That is absolutely beautiful. I'm not knowledgeable about American Railroads and Steam, but you don't need to be to appreciate the power and beauty in this incredible footage. Props to the unknown cameraman and pilot, and to you for the editing and dubbing. And of course to the many railwaymen involved in making this happen. Thank you.
Sirens And Trains Of Kansas SP started using oil in the early 1900’s. UP had engines that were converted to oil when they were moved to a western division.
I remember standing between the two tracks as they went by. First, you could see them coming, then you could hear them, and when they passed you could FEEL them, something I'll never forget!
I bet that was fantastic. I was so envious of that truck driver who parked on that overpass to watch the show and even get puffed by them both.. . that had to be a real thrill!
I was there at Union Station when they left. It was amazing to see these two giants up close, you could feel the heat off the boilers. The 8444 was within 10ft of me as it spit oil and water vapor all over my shirt as it passed. What a memory!
Keith Lincicum : thanks, I’m really fortunate to have run across this video, to bad I don’t have any information on it. This is only 25% of the tape, I will be post more videos from it when I get time
I can't believe all this footage exists. This blows every other railfan video away. Imagine if they could organize to do it again, for publicity. Line em up and wave a checkered flag. Equal length consists, no diesel assistance. Live stream it in HD with commentary (and without). It'd blow up on social media, guaranteed.
JETZcorp I was very fortunate to have come across this footage, the only problem is it is somewhat grainy because of not being original copy. You can click on the title to get a description of the event.
@@dougm5186 Eh. Just run them both on vegetable oil and market it as a renewable energy demo. They also do run noticeably cleaner today than they did back then due to better maintenance, especially 4449.
Fun fact: The 844 (8444 here due to a number conflict with a GP30) is the only steam locomotive in North America to have never been retired from service.
@ Yes, very true. The only Steam Locomotive from a Class I American railroad to never be retired. From about 1962 to around 1989 she carried and extra digit in her road number -- 8444 -- due to the fact UP purchased an EMD GP30 that carried #844. When the diesel was retired (and given to a museum) 844(4) was given back her original number. Amazing history from an amazing organization that saved and kept alive so much of it's history.
Having expended quite a few hours of elbow grease on 4449, I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for her. The sound of her pulling hard as she accelerated southbound (railroad west) out of Klamath Falls was indescribable and one of my favorite memories. Still, 8444’s exhaust southbound through central Oregon did her one better. Sharp as rifle shots. Very few good looks at the crews at high speed, but if you look closely, you can see them bouncing around. If you’ve never been, you can’t begin to imagine what rough riding machines these were. It felt like they didn’t have a spring in them anywhere. I felt like my fillings were going to come out. You’ve got to tip your hat to the men who drove these beasts in the days before diesels, to say nothing of the coal fired, pre-stoker days, hand bombing them across the desert. Air conditioning? What’s that? THOSE were men’s men if there ever were. I’d be hard pressed to think of a more all around physically demanding (brutal?) job. Hats off to those who endure it voluntarily now for the enjoyment of the rest of us.
Sean Hedgpeth yes they did, they were called mechanical stokers. There was an auger that moved the coal from the tender to the firebox, then the fireman would use steam to shoot the coal to where he needed. These systems were only used on larger engines as there was no way a fireman could manage to shovel enough coal. On smaller engines like little Mike’s or smaller configurations, they could fire by hand. All western railroads used oil as it was easier and readily available.
You worked on the 4449? Man i would love to talk to you. That engine was featured on a VHS tape when i was a kid an i watched it so many times. I would love to meet my favorite engine some day.
I've seen 4449 only once in my life. It was 1975 and she was painted in the American Freedom Train livery. She was the most beautiful thing I ever saw rolling through our town on the way to Wichita. The whole school walked down to the rail yard to see the train. This video is fantastic.
That’s awesome, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Check out my other steam videos at Tshasta4449., I did one of the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in Alaska, it was shot in HD.
In 'N' scale Kato has made it in the 'Daylight' scheme, and the Black UP version. I don't know who makes them in HO, but both scales sell out very quickly, and at Estate Sales, are usually GRABBED by collectors, before the sale 'officially' starts ! LIONEL makes it in 'O' Scale, but be ready to pay $500, or higher.
Interesting note, if it was shot by Channel 4 KNBC the pilot was probably Francis Gary Powers, the U-2 pilot that was shot down over Russia in 1959 or 1960. He was their traffic helicopter pilot for many years.
4449 balling up the Columbia is damn near impossible to chase, man is she ever fast. And 844 pulling 106 full ore cars up the hill in Wyoming or shoving a bunch of stalled EMD's and their load up it while towing her own load of passenger cars is really impressive. Awesome video, thank you for sharing.
Yes that would be totally awesome if it happened. But that was UP 4414 Big Boy that done that. I'm not exactly sure the 844 has enough tractive effort and power to do that. GOD bless you.
You're not wrong about 4449 being hard to keep up with. Back in the 90s before they had an Amtrak diesel with PTC to tattle on them, they went even faster. My dad and I were pacing 4449 on the WA side with the rest of the rat pack in his Porsche 914 once. Doyle opened it up and left all the cars behind because no one wanted to go that fast on SR-14... except us. The 914 speedometer is marked every 30 mph, and I distinctly remember looking over and seeing the needle on the number 90 as we BARELY gained ground on that lunatic. The rods were an absolute blur. I was only like 7, but that made one heck of an impression.
Thank you very much, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Chuck my TH-cam website for other steam and older diesel videos. I shot a video in HD of the White Pass and Yukon narrow gauge railroad in Alaska that also has aerial video of the train.
Yes absolutely is beautiful I was to young don’t remember the great steam engines but I do remember the cab overs running the highway no more COE trucks all computer controlled very sad
That might be just about the most exciting race I've ever seen, I have tears in my eyes. They probably never exceeded 40mph and during the climb probably no more than 30mph, but to see them trading lead and knowing they had them both balls-to-the-wall. Man, I wish I was there!
Thanks, Glad you enjoyed it. Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” for other steam and older diesel videos. I took a video in HD of steam engine #73 on the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in the rugged mountains of Alaska that includes drone footage.
Great video! Just a note, in 1989 state of the art video technology, such as they used here, produced excellent and sharp images. However, it was analog video and if you didn't use the best format to copy it, the resolution or sharpness evaporated. That is what happened here; someone made a cheap thus poor quality duplicate or dub. One cool thing is in 1989 only professional helicopter pilots using Bell Jet Rangers and cameramen using high-end Sony or Ikegami video cameras on a Nelson Tyler helicopter stabilizing mounts could do this stuff. You see those close-ups of the locomotives or the tail car? Holy cow! The helicopter was maybe 100' away! Yipes! While now you could use a drone, this Hollywood grade pilot and cameraman are showing you how its done son.
Well I've seen Mallard, the Flying Scotsman, Tornado and 9F's in operation - but this video is mighty impressive and well filmed. Many thanks to my American friends and stay safe
What might be the most dangerous grade in North America, was easily conquered by 2 vintage, well-rounded steam locomotives racing each other. I don't know about you, but that tells me how powerful the iron horse really was and is.
Interesting fact about this video. In 1989 my wife and I were living in LaCrescenta CA and we had a slide in camper for our crew cab pickup truck. We took this truck camping several times before we had any children, to camp near the railroad tracks on Cajon Pass. In 1989 I just got back from my two weeks Reserves Okinawa and the wife picked me up at LAX, she had her suitcase packed and we drove to Burbank Airport, for me to drop her off for a company school in Sacramento. I went home and loaded the camper onto the pickup truck. I went to the camping spot on Cajon Pass to camp for two nights and watch the trains. When I went to bed both nights, no one was camping anywhere near me. I loved falling asleep listening to all the trains going up and down the pass. On the second morning I woke up and had at least 100 cars and trucks on the dirt roads all around me. I got on the roof and set up my video camera on a tripod and had my still camera. A lot of the RR fans had scanners and we were listening to the engineers talking to each other. One of the engines got to the meet point, down near San Bernardino and waited for the other. As the other approached, the stopped engine started rolling so they could leave the area side by side. Someone came on the radio saying, "That was no earthquake, it was just 10,000 rail fans all having a simultaneous orgasm". Everyone around us had a laugh. As they approached where we were, we could see 4449 slowing and she stopped directly in front of my truck/camper. I climbed down, leaving the video recorder running, while taking my still camera to take pictures of 4449, and ran over to get pictures. In this video at 16:13 you can see me crossing the tracks in front of 4449, in my Navy tank top, shorts and NRA hat. As they were loading everything up and telling the passengers to get back on board, I ran back to the camper. At 16:59 as 4449 starts moving, you can see at the top of the video, the ridge with my truck and camper on it, on the other side of the set of tracks 8444 went up. You can see the hill is cut for those tracks. When our children were about five and seven, we were living in Hawthorne Nevada and took them on a trip to Disneyland. On the way down and back, we stayed at the same place and our five year old daughter loved going over to the cut, to signal the engineer to blow his whistle, which they all did. She would jump up and down in joy as they drove past us, while waving at her. After we got home from the trip, they both wanted to know when we could go back and camp by the railroad tracks.
Unknown that union pacific uses diesel cuz the 844 is pulling that much Wich is wasting recourses faster and the diesel train pushes them somso that's why they use diesel
Amazing video. I have seen another where they were doubleheading but never running separately. The 4449 gets credit for being a beautiful locomotive but this shows that under that pretty paint, a beast lives within.
Of all the videos on u/tube Love seen, this has to be greatest one ever. A UP engine like that one bought me out from Omaha to California in 1949. A huge thank you. Mike
Unfair! 844 has two diesel helpers! All jokes aside, this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment that will almost certainly never happen again. Also, props to the F40PH crewman standing on the hood!
Train crews did a great job getting them both into Sullivan's curve at the same time as the tracks are separated a fair distance on the approach. Absolutely amazing footage. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, click on the Title for a description of the events. Check out my TH-cam playlist at “Tshasta4449” for other steam and older diesel videos.
I watched this years before and I loved it so much. Then I searched up after but could not hit the key words. Today, magic just happened, it popped up on my suggested list. Thank you very much.
I’m glad you found it, Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” for other Steam and older Diesel videos. I did a video in HD of the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in the rugged mountains of Alaska that includes drone footage.
Thank you for this edit. My grandfather Jack Daly was the engineer that day, assisted by a man named Mike Baker I believe. He loooooved the locomotives
We moved to the Coachella Valley in 1938. My father LOVED steam trains so that is how we would travel between Indio and San Mateo or Indio and Stockton. As soon as the Daylight came into service, that is how we would travel. LA to San Jose. Loved watching this video…even with the lump in my throat!
There's literally a railroad bridge I live near that despite being a CSX mainline people like to walk across it, as it makes a good shortcut to a nearby Beach club
@Northern Mexico Rails Productions Petrol was £0.70 a gallon. Vehicles were large, comfortable, powerful, and handled great. There was no, "reality," television nor the retards to watch it. The Soviet Union kept China and United States of America in check. People were afraid of being rude and entitled. They were good times.
I had rail security show me inside a locomotive when I was fifteen years of age. I was just walking close to the railroad and he asked me if I was up to no good. I said, "No sir. I was just admiring the train." He said, "Come with me and let's take a closer look." He showed me the outside and let me get inside the locomotive and described the controls. He even opened the engine are and let me look. I asked him if I could blow the horn and he told me that was something that was not allowed. I shook his hand and he asked me if I enjoyed the locomotive. Then he said if a passenger train ever pulls in and I am in the area to ask the guard of I can look inside and to tell them Nick, the head guard said it was okay. Times really were very different back then, very, very, different.
Man, we really lost something with diesels. While yes, diesel and electric trains are faster and more efficient, they're just...boxes. Steam engines, you get to _HEAR_ the power, _SEE_ the power, _FEEL_ the power. Just watching all those intricate rods all move perfectly in sync, knowing that every single nut and bolt is there for a reason, and seeing those massive clouds of smoke and steam just gives everyone who sees it a feeling that just can't be described. I love that we're rebuilding some of those beautiful steel titans back from the grave. The T1 Trust, 611 Class J, 4014, even some smaller, lesser known engines are being restored. I miss the steam era, even though I never lived through it.
@@jwalster9412 I'm happy someone agrees, and in my opinion. This Every Locomotive is a "she" is silly to. Some Locomotives can take on a masculine personality and some and more femmine personality.
Agree with most of the comments - each type of motive power has its own appreciation. I put forward that even the most ardent steam enthusiast will be moved by the sight, sounds and smell of a Deltic powering away from Berwick on Tweed on a cold and frosty night!
This is the fifth time I have watched this. This is so exciting. I am a 77yo big kid from NZ and love your locos and trains. How things have changed since this was captured . Hang on tight to your history, don't let it be forgotten. Red on red like a firebox. 👍💪🦰🟥🔴
Thank you very much, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I had a great time videoing the Southern Pacific in it’s last year’s of existence. Also the west was a great location to climb up a hill to look down on and watch the train as it worked its way through a land of endless curves, fills and cuts.
Thank you so much for the fabulous video I’ve love trains since I was 4. 60 years later this video brought tears to my eyes. So beautiful. The dubbing was very well done. I watched and savored every minute! ❤
I have uncles out in the upper mid-west who grew up around rail roads and always expressed a passion for them. I've personally always felt indifferent about them. But this video--this helped me appreciate the engineering marvel this machinery is, and a testament to its ongoing importance to American industry. Thanks for posting!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Check out my TH-cam website for other steam and older diesel videos. I did a recent one of the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in Alaska that you would enjoy.
What incredible works of art running up the grade. My grandfather was a fireman during the age of steam. They have a great preservation of this machines at the Sacramento Train Museum.
I’ve been to the California Train Museum many times, It’s a great show, especially the one and only Cabforwad 4-8-8-2 giant locomotive. To bad it’s a static display. I’d love to see it running beside the Big Boy
Thanks for explaining your sound editing. I wondered about the sound of the helicopter (or the adsence of it.) Then I read your commentary. You did a great job. This is an epic video!
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Check out my TH-cam website for a playlist of steam and older diesel videos. I did a 4K video of the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in Alaska.
Being a local trucker back in '08&'09 I had the privilege of watching them build the high track. What an operation! Now I watch this as memories of I-15 & Route 66 complement this historical adventure.
Of all the modern-day steam excursions we see I find the Daylight train most satisfying because it is running without diesel backup/HEP. Seems rare and what a difference that makes for the overall effect.
A very nice video. As someone who has had a lifelong passion for trains and railroads (and saw 844 up close a few years ago), I'm always captivated by magnificent locomotives such as these. I'm also trying to imagine what the conversation between 4449 and 8444 was like: 4449: "Ugh! This diesel fuel is really not agreeing with me!! How can those locomotives handle that stuff!?!? 8444: "I don't know. Just remember, girl, you got this!!"
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” for other steam and older diesel videos. I shot an HD video of steam engine 73 on the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in the rugged mountains of Alaska.
The Daylight is an absolute beaut of an engine - in it's day ran a luxurious commute up and down California. Had a chance to board it for fun trip in Oregon, where it resides now. Mesmerizing. Love it and it's siblings history. The Northern is my second fav engine besides the Mikado. Good job Tshasta
Thondup Andrugtsang : absolutely, that pilot must be a Vietnam Veteran, he definitely had some serious skills to fly that helicopter and not hit any poles or wires.
Thank you for the video. I live in Portland, Oregon the home of the 4449 and know some of people involved in keeper her operating along with the 740 . Both where pulled off a siding track along side Oaks Amusement Part in southeast Portland and restored. I can remember as a kid seeing the 4449 parked on that siding and left to rust away so it’s great to see it running again. And a big thank you to all the men that volunteer their time to keep her running.
Joel Seim Thanks for your kind words. I was able to visit the old Brooklyn roundhouse and see the engines. That was a wonderful experience. I haven’t been to the new location, but it must be very nice.
Yes it is, actually there are quite a few steam engines left, although every 5 years the boilers need to be rebuilt, and that is a major expense which means that a great number of them take years to rebuild. Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” for other Steam and older Diesel videos. I did a video in HD of the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in the rugged mountains of Alaska that includes drone footage.
I was on this Chase with my father as a teenager right out of the army. This was a fantastic fun Chase and I'm glad to see some of that got this kind of footage. Unfortunately we chase the wrong train that day. Still, excellent footage 👍
Thanks for the great video ! Truly amazing these old iron work horses thanks to the person doing the video and thanks to all the people to make the trip happen ! Once in a lifetime shot . Wish I was on one of them !
I don't know what's wrong with me. I was moved to tears while watching this with big goofy smiles. I so wish I coulda been there! Also... those low angles were amazing for 1995... long before the proliferation of photography drones. All manually done, and even more amazingly, with such clear audio of the steam engines without being covered up by the aircraft it was shot from. Had to be using some high quality shotgun microphones.
I moved to Laramie in 1957, on the City of Portland, from Portland. We had a compartment with private bath, and our family pet travelled with us in it. We were not steam powered, but one of seven trains per day through Laramie, each direction, hauling passengers. 'Twas a sad day when UP quit the southern Wyoming route. I do remember a later trip when the "speed limit" was reduced, and I clocked the mileposts at one each thirty seconds between Rock Springs and Rawlins (120MPH). 8444, or 844 as now known, was a steam passenger engine. I live in Northern Wyoming now, after a few years in Alaska, but my kids got a treat before UP quit passenger service in Wyoming. They got a ride from Laramie to Denver and back on one of the "city of" trains just prior to the re-route. Amtrak made out big time from the presentation of UP passenger rolling stock (very superior quality), which immediately went East, and their superior roadbed on the Western routes. Some of my fond memories of Laramie are standing on the footbridge over the tracks, while a "real" locomotive passed below, belching black smoke.
Grady Wright I knew some of those old UP crew's... even worked with Domino Construction on the UP RR Creasote Pond clean up!! My Grandparents cabin was on Lake Hattie and Sunday school for me was Harmony Wyoming.. I knew Norman Strom.Jack Hardigan .Neil Nordman and Johnny Kruppa, Charles Salisbury, Joe Feltner.. And the WyColo Railroad was still there
15:32 - you gotta appreciate this dude's effort. He clambered across the side of the cab of that bulky F40PH just to see 8444 better and wave to the passengers.
Thank you very much for sharing your historic find with all of us on U Tube.Absolutely outstanding.The RAW power of STEAM,just takes my breath away. Once again ,thank you :)
- [x] Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” of other steam and older diesel videos. I took a video in HD of steam engine 73 on the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in the rugged mountains of Alaska that includes drone footage.
Very cool, I was at the Union Station 50th Anniversary celebration and saw these two iconic steam locos (along with ATSF 3751). Never saw them race like this though.
In researching the web I’ve found information that both crews were in radio communication with each other and had to adjust speeds to keep abreast with each other as they climbed Cajon pass. Only when 4449 experienced mechanical problems did the party break up.
Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it, Check out my TH-cam playlist at “Tshasta4449” for other steam and older diesel videos. I did a video of the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in Alaska that I shot in HD.
Imagine living during the era where this was the best and fastest way to travel. 100 years of steam trains. A time where there were hundreds of them across the country running day and night.
Most of the people that did like my mother and early Los Angeles arrivals say it was "Romantic" and drew you in to the experience about to unfold for you if you are lucky.
My dad worked for the Pennsylvania RR for 44 years (1920 - 1964) during the golden age of steam. He started out not as an paid employee but as a kid sweeping up and doing odd jobs around Union Station just to be near the locomotives and the hustle and bustle of a busy train station in the 1910's. Then in 1920 at age 18 he got hired by the PRR as a brakeman, a dangerous job in those days. Over the next four decades he worked his way up through every job on the locomotives, from brakeman to fireman, engineer, and conductor, and finally retiring in '64 as the PRR merged with the New York Central and steam had given way to diesel-electric. I remember some of his stories and being taken to the local rail yards to visit his old co-workers on the job, but I don't remember as much as I wish I did. I would like to talk to him now and ask him many questions about his experiences on the RR and his life in general but of course he's long gone. His love for machines in general was passed on to me (I served in the AF on jets), and although I was never directly involved with locomotives I pull over to watch one go by whenever possible. I guess it's in my DNA.
Thank you very much, I’m glad you enjoyed it. If you enjoy steam videos I recently did one on the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in Alaska. You can find it on my TH-cam playlist at “Tshasta4449”.
I remember my mother taking me to see this when I was a kid. I was 9 years old and we lived in Hesperia, the first city at the top of the pass. It was a huge event. I’m 40 now, and I still remember standing next to the tracks at the Main St overpass watching the first one, then the second one being late, and all the people waving from the last car. Definitely one of my earliest memories and one I won’t forget.
You did an excellent job. Most excellent find of a video that could have been thrown away. You don't see this much anymore, folks working hard and having a good time. So what if one of the locomotives had extra smoke. They used what was available at the time. No different than you dubbing in the sound, which is better than hearing the helicopter.
When watching and listening this historic event i couldn’t help but notice hearing a slipping sound,if that’s what I’m truly hearing.Usually you hear slippage when the locomotive begins gaining momentum.Also this is incredible camera footage for the year 1989.Thanks for providing one of the best rail videos I’ve seen so far!!!
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Actually the audio I used was dubbed from other video I took of 4449. Click on the title for a description of the events. Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” for other Steam and older Diesel videos. I did a video in HD of the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in the rugged mountains of Alaska that includes drone footage
Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” for other steam and older diesel videos. I took a video in HD of steam engine 73 on the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in the rugged mountains of Alaska that includes drone footage.
- [x] Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” of other steam and older diesel videos. I took a video in HD of steam engine 73 on the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in the rugged mountains of Alaska that includes drone footage.
@@Tshasta4449 I spent 25 years as a TV news cameraman and hung out of many choppers flown by very skilled pilots, but this flying was a level beyond anything I ve seen ... :-)
@@geoffmackley l spent a few years flying shake blocks out of the bush. Our pilot was a ex nam guy. That man could make you kiss the ground when you landed. Used to fly the hook when the next turn was a ways away. Talk about a E ticket ride. He was telling us one of his jobs was mineral exploration these guys had some device under the bird and readers inside. One of them said "shame we cant hover sideways get readings from cliff faces" he free falled sideways and pulled out at last second. They set up a remote from the hotel room the next day.
I have loved trains all my life. I remember a day in 1955, when I was 14, when the last steam job made it's run on the central line of the Long Island Railroad, blowin it's whistle all the way. In the summer, when it was hot, we couldn't open a window because soot would drag in...These days I have about 200 feet in N gauge and a bunch of "G" gauge stuff, including an LGB "White Pass & Yukon", Articulated, diesel, engine with sound
Yea that was the news footage, the funny thing is the copy you purchased MIGHT have at one time been mine. I was good friends with someone that worked at the news station, and he got me a copy of the raw footage from the helicopter. I had loaned it to a friend, and when he passed all the railroad stuff I had at his house vanished, which was a shame. I had stayed with my friends and helped take care of his wife after surgery, so he could work. Oh well, easy come, easy go, but it's nice to see the footage again. I was there, and we followed 4449 onto Tehachapi. There was definitely some interesting chatter between the 2 locomotive crews over the radio. Yea they WORKED 4449 up that grade, not surprised a bearing heated up. Thank you for posting!
Thank you and yes, 28 min. of over dubbed train audio is better than music and certainly better than jet turbine whine. I did like the music for where 4449 was being repaired and appreciated the fly around of that work of art. Speaking of which, no graffiti on any of the cars! Wonderful.
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it. And that no graffiti was the end of an era, sadly as we entered a new Millennium things have changed, and not for the better.
I love the shot at 10:00. You can see the differing grades on the two tracks affect the speed. The two tracks have little gradient mismatches and that is why the fast passing occurs here and there.
Outside of my love for trains is my love of full scale and remote helicopters, as well as real aerial video. This helicopter pilot was really GOOD for the time period!! Back before you had "drones" doing all of the work.. This was exceptional in the 80's. No doubt he was being the 'gimbal' and flying backwards at a fairly high rate of speed before transitioning to forward flight in some of the scenes. Thanks for sharing the video! Glad it wasn't lost to time!!
@@Tshasta4449 I don't doubt that for a second! One of my early thoughts watching it was wondering if this was done by a Vietnam pilot.. And heck, maybe even a door gunner... Regardless, the choreography between the pilot and person shooting the video was impeccable. When doing video work in full scale starting in 2002 for news and other projects, I had a mechanical gyro under my cam. IF there wasn't one available or used on this 'film', it is even more impressive! Thanks again!!
When I was a boy living in San Bernardino the old steam engines would descend the pass and come into town after some heavy braking. The wheels would sometimes be cherry red, the same color as radial engines exhausts on the old DC 5 airplanes. Cajon Pass is a scenic drive and is a gateway to the LA area.
I've driven down the highway that parallels these tracks recently for the first time and all I could think of was hearing about this run and seeing the video after it'd happened. Man, i wish I could have seen this in person!
I love and appreciate what you have done. This is A-1 footage in my mind. Pretty awesome from whatever angle. Mighty steeds they are! Absolutely fantastic footage. ❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️
These engines are beautiful! In some scenes you can hear quicker chuffing that sounds amazing. These things are true works of art! They’re both beautiful but if I could have 1 of em I’d be going w the 844.
That would be nice. Unfortunately UP have a policy of no foreign steam engines can run on their line’s and ship when this took place the SP owned the tracks that 4449 ran on, bummer.
What I would give to travel back in time with my drone and capture these magnificent beasts in action. I wouldn’t have enough batteries and memory cards to capture it all!
I grew up in Berdoo, I would have loved to have been there and watch this. See the cars and trucks stop to watch! While in elementary school, we went on a field trip and took the train from Berdoo to Redlands where we toured the orange packing plant. The route was shutting down and our teacher told us we should remember. That was more than 55 years ago.
After reading the description you answered a couple of questions I had....Thanks. Great job on the editing....more time is spent in the editing aspect than filming.
That is absolutely beautiful. I'm not knowledgeable about American Railroads and Steam, but you don't need to be to appreciate the power and beauty in this incredible footage. Props to the unknown cameraman and pilot, and to you for the editing and dubbing. And of course to the many railwaymen involved in making this happen. Thank you.
Ralph111417 --> Bet it was hot in the cab part of that engine. They were "Putting the coal to her" as the saying goes.
Happy Days Actually I think 4449 was converted to burn oil.
Sirens And Trains Of Kansas
SP started using oil in the early 1900’s.
UP had engines that were converted to oil when they were moved to a western division.
Tshasta4449 both 844 and 4449 are oil burners no western steam engines burn coal since it's harder to obtain
@@happydays8171 💚❤🎄⛄❄😘🚧⛽🔰🛤love trains transport by sea and rail
I remember standing between the two tracks as they went by. First, you could see them coming, then you could hear them, and when they passed you could FEEL them, something I'll never forget!
Michael Sterner
That’s awesome, thanks for the info
I bet that was fantastic.
I was so envious of that truck driver who parked on that overpass to watch the show and even get puffed by them both.. . that had to be a real thrill!
That’s absolutely amazing. Talk about right place right time. Very cool.
I was there at Union Station when they left. It was amazing to see these two giants up close, you could feel the heat off the boilers. The 8444 was within 10ft of me as it spit oil and water vapor all over my shirt as it passed. What a memory!
this is what made amerrica whatvit is now
real quick, Can we just say how RARE this is? two American hero's puffing up the same hill at the same time.
Yes, how true. Glad you enjoyed it.
@@Tshasta4449 very rare
@Jon Aschenbrenner
True, only as a last resort.
Rare? Try one and only. Never to be repeated in all likelihood.
This is what dreams are made of...
I am a retired mainline Engineer (41 years_) and I still loved watching this. Good job by all involved.
TheRocketbob22 : that’s awesome, I’ve had a few cab rides and love the feeling of incredible power as the locomotives work their way up a grade.
This has entered the top ten coolest things I have ever seen!!
Keith Lincicum : thanks, I’m really fortunate to have run across this video, to bad I don’t have any information on it. This is only 25% of the tape, I will be post more videos from it when I get time
I can't believe all this footage exists. This blows every other railfan video away.
Imagine if they could organize to do it again, for publicity. Line em up and wave a checkered flag. Equal length consists, no diesel assistance. Live stream it in HD with commentary (and without). It'd blow up on social media, guaranteed.
JETZcorp
I was very fortunate to have come across this footage, the only problem is it is somewhat grainy because of not being original copy.
You can click on the title to get a description of the event.
No diesel assist, only for electricity and dynamic brake if need arises
…Just Image the Wailing and Nashing of Teeth from the Environmentalist!
@@dougm5186 Eh. Just run them both on vegetable oil and market it as a renewable energy demo. They also do run noticeably cleaner today than they did back then due to better maintenance, especially 4449.
@@tomsegar1818 yes there was diesel assist. Look closely around 1:20. the third engine is helping........
Fun fact: The 844 (8444 here due to a number conflict with a GP30) is the only steam locomotive in North America to have never been retired from service.
www.up.com/aboutup/special_trains/steam/locomotives/844.shtml
And now the 844 (GP30) is in a museum.
@Tom Gianopoulos because UPRR has maintained 844 the entire time since steam was retired
Andy Robertson yup, used her for publicity. She even helped haul a little freight.
@ Yes, very true. The only Steam Locomotive from a Class I American railroad to never be retired. From about 1962 to around 1989 she carried and extra digit in her road number -- 8444 -- due to the fact UP purchased an EMD GP30 that carried #844. When the diesel was retired (and given to a museum) 844(4) was given back her original number. Amazing history from an amazing organization that saved and kept alive so much of it's history.
Having expended quite a few hours of elbow grease on 4449, I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for her.
The sound of her pulling hard as she accelerated southbound (railroad west) out of Klamath Falls was indescribable and one of my favorite memories.
Still, 8444’s exhaust southbound through central Oregon did her one better. Sharp as rifle shots.
Very few good looks at the crews at high speed, but if you look closely, you can see them bouncing around. If you’ve never been, you can’t begin to imagine what rough riding machines these were. It felt like they didn’t have a spring in them anywhere. I felt like my fillings were going to come out.
You’ve got to tip your hat to the men who drove these beasts in the days before diesels, to say nothing of the coal fired, pre-stoker days, hand bombing them across the desert. Air conditioning? What’s that? THOSE were men’s men if there ever were. I’d be hard pressed to think of a more all around physically demanding (brutal?) job.
Hats off to those who endure it voluntarily now for the enjoyment of the rest of us.
bgmcc907 : you’re absolutely right, they don’t make machines or men like those.
Especially the firemen before they could turn a guage and release fuel into the firebix they had to shovel tons of coal for even just one trip
@@Abandonsoyciety surely they had coal pushers at this point in steam.
Sean Hedgpeth yes they did, they were called mechanical stokers. There was an auger that moved the coal from the tender to the firebox, then the fireman would use steam to shoot the coal to where he needed.
These systems were only used on larger engines as there was no way a fireman could manage to shovel enough coal.
On smaller engines like little Mike’s or smaller configurations, they could fire by hand.
All western railroads used oil as it was easier and readily available.
You worked on the 4449? Man i would love to talk to you. That engine was featured on a VHS tape when i was a kid an i watched it so many times. I would love to meet my favorite engine some day.
I've seen 4449 only once in my life. It was 1975 and she was painted in the American Freedom Train livery. She was the most beautiful thing I ever saw rolling through our town on the way to Wichita. The whole school walked down to the rail yard to see the train. This video is fantastic.
That’s awesome, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Check out my other steam videos at Tshasta4449., I did one of the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in Alaska, it was shot in HD.
In 'N' scale Kato has made it in the 'Daylight' scheme, and the Black UP version. I don't know who makes them in HO, but both scales sell out very quickly, and at Estate Sales, are usually GRABBED by collectors, before the sale 'officially' starts ! LIONEL makes it in 'O' Scale, but be ready to pay $500, or higher.
Did you see it at Chanute or Winfield?
Saw 8444 when she was also painted in that livery when she visited the AMTRAK Station in St Petersburg, Florida in 75
That rotorhead had to be prior Army.
adrianspeeder
Those are my thoughts also, he definitely was extremely skilled at his craft.
Interesting note, if it was shot by Channel 4 KNBC the pilot was probably Francis Gary Powers, the U-2 pilot that was shot down over Russia in 1959 or 1960. He was their traffic helicopter pilot for many years.
@@djm61 You are correct about him flying for KNBC, but unfortunately Powers was killed in a helo crash 12 years prior. (1977)
8:30 -9:15 lining up.
4449 balling up the Columbia is damn near impossible to chase, man is she ever fast. And 844 pulling 106 full ore cars up the hill in Wyoming or shoving a bunch of stalled EMD's and their load up it while towing her own load of passenger cars is really impressive. Awesome video, thank you for sharing.
PA Flanary
I drive truck and love the run along the Columbia, it would be a great spot to shoot video. Always lots of action on both sides.
Yes that would be totally awesome if it happened. But that was UP 4414 Big Boy that done that. I'm not exactly sure the 844 has enough tractive effort and power to do that. GOD bless you.
You're not wrong about 4449 being hard to keep up with. Back in the 90s before they had an Amtrak diesel with PTC to tattle on them, they went even faster. My dad and I were pacing 4449 on the WA side with the rest of the rat pack in his Porsche 914 once. Doyle opened it up and left all the cars behind because no one wanted to go that fast on SR-14... except us. The 914 speedometer is marked every 30 mph, and I distinctly remember looking over and seeing the needle on the number 90 as we BARELY gained ground on that lunatic. The rods were an absolute blur. I was only like 7, but that made one heck of an impression.
I can just imagine the crews all fired up as they're racing along trying to catch up/hold a lead.
I grew up on these Locos; Dad was an Engineer. Made many railfan trips up and down the pass. This video made my day!
Wow, how awesome is that, I’m sure you had some great memories.
This footage is freakin GOLD, something that will never happen again. Good ass job with the dub too👍
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I have more steam on my website. Tshasta4449.
I shot a HD video of the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in Alaska.
This is just beautiful... Steam trains racing and cabovers on the freeway... The golden era...
Thank you very much, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Chuck my TH-cam website for other steam and older diesel videos.
I shot a video in HD of the White Pass and Yukon narrow gauge railroad in Alaska that also has aerial video of the train.
Yes absolutely is beautiful I was to young don’t remember the great steam engines but I do remember the cab overs running the highway no more COE trucks all computer controlled very sad
That might be just about the most exciting race I've ever seen, I have tears in my eyes. They probably never exceeded 40mph and during the climb probably no more than 30mph, but to see them trading lead and knowing they had them both balls-to-the-wall. Man, I wish I was there!
Thanks, Glad you enjoyed it.
Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” for other steam and older diesel videos.
I took a video in HD of steam engine #73 on the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in the rugged mountains of Alaska that includes drone footage.
Interesting, from a distance it looks like a model railroad!
Whirlybird --> They're neck and neck, l Iike in a western movie of some sort.
Great video!
Just a note, in 1989 state of the art video technology, such as they used here, produced excellent and sharp images. However, it was analog video and if you didn't use the best format to copy it, the resolution or sharpness evaporated. That is what happened here; someone made a cheap thus poor quality duplicate or dub.
One cool thing is in 1989 only professional helicopter pilots using Bell Jet Rangers and cameramen using high-end Sony or Ikegami video cameras on a Nelson Tyler helicopter stabilizing mounts could do this stuff. You see those close-ups of the locomotives or the tail car? Holy cow! The helicopter was maybe 100' away! Yipes!
While now you could use a drone, this Hollywood grade pilot and cameraman are showing you how its done son.
You are absolutely correct, that pilot had skills and big Kahuna’s
Beautiful! Whoever was doing the cinematography was an experienced and masterful touch!
Yes, it definitely was. Read my description about the event.
Also there is another segment on the 4449 in my TH-cam videos
Well I've seen Mallard, the Flying Scotsman, Tornado and 9F's in operation - but this video is mighty impressive and well filmed. Many thanks to my American friends and stay safe
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
The Brits have a great heritage of saving and restoring their steam engines.
Bravo to them
Would be epic to.see mallard.&the daylight 4449 do a doubleheader.;)
What might be the most dangerous grade in North America, was easily conquered by 2 vintage, well-rounded steam locomotives racing each other. I don't know about you, but that tells me how powerful the iron horse really was and is.
Majestic, powerful...and gorgeous to see. It's no wonder American lost its heart to steam locomotives.
You do realize they were using diesel pusher engines as well ?
@@WootTootZoot UP 8444 did. I didn't see any on SP 4449.
@@WootTootZoot the daylighter was not using diesel engines to assist .
They had diesel help
Interesting fact about this video. In 1989 my wife and I were living in LaCrescenta CA and we had a slide in camper for our crew cab pickup truck. We took this truck camping several times before we had any children, to camp near the railroad tracks on Cajon Pass. In 1989 I just got back from my two weeks Reserves Okinawa and the wife picked me up at LAX, she had her suitcase packed and we drove to Burbank Airport, for me to drop her off for a company school in Sacramento. I went home and loaded the camper onto the pickup truck. I went to the camping spot on Cajon Pass to camp for two nights and watch the trains. When I went to bed both nights, no one was camping anywhere near me. I loved falling asleep listening to all the trains going up and down the pass. On the second morning I woke up and had at least 100 cars and trucks on the dirt roads all around me. I got on the roof and set up my video camera on a tripod and had my still camera. A lot of the RR fans had scanners and we were listening to the engineers talking to each other. One of the engines got to the meet point, down near San Bernardino and waited for the other. As the other approached, the stopped engine started rolling so they could leave the area side by side. Someone came on the radio saying, "That was no earthquake, it was just 10,000 rail fans all having a simultaneous orgasm". Everyone around us had a laugh. As they approached where we were, we could see 4449 slowing and she stopped directly in front of my truck/camper. I climbed down, leaving the video recorder running, while taking my still camera to take pictures of 4449, and ran over to get pictures. In this video at 16:13 you can see me crossing the tracks in front of 4449, in my Navy tank top, shorts and NRA hat. As they were loading everything up and telling the passengers to get back on board, I ran back to the camper. At 16:59 as 4449 starts moving, you can see at the top of the video, the ridge with my truck and camper on it, on the other side of the set of tracks 8444 went up. You can see the hill is cut for those tracks. When our children were about five and seven, we were living in Hawthorne Nevada and took them on a trip to Disneyland. On the way down and back, we stayed at the same place and our five year old daughter loved going over to the cut, to signal the engineer to blow his whistle, which they all did. She would jump up and down in joy as they drove past us, while waving at her. After we got home from the trip, they both wanted to know when we could go back and camp by the railroad tracks.
Thanks really great memories, thanks for sharing
The way daylight went faster with no diesel support is amazing
Unknown that union pacific uses diesel cuz the 844 is pulling that much Wich is wasting recourses faster and the diesel train pushes them somso that's why they use diesel
Amazing video. I have seen another where they were doubleheading but never running separately. The 4449 gets credit for being a beautiful locomotive but this shows that under that pretty paint, a beast lives within.
People on the 844: Omg its the daylight!
Meanwhile on the Daylight: It's a race then..
Of all the videos on u/tube Love seen, this has to be greatest one ever. A UP engine like that one bought me out from Omaha to California in 1949. A huge thank you. Mike
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it. You are getting to be one of the few that witnessed the Golden age of Steam . 👍
Unfair! 844 has two diesel helpers! All jokes aside, this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment that will almost certainly never happen again. Also, props to the F40PH crewman standing on the hood!
Even with the bearing issue, running 4449 with no diesel units shows the faith they had in their engine.
@@spikespa5208 union pacific runs the diesels as a source of dynamic braking. Thats it.
I belive the diesels also provide electricity to the modernized passenger cars
Train crews did a great job getting them both into Sullivan's curve at the same time as the tracks are separated a fair distance on the approach. Absolutely amazing footage. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, click on the Title for a description of the events.
Check out my TH-cam playlist at “Tshasta4449” for other steam and older diesel videos.
I watched this years before and I loved it so much. Then I searched up after but could not hit the key words. Today, magic just happened, it popped up on my suggested list. Thank you very much.
I’m glad you found it,
Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” for other Steam and older Diesel videos.
I did a video in HD of the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in the rugged mountains of Alaska that includes drone footage.
Thank you for this edit. My grandfather Jack Daly was the engineer that day, assisted by a man named Mike Baker I believe. He loooooved the locomotives
Wow, how awesome is that.👍
Is your Grandfather retired?
We moved to the Coachella Valley in 1938. My father LOVED steam trains so that is how we would travel between Indio and San Mateo or Indio and Stockton. As soon as the Daylight came into service, that is how we would travel. LA to San Jose. Loved watching this video…even with the lump in my throat!
Ah, 1989...when railfans could just drive next to the rails, and RR police didn't tell them to get lost or give them tickets...it was a different era.
There's literally a railroad bridge I live near that despite being a CSX mainline people like to walk across it, as it makes a good shortcut to a nearby Beach club
@Northern Mexico Rails Productions Petrol was £0.70 a gallon. Vehicles were large, comfortable, powerful, and handled great. There was no, "reality," television nor the retards to watch it. The Soviet Union kept China and United States of America in check. People were afraid of being rude and entitled. They were good times.
I had rail security show me inside a locomotive when I was fifteen years of age. I was just walking close to the railroad and he asked me if I was up to no good. I said, "No sir. I was just admiring the train." He said, "Come with me and let's take a closer look." He showed me the outside and let me get inside the locomotive and described the controls. He even opened the engine are and let me look. I asked him if I could blow the horn and he told me that was something that was not allowed. I shook his hand and he asked me if I enjoyed the locomotive. Then he said if a passenger train ever pulls in and I am in the area to ask the guard of I can look inside and to tell them Nick, the head guard said it was okay. Times really were very different back then, very, very, different.
And when the UP steam program wasn't ran by the dictator known as Ed Dickens.
@kevin Simala true. That s everywhere in the world now. What a pitty.
Man, we really lost something with diesels. While yes, diesel and electric trains are faster and more efficient, they're just...boxes. Steam engines, you get to _HEAR_ the power, _SEE_ the power, _FEEL_ the power. Just watching all those intricate rods all move perfectly in sync, knowing that every single nut and bolt is there for a reason, and seeing those massive clouds of smoke and steam just gives everyone who sees it a feeling that just can't be described. I love that we're rebuilding some of those beautiful steel titans back from the grave. The T1 Trust, 611 Class J, 4014, even some smaller, lesser known engines are being restored. I miss the steam era, even though I never lived through it.
How true. There a living, breathing legacy of mans accomplishments. I have a number of videos I took of steam. Check out my TH-cam channel.
I appreciate all forms of traction all Locomotives, in my opinion can have it's own personally. I'm a railfan that appreciates all locomotive types.
@@andrewiantorno6942 same here, between the complexity of steam locomotives, roar of diesels or efficiency of electrics, I think there all neat
@@jwalster9412 I'm happy someone agrees, and in my opinion. This Every Locomotive is a "she" is silly to. Some Locomotives can take on a masculine personality and some and more femmine personality.
Agree with most of the comments - each type of motive power has its own appreciation. I put forward that even the most ardent steam enthusiast will be moved by the sight, sounds and smell of a Deltic powering away from Berwick on Tweed on a cold and frosty night!
This is the fifth time I have watched this. This is so exciting. I am a 77yo big kid from NZ and love your locos and trains. How things have changed since this was captured . Hang on tight to your history, don't let it be forgotten. Red on red like a firebox. 👍💪🦰🟥🔴
Thank you very much, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I had a great time videoing the Southern Pacific in it’s last year’s of existence. Also the west was a great location to climb up a hill to look down on and watch the train as it worked its way through a land of endless curves, fills and cuts.
Thank you so much for the fabulous video I’ve love trains since I was 4. 60 years later this video brought tears to my eyes. So beautiful. The dubbing was very well done. I watched and savored every minute! ❤
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it
I have uncles out in the upper mid-west who grew up around rail roads and always expressed a passion for them. I've personally always felt indifferent about them. But this video--this helped me appreciate the engineering marvel this machinery is, and a testament to its ongoing importance to American industry. Thanks for posting!
I’m glad you enjoyed it,
Check out my TH-cam website for other steam and older diesel videos.
I did a recent one of the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in Alaska that you would enjoy.
What incredible works of art running up the grade. My grandfather was a fireman during the age of steam. They have a great preservation of this machines at the Sacramento Train Museum.
I’ve been to the California Train Museum many times, It’s a great show, especially the one and only Cabforwad 4-8-8-2 giant locomotive.
To bad it’s a static display. I’d love to see it running beside the Big Boy
Thanks for explaining your sound editing. I wondered about the sound of the helicopter (or the adsence of it.) Then I read your commentary. You did a great job. This is an epic video!
Texarado
Thank you very much, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
You should check out my White Pass & Yukon video.
2:29, i like how the car pulled over to see what was the fuss.
I seen that too.
Dude saw that he probably thought a bomb went off
Probably a climate change gunky having a meltdown... Lol
Awesome video for the time, Imagine how this would look in 4K today. I have never seen steam going up Cajon, let alone two. Thanks for posting this.
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Check out my TH-cam website for a playlist of steam and older diesel videos.
I did a 4K video of the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in Alaska.
Being a local trucker back in '08&'09 I had the privilege of watching them build the high track. What an operation! Now I watch this as memories of I-15 & Route 66 complement this historical adventure.
How cool is that.
Of all the modern-day steam excursions we see I find the Daylight train most satisfying because it is running without diesel backup/HEP. Seems rare and what a difference that makes for the overall effect.
It depends on how far the run is, and if it’s on a mainline they usually put a diesel in the consist just for insurance.
Now that it's 2018 and they're repairing 4014. Who wants a race between 3985 and 4014. Challenger 3985 v.s. Big Boy 4014
Everything Trains USA they would probably do a triple header with 844 3985 and 4014
Union Pacific 4019 Productions well when 4014 gets repaired they're gonna send it through the entire UP system
I have watched all of the repair videos of 4014 but can not seem to find anything recent. Anyone seen a return to service update?
John Bodenberg they have said that 4014 will be repaired by the end of 2018 start of 2019
It would be a better race if CSX/C&O Museum would restore their Allegheny (2-6-6-6). That would really be something to see against the 4014!
I really wish Union Pacific would paint the 844 back to grey again. It really looked good in that color.
Yes, I agree & that was their official passenger paint scheme
I heard it was hard to clean.
True, but some changes are for the best.
Yes....and Gray photographs better....shows more detail...🏍
I sort of agree.... but I a steam engine in black, just seems so right.
A very nice video. As someone who has had a lifelong passion for trains and railroads (and saw 844 up close a few years ago), I'm always captivated by magnificent locomotives such as these. I'm also trying to imagine what the conversation between 4449 and 8444 was like:
4449: "Ugh! This diesel fuel is really not agreeing with me!! How can those locomotives handle that stuff!?!?
8444: "I don't know. Just remember, girl, you got this!!"
Even in the face of all the technical issues you had to face the video is great. Thank you!
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” for other steam and older diesel videos.
I shot an HD video of steam engine 73 on the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in the rugged mountains of Alaska.
The Daylight is an absolute beaut of an engine - in it's day ran a luxurious commute up and down California. Had a chance to board it for fun trip in Oregon, where it resides now. Mesmerizing. Love it and it's siblings history. The Northern is my second fav engine besides the Mikado. Good job Tshasta
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Gotta applaud the helicopter pilot for making these amazing shots possible.
Thondup Andrugtsang : absolutely, that pilot must be a Vietnam Veteran, he definitely had some serious skills to fly that helicopter and not hit any poles or wires.
844's Gray color scheme is absolutely beautiful.
Yes it is, very classy. It would be nice to see the UP repaint 844 to passengers colors again.
Kilroy was here is dd
N9 so issod dad ndidjj7*i$7$8xidjdirufiid
Great Video I was there with my 3 children who at the time were 6 and 7. It was so much fun we paced the engines up the Cajon pass!!
Michael Morgan
How awesome is that,
Thank you for the video. I live in Portland, Oregon the home of the 4449 and know some of people involved in keeper her operating along with the 740 . Both where pulled off a siding track along side Oaks Amusement Part in southeast Portland and restored. I can remember as a kid seeing the 4449 parked on that siding and left to rust away so it’s great to see it running again. And a big thank you to all the men that volunteer their time to keep her running.
Joel Seim
Thanks for your kind words. I was able to visit the old Brooklyn roundhouse and see the engines. That was a wonderful experience. I haven’t been to the new location, but it must be very nice.
Yes it is , I go by it all the time. I’ve been thinking of getting involved with the engines I know some people down their I just need to stop by.
Such a beautiful sight to see. Two of the only steam locomotives that remain in service racing side by side is so amazing.
Yes it is, actually there are quite a few steam engines left, although every 5 years the boilers need to be rebuilt, and that is a major expense which means that a great number of them take years to rebuild.
Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” for other Steam and older Diesel videos.
I did a video in HD of the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in the rugged mountains of Alaska that includes drone footage.
@@Tshasta4449 The only other steam locomotive that I know of that's still in service is Union Pacific Big Boy 4014.
@@carterjames8829
Google “steamlocomotive.Info” for a list by state of engines that survive.
I was on this Chase with my father as a teenager right out of the army. This was a fantastic fun Chase and I'm glad to see some of that got this kind of footage. Unfortunately we chase the wrong train that day. Still, excellent footage 👍
Thanks, you had some great memories.
Thanks for posting, that's solid gold classic, pleasure to watch for what it is not could've been, cheers
dashaB0553 : very glad you enjoyed it, 👍
Thanks for the great video ! Truly amazing these old iron work horses thanks to the person doing the video and thanks to all the people to make the trip happen ! Once in a lifetime shot . Wish I was on one of them !
Yes, I wish I could have witnessed it also. Fortunately there is this video
I don't know what's wrong with me. I was moved to tears while watching this with big goofy smiles. I so wish I coulda been there!
Also... those low angles were amazing for 1995... long before the proliferation of photography drones. All manually done, and even more amazingly, with such clear audio of the steam engines without being covered up by the aircraft it was shot from. Had to be using some high quality shotgun microphones.
You need to click on the description for an explanation of the events.
@@Tshasta4449 I missed that detail before, thanks!
A testament to your dubbing and editing prowess.
@@1SqueakyWheel
Thanks
I moved to Laramie in 1957, on the City of Portland, from Portland. We had a compartment with private bath, and our family pet travelled with us in it. We were not steam powered, but one of seven trains per day through Laramie, each direction, hauling passengers. 'Twas a sad day when UP quit the southern Wyoming route. I do remember a later trip when the "speed limit" was reduced, and I clocked the mileposts at one each thirty seconds between Rock Springs and Rawlins (120MPH). 8444, or 844 as now known, was a steam passenger engine. I live in Northern Wyoming now, after a few years in Alaska, but my kids got a treat before UP quit passenger service in Wyoming. They got a ride from Laramie to Denver and back on one of the "city of" trains just prior to the re-route. Amtrak made out big time from the presentation of UP passenger rolling stock (very superior quality), which immediately went East, and their superior roadbed on the Western routes. Some of my fond memories of Laramie are standing on the footbridge over the tracks, while a "real" locomotive passed below, belching black smoke.
Grady Wright : that’s awesome, thanks for sharing those memories that are a part of history, never to be repeated.
Grady Wright I knew some of those old UP crew's... even worked with Domino Construction on the UP RR Creasote Pond clean up!!
My Grandparents cabin was on Lake Hattie and Sunday school for me was Harmony Wyoming.. I knew Norman Strom.Jack Hardigan .Neil Nordman and Johnny Kruppa, Charles Salisbury, Joe Feltner..
And the WyColo Railroad was still there
Question about all the black smoke from 4449 answered below. Great footage.
15:32 - you gotta appreciate this dude's effort. He clambered across the side of the cab of that bulky F40PH just to see 8444 better and wave to the passengers.
My mind is auctally blown right now. I had no idea my 2 favorite trains raced!
Lol, click on the description for an explanation of the events
Thank you very much for sharing your historic find with all of us on U Tube.Absolutely outstanding.The RAW power of STEAM,just takes my breath away.
Once again ,thank you :)
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Check out my TH-cam website playlist at “Tshasta4449” for other steam and older diesel videos
844 (8444) in matching coaches? With 4449 with aslo a matching coaches? SIDE BY SIDE??? This is what wet dreams are made of
Beautiful!! I watched and enjoyed every minute of it. The sound of those beautiful steam locomotives was music to the ears. Thanks for posting.
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it
- [x] Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” of other steam and older diesel videos.
I took a video in HD of steam engine 73 on the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in the rugged mountains of Alaska that includes drone footage.
Very cool, I was at the Union Station 50th Anniversary celebration and saw these two iconic steam locos (along with ATSF 3751). Never saw them race like this though.
In researching the web I’ve found information that both crews were in radio communication with each other and had to adjust speeds to keep abreast with each other as they climbed Cajon pass. Only when 4449 experienced mechanical problems did the party break up.
The greatest train video of all time!!!!! TYVM Simple breathtaking.
Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it,
Check out my TH-cam playlist at “Tshasta4449” for other steam and older diesel videos.
I did a video of the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in Alaska that I shot in HD.
You don't appreciate how big the train is until it passes the cars....Gigantic! Very koool, thanks for posting
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Check out my TH-cam playlist at “Tshasta4449” for more steam and older diesel videos
Yo we just gunna ignore the fact the helicopter was craping the ground for some of these shots?? 10/10 pilot right there.
Imagine living during the era where this was the best and fastest way to travel. 100 years of steam trains. A time where there were hundreds of them across the country running day and night.
Most of the people that did like my mother and early Los Angeles arrivals say it was "Romantic" and drew you in to the experience about to unfold for you if you are lucky.
My dad worked for the Pennsylvania RR for 44 years (1920 - 1964) during the golden age of steam. He started out not as an paid employee but as a kid sweeping up and doing odd jobs around Union Station just to be near the locomotives and the hustle and bustle of a busy train station in the 1910's. Then in 1920 at age 18 he got hired by the PRR as a brakeman, a dangerous job in those days. Over the next four decades he worked his way up through every job on the locomotives, from brakeman to fireman, engineer, and conductor, and finally retiring in '64 as the PRR merged with the New York Central and steam had given way to diesel-electric. I remember some of his stories and being taken to the local rail yards to visit his old co-workers on the job, but I don't remember as much as I wish I did. I would like to talk to him now and ask him many questions about his experiences on the RR and his life in general but of course he's long gone.
His love for machines in general was passed on to me (I served in the AF on jets), and although I was never directly involved with locomotives I pull over to watch one go by whenever possible. I guess it's in my DNA.
@Lazys The Dank Engineer 🤫SUCH A FOUL MOUTH !
I was impressed with the race up Cajun pass, great videos. Michael said that.
WOW! love it...every second. Thanks for posting, might get my layout back and running.
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it
Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” for more steam and older diesel videos.
You did awesome with the sound doll. Thankyou for it.😊
Thank you very much, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
If you enjoy steam videos I recently did one on the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in Alaska.
You can find it on my TH-cam playlist at “Tshasta4449”.
@@Tshasta4449 Welcome Doll, Iwill.👌
I remember my mother taking me to see this when I was a kid. I was 9 years old and we lived in Hesperia, the first city at the top of the pass. It was a huge event. I’m 40 now, and I still remember standing next to the tracks at the Main St overpass watching the first one, then the second one being late, and all the people waving from the last car. Definitely one of my earliest memories and one I won’t forget.
That’s awesome, great memories
Good catch. I've enjoyed chasing both of these locomotives individually, but never together.
This definitely was a once in a lifetime event.
Thanks for posting this and the excellent sound fix.
John T : thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
You did an excellent job. Most excellent find of a video that could have been thrown away. You don't see this much anymore, folks working hard and having a good time. So what if one of the locomotives had extra smoke. They used what was available at the time. No different than you dubbing in the sound, which is better than hearing the helicopter.
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Check out my TH-cam website for other steam videos
When watching and listening this historic event i couldn’t help but notice hearing a slipping sound,if that’s what I’m truly hearing.Usually you hear slippage when the locomotive begins gaining momentum.Also this is incredible camera footage for the year 1989.Thanks for providing one of the best rail videos I’ve seen so far!!!
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Actually the audio I used was dubbed from other video I took of 4449.
Click on the title for a description of the events.
Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” for other Steam and older Diesel videos.
I did a video in HD of the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in the rugged mountains of Alaska that includes drone footage
I'm amazed there are not more railfans out - once in a lifetime deal. When they ran 844 and the big boy together out in Wyoming, it was nuts!
Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” for other steam and older diesel videos.
I took a video in HD of steam engine 73 on the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in the rugged mountains of Alaska that includes drone footage.
No matter how many times I was seeing this. It brought back memories. I was on that trip and it was fantastic 👍
- [x] Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” of other steam and older diesel videos.
I took a video in HD of steam engine 73 on the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge in the rugged mountains of Alaska that includes drone footage.
Holy shit, amazing, and this guys flying a chopper lower than I would dare fly a drone :-)
Isn’t that the truth, he was definitely a very skilled pilot
@@Tshasta4449 I spent 25 years as a TV news cameraman and hung out of many choppers flown by very skilled pilots, but this flying was a level beyond anything I ve seen ... :-)
@@geoffmackley l spent a few years flying shake blocks out of the bush. Our pilot was a ex nam guy. That man could make you kiss the ground when you landed. Used to fly the hook when the next turn was a ways away. Talk about a E ticket ride. He was telling us one of his jobs was mineral exploration these guys had some device under the bird and readers inside. One of them said "shame we cant hover sideways get readings from cliff faces" he free falled sideways and pulled out at last second. They set up a remote from the hotel room the next day.
Through pretty crazy terrain as well may I add. I was physically there when this event occurred, & was raised with this as my back yard!!!
What a vulgar comment!
Thanks for the explanation on the black smoke and thanks for posting. A unique situation probably not to be repeated anywhere.
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it
Helluva run!! Hope there's a rematch one day so future generations can see these magnificent beasts of glorious days gone by!!
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Check out my TH-cam website at “Tshasta4449” for a playlist of steam and older diesel videos.
Absolutely stunning. These icons of the past.
I have loved trains all my life. I remember a day in 1955, when I was 14, when the last steam job made it's run on the central line of the Long Island Railroad, blowin it's whistle all the way. In the summer, when it was hot, we couldn't open a window because soot would drag in...These days I have about 200 feet in N gauge and a bunch of "G" gauge stuff, including an LGB "White Pass & Yukon", Articulated, diesel, engine with sound
George Quinn that’s awesome being involved in model railroad
I'd like to see a video of your setup in action, George.
The steam train is the closest we have been to making a machine a living being
Yes, very true. Check out my other TH-cam videos at Tshasta4449. I have a playlist section on steam
Yea that was the news footage, the funny thing is the copy you purchased MIGHT have at one time been mine. I was good friends with someone that worked at the news station, and he got me a copy of the raw footage from the helicopter. I had loaned it to a friend, and when he passed all the railroad stuff I had at his house vanished, which was a shame. I had stayed with my friends and helped take care of his wife after surgery, so he could work. Oh well, easy come, easy go, but it's nice to see the footage again. I was there, and we followed 4449 onto Tehachapi. There was definitely some interesting chatter between the 2 locomotive crews over the radio. Yea they WORKED 4449 up that grade, not surprised a bearing heated up. Thank you for posting!
Oh wow, that’s unreal. I was living in Huntington Beach back then, but sadly I missed the event. At least you got to see it live.
Thank you and yes, 28 min. of over dubbed train audio is better than music and certainly better than jet turbine whine.
I did like the music for where 4449 was being repaired and appreciated the fly around of that work of art. Speaking of which, no graffiti on any of the cars! Wonderful.
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
And that no graffiti was the end of an era, sadly as we entered a new Millennium things have changed, and not for the better.
Awesome video! I will show my kids.
This video, along with the "EPIC CATCH" of a train through snow a few years ago, are about as cool train videos as I've ever seen!
I love the shot at 10:00. You can see the differing grades on the two tracks affect the speed. The two tracks have little gradient mismatches and that is why the fast passing occurs here and there.
Such great footage. Seemed like a genuine challenge. You know which one I was rooting for.
Haha 😆
Outside of my love for trains is my love of full scale and remote helicopters, as well as real aerial video. This helicopter pilot was really GOOD for the time period!! Back before you had "drones" doing all of the work.. This was exceptional in the 80's. No doubt he was being the 'gimbal' and flying backwards at a fairly high rate of speed before transitioning to forward flight in some of the scenes. Thanks for sharing the video! Glad it wasn't lost to time!!
I’ve been told that he was an ex Vietnam veteran. There was a cameraman running the camera, but the pilot was definitely a real professional.
@@Tshasta4449 I don't doubt that for a second! One of my early thoughts watching it was wondering if this was done by a Vietnam pilot.. And heck, maybe even a door gunner... Regardless, the choreography between the pilot and person shooting the video was impeccable. When doing video work in full scale starting in 2002 for news and other projects, I had a mechanical gyro under my cam. IF there wasn't one available or used on this 'film', it is even more impressive! Thanks again!!
11:27.. both trains coming out of differnt tunnels captured from Birds view.....just fantastic.
INDIAN
Thanks, hats off to the news crew that did the awesome flying and videoing.
Both engines have that art deco look.
Yes, very true
When I was a boy living in San Bernardino the old steam engines would descend the pass and come into town after some heavy braking. The wheels would sometimes be cherry red, the same color as radial engines exhausts on the old DC 5 airplanes. Cajon Pass is a scenic drive and is a gateway to the LA area.
Oh wow, that’s amazing. You got to see the twilight of the steam era.
I've driven down the highway that parallels these tracks recently for the first time and all I could think of was hearing about this run and seeing the video after it'd happened. Man, i wish I could have seen this in person!
I love and appreciate what you have done. This is A-1 footage in my mind. Pretty awesome from whatever angle. Mighty steeds they are! Absolutely fantastic footage. ❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️
Judith Meyer
Thanks, I appreciate your input
These engines are beautiful! In some scenes you can hear quicker chuffing that sounds amazing.
These things are true works of art!
They’re both beautiful but if I could have 1 of em I’d be going w the 844.
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Read my description for information about this event.
Magnificent and too rare. UP should arrange more of these.
That would be nice. Unfortunately UP have a policy of no foreign steam engines can run on their line’s and ship when this took place the SP owned the tracks that 4449 ran on, bummer.
What I would give to travel back in time with my drone and capture these magnificent beasts in action. I wouldn’t have enough batteries and memory cards to capture it all!
I grew up in Berdoo, I would have loved to have been there and watch this.
See the cars and trucks stop to watch!
While in elementary school, we went on a field trip and took the train from Berdoo to Redlands where we toured the orange packing plant. The route was shutting down and our teacher told us we should remember. That was more than 55 years ago.
Yes, that’s too you didn’t see the actual event.
After reading the description you answered a couple of questions I had....Thanks.
Great job on the editing....more time is spent in the editing aspect than filming.
John Dubpernell
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it, You should check out my video I shot of the White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge steam.