How well does it run? Does it stay on the track? Do the side rods bind? Can the tender be opened up to add a decoder or speaker?

Charlie

In my eye, yes, restore it! It might take some work, but I think it would be well worth it.

Hello Charlie,

That's my problem. I don't know if it runs, and I need to take some time and take it into a hobby shop and find out (Tammies or Hobby Smith perhaps). I guess the worse thing to happen is when it sits there and makes a loud buzzing sound, and puffs of electrical smoke billow out.

Yes, the tender can be opened (4-screws). 

Rodger

 

Yes save that engine! The buzzing and smoke is usually caused by the flex tube on the motor armature drying up and becoming stiff and not able to turn the Drivers, Or there is something in the gears stopping the motor from turning. Both will cause the motor to smoke to the point it Burns out the solder and the windings in the motor. If you remove the main Engine Boiler you can easily fix the problem. If your not sure what to do I would take it to the hobby shop and see if there is somebody that can repair or upgrade to DCC with a new motor that's DCC compatible and add a sound Card and speaker to that large tender. If you don't want to mess with it sell it on E-Bay for a couple hundred and use the money for your railroad in another way.

Hello Dan,

Thanks for the suggestions. Like I said in my posting I have not even tried to run the locomotive, mostly due to the fact that I do not have a power pack. It has been many, many years since I have operated my locos. I'm just now getting back into the hobby and trying to understand all of th terms and new stuff that's available. Back to school so to speak.

Cheers,

Rodger

 

Now is not a good time to sell brass from what I understand. If you do decide to sell it.. I would recommend holding onto it for a little while longer.. I am not a collector, but from what I have read the brass market is a bit of a slump right now. Chris

I agree with Chris. The brass market is not as hot as it used to be. One the economy, two the plastic model are so well detailed that fewer and fewer are buying brass. I've always been a big buyer of brass and about 10 years ago I had to sell my brass engines (24 of them). I am glad I sold them when I did. I made a very good profit at that time. I have three left and I tried to sell them and no-go. Now the only ones that buys them are collectors and they know what they are looking for. It depends on the model-type. I suggest for you to keep it.

Chris and Nick,

I did hear something recently with regard to the value of brass locos being depressed. Perhaps on this site?

I don't think I would ever sell the loco, it has a great deal of good memories relating to it's original owner, and my friend Paul Jansen. Paul passed away back in 1998. There is a nice article on his work in the July 2001 issue of Model Railroader titled "Steam Special".

Cheers,

Rodger

 

 

 

 

I remember that article, for better reason then, it is a keeper.

Looking at the Brown Book I would say if it is a PFM model it had to have been made between 1959-60.as PFM made no GS4s after that date. Definitly worth keeping and upgrading. NWSL should have motors and a gearbox to improve its running qualitys current value is in the $200-$250 range imho.