I have several original Baldwins and a couple are acceptable runners, just. The rest I installed the SNS DC conversion motor kit and never looked back.

 

Fully agree with Yard King. The S-'n-S kit also comes with an electronic reverse board for running with AC track power.

 

Just bought it 79.00 green

 

When you have it, lube the axles and gears, then see how it runs. If it has low mileage and little wear it should run reasonably well.

 

I have 2 355 Baldwins. One original motor, it runs ok. I'll leave it like that.
The other one was finicky so I replaced the engine with a can motor & Dallee reverse unit for kicks.
It runs/reverses far superior to the original. I think it was worth the upgrade.
The original was under my X-mas tree in 1957. I'm keeping both.

 

I have 2 355 Baldwins. One original motor, it runs ok. I'll leave it like that.
The other one was finicky so I replaced the engine with a can motor & Dallee reverse unit for kicks.
It runs/reverses far superior to the original. I think it was worth the upgrade.
The original was under my X-mas tree in 1957. I'm keeping both.

I have 4 Baldwins, 3 355's, and the red 21813 Baldwin with the red stripe passenger cars. They all run good. Dad also bought me the 355 set with the 3 cars back in 1957 or so. My biggest thrill was to run it as fast as it could go and see how far ir would fly off the track....poor thing.

 

Ok thanks guys.