I bought it thinking it was worth MUCH more than $200. My questions for you all is this. Was I dilusional? How much is it worth? Should I just keep it?
The log dump car(not really shown) has significant surface rust. All other pieces are clean of rust, but could use a bath. I haven’t run the loco yet. However the wheels turn with a little effort. I was figuring I’d let whoever bought it take care of lubing it before it was ran again.
The 2020 is worth at least $100 or more (if it runs ok) in my opinion. If everything else cleans up good and the track is ok, I’d say you made a great deal. Restoring the dump car I couldn’t really advise you.
In my opinion, you made an OK deal. If you are looking to turn it around and make good money off it, there are better ways. If, on the other hand you are looking for a nice set to enjoy, then it is just that. The 2020 is a great engine, clean and lube and it should run great. The log dump car is not too uncommon, so by restoring it, you won’t hurt value much, take it down, remove the rust and repaint/rebuild. If you want, you can get a replacement car for not too much money. The uncouple/operating track is probably going to need repair too. Usually the wires get cracked. These are relatively easy to work on.
If you like doing restorations, you’ve got a great start. The tender frame can easily be refinished and the platform on the log car can be replaced or blasted and reblued. The 2020 would benefit from a mild cleaning inside and out. These engines are like tanks. I remember that one of the forum members said they put a 2020/671 through a wall as a child![:D] Can’t remember who it was though.
That would be me Jim. I still have the engine and it still runs like a sewing machine! It does have the paint damage from the wreck(s), but otherwise, undamaged. I have thought about touching up the paint, but too many memories go with the scars!
You did OK. If you want to turn around and sell it as is, you should get what you paid. If you want to turn some profit, you should clean it up and get it running right. I have had success freeing ceased mechanisms with pentrating oil such as CRC and letting it soak. It is not a lubricant and the parts have to be lubricated after using it.