Will it Run? 83 Year Old Yellowstone Locomotive - Abandoned Project

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  • Опубліковано 14 лют 2023
  • Around two years ago I was digging through some boxes at a train store and ended up finding this ho scale Varney 2-8-8-4 Yellowstone locomotive from around 1939. Unfortunately this locomotive was missing countless parts and was in some of the worst condition I've ever seen.
    I believe this was likely started as a project that was never finished so getting it going would require making an entire drivetrain from scratch. I used Rivarossi and Tyco sets for the wheels, a generic 12volt motor and some gears from an Athearn.
    After many hours of adjusting things and putting the engine together I was finally able to get it running again. I decided to give it a new coat of paint and some new details as well to finish it off.
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  • @linscher
    @linscher 4 місяці тому +11

    My husband is a train enthusiast and he just loves your show. We can’t believe how you brought this thing back to life. You are just amazing to watch.

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  4 місяці тому +3

      Thank you, I appreciate hearing that!

  • @antonbruce1241
    @antonbruce1241 Рік тому +127

    Harrison, this repair was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!! You took a certifiable piece of junk, and got it on the rails and running again. Now all ya need is that trailing tuck, and it'll be PERFECT! BTW - love the paint job as well!

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Рік тому +18

      Thanks, I know it isn't perfect but I'm happy with what it is now.

    • @normancoreyBuildingTrains
      @normancoreyBuildingTrains Рік тому +5

      @@SMTMainline if you can find a way to put a traction tire on the front truck it will stop the wheels from binding I don't think it's actually binding there is probably not enough weight to hold wheels on the rails even though you added some weight the tyco tender driven steams would bind a bit I actually took a piece of electric tape and cut it to size and put it on one wheel and it stopped the wheels from sliding on the rails where the two ends meet put a drop of glue don't over lap it will cause it to thump when it hits that spot.

    • @olafjentzsch6759
      @olafjentzsch6759 Рік тому +1

      You really have alot of talent. Very cool locomotive. Thanks for sharing with us.🚂 Happy Railroading

    • @John-op5vi
      @John-op5vi Рік тому +1

      Yes Antoni agree so join me in nominating Harrison for a Noble Piece Prize.)

    • @brennenseibert6708
      @brennenseibert6708 Рік тому

      ​@@SMTMainline maybe at some trailing Wheels under the cab

  • @chuckdeyo291
    @chuckdeyo291 Рік тому +15

    I'm always impressed at what you do with a box full of spares and a hot glue gun. MacGyver of the RR hobby.

  • @railsofontario3029
    @railsofontario3029 Рік тому +63

    2 years after the project was was announced it runs….
    but seriously it is amazing how you got this ancient locomotive running again with parts that would not fit originally in the slightest! Amazing work! I was dumbfounded by how well it runs considering the kit-bashed drive. Also like how you preserved the original numbers;)

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Рік тому +4

      It might have taken a while but better late than never right? I'm amazed the drive works as well as it does too, that motor is pretty strong.

    • @An_Official_Scratcher
      @An_Official_Scratcher Рік тому

      @@SMTMainline I wouldn't disagree, that motor is strong.

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Рік тому +3

      @@An_Official_Scratcher that’s what I said.

  • @kroy1037
    @kroy1037 Рік тому +12

    Harrison, your success with this engine was beyond restoration, it's resurrection: well done!

  • @RevRenegade
    @RevRenegade Рік тому +31

    Another successful restoration by SMT!
    Also, 15:30 was one of my favorite parts. The excitement you could hear from him made me smile. :)
    Keep up the great work, my guy!

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Рік тому +7

      Thanks, this was a challenging one but I am happy with the results. Super excited when I first got it going again.

  • @williamfowler8840
    @williamfowler8840 Рік тому +8

    😲😲😲This is absolutely the most jaw dropping-est rebuild you have ever done!!! WOW!

  • @nathankeske5697
    @nathankeske5697 Рік тому +33

    That one looked a little rough at the beginning lol. Amazing transformation!!!

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Рік тому +3

      It needed some love for sure. I wish I had the OEM parts though.

  • @rayvestrayvene5376
    @rayvestrayvene5376 Рік тому +6

    Wow 83 years old. Makes me realize i dont know when the first HO scale train was made. Nice job buddy.

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Рік тому +4

      For HO that's pretty long ago, I suspect the first were probably from the late 20s early 30s.

    • @Petemonster62
      @Petemonster62 Рік тому +1

      @@SMTMainline - Leonard Williams has some You Tube videos on that subject, " Bing Table Top Railway HO gauge vintage train deluxe outfit #4 clockwork circa 1923 made in Germany ". " Pennsylvania K4 steam engine 1st HO gauge engine made in America by George D Stock 1929 outside third rail ". & " Vintage Alco Diesel Locomotive Train Walther's one of the first HO gauge /scale diesels 1938-40 ".

  • @qwincyq6412
    @qwincyq6412 Рік тому +6

    You’re becoming the MacGyver of model railroading! Well done.

  • @niallcasey2057
    @niallcasey2057 Рік тому +6

    This has been the highlight of the year for me. Great to see you revive, what to many would be scrap. I wish you all the best for future challenges. Niall in Ireland

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Рік тому +4

      Thanks a bunch! It was a tricky one but I'm very happy with the results.

  • @tropicalties3806
    @tropicalties3806 Рік тому +24

    Very impressive to say the least. I would like to see a follow up video on this locomotive. I think a tune up to chase out the bugs, some more paint work, this would be a 10/10 rock star. Great work Harrison.

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Рік тому +6

      I'm gonna try my best to finish it off but I'm already happy with where it's at.

    • @wilfred8326
      @wilfred8326 3 місяці тому

      ​​@@SMTMainline I am trying to think of trailing trucks for it....
      FYI some of the first Diesel Switcher Trucks were adapted from Tender Trucks....
      There's a Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Yellowstone that IS PRESERVED. I found it on Google, # 225. 225's rear truck looks *vaguely* like the front truck of an Athearn HO Rotary.
      The Athearn Rotary Truck would have to be pushed "shimmed down" and an tongue/slot built to swing and guide the engine....

  • @jasonw2671
    @jasonw2671 Рік тому +1

    This is what model railroading is all about! Great work. Your resourcefulness with these projects always amazes me and it is another reason I am a subscriber. I can’t wait to see the final product!

  • @Northern1225
    @Northern1225 Рік тому +3

    Watching this make me want to make a Yellowstone,not just that but this kinda inspires me because it was in bad condition but you still pulled through even if it wasn’t 100% finished

  • @awr1050
    @awr1050 Рік тому +4

    This was awesome! I'm not much of a steam guy, but this got me really amped to build one as you did! Amazing job, hats off to ya. Would love to see you do this again and again in the future. Thanks for the fantastic content!

  • @duncanfox2168
    @duncanfox2168 Рік тому +3

    you did a amazing job fixing it up from a shell and a truck to a fully functional loco Great job

  • @gpalmt
    @gpalmt Рік тому +1

    Bravo Harrison. This has to be your finest project to date. You took a piece of junk and turned it into a working engine. I’m sure that no one else would have taken the time nor had the success that you had. Congratulations!!

  • @Top-Trains-1943
    @Top-Trains-1943 Рік тому +9

    Wow SMT thats amazing your pretty much the doctor with trains, you fix everything with your skills. The steam locomotive looks amazing, the white painted wheels and side frames look awesome on it as well. Great video Harrison.

  • @ginaklein8964
    @ginaklein8964 Рік тому +1

    I felt your excitement as your revamped 2884 circled your layout! Very nice ending to my day!

  • @hush6149
    @hush6149 10 годин тому

    I still remember when you found it. This was awesome to see!

  • @Realohiorailroadproductions
    @Realohiorailroadproductions Рік тому +2

    Wow! That was by far one of the most amazing model train Restorations I think I've ever seen before. Great job smt!

  • @johncloar1692
    @johncloar1692 Рік тому +1

    You have a runner! Good work Harrison thanks for taking us along.

  • @danielwhite1126
    @danielwhite1126 Рік тому

    Harrison you did a TREMENDOUS on this rebuild what a great piece of work. Keep going young man once once again CONGRADS !!!!!!!!!!

  • @kevinb9327
    @kevinb9327 Рік тому +1

    You NEVER cease to amaze! 😮 Impressive indeed!

  • @oldcarsaverjones5124
    @oldcarsaverjones5124 Рік тому +1

    Amazing work-love the combining of all the different parts!

  • @BriansModelTrains
    @BriansModelTrains Рік тому +1

    Great stuff!! Always a joy to watch you make something work again.

  • @caboosech
    @caboosech Рік тому +5

    Great job on restoring at Old Yellowstone nice to see something old but good running

  • @AlleghenyMTNRails
    @AlleghenyMTNRails Рік тому +1

    Funny enough, I was literally looking for ideas to scratchbuild a B&O EM-1, also a Yellowstone, and the notification for this video comes up.
    I’ll be honest, the sheer excitement in his voice, this man probably hasn’t been happier than that in a LONG time. 😂
    Thank you for uploading this when you did Harrison, this is exactly what I needed. Awesome video, keep it up.

  • @toddcogswell9470
    @toddcogswell9470 Рік тому +1

    Amazing. I just love watching your videos. This is one of my favorites.

  • @joallawestervelt6918
    @joallawestervelt6918 Рік тому +2

    O M G!!!!! Absolutely amazing! The Harrison Touch prevails!! You did an incredible job on bringing life back to this beautiful old girl. Way to go Harrison. 💕

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Рік тому +1

      Thanks, this one was pretty tricky but I'm happy with the results.

  • @MMRails
    @MMRails Рік тому

    There’s not much I can say that everyone hasn’t already said. Absolutely incredible. Things I like. As you know, the hot screwdriver through plastic. You rummaging through your parts collection. And finally, your genuine “yes!” when it first started to run. I’d like those 3 things in each video from now on please. 😊

  • @normancoreyBuildingTrains
    @normancoreyBuildingTrains Рік тому +1

    Harrison you have some mad skills. Bringing life back to that 83 year old almost hopeless locomotive is quite an accomplishment.

  • @meliketrains7
    @meliketrains7 Рік тому +4

    i love your content. it makes me so happy to see some of my favorite locomotives in ho scale get restored

  • @darrenoftheNorth
    @darrenoftheNorth Рік тому +2

    Wow!! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I am very impressed as well. Nothing can stop smt mainline!

  • @lovedrjectionblacklistedme2508

    This by far was the most beautiful amazing video 🥰 love the artwork you did on her

  • @RailRoadRex439
    @RailRoadRex439 Рік тому

    I’m genuinely impressed with how well this restoration project turned out. Nice work man!

  • @LifeOfRiley2166
    @LifeOfRiley2166 Рік тому +1

    Phenomenal Harrison! I really enjoyed this video. I like how you pieced it together with stuff you have on hand. A skill I do not have.

  • @DaMrFoundational
    @DaMrFoundational Рік тому +3

    This restoration was taken to the next level you really have proven your talents SMT and I wish you the best

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Рік тому +1

      Thanks, it tested my skills but I'm happy with the results.

  • @ApproachDiverging013
    @ApproachDiverging013 Рік тому +2

    Well done SMT! Very impressed how you kitbashed the 2 different wheel sets to get it on the rails! With the new paint job it looks really nice and can even pull your intermodal train fairly well! You should definitely bring that to model train shows to showcase! You can also easily upgrade it to DCC and sound since there's a lot of space for a decoder and cube speaker!
    Also, regarding my Bachmann F7, I sorted out the brushes in the pancake motor and it now runs like a champ! I used your Bachmann Amtrak F7 resto video as a reference. Its a 43 year old engine that is now back in service!

  • @NorthmassRails
    @NorthmassRails Рік тому +1

    Running that Intermodal train reminded me about when the UP Challenger pulled an intermodal! 👍

  • @jebbohanan2626
    @jebbohanan2626 Рік тому +1

    Yeah buddy!!
    Rummaging around through spare parts and cobbling together a loco that actually works, IS PROBABLY THE MOST SATISFYING THING, THAT A TINKERER CAN DO!!
    And you made it look good also!!
    Definitely a huge thumbs up!!

  • @the44thcosmic_galaxy25
    @the44thcosmic_galaxy25 3 місяці тому

    When I clicked on the video I thought it was going to be a quick fix and motor maintenance, because of how good the thumbnail looked. And when I saw that carcass in your hand when the video started I was startled. I wouldn't have had the slightest idea of how to make that chassis into a running train. Wow I want to say that this is one of the most pleasing videos to watch on your channel. Just because of how stunning the results are, considering that at the beginning this just looked like a piece of metal.

  • @oskarvalance3041
    @oskarvalance3041 Рік тому

    Once again you did it. Just amazing.

  • @ChristopherBrown-mq1lg
    @ChristopherBrown-mq1lg Рік тому +1

    You are the MAN !! Great job bringing Frankenloco back to life !!

  • @robertrussell6774
    @robertrussell6774 Рік тому +2

    Congratulations there's nothing you can do you've helped so many people with your knowledge of HO ENGINES TRULY INSPIRING

  • @oystercreek9
    @oystercreek9 Рік тому +4

    Adding a trailing wheel set will help to keep the nose down and get the front drivers working better I think. Excellent effort!

  • @lucase.garcia8026
    @lucase.garcia8026 Рік тому +1

    Nice one pal!! It's great that you adapted everything yourself!! Congratulations!!

  • @SoRTs6233
    @SoRTs6233 9 місяців тому

    Harrison, that was AWESOME! Your joy in seeing it run was infectious, I was rootin' for ya! It wasn't perfect but I wouldn't have tackled that. You deserve a medal for services to Model Locomotive Restoration! Well Done!

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  8 місяців тому +1

      I had my doubts this one was gonna work out but somehow it lives on.

  • @flatlandsline1968
    @flatlandsline1968 Рік тому +1

    I remember when you got this like for ever ago nice details and nice job on fixing it!

  • @Spokes-xs2sh
    @Spokes-xs2sh Рік тому +1

    Awesome. I love these ancient projects ! Keep them coming..

  • @David-yo5re
    @David-yo5re Рік тому +2

    Wow! You did an awesome job on that Harrison. That is why I called you Dr. Trainkenstein. Parts from multiple manufacturers and miscellaneous parts and you brought it to life.

  • @jefflynnalex
    @jefflynnalex Рік тому

    Varney never had a complete kit for these. They made the shell and that's it. This is from an era when there was hardly anything available in HO scale and, in order to build almost any locomotive, a modeler had to use a combination of the limited parts that were available and their own wits and creativity. Varney made their own locomotives but also many extra parts, motors, chassis, etc which could be purchased separately to help hobbyists. The Yellowstone was always intended to be such a project. It was to be powered by combining two existing Varney (or Mantua) 2-8-0 chassis with the trailing truck from their 4-6-4. I've seen one of these shells combined with two Varney 4-6-2 chassis to create a Challenger type 4-6-6-4. All up to the modeler. What you've done is perfectly keeping with how this boiler was intended to be used albeit with more modern parts. Way to go!

  • @gregnowak2492
    @gregnowak2492 Рік тому +1

    So cool! Very impressive, sir! Great job!!

  • @edwardbischof3161
    @edwardbischof3161 Рік тому

    Good job! I’m really amazed you got it running.

  • @gregduck7455
    @gregduck7455 Рік тому

    Jeez, what an astounding restoration. Your talents bringing these ancient model railway relics to life are fantastic. Very cool, Harrison, great job!

  • @michaellindsey8769
    @michaellindsey8769 Рік тому +1

    Absolutely beautiful and fantastic it's been in the making

  • @wilde1909
    @wilde1909 Рік тому +2

    I really liked this video, hope to see more like this one. Everybody can go out and and buy a new locomotive, but taking one like this and turning it into a runner is special. Hope to see you putting the finishing touches on it sometime.

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Рік тому +2

      I'd like to get the rest of the parts asap and call it complete :)

  • @casstelles
    @casstelles Рік тому +7

    I like the creativity of the front end of the locomotive. You might look into fishing weights, tire weights, or BBs to help weigh down the front end of the locomotive drivers.

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Рік тому +4

      Tire weights would be a good choice because of their shape, thanks for the suggestion.

  • @gamerfan8445
    @gamerfan8445 Рік тому +3

    You all ways amazed me, with your projects. I been working on a kit based from a rivarossi cap forward to a Yellowstone. And I still have problems getting it to run. You have a talent, keep it up. 😊

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Рік тому +3

      Thanks, this was a tricky one.

    • @gamerfan8445
      @gamerfan8445 Рік тому +1

      @@SMTMainline I did some research and I found your Yellowstone is most likely a Northern pacific one. Due the shape of the cab, and when it was made.

  • @rodneygouthier6090
    @rodneygouthier6090 9 днів тому

    Incredible, I love it ! Keep up the good work.

  • @schuey089
    @schuey089 10 місяців тому

    Just brilliant! Great repair job! 👍

  • @TooManyHobbiesJeremy
    @TooManyHobbiesJeremy Рік тому +1

    Congrats on flexing your engineering muscles. Nice job using what you had on hand to get this running.

  • @PirateChiefPC1
    @PirateChiefPC1 Рік тому

    Pretty darned impressive! You are a master!

  • @railartist001
    @railartist001 Рік тому +1

    You are absolutely amazing with what you doo .... I AM in awe ....

  • @bichela
    @bichela 11 місяців тому

    Love the work done. It looks really nice.

  • @EMDSD14R
    @EMDSD14R Рік тому

    One man's junk is another man's Yellowstone! I enjoyed seeing this being built! Great job!

  • @masonlopez7386
    @masonlopez7386 Рік тому +1

    When you yelled yes, it put a smile on my face. The work you do seems impossible!

  • @bobsbasementhotrains3020
    @bobsbasementhotrains3020 Рік тому +1

    Great video. Many years ago I tried something similar with two TYCO drives .I pull the axleand added a gear to it and . used a shortend Monogram big boy for the shell. Never got it to run. Nice to see your project is successful.

  • @bobbyshobbiesTrainHunter
    @bobbyshobbiesTrainHunter Рік тому

    Very Enjoyable episode, SMT. Fun project and clever use of parts from other locomotives! Nice adaptation to convert motor position using Athearn gears. The live lighter flame sorta spooks me so close to motor and plastic, when you melted the heat shrink tubing. Amazing the loco makes those turns! Totally free swiveling leading unpowered drive wheels I am sure helped. Paint pen was a great idea, too. Your enthusiasm is a boost for the hobby! Best, Bobby

  • @Timerman765
    @Timerman765 Рік тому

    This is great Harrison can't wait for more content

  • @johnnycee5179
    @johnnycee5179 11 місяців тому

    You know own a very unique locomotive. Very nicely done, my hat is off to you.

  • @stephenrickjr.7519
    @stephenrickjr.7519 Рік тому +4

    Impressive restoration 👌👍!

  • @FrankTedesco
    @FrankTedesco Рік тому +1

    GREAT work, Harrison.

  • @gregginter5867
    @gregginter5867 Рік тому

    A beautiful Frankenstein! Well done. Can’t believe it’s running that well!

  • @guyelluzzi2705
    @guyelluzzi2705 Рік тому +1

    Wow, that was a hoot! I think that build was beyond MacGuyver and more along the lines of Dr. Frankenstein. No one more suprised that you when it actually ran, Nice work! I really enjoy your channel, Keep up the great content.

  • @1234mallard
    @1234mallard Рік тому

    Very well done pulling it together into a working locomotive. Can’t wait until you get the last couple of pieces and complete it

  • @Petemonster62
    @Petemonster62 Рік тому

    SMT! That is one heck of an incredible kit-bash! Also, when I sent you the box of items around Christmas time, I included some small weights that might help hold down the front drive wheel assembly. It also wouldn't hurt to also oil the crosshead guides and tender wheel bearings, along with the drivers, valve gear assembly, & where the piston rods enter the cylinders!

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Рік тому +1

      Shoot, I should have added those weights to the front truck. I added some oil but I think the main issue is that the screws were over torqued.

  • @wowdad3055
    @wowdad3055 Рік тому +1

    Once again awesome job.

  • @mercuryoak2
    @mercuryoak2 Рік тому +1

    When I first saw this locomotive I was thinking well it probably wouldn't run. Or the project will be put off for a while due to lack of parts. But I see that you got it running and I could hear that massive excitement when it's almost like you wanted to jump up as you said it runs. That caught me off guard as well and then I smiled I was like damn that's amazing. Good job on the paintwork I like the white wall effect and lines.

  • @bryankerns8482
    @bryankerns8482 Рік тому

    Very well done, I'm a big fan of restoring old projects people have left behind and am so glad to see another Modeler who's not afraid to tackle a mess and make it ready for the rails again.
    A possible fix for that front set "locking up" would be adding some weights to the frame of those wheels. Since the boiler is mounted to the back set none of the weight is on the front, so I'd bet they're just slipping over the rails rather than gripping and spinning; I had a brass C&O 2-6-6-2 with a similar drive to yours and it did the very same thing.
    Awesome job, keep up the good work!

  • @shaqtus3365
    @shaqtus3365 Рік тому +6

    Finally, the Varney Yellowstone is being restored! I remember seeing the haul video that he got this in and I couldn't wait until the restoration video on it came out.

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Рік тому +1

      It took a while but I'm happy to see it running.

  • @lotsatrains
    @lotsatrains Рік тому +1

    Very clever ideas and great job on getting that going I really like it 👍

  • @Leesion73
    @Leesion73 Рік тому +1

    Harrison that was just awesome work, congrats! SERENITY..................

  • @drosselvonflugel4886
    @drosselvonflugel4886 Рік тому +1

    You basicly build a completely new loc made out of spare parts. I love it.

  • @1621billw
    @1621billw 6 місяців тому

    83 years old and still kicking, very nice work!

  • @mlw2613
    @mlw2613 Рік тому +2

    as someone who has seen one of these behemoths DMIR # 227 and a native of the territory they ran i am very excited you got this going again. now you just need some ore cars! also contemplating sending you a offer for it if your willing Harrison.

  • @carltesh9612
    @carltesh9612 Місяць тому

    Harrison, Awesome restoration on a piece of junk truly a treasure

  • @NJEsperantist
    @NJEsperantist Рік тому +1

    That was a fantastic ressurection of a discarded engine! Incredible transformation!

  • @ddyodaman5515
    @ddyodaman5515 Рік тому +1

    Another fine mission! Completed!!😎

  • @adamspears280
    @adamspears280 Рік тому +1

    FrankenSteam lives again. Awesome job.

  • @mRSiR1057
    @mRSiR1057 Рік тому +2

    Wow!! What an awesome job.

  • @davidrodgers1321
    @davidrodgers1321 Рік тому

    This is my favorite salvage repair video! Love it! The white pin stripes definitely add a touch. Dual motor would be sweet on a heavy locomotive like that. Put the same drive with another can motor in the front.

  • @robertnielsen2461
    @robertnielsen2461 Рік тому +1

    Called kit bashing many years ago,lost art now. Well done,thanks

  • @shockstrains5077
    @shockstrains5077 Рік тому

    i remember when you first got this piece and now it’s finally running it’s amazing how time flies

  • @Scraghunter
    @Scraghunter Рік тому +1

    Neatly done! My brain is over here mentally making a DCC conversion to that rig lol. Doable.. Two Rapido trucks under the tender and little to no wiring in the loco itself. Hide the whole DCC setup in the tender. Could even get sound!

  • @johnellick7778
    @johnellick7778 Рік тому +1

    It's alive !!! You are the doctor Frankenstein of HO scale locomotives. Lol Great job putting that mess together and getting it running. Best youtube channel out there,especially if you love those old trains. 👍

  • @LIMPGUITAR
    @LIMPGUITAR Рік тому +1

    Great stuff man!

  • @djdaz72
    @djdaz72 Рік тому

    Nicely done an enjoyable video to watch

  • @Ender701
    @Ender701 Рік тому +1

    Congrats, you have got all of my attention for over 25 minutes

  • @GhostKnight5
    @GhostKnight5 Рік тому +5

    FINALLY THE YELLOWSTONE AGAIN