I paid too much for this questionable eBay Atlas Chessie GP38. Will it run? Trains with Shane Ep.88

For sentimental reasons I spent more than I normally would have deemed to be a reasonable amount for a used DC N scale Atlas GP38 in Chessie System colors. I'll explain why in the video. But this thing, while was in good condition, cosmetically, was certainly hiding at least a bit of questionable condition underneath. Will it run? Or can we make it run?
Link to Spookshow's page on the Atlas GP38
www.spookshow.n...
Our Patreon
/ i_saw_it_online

[@jamesmendyk8546]

My dad is still around. Last time we talked he told me all his train stuff is mine. I’m still not sure what all is there. It’s all HO. He use to pick up boxes of stuff from yard sales and flee markets in the late 80s early 90s. I do know there is a tyco silver streak in the box that I remember only being ran once when I was 4-5 years old. I’m 46 now.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

You're fortunate that he's still around. You're only a couple years older than me. Treasure every millisecond that your dad is with you. My dad didn't really have any hobbies. I don't think he had time. He was too busy working. ☹

[@joeystrains.9316]

My dad worked for Southern Pacific and got me started in trains. He never got into layouts and collecting but appreciated my hobby. I miss him also and know your pain. I have several bloody nose SP locomotives that keep him on my mind. Nice great running gp38.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

I've got a few SP units as well that I need to do videos on. I didn't know that they, and their Cotton Belt subsidiary, were actually quite common in Texas. Thanks for sharing the memory of your dad, Joey.

[@mustachemike802]

My heart to yours, my friend. Thank you for sharing your dearest memories of your dad. I'm glad you found this loco to help keep those memories close.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

Thanks Mike.

[@aceadman]

I find that “ear wax” in so many older locomotives I get. Never know if that old grease is from a previous owner or from the factory. But removing it always makes a difference. 😊👍👍

[@Trains-With-Shane]

I find it pretty often as well. Generally more in HO scale than in N scale but still not uncommon.

[@MattKonsol]

Nice review of that chessie system gp38 locomotive. About your dad I could relate to it I miss my dad very much him and I were close we did a layout together back in the day. He died about almost 5 years ago in October of 2019. Now I mostly do all the model railroading stuff now as well as the layout. I miss my dad.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

My dad was almost always too busy working to really help us with stuff. He worked 7 days a week. So spending little bits of time with him here and there was very important to my brothers and I.

[@captainjohn787]

Pretty bad when you have to create a scale 7.1 earthquake to get a locomotive to move! Same problem I see with ebay purchases: previous owners don't seem to put much effort into cleaning or maintenance and just give up on their engine when something goes wrong. Enjoyed your video, and thanks for the upload.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

It's the way of things. But if you are willing to put in a little effort the results can be worth it. As shown here. I very much appreciate the kind words, and thanks for stopping by!

[@pm565b2]

My first set was an HO chessie b&o f7 with four cars and a caboose that did an over under figure 8. My mom and grandparents got it for me when I was ten in 93. I played with that life like set for years running it off the table, never cleaning tracks or wheels. Didn't know any better. But that cheap locomotive ran everytime without hiccups and proper care. Now I run n scale in my fourtys and it's like life or death cleaning and maintaining just to keep my expensive Intermountain and atlas dcc locos going.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

Yep. Old HO scale stuff is pretty easy to keep running, Especially old Athearn Blue Box locomotives. I have a bunch and they're excellent.

[@renodemona]

My very first locomotive at 11 years old was a life like gp38 as well. I couldn't afford a painted one so I had to get the undecorated one and poorly paint it in SP grey and red

[@bobmetz9486]

I know your sadness of the loss of your dad. Mine was my hero in many ways. Miss him everyday. Great video as always

[@Trains-With-Shane]

Thanks Bob!

[@stevetee5076]

Good job. Don’t think you spent excessively since you acquired what you wanted, with good reason.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

I agree to an extent. But a well used N scale DC locomotive should not cost $140.

[@inderbuenrostro9511]

Have you tried 4K decals?
Check them out.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

I haven't prior but a quick search on the website didn't show any Chessie Locomotive decal sets for this shceme.

[@inderbuenrostro9511]

😢

[@LeahCortana]

GP40-2 Not 38

[@Trains-With-Shane]

No. it's a GP38