World's Worst Maintained Railroad (Full Video)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 พ.ย. 2024
- Maumee & Western Railroad Company (reporting mark MAW) was a Class III shortline railroad, located between Woodburn, Indiana and Liberty Center, Ohio. The MAW operated on a former Wabash Railroad mainline ("The Fifth District"), which ran Westward out of Toledo to Fort Wayne. After the merger between the Wabash and Norfolk & Western Railroads, the line became a neglected branch under the auspices of the Norfolk & Western, and was partly torn up between Toledo and Liberty Center, with that part of the right of way now acting as a rail-trail. However, Norfolk Southern Railway (formed after the merging of Southern Railway and Norfolk & Western Railroad in 1982) sold the rest of the remaining railroad tracks between Woodburn and Liberty Center to the Indiana Hi-Rail Company in 1990. Indiana Hi-Rail operated the line for several years with Alco locomotives until the company was liquidated in 1997. By that time, this once prosperous line seemed to be facing a possible abandonment. But, the Maumee & Western Railroad, with help from the State of Ohio's, "Rail Development Commission," purchased the line between Woodburn and Liberty Center, with their headquarters being located in Defiance, Ohio. The Maumee & Western operated a daily train between Defiance and Napoleon, except for Saturdays and Sundays.
Since circa 1964 (after the Wabash/N&W merger), the line hasn't received any major repair work, and also runs through Ohio's Great Black Swamp for the majority of it's length. Combined with those two problematic factors, the MAW was bound to creepily slow speeds. In this video, ex-Illinois Central GP10 #16 (in a special Operation Lifesaver paint scheme) struggles to pull empty box cars through the small community of Jewel, on a portion of track that resembles the entire railroad. This line, as you can see, was and still is in dire need for repair. However, at the time, the costs were estimated in the millions, and way too costly for the MAW to maintain. As one can see, it's very hard to imagine that this line was once a mainline on the Wabash Railroad. Despite the poor conditions, the MAW had made some minor improvements with ballast, but as mentioned before, without the sufficient funds, the line still deteriorated. But, in December 2012, hope was yet again revived for this line.
Pioneer Rail Corp. acquired the 51-mile trackage of the Maumee & Western Company in late December of 2012, between Woodburn and Liberty Center. The new subsidiary line is now being called the Napoleon, Defiance & Western Railroad Company. With the purchase and first operations being in January, the new railroad has began their ownership of the line with a great start, and is currently making heavy track repairs between Defiance and Napoleon (as of February 2013). The company plans on continuing track repairs and revamping the line for years to come, and are even preparing for new and former customers of the MAW to join in shipping with the new railroad. Public reception of the railroad is very warm, with the Crescent News in Defiance releasing a headline feature story in their newspaper in January 2013, over viewing the company's bright prospects. Pioneer currently is using three of their own locomotives for operation on the railroad, and plans to add another unit (a GP9 High Hood) very soon.
Subscribe for more Hi-Definition footage of this railroad as it evolves into a new, reliable form of transportation.
*If you're interested in photographing this line, NDW's radio frequency is 160.695 (AAR Channel 39).
Thanks for watching!
Copyright 2012
Note:
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Thanks,
-DIB
I'm going to assume the reason why there weren't any hobos in any of the empty boxcars is because they figured they would get to wherever they were going faster if they got out and walked.
This video taught me that in addition to watching gleaming new trains speeding by at 300kph, and the mechanical ballet of old steam engines chugging past, I also enjoy watching well-worn trains creeping by at 2mph hoping every second they don't derail or tip over ...
What’s the point of having seriously beat up Trains travel on beat up and rusty tracks
@@theshootingstars5192 more money into politician's pockets, thats the only point
@@theshootingstars5192 the economic benifits
Operation Lifesaver: Look, Listen and don't stay on the tracks for more than half an hour, or this thing might sneak up on you.
The odds of a truck driver dying on the interstate are much higher than the odds one of these crewmen is injured in a 10mph accident. Do you propose removing all trucks from the highway?
A good question to ponder is how does this particular railroad keep engineers on the payroll? One trip down this line would be all I could take.
Before the Milwaukee Road went defunct, I rode with the crew as a late teen.
It’s a love for the rails, no less.
The ride was rough, no doubt.
However, most of the time was spent on the ground operating switches, uncoupling cars, or connecting air lines.
There was not a lot of time running the mainline.
I actually felt sorry for the Way Freight guys,
They were on that rough track for a lot more hours!
A day’s pay to go across town? Sign me up. It’s a very lovely twenty minute drive otherwise.
wonderful film even though the state of repairs are badly needed - thanks 4 posting my friend
I agree with a few railfans here. I'd love to see more videos like this instead of brand new locomotives on a maiden run doing 70 mph.
Some day I'll luck out and catch a B36-7 / GP9 struggling up a 2.5% grade with all the great effects that go with it! Seen it once before, but didn't think about recording them. B36-7 running LHF and the geep facing forward, a crew for each locomotive. It sounded beautiful.
DelayInBlock, big thank you for the in-depth description. That's a different kind of railroading there. Wow. ...it would be smoother if they ran on temporary panel track instead.
Lots of comments taking potshots at the condition of the rail and roadbed. Fair enough. The physical plant certainly needs attention. But what folks forget is that if it weren't for this shortline filling in for a reluctant class 1, the customers on this line would go out of business. And we are finding out just how many stranded rail customers there are after all of the mergers over the years. Kudos to the shortlines that continue to provide service to the low volume/ "single car" customers.
Kitty Cat purposefully walking down the track: "Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to leave, you are filming in an unauthorized area, and it is not safe for you to remain here."
he s agreat trackinspector to boot
@becauseisaidso15 well said. Instead of criticizing the operators of this line for running on bad track, you congratulate them for attempting to save a low density line. Not many people understand that part of this business. Most think a few men in a corporate office somewhere are making big bucks by cutting back on maintenance. When in reality, as you point out, they are trying to increase business and salvage rail service to small communities.
Loved the video Jason especially the Tressel Bridge. Thought the tracks by your house were bad this seems much worse.
2:07 There's no way that's part of their line. The rails aren't melting into spaghetti.
I'm surprised that those uneven rails don't cause the whole train to tip over
8:10 Look out, kitty cat! I mean, you have time of course, no rush.
Where the HELL!!!! are the wooden railroad ties?!?!!!!
This should be illegal !
Major violation of safety
Total negligence! 🤬🤯🤬😡
The grain elevators and food warehouses served by the line. The difference between rail rates and truck rates is huge. As long as the products arrive, what does the customer care that the last few miles were taken at a low speed?
I've seen worse. But great video! I love to see old rarely used tracks like this.
This isn't just a US vs UK issue. It's principally the UK and Western Europe vs the rest of the world issue. Europe and the UK in general has driven most of the freight hauled to the highways. In the Americas low speed branchlines are far, far more common and are used for short distant movements of freight. Saves the environment and wear/tear on the highways.
I drove truck in the Midwest, actually surrounding this area, and I always questioned why I’d be doing a run, when it could very easily be run by train. Honestly would love to be replaced by rail service. There is no need for dozens of trucks to be running between two points served by the same rail line.
Neat video, the MAW is a great railroad I just hope they get their track in better shape! Nice video like I said I love seeing video's of this railroad
Every day that engineer takes the longest trip of his life
Quitting your job after a week. That would be good as you would never make a real railroader. This does not show how fast our infrastructure is crumbling at all. Most of the rail system in the US is incredibly efficient, profitable and hauls massive tonnage. This is just a branchline with little traffic that some people are trying to save.
@DelayInBlock ooh please make more vids of this kind of railroads, i love them. it's just amazing to see those trains still running on the bad track.
Great video, loved the close ups and side views of the EMD. That cat must be used to getting his paws massaged by the vibrations in the rails.
That black diesel @ 2:15 has remains of the "Operation Lifesaver" logo on it...
I guess this line really needs OP Lifesaver; nobody would want to wait for their trains to pass the crossing!! :)
Engaging video, very well done and thoroughly enjoyed!
Nice video! Sure would love to see this short line. Also glad to seee an old IC gal still working too!
It may be really bad but, it's a railroad and I'd still love to work on it.
1:47 We give you the world most extreme lawn mower. Blade not included.
In the US, CN and MX when a line is no longer profitable it can be sold by the "big" railroads to local communities or operators who try to save it and win traffic back. For lines like this one where the traffic is low rated ag products there just isn't much to work with. They can be hard or impossible to save. Fortunately derailments are at very low speed and "usually" not that expensive to rerail. I hope they can succeed..
How are they in operation?
Danger is out on the interstate at 70mph. That is where people are killed on a regular basis. And roaring up and down those highways are heavily subsidized truckers. Yes. This line needs significant work. But the danger to the public is out on I-70......not here.
I have to admire the patience of the engineers to crawl along the rails like that. Reminds me of some of the old TP&W track around Bushnell and Good Hope, IL.
Guys, this IS the reality of shortline railroading in America. Most of them are old branch lines bought from Class I's and II's that were on the block to be abandoned. Most shortlines have track very similar to this. Those cars make a couple hundred bucks each for the railroad. Out of that you have to pay crews for train ops, engine maint., car maint., track maint., signal maint., office staff, plus fuel costs and a host of other expenses. Not a lot left in that pie for rebuilding track.
The "shortline" takes the cars from the customers on the branchline and turns it over to the large "Class I" railroads for a long distant haul. For example, grain moved over this line moves to NS where they in turn take the product hundreds of miles to the feed mills in the SouthEast. Therefore hundreds of trucks are taken off the road.
WHOAH!!! Those tracks are all buckled, never seen anything like that before
I couldn't help see the ironic humor at about 10:47 where it shows the sign on the front of the engine, "Always Be Careful".
i think the train is trying to tell you "GET AWAY FROM THERE WHO KNOWS WHEN THIS THING IS GOING TO FALL OVER"
You've heard of the Leaning Tower of Pisa? This is the Leaning Locomotive of Ohio!
This is not a railroad. This is a shitroad
You should see it by the canning plant, one side of the track sags in many places and one of the Sleeper boards is SNAPPED IN HALF!
This is a great example of motivated people. The tracks aren't good. They don't have the best cars. Engines are old. BUT they are still in business because they are ready for the hard work! In the future, if they tear out the tracks and put in new ones. I would love to see them fly! P.S. Great video! Keep up the good work!
How do they even operate trains in such a horrible condition? I wonder how many derailments there have been.
@MrSuperCargile Thanks man! And thank you for your help! I really appreciate it!
Looks like it is due for a track replacement.... Like 10 years ago...
more like 30 years ago!!!
do I hear ,,50 years ago
Conrail was an incredible success story. It certainly did not fail. Amtrak is taxpayer funded, as are most passenger railroads throughout the world. I definitely do not use the word lucky to describe the incredible work performed by individuals in our industry. In North America we move incredible tonnage over long distances and we have done so profitably for decades. In most cases these railroads are privately owned and not taxpayer funded.
The breakup of Conrail was a bloody disaster however. If the nation had the eastern railroads in their sole control, a major hurdle in continued passenger service would not exist. A key route that went through my old town (and two state capitals) was removed in the breakup. Many state’s entire systems are in shambles post Conrail.
There's a thing under the video called a. "Description." Now, this is just a wild guess, but I think that may be a good place to find your answer.
Actually, they’re a 55-mile shortline with 4 locomotives. They keep one in Woodburn (usually, or Cecil) and another up in Napoleon.
I can’t believe you uploaded 22 minutes of video to TH-cam, that had to take forever, especially considering this is pretty good definition!
It runs daily during the work week Mon-Fri between Defiance and Napoleon, OH.
If I ever am in the area, I will make it a point to get out and shoot. Some photos from this line have already made their way to a few of the railfan boards, they are becoming quite a celebrity in the railroad community
The cat was probably going faster than the train. What the hell is keeping that locomotive on the tracks.
the cat is a union cat and he don't have to talk to any 1 just do his job which is walk the line and do his time
That cat was moving faster than the train lol. Cool video tho!
and I thought the bankrupt Penn Central (PC) of the 70s was bad...
Enjoyed the video! What companies are customers on this line....where do all of the boxcars go?
Shot fantastically! love this!
There's something intriguing about this video. Didn't think I'd make it all the way through. "Too boring", I thought. But after a while it became a quest, a chivalrus enterprise to see if the thing would get home okay. Breathed a sigh of relief, too.
What ever happened to the Maumee and Western Railroad?
It got abandoned
That's the spirit. Don't trust a small company trying to make a go of it. You must be one of those guys who only trusts massive corporate giants who only would operate trains at high speed for high volume massive customers. That's the spirit! Screw the little guys struggling to survive!!!!
What an eye opener!
I think that could have been the slowest train i have ever seen! Fantastic footage!
i am sorry but why hasn't this section of rail been repaired.
How would shutting the line down leave them with profits. Scrap rail value doesn't bring much. Rest of them? Actually the shortline industry in the US has been incredibly successful in saving lines. And it is entirely possible this operator may shut down the line due to a lack of revenue. But I for one wish them well and hope it works out well for them and all shortline operators. It may not in this case, but for the communities and small shippers served I for one hope it does.
Get out and push it..IT MIGHT GO FASTER
Great video! Keep shooting this train and I'm sure sooner or later you'll catch a derailment as it happens! We used to have a stretch of freight track in my town, Wakefield MA, that would've given this a run for its money. About one 6 car freight train per week would slowly (5-10 mph) cautiously pick its way down the track. It was always a sight to see..there were frequent derailments, but as it looks like is the case with this, the cost of rerailing a boxcar is cheaper than laying new track!
Audio would fit a nice Japanese horror movie where King Kong starts knocking over a huge steel roller coaster ride, ripping it all apart & watching it collapse in 20 different directions. No two freight cars are going, tilting, rising or sinking down at the same time. I wonder what this line pays for liability insurance?
My 97 year old mother can walk faster than this train is moving at many locations.
You are absolutly right, I prefer a company that invests something to satisfy their costumers and believe me in this world are more small companies that have a better reputation than this here!!!!
The Geep isn't struggling to pull its consist; just going slowly due to the bad track condition, as you pointed out!
It could be run with a Plymouth (if they could find one)
@metraF40PH163 Thank you for the clarification.
The crews who operate the trains should be given a medal for the safe operation of the trains and the owners fined heavily until the run is repaired!!!!!!
Sad. The railroads were a source of pride not that long ago. From the track to the graffiti and over grown right of way the only point of pride is the thing stayed on the rails.
8:35 you had a buddy!
Ten years later and I'll bet their not any better
I was a conductor on this railroad for a short time the yard was located at this time in Defiance Ohio we had a runaway engine take off on us it was chased down and stopped I will never for get it and yes the tracks were in terrible shape.
The Operation Lifesaver logo was painted on the locomotive by the Illinois Central locomotive before it was purchased by the Maumee and Western. They never got around to painting their engines, except for "MAW" painted under the side windows on most of them.
Great video I can't beleave how bad the rail is.
Would make a good location for " Mythbusters " crew to do a show. How about placing a couple of wired up Buster Dummies inside of 2 Hyrailers and doing a heads on at 25 MPH?
That's actually in pretty decent shape for a branch line. There is far worse out there still in service.
The sad part about most of this line is that the roadbed just sucks up ballast. There are a lot of these lines out east that boast of a hastily built roadbed that just can't take continued pounding.
The Southern Pacific had the same problems on the Stratford Branch here in Central California. Their theory was at the time: "Don't fix it til it derails" their delayed maintenance program. By comparison the Santa Fe when they had branch lines and divisional main lines, used to keep them up to class one mainline standards. They did so until the lines were sold in 1992 and sadly those tracks were the first pulled out by the SJVR. keeping SP's old junky lines instead, Mike in Fresno, Ca
Wow. Amazing solution. I'm sure the operators never thought of that.
The tracks are so bad because the earth is rejecting Ohio.
Love this video!! It allows you to really soak up the scenery!! Love those storm clouds!!
I agree with about everything you said. (Except for the fast money with no investment part. Low density short line railroads absolutely DO NOT make fast money). And I definitely would hesitate locating a factory or rail dependent business on that particular branch. On the other hand keep in mind the reason that line is in that shape is neglect by a "big company". The small company is trying to salvage it.
I've only seen bits and pieces of this line in person....and even then it was years ago. However, from what I did see you are right. I doubt there's a stretch on the entire line I would take at more than 10mph. I wish them well. Hope they can make a go of it in the long run.
this must bee the nearest thing to a off-road track that a train will ever see....
FRA Excepted Track (which is the kind you see in this video) only needs to have a certain amount of new rail-ties & plates put in every so often as the FRA deems necessary. So it's nothing special. Rail maintenance is expensive, especially for a short-line. They have to pinch pennies. Not to mention seen it's FRA Excepted Track, and they can only transport up to 5 hazardous material cars at a time.
If I were in charge of tracks in that bad of condition, the only thing I'd allow down those tracks is maintenance vehicles to fix the track
"You know," said Arthur with a slight cough, "if this is Southend, there's something very odd about it ..."
"You mean the way the sea stays steady and the buildings keep washing up and down?" said Ford. "Yes I thought that was odd too."
You mean MAW? OK. Here you go. The line was taken over from NS via their TB Lease Program in the 80's. Initially run by IHRC and now MAW. Not a great deal of traffic and most of it is low revenue (Ag products). Poor grading makes it difficult to address cross-level issues with the 100 ton cars they move. Answered you the first time. Your turn. Give us the road, date, and location of your BS tale.
I don't spend a lot of time thinking about MAW, but the issues they have are common with many shortlines. They inherited lousy track and a low revenue low density per mile traffic base. And yes, much of their traffic went away because short haul cement rates ate into their base.
not as bad as a story i heard. They placed some cars on a spur and left them they were on the track. Wgen an engine returned to move them off, the cars were on the ground. Standing still derailments!
08;51 LOL @ the cat!
Unbelievable!!! That is awesome, I bet those guys are expert re-railers. :)
Great job, now we all know that you fail to read video descriptions.
@jfybby2 Yes, I believe so. I have only fanned this line twice, so I'm not 100% familiar with it myself. For the most part, it parallels US 24 out of Defiance.
Mayor Stubbs of Alaska is an actual mayor, I would highly recommend that this railroad hire the kitty as the right of way maintenance manager!
This is just what eastern railroads in the late 60s and early 70s were like
17:07 The speed sensor on the second axle journal-box has no cable. Not that they really need it.
Clarification: Those rails can be bent to the side as well if they are bent at the same angle allowing the train to stay on the tracks like a mini curve if you will.
@fotaugrafee Car supply is governed by NS and CSXT. They "share" cars with shortlines and their own customers. Car leases for 4750's are out of sight. The shortline and elevators can't afford the commitment. The outbound cement moved dried up when truckers dramatically undercut the rates NS and CSXT required to move the product. That basically leaves car storage as a main revenue source for many shortlines. Truth doesn't hurt, but your truth in these examples is ignorant.