SAHAN,
Thank you for reminding me of the need to tilt the new Challenger #3985 engine forward when filling the Steam Generator with smoke fluid. (Not discussing Allegheny at this time) The smoke fluid would have to contact something that could be bridged by the liquid/fluid and heated to a high degree. The engine shell was as hot as an iron for clothes. I don't think I could hold onto the engine if I were lifting it at the time without some discomfort/pain. Other than a smoke unit or motor, I can't think of anything in the engine with that capability to create so much heat. If it was the motor, I would expect some movement issues. It ran fine. The only failure was the Steam Generator Smoke Effect.
Lionel has the engine. I hope the heat did not damage the wiring inside the engine. There was heat above the Steam Generator, across the top, and also by the Smoke Stacks, though not as hot.
Listing an engine as parts would certainly drive the selling price down. I don't own an engine that bad to list it as parts. I have insisted that all my engines are in excellent/like new condition. I would rather risk a return, than sacrifice profit on an engine sale. Most of my engines are Legacy, 2013 or newer.
Thanks again.
Sincerely, John Rowlen