I work for a class III switching railroad just outside of Pittsburgh, PA called Union Railroad. We have a fleet of SW1500 and MP15DC's. 9 are SW1500's and the rest are the MP15DC's. Fun fact for our engines is that they were designed heavier than any other switcher of that class and a lower gear ratio. Most of our units now except for about 10 of them are able to be remote controlled. All the units were built in the early to mid 1970's. We have tried different engines over the years but nothing can compete with the fleet of engines we currently roster. If you ever get the chance to come to Pittsburgh, I would highly recommend checking out the Union Railroad. We're also one of the only railroads that still uses a caboose on the end of our trains because of the various reverse moves that we do.
As a kid in the mid '50s, I lived near the NYC in a small town. Nearby industries were almost always switched by high-hood GPs. I remember the excitement of seeing the occasional end-cab. They were just so cool with the crew on display behind all that glass! I still stop to watch if I see one. Thanks for this blast from my past.
love those switchers. With lower hp, they work harder than the bigger road engines. I was not aware that turbo versions were available. I learn something everyday. Eventually, I'll be a "know it all"!
There was a time (about 30 years ago) that my Son and I could watch trains and once in a while would invite us on a cab ride. One time, we rode for about 4 hours. The only problem was my Wife was waiting in the car (for 4 hours). Needless to say I was in the dog house for that one, but we sure did a lot of fun switching. That wouldn't happen today with today's liability and all.
My granddad worked for the Louisville & Nashville. During the latter part of his 51 year career (1908-1959), he ran the SW switchers doing yard work and switching local industries in Nashville.
@@bluegrassman3040 Not that I know of. Of course, I was only 13 when he retired. He liked local switching because he could be home every night. With his seniority, he could bid on and get any job he wanted.
@@LandNfan I don’t blame a man for wanting to be home every night. Because it usually takes so long to hold enough seniority on the railroad to get the better jobs. Also, I live next to the L&N(now CSX) main in Robards, KY.
Somewhere in my collection, I still have my 1977 photoes of the parts line in Middletown , OHIO of 4 Lima's. 2 ex BO still in pure BO paint. 1 ex EL in the black winged post merger paint. 1 in pure ERIE paint. At that time there were about a half dozen Lima's running around the plant.
Venture over to SW Pa at some point and check out the Union RR. 4-5 unit lashups of MP15's lugging heavy 80+ car drags up steep grades is an every day occurrence.
Kinda like a DC-3 airplane, only replacement is another one as nobody has come up with anything better to do the job. One trick ponies, switchers, but it's a very good trick.
When I was a kid I used to watch the railroad activity at the Niagara Falls, N.Y. railroad yard. The majority of locomotives were end-cab switchers working the industrial freight into and out of the yard. An occasional treat was larger locomotives pulling passenger trains into Niagara Falls..including some E and F units. Mostly New York Central, then Penn Central, then later on Conrail. I always admired the hard work those little switchers did.
Good job AC loved the video I have a story of an end cab Switcher I think it was an sw1 it was a Rio Grande sw1000 or sw1 it only had a single smokestack I was at Roper yard when I was a kid and in Salt Lake City and the engineer came out and asked me if I'd like a ride in the cab and it was a female and she was an awesome engineer and she let me drive the locomotive I got to go back and forth on a few hundred yards of track and got to blow the horn and pull the throttle and stop the locomotive with the independent break it was epic one of the best r a i l fan experiences I've ever had in my life good job AC love the video
My uncle was an engineer for L&N Railroad for 25 years and worked there for 35. Before he retired he was running locals in town with one of these switchers and I got to make a couple of runs with him in the mid-1960s. I knew all about switching when I was 8. lol That was in the caboose days but I only spent a little time in the caboose. My place was on the throttle. lol
I to enjoy watching yard work watching the all of the moves that are made. Switching Car's or building up the train to leave the yard really enjoy watching humping car's. Not much hump work anymore a lot of railroads have removed there humps Sad. Awesome video...
I agree with u AC on the switching. for me it was listening to those 16-cylinder Detroits throttle up, from the E and F units on. I used to drive an old 10spd GMC just a smaller Detroit. but I believe everybody has gotten away from the 2 stroke engines, and the engines they're using today just don't sound the same.
MOST OF THESE FAMOUS LOCOMOTIVES ARE GONE, BUT THEY ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!I HAVE SOME ON MY MODEL RAILROAD. AND I WOULD LOVE TO GET SOME MORE, BEFORE THE MANUFACTURERS STOP MAKING THEM.
Back in 97 I got the right in the cab of an SW one I do believe I had a wood cab the ride was at Midcontinent Railroad Museum in Wisconsin 16 mile ride
CP has so many varied sd due to small orders as well as the deregulation they absorbed most of the branch lines like SOO, and so had even smaller batch orders, they mostly used hand me downs from other railroads who bought large batch order and quickly upgraded due to their long haul abilities, which the newer engines allowed them to reduce the need for may way points and between yards.
The first diesel locomotive switcher was built by Baldwin locomotive works because New York Central needed to have diesel locomotive within the city limits of New York. EMC built Diesel's before world war after Baldwin. When they were bought by general motors they had unlimited backing by the parent company in order to finance shaky roads purchase of diesel locomotives and not only did they replace the steam locomotives they destroyed the whole steam locomotive industry. Because of industrial coercion that were not interested in diesel locomotives were forced to purchase them anyway. In spite of the so-called efficiencies of the diesel locomotive it made it up in other ways. Cost per mile with the same or more than modern steam. Alco Baldwin and Fairbanks Morse made great end-cab diesel switcher as shown by the Milwaukee road use of Fairbanks Morse switching locomotives until the early 90s. People did not get loans for new switching locomotives but they would for new diesel locomotives that make the money 💰. Many minorityBuilder locomotives were struck from rosters so they can make a common parts source.. EMD locomotives use an electric starter, alco vocamotive use an air starter which has an oil reservoir with needs to be periodically filled if you do not keep it filled up with oil and run it dry it will burn up the starte and put the locomotive out of service until the starter is replaced. You also have to know how to service a four-stroke valvetrain 2-stroke EMD locomotives are very simple you just keep them full of oil and fuel and they run forever.
Knoxville makes MP/SW style units now and over 30 have been bought by shortlines. GE, EMD and Knoxville also make new 4 axle road locos just few are bought.
Though you mentioned that BO 320is preserved at Whitewater Valley RR(Not operational too)but you did not mention ex Cincinnati Union terminal 25. Old 25 has been operating here for,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,almost 50 years! I remember seeing her back in 1976! Just 3 years ago, I was passing through Connersville and low and behold there she was. Also, 25 is looking GOOD! Sounding good too! 25 also still has it's NYC inspired tiger striping on the pilot. A feature found on all affiliated NYC lines.
Great video of the cab end locomotives but you kind of forgot one more Railroad The LIRR they purchased 22 MP15AC for the commuter and freight service no they only owed 14 four were scrapped and four were sold or leased to the New York Atlantic railway
Nice educational video. You never know what you will see in the Enola yard. Captured the Pennsylvania Heritage Unit there a month or so ago. Sperry locomotive was there about a month ago. I have not noticed that crazy looking blue electric powered whatever. lol
@@Trains21 Just yesterday, Nov 14,2023 saw a yellow & black switcher in Enola Yard. Couldn't tell what was on cab, had something on but couldn't make it out.
Where I live, CPR used S series switchers. But that's back when most box cars were 40'. Rolling stock got longer and heavier. I haven't seen an S unit in decades. CPR now uses two GP-38S lashed up for switching. It's never less than two units.
I just delivered to a town off route 322 in Pennsylvania ,that had a erie lawawanna switcher still in E.L colors i was shocked butt couldnt get close to her,the erie lawawanna was my favorite road
I'm pretty sure that the Erie Lackawanna SD45-2s and SDP45-2s were numbered 3600 and up (designating their horse power rating). The E-L unit you showed (#1700) I don't believe is an SD45-2. Plus it should have the radiator flared at the rear of the unit.
The SDP45 (no -2) had flared radiators, as the previous commenter said, the SD45-2 doesn’t. Also, note the oversized fuel tank on 1700, only EL units had them.
At 21:09 you said that the units here ate gone like the sd45-2, one remaining unit is 1700 in the EL scheme and works around port Newark NJ (At least I think)
I've never been able to understand what all of those numbers and letters stand for, kind of like John Deere tractors. Where does one learn this information?
I'm not sure of your point at the start about tight curves on industrial lines, surely the problem sits with railways not ordering shunting locomotives so builders don't make them
When the sharp curves were laid the small switch engines were a dime a dozen, also limited space added to the need for sharp curves. Add in that cars were shorter then too! The rail weight limit is lower too, so heavier 6 axle road locomotives are unable to be run on them.
It's Sooooooo SAD that NS destroyed all those Engine's NS sure isn't the Railroad it used to be. It's going to Hell it used to have Pride in it's self now a day's all it care's about is money. I understand that You need money to stay in business BUT NS. has gotten greedy. Every sence NS got rid of that Man can't remember His name. Anyway He had Pride of the Railroad remember when all Heritage Engine's we're on the point of all train's. Plus all Heritage Engine's were always clean along with just about all Engine's looked painted and clean. Employees were more happy the railroad ran smoothly for a long time. Then NS got rid of Him a few years back and look how much has changed for the worst. Wake Up NS management get it back together cuz it's terrible right now the way it's heading...
Loved this Video, definitely my favorite series of locomotives. Just a wonderful video on these switchers ,so very in depth and informative. I grew up Watching pairs of Sw900's and Mp1500's as the industrial branch line that passed my house had a major grand up to the plateau where I lived , I would fallow them for hours on my bike as it switched the many local industries , I even was Invited to ride on them on Saturdays an at the Controls a few times . Thanks so much for sharing and the work involved with this video. Cheers , from a Girl Railfan. Cheers ,Subscribed too.
I like steam locomotives but switchers like Alco s 1 s rs and these emds are cool for diesels they still look a bit like steamers grew up with them on our spur lines
I work for a class III switching railroad just outside of Pittsburgh, PA called Union Railroad. We have a fleet of SW1500 and MP15DC's. 9 are SW1500's and the rest are the MP15DC's. Fun fact for our engines is that they were designed heavier than any other switcher of that class and a lower gear ratio. Most of our units now except for about 10 of them are able to be remote controlled. All the units were built in the early to mid 1970's. We have tried different engines over the years but nothing can compete with the fleet of engines we currently roster. If you ever get the chance to come to Pittsburgh, I would highly recommend checking out the Union Railroad. We're also one of the only railroads that still uses a caboose on the end of our trains because of the various reverse moves that we do.
I know I used to haul put of u.s.s. steel and would watch you guys rolling,I love them switchers and slug units more then the big engines.
If I’m in the area I will for sure be railfaning there
Thank you. I will make every effort to come and see these unique and very rare locomotives. ❤
isn't that railroad also servicing Andrew Carnegie old steel mill?
As a kid in the mid '50s, I lived near the NYC in a small town. Nearby industries were almost always switched by high-hood GPs. I remember the excitement of seeing the occasional end-cab. They were just so cool with the crew on display behind all that glass! I still stop to watch if I see one. Thanks for this blast from my past.
I personally love the switchers more than the long distance locomotives. the switchers have more character imo
love those switchers. With lower hp, they work harder than the bigger road engines. I was not aware that turbo versions were available. I learn something everyday. Eventually, I'll be a "know it all"!
There was a time (about 30 years ago) that my Son and I could watch trains and once in a while would invite us on a cab ride. One time, we rode for about 4 hours. The only problem was my Wife was waiting in the car (for 4 hours). Needless to say I was in the dog house for that one, but we sure did a lot of fun switching. That wouldn't happen today with today's liability and all.
Sad but true.
ARGENTINA TBA ALL PESA NCA RORGUEZ Argumento
@@Trains21 Argumento RORGUEZ TBA NCA TBA ALL PESA NCA RORGUEZ Argumento
My granddad worked for the Louisville & Nashville. During the latter part of his 51 year career (1908-1959), he ran the SW switchers doing yard work and switching local industries in Nashville.
Did he ever run up through western Kentucky any?
@@bluegrassman3040 Not that I know of. Of course, I was only 13 when he retired. He liked local switching because he could be home every night. With his seniority, he could bid on and get any job he wanted.
@@LandNfan I don’t blame a man for wanting to be home every night. Because it usually takes so long to hold enough seniority on the railroad to get the better jobs. Also, I live next to the L&N(now CSX) main in Robards, KY.
Nw2 was 12 cylinder
Somewhere in my collection, I still have my 1977 photoes of the parts line in Middletown , OHIO of 4 Lima's.
2 ex BO still in pure BO paint.
1 ex EL in the black winged post merger paint. 1 in pure ERIE paint.
At that time there were about a half dozen Lima's running around the plant.
Venture over to SW Pa at some point and check out the Union RR. 4-5 unit lashups of MP15's lugging heavy 80+ car drags up steep grades is an every day occurrence.
I'll have to get over there!
I love watching switchers. It's watching where everything begins and ends .
Agreed.
All SD -38 Engine's at Reading Railroad in Pennsylvania are Ex DT&I Engine's Detroit Toledo and Ironton from Flat Rock Michigan.
Kinda like a DC-3 airplane, only replacement is another one as nobody has come up with anything better to do the job. One trick ponies, switchers, but it's a very good trick.
When I was a kid I used to watch the railroad activity at the Niagara Falls, N.Y. railroad yard. The majority of locomotives were end-cab switchers working the industrial freight into and out of the yard. An occasional treat was larger locomotives pulling passenger trains into Niagara Falls..including some E and F units. Mostly New York Central, then Penn Central, then later on Conrail. I always admired the hard work those little switchers did.
Agree, switching is good to watch
Love watching your content. As a Brit I find US loco's amazing
Thanks for watching way over there across the pond.
Switchers will always be my favourite. Fantastic video.
Good job AC loved the video I have a story of an end cab Switcher I think it was an sw1 it was a Rio Grande sw1000 or sw1 it only had a single smokestack I was at Roper yard when I was a kid and in Salt Lake City and the engineer came out and asked me if I'd like a ride in the cab and it was a female and she was an awesome engineer and she let me drive the locomotive I got to go back and forth on a few hundred yards of track and got to blow the horn and pull the throttle and stop the locomotive with the independent break it was epic one of the best r a i l fan experiences I've ever had in my life good job AC love the video
My uncle was an engineer for L&N Railroad for 25 years and worked there for 35. Before he retired he was running locals in town with one of these switchers and I got to make a couple of runs with him in the mid-1960s. I knew all about switching when I was 8. lol
That was in the caboose days but I only spent a little time in the caboose. My place was on the throttle. lol
Great memories!
I to enjoy watching yard work watching the all of the moves that are made. Switching Car's or building up the train to leave the yard really enjoy watching humping car's. Not much hump work anymore a lot of railroads have removed there humps Sad. Awesome video...
I agree with u AC on the switching. for me it was listening to those 16-cylinder Detroits throttle up, from the E and F units on. I used to drive an old 10spd GMC just a smaller Detroit. but I believe everybody has gotten away from the 2 stroke engines, and the engines they're using today just don't sound the same.
Hope you had a Great Holiday Season, AC. You know Trains and we get to See the Unique things and hear Great Info that Others Don’t Share. Thanks! 👍🙏
You're welcome Ken. Thanks for watching.
MOST OF THESE FAMOUS LOCOMOTIVES ARE GONE, BUT THEY ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!I HAVE SOME ON MY MODEL RAILROAD. AND I WOULD LOVE TO GET SOME MORE, BEFORE THE MANUFACTURERS STOP MAKING THEM.
something about the little switchers working hard that I like more than the larger road locos
Back in 97 I got the right in the cab of an SW one I do believe I had a wood cab the ride was at Midcontinent Railroad Museum in Wisconsin 16 mile ride
CP has so many varied sd due to small orders as well as the deregulation they absorbed most of the branch lines like SOO, and so had even smaller batch orders, they mostly used hand me downs from other railroads who bought large batch order and quickly upgraded due to their long haul abilities, which the newer engines allowed them to reduce the need for may way points and between yards.
Can you do a video about Gensets
The first diesel locomotive switcher was built by Baldwin locomotive works because New York Central needed to have diesel locomotive within the city limits of New York. EMC built Diesel's before world war after Baldwin. When they were bought by general motors they had unlimited backing by the parent company in order to finance shaky roads purchase of diesel locomotives and not only did they replace the steam locomotives they destroyed the whole steam locomotive industry. Because of industrial coercion that were not interested in diesel locomotives were forced to purchase them anyway. In spite of the so-called efficiencies of the diesel locomotive it made it up in other ways. Cost per mile with the same or more than modern steam. Alco Baldwin and Fairbanks Morse made great end-cab diesel switcher as shown by the Milwaukee road use of Fairbanks Morse switching locomotives until the early 90s. People did not get loans for new switching locomotives but they would for new diesel locomotives that make the money 💰. Many minorityBuilder locomotives were struck from rosters so they can make a common parts source.. EMD locomotives use an electric starter, alco vocamotive use an air starter which has an oil reservoir with needs to be periodically filled if you do not keep it filled up with oil and run it dry it will burn up the starte and put the locomotive out of service until the starter is replaced. You also have to know how to service a four-stroke valvetrain 2-stroke EMD locomotives are very simple you just keep them full of oil and fuel and they run forever.
Knoxville makes MP/SW style units now and over 30 have been bought by shortlines. GE, EMD and Knoxville also make new 4 axle road locos just few are bought.
Excellent video. Very informative. Some very interesting switching locomotives. Thank you.
Thank you for watching.
DAMN that Tanker Car sure is leaking a lot of the Syrup out by the time it gets delivered it will be only half full...
Though you mentioned that BO 320is preserved at Whitewater Valley RR(Not operational too)but you did not mention ex Cincinnati Union terminal 25.
Old 25 has been operating here for,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,almost 50 years! I remember seeing her back in 1976!
Just 3 years ago, I was passing through Connersville and low and behold there she was. Also, 25 is looking GOOD! Sounding good too!
25 also still has it's NYC inspired tiger striping on the pilot. A feature found on all affiliated NYC lines.
Great video of the cab end locomotives but you kind of forgot one more Railroad The LIRR they purchased 22 MP15AC for the commuter and freight service no they only owed 14 four were scrapped and four were sold or leased to the New York Atlantic railway
Nice educational video. You never know what you will see in the Enola yard. Captured the Pennsylvania Heritage Unit there a month or so ago. Sperry locomotive was there about a month ago. I have not noticed that crazy looking blue electric powered whatever. lol
Nice!
@@Trains21 Just yesterday, Nov 14,2023 saw a yellow & black switcher in Enola Yard. Couldn't tell what was on cab, had something on but couldn't make it out.
Where I live, CPR used S series switchers. But that's back when most box cars were 40'. Rolling stock got longer and heavier. I haven't seen an S unit in decades. CPR now uses two GP-38S lashed up for switching. It's never less than two units.
3:02 4:59 5:57 I've never seen such ghetto rolling stock as those gondolas with hand-painted road numbers.
Used to run a yard spotter engine at large grain mill loved it.
Didn't GP-7 and GP-9 high hoods do switching work also? I know they did local deliveries.
They did it all. GP (General Purpose)
albany & eastern have a SW9 that came from P&W that is numbered 1866 since i really like how they kept her in red white and blue colors
I love these switching videos! Alot more interesting than the run of the mill long hauls.
Great job, thank you. Love the horn on LSR 600! I've always liked ominous-sounding horns.
Great video. You are a walking locomotive encyclopedia!
I enjoyed this video so much. Thank you AC.
You're welcome Hans.
great video once again sir on my favorite units switchers and slug units
I love your stuff AC. Thanks for your continued production. You're GREAT!!!
Thanks for watching Lester.
I just delivered to a town off route 322 in Pennsylvania ,that had a erie lawawanna switcher still in E.L colors i was shocked butt couldnt get close to her,the erie lawawanna was my favorite road
It might have been a North Shore loco as they wear the E-L paint scheme.
i could have been 1, i do love my erie lawawanna thought
that city was burnham pa now that i seen iot in your video,thanks,they make railroad parts
Is the LSR 600 an ex B&M SW-1? The number-boards and 3-chime horn say maybe.
Another great video
It would be interesting to know more about the Mueller/ North Shore conflict.
Very enjoyable. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video as I really love switchers.
Bring back the caboose : I need the caboose.
Nice job on this video dude I learned a lot about switchers That I didn’t even know about Keep up the good work
Comprehensive and well researched, well done!
I'm pretty sure that the Erie Lackawanna SD45-2s and SDP45-2s were numbered 3600 and up (designating their horse power rating). The E-L unit you showed (#1700) I don't believe is an SD45-2. Plus it should have the radiator flared at the rear of the unit.
the NS 1700 was originally EL 3669. the SD45-2's do not have flared radiators.
The SDP45 (no -2) had flared radiators, as the previous commenter said, the SD45-2 doesn’t. Also, note the oversized fuel tank on 1700, only EL units had them.
Excellent AC. Did you ever take the excusion for you bought the ticket?
No, I've not riden any excursion trains to date.
At 21:09 you said that the units here ate gone like the sd45-2, one remaining unit is 1700 in the EL scheme and works around port Newark NJ (At least I think)
I’ve both seen and heard North Shore 1940.
I've never been able to understand what all of those numbers and letters stand for, kind of like John Deere tractors. Where does one learn this information?
That's something the real die hard enthusiasts slowly absorb over years of reading/researching/watching and working with.
ThisMP locomotive looks like a former Erie Lackawanna locomotive
Had 3 points contact told to me a lot. The conductor. That came around on engine at st. Was spot on his safety first. Just saying..
You have the location wrong in the picture of North Shore 2238. That is Williamsport, PA. Not Northumberland, PA. Just wanted to point that out.
Thanks. Yeah, I didn't have time to proofread this vid before I published it. Short on time.
@@Trains21 that’s understandable. I wasn’t trying to be rude or anything. Just wanted to point it out. If it seemed rude that was not my intent.
Super video
Thanks!
Nice catch!
ARGENTINA TBA ALL PESA NCA RORGUEZ Argumento
Awesome !!!
Thanks!
Whats the locomotive pictured at 16:40 ?
See 17:29 - 19:05
I'm not sure of your point at the start about tight curves on industrial lines, surely the problem sits with railways not ordering shunting locomotives so builders don't make them
When the sharp curves were laid the small switch engines were a dime a dozen, also limited space added to the need for sharp curves. Add in that cars were shorter then too! The rail weight limit is lower too, so heavier 6 axle road locomotives are unable to be run on them.
MP15!!!
Interesting!
I use my phone to cast to a 50" big screen tv.
Tcs bell on that switcher
It's Sooooooo SAD that NS destroyed all those Engine's NS sure isn't the Railroad it used to be. It's going to Hell it used to have Pride in it's self now a day's all it care's about is money. I understand that You need money to stay in business BUT NS. has gotten greedy. Every sence NS got rid of that Man can't remember His name. Anyway He had Pride of the Railroad remember when all Heritage Engine's we're on the point of all train's. Plus all Heritage Engine's were always clean along with just about all Engine's looked painted and clean. Employees were more happy the railroad ran smoothly for a long time. Then NS got rid of Him a few years back and look how much has changed for the worst. Wake Up NS management get it back together cuz it's terrible right now the way it's heading...
Two words... flange lubricator.
ARGENTINA TBA ALL PESA NCA RORGUEZ
So what is the solution ?
Loved this Video, definitely my favorite series of locomotives.
Just a wonderful video on these switchers ,so very in depth and informative. I grew up Watching pairs of Sw900's and Mp1500's as the industrial branch line that passed my house had a major grand up to the plateau where I lived , I would fallow them for hours on my bike as it switched the many local industries , I even was Invited to ride on them on Saturdays an at the Controls a few times .
Thanks so much for sharing and the work involved with this video.
Cheers , from a Girl Railfan.
Cheers ,Subscribed too.
Thanks for the like, the sub and the memories!
I like steam locomotives but switchers like Alco s 1 s rs and these emds are cool for diesels they still look a bit like steamers grew up with them on our spur lines
Great video 👍
Smallest loco in the world? Not likely!
The swicher in the video from not a SW or NW one
AC what company is VGTX? I googled it with no luck