@CAPPilot posted:My 3rd Rail S2 had a rough life before I bought it.** Engine and tender axles and wheels scattered around in the box, bent smoke deflectors, would not run. After much tender loving care, an ERR upgrade, and more $$ then I like to think about, it is doing pretty good now. Video starts as a blue screen.
**Keep in mind this was a Williams-made engine that 3rd Rail aquired during Williams bankrupcy and released as it first 3-rail engine.
Ron,
You are not alone. When I unpacked my brand new engine, the wheels fell off the tender. I was really upset until my friend who was a quasi-dealer unpacked his and the motor fell out. I have run it on several occasions. It runs ok. I never did install the sound system. When we lived in Brooklyn I had it in my home office. I only started building a layout 2 yrs before we moved. When I made the loft ready in our new home and I unpacked the trains; the S2 was on the railrax with the other steamers. At one point my late wife asked “Where is that engine that I always liked?”. Needless to say it is the only engine ever allowed on the main floor. 
