This may be a dumb question - testing an HO model locomotive

[southern*sweet*tea]

My late husband always wanted to build a model railroad, but sadly he never did.  He had scenery kits (some he actually built) and some cars. No tracks or other things that would make the trains run.

I found an HO scale locomotive, still in the box.  I have no idea if it's new or used. I know less than nothing about these things.  Is there a way to somehow test this to see if it works? 

It's an Atlas HO scale locomotive.

Thanks in advance!

[wastingtime101]

Paging @mr_lincoln for some train advice.

[mtgraves7984]

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@wastingtime101 wrote:

Paging @mr_lincoln for some train advice.

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You took the words out of my mouth. 👍

[brightlightbookseller]

I think, in my personal experience, the only way to test it would be to set it up on a compatible track and turn it on.  Perhaps a local model train store or club could assist?

[monster-deals]

9v battery on the pick up wheels

[mr_lincoln]

@southern*sweet*tea 

If you have the original box look on both ends, at least one end will have the locomotive type, Atlas item Number, Rail line (Like Pennsylvania, Union Pacific, etc.) 

You can post a picture of the end of the box too.

For the building kits, those that are still factory sealed will bring the most money.  Already built structures might sell but have to be packaged carefully so they don't break.

You can also post some pics of the scenery stuff you have as well as any automobiles, miniature people, etc.

Thank you @wastingtime101 & @mtgraves7984  for looping me in on this thread!

[inhawaii]

I would sell it as-is with the same "disclaimer" you shared with us and HOPE that there is no issue.

I know, people don't read disclaimers.

[toysaver]

As an old lady myself I've sold many similar items engines as you've described.  I always tell it like it is, untested, no way for me to test.  Then good thing is most who would want it are capable of getting it going if it isn't working. 

[monster-deals]

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@toysaver wrote:

, no way for me to test. 

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again you only need a 9v battery to test an HO scale engine

works for slot cars too

[onefootflipper1]

I have sold a ton of model trains, never tested one, never had a return. The majority of them that you sell will absolutely never be set up or used in any way, they will just go to collectors / compulsive train buyers who will look at them once then put the box on a shelf and buy more of them the next week.

If it looks new I assume it works. If it doesn't work, I will take the return. Never had one returned yet.

[a_c_green]

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@southern*sweet*tea wrote:

My late husband always wanted to build a model railroad, but sadly he never did.  He had scenery kits (some he actually built) and some cars. No tracks or other things that would make the trains run.

I found an HO scale locomotive, still in the box.  I have no idea if it's new or used. I know less than nothing about these things.  Is there a way to somehow test this to see if it works? 

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@southern*sweet*tea : As the others have said, it's probably fine. Way back in the day, in my hobby shop employment, I did have to do the occasional rebuild of some Athearn locomotives, but that was only because we'd put, like, 50,000 miles on them running around and around in our store window. 😁

Just one word of caution, and this is pretty unlikely, but be sure that it isn't a "dummy" unit, which was basically an engine with no motor in it, used to portray a two-engine (or more) lash-up on a really long freight train. It will be significantly lighter in its box than one with an actual powertrain since it would have no motor or gearing in it, weighing about the same as any of the freight cars. If you're not sure, please post the exact model number or description on the end of the Atlas box.

[southern*sweet*tea]

Wow, thanks everyone!

It's pretty heavy, weight in the box is one pound.

Unfortunately there aren't any train clubs or model places anywhere near me, so I don't have anywhere to put this on a track.

It looks new, no scratches, dents, dings but for all I know it may have a million miles on it lol

I'll try the battery test - I think I have a 9v around, if not I'll buy one, because I'll need it for the smoke detectors - I always like to keep spares  🙂

@monster-deals   How do I know which one is the drive wheel?

(sorry for the bad pic, par for the course lol)

[a_c_green · Accepted solution]

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@southern*sweet*tea wrote:

Wow, thanks everyone!

It's pretty heavy, weight in the box is one pound.

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Oh, yeah, that looks like quite a minty box. Should be fine.

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@southern*sweet*tea wrote:

@monster-deals   How do I know which one is the drive wheel?

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If the wheel won't turn freely using only finger force, it's a drive wheel. 

On HO trains, power goes out through one rail and back through the other, so you just need to touch one terminal of your battery to a metal wheel on one side, and the other terminal to a metal wheel on the other side.

Some models had their electrical pickup on the forward wheelset and their electrical ground on the rear wheelset (other end of the locomotive), in which case you might need a jumper wire from your battery to reach the far wheel, but let us know if you can't work it out. Post a photo of the underside of the locomotive if necessary.

[southern*sweet*tea]

It works!  Touched the wheels to the battery terminals and they spun! That was cool lol

Learn something new every day  🙂

Thanks so much!

[a_c_green]

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@southern*sweet*tea wrote:

It works!  Touched the wheels to the battery terminals and they spun! That was cool lol

Learn something new every day  🙂

Thanks so much!

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You're welcome... 🙂