This is a battery operated "out and back" locomotive. It takes a "D" cell battery in the boiler. I tried a D cell I had and it did not work. Hooked it to a low voltage power pack and the motor turned but was apparent it needs lubrication. There is a push rod that reverses the direction of the loco. There is what appears to be tape residue on one side of the boiler, but very very little rust. This is a very sharp piece. With a little TLC and lubrication this should be back to fully operation. As it does not work from the battery now, it is being sold "AS IS".