheaton's postings it seems to me he is not trying to sell it, but get the stuff working.
As well as to buy more items to go with it. Or am I wrong and did not read all of his posting correctly?
I think you have it right Ken.
If you would have asked me 30 years ago I would have said most (not all) ho on the shelves was junk too. I am an Og fan first and full-most for running ease (and because of Gramps*). But last year I got into ho for a bit. About $250 worth, just to finally play around with decent trains of small scale. It was great stuff! No more junk! Well not much ::), you get what you pay for :D and some was used. Anyhow I had a GP7 climbing 20%+ grades with half a dozen heavy cars like it was a joke (just to see what it could do). Sounds were great. I was very impressed with the difference and anyone calling it junk today has a hidden agenda, be it personal or economic.
Atlas is a quality company. Likely used a generic label to keep costs down.
Normally I toot the support your local hobby shop horn, but at 4 hrs its not exactly a local hobby shop anyhow. I think developing an online relationship with a "not so local shop" would be a good idea for you.
I don't think NM was necessarily confused about dheaton trying to ascertain a value for his items for the purpose of selling them; I think NM was merely relaying a story that draws a parallel to those that have certain expectations about their HO equipment, that to their disappointment, they find those expectations are not met.
Quote from: jbrock27 on December 15, 2013, 06:19:29 AM
I don't think NM was necessarily confused about dheaton trying to ascertain a value for his items for the purpose of selling them; I think NM was merely relaying a story that draws a parallel to those that have certain expectations about their HO equipment, that to their disappointment, they find those expectations are not met.
So true JB.
I believe the owner of the shop may have thought he was trying to sell them at first so he bashed the items. Boy no customer relations there? Could have been a big sale day for him ;D.
Excellent point Jerry! That could have very well been where that shop owner was coming from when dh walked in. He may have said to himself, "here is another guy looking for me to tell me these will fetch him $200 each on EBay." And he let that effect his dealings with dh, a potential customer.
As an aside, I recently found 3 more EBay sellers who think steel track is nickel silver ::) and think that is "ok".
The locomotive in your picture looks to be a 4-8-4 Northern. If you notice, most steam engines are classified by their wheel arrangement. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4-8-4 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4-8-4)
That might make a good running engine but certainly the newer ones will be better. It is also possible to replace old motors in those engines with newer motors for better performance.
I wish to thank every one who posted after mine. I agree that there may have been some confusion among the Original Poster (OP) and the HS. But, it was the shop owner who lost on this one.
Dheaton, welcome to the fold!! ;D
Absolutely correct KGP, he sure did!