Largest Abandoned Factory We've Ever Explored! - Steel Mill Blast Furnace

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ม.ค. 2019
  • In this episode we check out the largest abandoned factory we've ever explored - a massive blast furnace known as HFB and it's associated steelworks. This location has been on our bucket list for years and it was amazing to finally be able to travel to Belgium to see it for ourselves. It's truly one of the most impressive abandoned industrial sites in the world.
    Special thanks to Pierre M, an ex-employee of the steel mill who allowed us to use his footage of the blast furnace in action. You can see his blog about the steel industry in Liège here: haut-fourneau06.skyrock.com/
    We also used footage from "HF6: The End of the Film" which you can watch here: • «HF6: la fin du film» ...
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ความคิดเห็น • 1.5K

  • @TheProperPeople
    @TheProperPeople  5 ปีที่แล้ว +757

    Hope everyone enjoyed this episode! This was a special one for us since this was a bucket list location of ours for so many years. Wouldn't be possible without all of you and we're so appreciative of that fact.
    Special thanks to Pierre M, an ex-employee of the steel mill who allowed us to use his footage of the blast furnace in action. You can see his blog about the steel industry in Liège here: haut-fourneau06.skyrock.com/
    Also, who knows what "omelette du fromage" is from?

    • @joshuap4339
      @joshuap4339 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      lit asf

    • @hanselcool9828
      @hanselcool9828 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      U guys r amazing ☺️

    • @idgaf5252
      @idgaf5252 5 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      I love the inclusion of the real footage, provided it's available I wish you'd used it on all your other explorations

    • @maxhi2583
      @maxhi2583 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The Proper People I love watching your video

    • @Rillion02
      @Rillion02 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      This was probably my favorite of all of y'all's videos so far. The sheer detail and quality put into every single one of these videos makes me anxiously wait for the next one

  • @TechnoNut96
    @TechnoNut96 3 ปีที่แล้ว +195

    As an engineer, I can’t imagine how stressful this facility would have been to design/build/operate/maintain.

    • @trunki006
      @trunki006 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      I'm not an engineer (cause I'm only a teen) but I am writing a story about a character who's an electrical engineer and I know some stuff about engineering. When I saw all of that machinery I thought how much effort the engineers have put to create facilities like that - just like Abel van de Ven (my character) does!

    • @computername
      @computername ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Blast furnaces are just unreal. I'm an automotive design engineer so learning about heavy industry and steel making is more like a hobby to me. But I recommend visiting one (I went to the Henrichshütte Hattingen museum), it is breathtaking to realize the specs and some details of the design and the operation. Since the iron age, the blast furnace is really the cradle of all technology. It's maybe a lot more controlled now (I would like to visit Thyssen in Duisburg, they do tours) but you get the idea how much of a wild ride it was running one of the older ones. Even standing next to a deactivated one radiates pure violence. It's a continuous hellfire. One detail of the operation for example is, if there is a blockage inside the furnace (build up of non-combustible material) they would drill a hole into the steel shell into the furnace and insert an explosive charge to free the clot. Insane. People have died doing this. Anyway, I'd love to visit the sites in Belgium, too. I think a lot of people don't even have a remote idea of what's actually involved in many of their everyday products.

    • @laurencapp3335
      @laurencapp3335 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My dad is a professional engineer and worked at the USS Clairton works for years. He was always stressed out. I am in school for drafting and I couldn't imagine maintaining one of these bad boys.

    • @FernandoFlores-xi3mh
      @FernandoFlores-xi3mh 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Up until March 2023...i worked in a Basic Oxygen Furnace as an HSE supervisor. I had a.friend who worked in the blast furnace next door. It was the biggest steel Mill in Latin America...

    • @MinhNguyen-ef6um
      @MinhNguyen-ef6um 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      which year did they make it and how did they design all of that stuff and make sure the system worked. I'm an industrial designer, just wondering how people made great things back then with poor computer performance

  • @TheXnaut
    @TheXnaut 5 ปีที่แล้ว +432

    "Blast Furnace" is still the most kickass name for anything.

    • @Jasa12265
      @Jasa12265 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ohey, a fellow Blocklander

    • @Redrally
      @Redrally 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      In that case, check out the track Blast Furnace by Magnitogorsk - you're welcome ;)

    • @KutWrite
      @KutWrite 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes... as well as "Bessemer Converter" and "Oxy-Lance."

    • @epistte
      @epistte 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@KutWrite Do you understand why they were named that?

    • @kingnato3299
      @kingnato3299 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      There's a gun in Destiny named after one

  • @BrightSunFilms
    @BrightSunFilms 5 ปีที่แล้ว +218

    Cool video guys, though you’re very much re-introducing my fear of heights.

  • @MarquisDeSang
    @MarquisDeSang 5 ปีที่แล้ว +436

    This needs to be a multiplayer map.

    • @mikagiraf9306
      @mikagiraf9306 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Rust from MW2 hahah

    • @pgpete
      @pgpete 5 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      23:27 - look - its even got red barrels to shoot.

    • @coolcloroxman1475
      @coolcloroxman1475 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      It would be a cool place to play airsoft or manhunt

    • @SSaNNEE100
      @SSaNNEE100 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      too bad tho the map would be around the control room because the map size would not fit in a Cod game.

    • @quinnflorence
      @quinnflorence 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Oh maybe a map in the dayz mod ????

  • @Urbandoned
    @Urbandoned 5 ปีที่แล้ว +545

    Unbelievable industrial abandonment. It doesn’t get much better than this. You guys filmed this excellently with the old footage - I think this is your best exploration documentary to date!

    • @method1692
      @method1692 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @Urandoned Imagine trying to service this place.

    • @skuzlebut82
      @skuzlebut82 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Abandoned but with an active natural gas fire in the melt pot? I wouldn't say abandoned but instead inactive. Keeping the pot hot and waiting for a new melt. If it was abandoned, there would be no natural gas being used at all.

    • @MrOrchardsWorld
      @MrOrchardsWorld 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      @@skuzlebut82 That was old footage blended in with the exploration footage.

    • @tellyjoossens4186
      @tellyjoossens4186 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I don’t live that far from this place. Nothing special, the French part of Belgium is full of abandoned factory’s like this one. Accelor Mital closed it down. It seems that buying iron in China is cheaper than doing it yourself. A lot of people lost their job and you notice it when visiting de city. The air quality by the other hand improved a lot in this area. Not far from there, there is still some small iron foundry activity going on.

    • @hewasdeadwhenigotthere7109
      @hewasdeadwhenigotthere7109 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think your English is broken

  • @wrbruce6100
    @wrbruce6100 5 ปีที่แล้ว +173

    I always think about the workers that build that steel mill, they were the ones who had to work up in the air carrying a lot of building material with only scaffolds and shaky ladders and platforms to hang on to. Imagine the sweat or the cold days working that went into that place. They are the real heroes in my book. Good video

    • @Republican_Extremest
      @Republican_Extremest 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Um no scaffolds they shimmied down the I beams and took a single elevator to the top. They walked in the open with no safety equipment. That was how it was done in the olden days.

    • @Republican_Extremest
      @Republican_Extremest 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Google iron workers who worked on sky scrapers or any buildings in the 30's-60's you'll see nothing of the sort. Balls of steel and hella chill is what got the job done.

  • @Zizzily
    @Zizzily 5 ปีที่แล้ว +165

    It's weird to see that there's still train cars with coal in them on the spur line. Makes it look like they were expecting to do more work the next day but just stopped, even though they obviously decommissioned it.

    • @frankgeurts3912
      @frankgeurts3912 ปีที่แล้ว

      Trains with coal/ore runned every two hours around the clock in the past

    • @newdefsys
      @newdefsys 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The train arrives with a load and a purchase order and the train yard manager accepts delivery. The fact that the materials will never be used is neither the concern of the train, the yard or even the mill owners.

  • @lavapix
    @lavapix 5 ปีที่แล้ว +71

    Bee's dominate many old lava tube entrances. I've seen multi-layered hives up to 10' in length. Nothing you want to mess with. Good to finally see explorers wearing respirators.

  • @Electer
    @Electer 5 ปีที่แล้ว +383

    I live at 10 minutes from this place, I have been seeing it for years, passing by, seeing it from the highway, knowing its existence, knowing people who worked there, even my dad worked there (for a short time) when he was young... Since I'm a child I hear and know about this place. And it has always been such a mysterious thing, and knowing it's dead but still up, rising and reigning all over the area is so intriguing. I had the chance to visit it 2 years ago... one of the most beaufitul things I have seen and experienced in my life. This place has so much history in this area, more than a century of life, being part of the industrial landscape of Seraing, of Liège, and we could say of Belgium. All the families linked to this place all over the decades : to HF6, to Chertal, well... to all Arcelor sites actually (and there are a lot ot them in Belgium or France). It is so settled in our landscape, cities, those big giant structures, impressive, even frightening at some point that we could not even think about working there, or just be inside of one of these giant structures. It had so much importance back in the days, this area is an industrial one, all along the Meuse river you can see industrial companies, old ones, new ones... It's being part of this land we live in. Well, being there was quite something, I got feelings I have found again thanks to you. The place is so big that a day wouldn't be enough to explore all of it. Thank you for the video, brings a lot of memories ! I was waiting for this one, thanks !

    • @jellymop
      @jellymop 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Where is this place?

    • @wanneske1969
      @wanneske1969 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Well said Electer. I've been there like 5 times an entire day and have not seen everything yet

    • @Electer
      @Electer 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@@jellymop It's in Seraing, the place is one of the many Cockerill-Sambre sites, this one is Cockerill-Ougrée !

    • @Electer
      @Electer 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@wanneske1969 Crazy how it feels so silent and strange being inside the place, with much activity around the site, the highway, the other companies... that gives such a unique feeling. Some people don't get it when I say this place is beautiful... but it is. There is so much beauty on these installations.

    • @wadeguidry6675
      @wadeguidry6675 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Electer: thank you for your comment. While watching this I was wondering what the locals thought of this place dominating the skyline. Now I know.

  • @jimmymartin
    @jimmymartin 5 ปีที่แล้ว +202

    This would literally be the coolest Netflix TV show

    • @Budaboose
      @Budaboose 5 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      Yeah except Netflix would tell them how to run their show and if they didn't listen they'd make a bunch of lies about the proper people and get them hated and destroyed. They are not good for humanity.

    • @symmetrygames8142
      @symmetrygames8142 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@Budaboose could you please cite your sources?

    • @SizzleTeapot
      @SizzleTeapot 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I was your 100th like LOL

    • @lukebaron6522
      @lukebaron6522 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Except, TH-cam has it for free

  • @DustyForgotten
    @DustyForgotten 5 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    Deathly allergic to bees, braves a swarm and rusted catwalks alone. Absolute mad lad.

    • @SuV33358
      @SuV33358 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ikr.....??!!!!!

  • @margaretweir6983
    @margaretweir6983 5 ปีที่แล้ว +223

    The narrative was amazing Michael what a place to explore one of the best places you guys uploaded from your European road trip that blast furnace footage was killer thanks to you both including it and Pierre for letting you include in this awesome video

    • @pierrot1065
      @pierrot1065 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Many thanks Margaret ;)

    • @7natcho
      @7natcho 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @Joe Casson i think they are NUTS for being on that structure ! I work as a millwright on a 32 tuyere furnace in Canada . A blast furnace is a VERY corrosive environment . They require constant repair both mechanically and structurally . I am tied off 90% of the time working on a running furnace , would never set foot on a decommissioned furnace without a 2 lanyard harness at all times .

  • @MuiTube
    @MuiTube 5 ปีที่แล้ว +136

    That tree growing off the machinery was so cool!

    • @impulse_76
      @impulse_76 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@cukier9a7b5 9:52

  • @StreuB1
    @StreuB1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    The respect and homage you pay to sites like this is commendable beyond words. The workers and even the government should give you an award for showcasing things like this; for posterity. You both do amazing work; these videos will likely be your strongest legacy.

  • @FinlayHamm
    @FinlayHamm 4 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    17:16 how it felt to look down from the top of the playground in 1st grade

  • @NPNGPhotography
    @NPNGPhotography 5 ปีที่แล้ว +105

    Time to kick back, relax, and watch some of The Proper People

    • @577buttfan
      @577buttfan 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Smoke a big fattie.

    • @577buttfan
      @577buttfan 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Poison I have a couple pens but I just like the smoothness of smoke..vaping burns the lungs up.

    • @user-lq1dk6gr3p
      @user-lq1dk6gr3p 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Enjoying The Sun 577-Jersey Customs weed will calm my asthma, vaping hurts my lungs.

    • @577buttfan
      @577buttfan 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah,flower is much smoother.@@user-lq1dk6gr3p

  • @leovigild_
    @leovigild_ 5 ปีที่แล้ว +103

    Just dropping an "F" for our brother Blast Furnace B. Anyway, what an incredible video. An incredible location. These jungles of steel are absolutely beautiful in their own unique way.

  • @klaasandrik7815
    @klaasandrik7815 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I still re-watch this video every +- 2 months, it's so good. The edits, the commentary and the sphere. It's just perfect. Amazing work guys. I also visited it myself after this video and it was a-ma-zing.

  • @aitakaitov7312
    @aitakaitov7312 5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    The drone footage music is "Johannes Bornlof - Hunger, Thirst" for anyone wondering

  • @robertthomas4633
    @robertthomas4633 5 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    Wow, big thanks to Pierre M. Incredible to see these facilities actually working, such a change from then and now.

    • @pierrot1065
      @pierrot1065 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Many thanks Robert

  • @rodrigo4379
    @rodrigo4379 5 ปีที่แล้ว +89

    im truly amazed with this video, it was one of the best vids ever ( i saw every vid that you guys have), thanks for making thi videos! well done

  • @chriscook8773
    @chriscook8773 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I come back to this video every so often just to hear the monolog at 17:50 - it always makes me smile. Moments like this are rare in life, and it's always amazing when someone allows you to share it with them in some way. Really happy that you guys got to achieve and experience this

  • @MartijnWismeijer
    @MartijnWismeijer 4 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    "The entrance is monitored by video surveillance" 😂 Guys, this is Belgium, 🇧🇪 there's not even a government here and even if there is video surveillance, nobody will be watching. 😁

    • @thesenate4743
      @thesenate4743 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Belgium at its best lol

    • @Yoshik379
      @Yoshik379 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      If they are even turned on lol

  • @vvarietyshow
    @vvarietyshow 5 ปีที่แล้ว +60

    I get the wilies when I have to walk on any raised platforms, roofs or anything when exploring abandoned places... can't imagine being that high up 😮

  • @soccernerd200
    @soccernerd200 5 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    7:25 what an absolutely breathtaking shot, well done.

  • @gumbogambit
    @gumbogambit 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The way you treat these places you visit like old friends you know won't be around forever... your dedication and appreciation are touching

  • @aquaticko
    @aquaticko 4 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    Can I just say, thank you guys for wearing masks on the second day. Seeing you walk through all that dust the first day WITHOUT them was very concerning; don't want you guys to be too sick to share more of these incredible explorations, for which we are all so thankful!

  • @UrbexTroll
    @UrbexTroll 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I have been an urban explorer, caver and photographer for over 30 years because of the love of the old abandon history. With that I have enjoyed watching your videos vicariously, wishing I could be there. I thank you guys for preserving the history of these old beautiful places before they disappear for ever. Stay safe and keep it up.

  • @Thrakus
    @Thrakus 5 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    wow the last train that did bring the last shipment is still there. That is so rare something you never see.

    • @mephInc
      @mephInc 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Most mills have their own in house cars. Generally, raw materials are brought in via boat. The coal is about the only thing brought in via train. In a steel mill, you'll see anything from pugh ladles, slab cars, coil cars, ore cars, to spacer cars. None of them have any type of braking system and cannot legally leave the mill. So, not to burst your bubble, but it's not remotely rare.

  • @HaraldFinster
    @HaraldFinster 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I had the pleasure to visit this plant several times when it was still operating - also thanks to Pierre.

    • @pierrot1065
      @pierrot1065 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That was a pleasure Harald ;)

  • @ItzRetz
    @ItzRetz 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Man, I'm obsessed with this channel. No clickbait titles, cool places I've never seen before, it makes me want to explore abandonded places like this myself.

  • @JimParshall
    @JimParshall 5 ปีที่แล้ว +61

    Absolutely excellent video as per usual. I really enjoy your work and it is such important work to document these abandoned places of history.

    • @maksymushka
      @maksymushka 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Agreed!

    • @rafenwulf
      @rafenwulf 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I absolutely agree. The Proper People are just at the top of things I like to watch on the tube.

    • @jonurbanexplores3999
      @jonurbanexplores3999 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@rafenwulf One of the few channels I have notifications turned on for.

  • @poke_cactushobby3780
    @poke_cactushobby3780 5 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    A titan forgotten in time. Looks like a good place to film a whole movie.

  • @sparkplug1018
    @sparkplug1018 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is probably one of, if not your best videos yet. Showing the furnace operational was a great addition to the video, and the music really helped set a good mood.
    No fake drama, no BS, just the beauty of an abandoned space and its history.

  • @rafenwulf
    @rafenwulf 5 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    27 minutes without blinking. Fantastic footage guys, and as always excellent editing and music. Maybe the best video I ever watched on TH-cam, got a highly spiritual vibe from this. And I thought it was unlikely to top the nuclear power plant footage (and sound!) but you certainly pulled it off again. I take off my hat for thee!

  • @10p6
    @10p6 5 ปีที่แล้ว +59

    The main reason these steel mills were shut down were two fold. One was cheaper steel from abroad, and the other, the shutdown of Nuclear Power stations that before had provided less costly electricity to power them.

    • @bombtwenty3867
      @bombtwenty3867 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Belgium had nuclear stations?

    • @10p6
      @10p6 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@bombtwenty3867 Since 1974 and still has some.

    • @micarta3156
      @micarta3156 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@bombtwenty3867 why wouldn't they?

    • @laveturnerjones3954
      @laveturnerjones3954 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@bombtwenty3867 yeah we have 7 nuclear reactors that are still running

    • @jlust6660
      @jlust6660 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@bombtwenty3867 Yes, as
      laveturner jones said we do have some nuclear reactors. It has to be added though that occasionally that number is reduced for a while. Realistically they have reached the end of their life span, but because there is no plan on what to do when they are out of service their retirement date continuously gets pushed back.

  • @hanselcool9828
    @hanselcool9828 5 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    THE PROPER PEOPLE are the best, they deserve more subscribers.

    • @jonstechchannel
      @jonstechchannel 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@Bill Williams But than I'd HAVE to get TV in college

  • @becks5867
    @becks5867 4 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    “Omelette du fromage” 😂😂 That’s so sweet of you to make efforts to talk to the bees 🐝

    • @OhPhuckYou
      @OhPhuckYou 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Steve Martin taught me that. Haha

  • @datmoose5036
    @datmoose5036 3 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    I was actually on the crew who demolished it, I saved a few nice pieces from it, if you'd like me to mail you one please let me know. Such a sad time to see such a cool place be demolished, all of us took a moment of silence after it came down

    • @olivercasagrande9673
      @olivercasagrande9673 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      when was it demolished? I have planned to visit it this month damn

    • @kaptein1247
      @kaptein1247 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@olivercasagrande9673 It never was. Went there a few month back. Everything is just like in this video.
      You should definitely go. You can just walk right in, theres no security at all

    • @MatthijsG.
      @MatthijsG. ปีที่แล้ว

      @@kaptein1247 Er is wel veel veranderd, ben er twee maand terug geweest en ze waren volop bezig met slopen.

    • @kaptein1247
      @kaptein1247 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@MatthijsG. Dat is raar. Ik was er 18 september nog. Was toen echt letterlijk hetzelfde in de video. Jammer dat ze steeds meer gebouwen aan het slopen zijn in belgie

    • @olivercasagrande9673
      @olivercasagrande9673 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@kaptein1247 do you know the current state of it?

  • @Rillion02
    @Rillion02 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    With most things in life, like this structure, you never really see, or care, how it all comes together. But with people like the proper people, showing up close in detail all from the tiny to the enormous in each of these structures, it really makes you think: "How was man able to construct this" throughout the entire facility there is so much chaos in each contraption, you wonder how any of this made sense to anyone.

  • @asharmour2053
    @asharmour2053 5 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    You guys have really stepped it up with this Europe trip. Amazing footage.

  • @mariuskreuder
    @mariuskreuder 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Visited this site five times. Still feels like having only seen a fraction of the area. The amount of details is mind-blowing and I guess that I will never find another blast furnace which is so interesting. Found pictures of the worker's christmas party, looked through several folders which ended in finding an extremely detailed map of the facility and discovered even more buildings, interrupted metal thieves while they tried to pull copper beams out of an electricity turbine - it's an adventure most people would never be even willing to understand.
    Your video pays a more than adequate tribute to this place and I am happy you guys appreciate the place in a likewise manner. Keep up the good work! :)
    Greetings from Cologne, Germany!

  • @jessekooistra6200
    @jessekooistra6200 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been watching your videos on and off from the beginning. My nine year old daughter was looking over my shoulder last week and wanted to see more so we have watched everything in chronological order. The quality and professionalism has steadily increased and this it one of your very best. Now my girl wants nothing more then to start her own channel and your comments and appreciation in this video are a lesson to aspiring TH-camrs. Thank you for all the great content, looking forward to many more.

  • @LakeNipissing
    @LakeNipissing 5 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    *_You are living the dream._*
    Thanks for sharing it with us.

  • @aitakaitov7312
    @aitakaitov7312 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Hands down your best video yet. The transition from the old video to the abandoned furnace shot was seamless. Keep up the good work.

  • @Fireship1
    @Fireship1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was an amazing video. From the small videos you inserted to show the different process occurring with the equipment you were touring, the incredible drone shots and that scary climb to the top of the furnace. One of the best Proper People videos you’ve ever produced! You guys rock. Thanks for doing what you keep doing!

  • @levi_octavian
    @levi_octavian 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Living within the rust belt area with so many abandoned steel factories and other mills. I’ve always wondered what the blast furnaces had looked like. Finally seeing one with my own eyes through this video was amazing. Well done you guys really deserve more subscribers.

  • @INGSOCinfo
    @INGSOCinfo 5 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    Disappointing video. At no time did we find a chair, "just chllin". :)
    Awesome work guys. Soon this will be torn down, but you have a video showing what once was. Keep up the great work!

    • @datmoose5036
      @datmoose5036 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Chairs were banned in this facility after one of the workers fell asleep and slipped into the furnace, there was a 36 hour manhunt before the realization came that he was lost into the furnace
      Truly a sad day for all of us at BRTS Plant Works

  • @vincentgerard4190
    @vincentgerard4190 5 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    WOW This is defenetly the best video i have ever seen on youtube. I live in Liège and i know a lot of people who have worked there. It was the heart of the city at the time and it is very sad to see it like that today. I take the train everyday to go to school and use the tunnel you guys show in the video. I have always wanted to visit the factory but it is so heavely garded and the area is so polluted that i have never done it. Unfortunately it is slowly decaying and will eventually be scraped. Thanks you so much for this awesome video!

    • @CANControlGRAFFITI
      @CANControlGRAFFITI 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      You must not have seen cat plays keyboard then.

    • @hydrox554
      @hydrox554 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @vincent gerard. it s easy to access and if u go on sundays no one is there. we once went on a wednesday and a train driver saw us coming out. go on a sunday and you re safe 😁

    • @johanm6550
      @johanm6550 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Been there 4x and all I did see was some other dudes and scrappers hammering en pulling out metal, but never ever security...

  • @bluemarvel
    @bluemarvel 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    To me this is one of the best episodes you’ve ever done.

  • @daviddillow2052
    @daviddillow2052 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just want to tell you guys that you are by far the best on the internet exploring and want to thank you for doing your homework on the places you explore instead of just walking through these places and guessing what things are and how they work. I worked in a few of the steel mills in the United States and appreciate the history behind these and the generation of workers that built and maintained them. There are 4 generations in my family alone and its always a somber feeling when I see them passing by or on videos such as yours. These factory's produced great people, great neighborhoods and livelihoods for families for years. Again thank you!! From the first video you guys have done till the most recent ones, you have both come a long way in exploring and presentation. Keep up the good work. I just watched one of your videos that you explored a hospital right near me here in Daytona Beach. Actually its located in Ormond Beach, FL.
    Keep up the awesome work!!!!

  •  5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I’m so happy to be part of this at some point, hear you saying that you were living a dream, it’s a pleasure. Keep it up guys, there’s still a lot to see and film. Thank you for such a great video.

  • @drubber007
    @drubber007 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Amazing explore guys. I've been following you for a few years now and have to say that you are very much a cut above the rest when it comes to locations, camera work, editing, sound narration & historical input. Keep up the great work and looking forward to seeing more great explores from your trip!!

  • @Judel100
    @Judel100 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    What an extraordinary document you have made. The last few minute nearly moved me to tears. You should be proud!

  • @claytonlewis8799
    @claytonlewis8799 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    This brings back a lot of memories. I used to inspect blast furnaces with high temp cameras and Flir infrared.

  • @cameronjenkins6748
    @cameronjenkins6748 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Out of all of the videos you guys have posted, this one is almost certainly one of the best if not the very best.

  • @heatherlands
    @heatherlands 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Beautiful video you guys. I even got a bit emotional when you went into your story at sunset. I also loved that you put video material from when it was still up and running in here. I hope you can do that more often when possible. Again, lovely cinematic shots - as always. I'm glad you guys got to visit this site before they're tearing it down. I can't wait to see what you guys have in store for us in 2019 and the future! Happy New Year!

  • @notoriouspib1721
    @notoriouspib1721 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have to say this is at least one of my favorite TH-cam channels of all time. I don’t think anyone else can do what you do and be this good at it and I think this channel deserves more subscribers than what it currently has.

  • @pux0rb
    @pux0rb 27 วันที่ผ่านมา

    This still remains my favorite video of yours. I love all the different shapes of the buildings and machinery. I love how it rises up out of the landscape, and sprawls out into every part of the surrounding city, like a massive tree with long roots. I loved the time of day you chose to film it. And I love how nature is reclaiming it so quickly. It's somber, and yet somehow hopeful all at once. I'm glad this video exists because some day this great machine may not.

  • @msylvain59
    @msylvain59 5 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    Believe me or not, but the cargo ships shown in the video already passed RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. I life in nothern France, on the side of the "Deûle" channel.

    • @OsmosisHD
      @OsmosisHD 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Ah what a coincidence, I was just watching you tearing down a soviet nerve agent detector

    • @KutWrite
      @KutWrite 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Weren't those barges?

    • @randomrazr
      @randomrazr 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      whyd id they shut down the mill.? not enough buyers?

    • @kroakie4
      @kroakie4 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Could have been any number of reasons. Old equipment and not enough money to update, unsafe conditions, relocation, bigger foundry was built elsewhere or bought this company, etc.

  • @RODALCO2007
    @RODALCO2007 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    An other awesome exploration at this blast furnace, great views and enhanced with some of the original operating footage. Thanks for sharing. Great choice of music too. Keep those video's coming.

  • @marklane5372
    @marklane5372 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just going through your back catalogue of explores and this one blew me away. Late to the party I know but wow, awesome, the editing the music the old footage of the working blast furnace you guys really know how to nail it. Love your work, all I can say is keep it coming, I love your appreciation of these places whether it be an old factory, power plant or public building, it’s just a shame they get so trashed, but at least you give us a chance to see these amazing places before they vanish forever. Respect from the UK

  • @Chiron2009Music
    @Chiron2009Music 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been watching these videos for over two years now and every time the quality and viewing experience is extremely high. Keep up the amazing work!!

  • @efemilios6802
    @efemilios6802 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Iron oxide : Rust really helps the growth maybe that's why it looks like it has been abandoned for more years. Nature is impressive

  • @asdsdjfasdjxajiosdqw8791
    @asdsdjfasdjxajiosdqw8791 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I knew this was Belgium immediately from the thumbnail. This factory complex has fascinated me for a long time but I haven't visited it yet.

  • @caseyflorida
    @caseyflorida 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Michael and Bryan, this video is amazing! I love that you incorporated footage of the old blast furnace in operation against the ways it looks now. And the fact that you guys are able to travel to Europe to explore is fantastic. And who knew that saying "cheese Omelette" in French would repel Belgian bees! lol :)

  • @Stigstigster
    @Stigstigster 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. It's the sheer scale of the site and operation. It blows my mind, it really makes me think seeing all this. Fantastic documentary footage of this place before it's gone.

  • @mathbowler2782
    @mathbowler2782 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That place is beautiful. I really enjoyed your testimony toward the end of your first day. Keep up the good work.

  • @Norweeg
    @Norweeg 5 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    Your soundtrack is incredible. It adds so much to the ambience. Is there anywhere I can find the song used in the video that is also used during the end card?

    • @KayoMichiels
      @KayoMichiels 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Here ;) th-cam.com/video/s59F9FO8P8c/w-d-xo.html

  • @SESHERDnB
    @SESHERDnB 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I am from Belgium and I explored this place multiple times. So happy to re-experience it in this video!

  • @mr.ruinenfan8904
    @mr.ruinenfan8904 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another masterpiece i've really enjoyed, guys. The narration of Michael is amazing, even the footage of ex employee Pierre M. (thank you very much, Pierre) which shows the steel mill in regular working action in the past. This location is really outstanding and beautiful at the same time. Many thanks and greetings from Germany 👍😊

  • @ForgottenBuildings
    @ForgottenBuildings 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Absolutely amazing documentary of HFB, really wish i could like this a thousend times. Also at 18:39 i felt exectly the same when i was there a week ago.

  • @FSXNOOB
    @FSXNOOB 5 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    Damn.. working there must felt like working in hell some times..

    • @laveturnerjones3954
      @laveturnerjones3954 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      i work a a sister facility of this one in gent and in the summer it does kinda feel like hell temp wise. but it is a really fun job otherwise!

    • @mephInc
      @mephInc 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Oddly enough, it's hell in the summer and cold in the winter. I've had to spend entire days working in areas that stay around 140+F and also had to spend entire days outside working in -30F
      .....the things we'll put ourselves through to pay the bills.

    • @MrTruth0teller
      @MrTruth0teller 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Still those jobs were better than NO JOBS. Men used to work there and there wife used to take care of them and their kids. Now Men are alcoholics and there women had become strippers, kids have become junkies. LOL.

    • @datmoose5036
      @datmoose5036 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      It was actually quite nice, I worked there for 25 years, they always treated us workers well and brought us snacks while we worked, often times we would cook traditional Danish sausage over the hot furnace, it made for a very nice day. Thank you for reading my comments. Olaf

  • @deborahboomer9598
    @deborahboomer9598 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Who designs these things….incredible and so beautiful!! You said it perfectly, like a sculpture! Thanks so much for sharing this adventure, my absolute favourite video thus far!

  • @irishshane1
    @irishshane1 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is one if not the best video I have ever seen on utube. U guys should win an award. Very well done doc. And the film work is beyond anything I could imagine or hope for. Thanks for being you and please be safe. God bless. From Idaho.

  • @chrisadams628
    @chrisadams628 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    12:37 "One small step for man, one giant step for mankind"

  • @Backyardmech1
    @Backyardmech1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I haven’t seen these guys in a while. Glad to see a new video.
    😂 “Omelette du fromage!” I’m sensing a Dexters Lab reference.

  • @6stringsbrainfingers
    @6stringsbrainfingers 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The footage, editing and narration of these videos is just so fantastic. Others have tried to copy it, but there is nothing like the proper people!

  • @tomacco3k
    @tomacco3k 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is one of the best videos I have ever seen on TH-cam. Time stood still for me while watching, you guys do an incredible job!
    Thank you so much for your videos!

  • @Alypius420
    @Alypius420 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Did nobody catch the Dexter's Lab refrence?
    Love you guys!
    Stay Safe!

  • @seeul8rwaynekerr
    @seeul8rwaynekerr 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    5:07 that's the tapping and sealing gun used to drain the piggy iron. It injects a clay like mud to seal the hole once done.

  • @BB-dh6sw
    @BB-dh6sw 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was the most incredible abandoned exploration I have ever watched, wow I didn't want it to end. Thanks, you guys rock!!

  • @The93Momo93
    @The93Momo93 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another amazing episode! Showing actual footage from the furnace's prime was a great touch and it's also nice you looked up any future plans for its demolition.

  • @Motormouth2901
    @Motormouth2901 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    "Cathedrals of steel" I love it!

  • @ocfos88
    @ocfos88 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    It's hard to believe this might actually be some of the last footage ever filmed from that tower, if not actually the last.

  • @MitchJ
    @MitchJ 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow- this is the best vid you guys have ever done. I'm SO glad you got in there and got the property documented before it was razed for demolition. Thank you!

  • @prime63829
    @prime63829 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This place is amazing and what a sunset. So glad you two were able to do this, and to hear the enjoyment you got out of it.

  • @wanneske1969
    @wanneske1969 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I've been there like 5 times and every time I discover new corners, buildings, unexpected things ... It will be demolished soon, they already started working on the main entrance.

  • @LaurentMPhoto
    @LaurentMPhoto 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    No way ! I live near this place and I know someone who worked there. He could've explained everything about this factory to you.
    Love your videos by the way ! ;-)

  • @Macarite
    @Macarite 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Such a well crafted video; the cinematic, patient shots, the informative yet poignant voice over, and your genuine interest and respect for the site... love it guys

  • @diegososa447
    @diegososa447 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    my first abandoned building exploration was in first grade at my home property, it was an old grain farm house, ever since then i have been in love with the abandoned and forgotten i am currently struggling to successfully explore and photo document abandoned places what you said at the end of the video about how we need a physical reminder of our progress has been a dream of mine for a long time, im so glad i found this channel since i definitely see those lost stories in abandoned places.

  • @klntym
    @klntym 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    You started getting nervous climbing to the top. Now think about this....someone had to bolt it all together!!

  • @MistahBryan
    @MistahBryan 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Watching you do these expeditions makes me hope you've both had training in emergency trauma techniques. If ANY of those steps gave way you'd instantly be in a life or death situation.
    It's obvious that since you've posted this video, you've returned safely :)
    You've shown good judgement when things looked "sketchy" before, I just felt the need to voice a bit of concern.
    Long live the Proper People and stay safe :)

  • @Cleveland.Ironman
    @Cleveland.Ironman 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was working in Liege back in 1993 and got to see that steel mill in operation. It is fantastic to tour an operational steel mill.

  • @quinnflorence
    @quinnflorence 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I keep hearing that background music and it nice and very ambient thanks guys.
    Thank you guys.
    Take care everyone and stay safe out there.

  • @woodyman5577
    @woodyman5577 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I always think of the stories that must have happened and got forgotten in all those abandoned places.

  • @redcatjack
    @redcatjack 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    You guys should try the game called "Infra" it's on steam, it's basically an Urbex game with some puzzles and stuff, it's pretty fun. I think you guys would like it

    • @jcheroko7444
      @jcheroko7444 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes! This steel factory reminds me of the one from infra

  • @laminatd8063
    @laminatd8063 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    this is by far my favorite video on youtube, and it will forever be.

  • @scottm9617
    @scottm9617 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I’ve been a fan for many years now guys , but I always come back to this video. It’s just brilliant ♥️