any one have an atlas industrial steam engine?

Yes, they will roll (slowly) when pushed - I just checked an engine that I built that used one for the running gear.

Thing is, they are not push toys, and will not survive this sort of treatment long. An electric train locomotive deserves far better treatment that this. Buy a toy, a push toy, for pushing, and not a model. The detailing on the Industrial Rail  4-4-2 (a model of a Pennsy loco) is actually pretty good and accurate, so far as it goes.

Say no, or wait until he is older. The loco will wind up in the trash in 2 weeks if I understand your situation.

John, The Atlas O Industrial Rail 4-4-2 is probably not a good candidate for the type of use you describe. For one thing, it has a very short wheelbase – that is, the four drive wheels are very close together. When mine has occasionally gotten stuck in a remote section of my layout, I've noticed that it is not easy to manually push and keep on the track.

While I agree with D500's response that a toy train designed for being a "push toy" would be a better idea, I also know that's not always possible. I remember pushing my father's 224E around the tree many, many Christmases ago.

I'd suggest an inexpensive Lionel 4-4-2 starter set loco. The DC motor turns easily, they are pretty bullet-proof, relatively inexpensive – and, when the push-toy days are over, easy enough to repair if any damage is done.