Thanks for sharing this awesome memory of your father. so many other people have now been able to enjoy what he saw for many years from his seat. I live in the south suburbs and I can relate a lot to this video. Thanks again.
amazing the toll that this job puts on the body . I noticed quiet a few engineers much like truck drivers seem to be overweight . Has nothing to do with eating habit ,this is really a lack of movement . They definitely deserve respect
What a great job. My grandfather was a engineer on the old PRR. He started off as a fireman on coal and ended becoming an engineer. He put in 30 years and loved going to work. Some of my fondest memories was him taking me to the rail yards. He kept in contact with everyone after his retirement and would go down and play cards with the guys. Learned some choice words from those guys...LOL
I so enjoyed this video. My Father was a Locomotive Engineer, and I wanted to get into that Cab with him sooo bad. Never got a chance to. I don't want to upset anyone, but many years ago, my Father was killed in a head-on train collision. I miss him so much. Peace be upon you and God Bless the Railroad Man.
I can honestly say I loved watching all of Jim's videos especially when he had his grandson riding along with him letting him blow the horn that was adorable it's nice when parents or grandparents can take there kid with them to work to see what they do all day rest in peace Jim we miss you thank you for all the wonderful videos
Thanks, for 20 years I video taped weddings, and legal depositions. Back when I taped this stuff I thought - someday I'll put something together. Then youtube came along and I thought that train people would get a kick out of seeing the footage.
Something to know about that passenger engine Jim is running: it's putting out Head End Power for the passenger cars from the prime mover via an alternator that requires the engine to be at a constant RPM (in this case, run 8) even in idle. At that point, all the throttle does is play w/ the field excitation of the traction motors. It's like constantly cutting out the field generator switch, put it in run 8, then cut it in again. Commuter trains have always been a stand'em up, sit'em down deal.
And for the year or so I took the commuter rail, there were many times the power in the cars went out, but the train kept moving. Usually a conductor got the power on again.
Exactly. Railroading is an art, balancing the air, dynamics, slack, throttle, and more. It is less difficult than it was 40 years ago, but it still is an art.
Soo Line Bingo. I work for Bombardier operating Go trains and as a conductor you have to be commited to the craft be ready to master it before you can even think about being a hogger. I see to many conductors going for a train ride instead of learning all of the braking points, where the grades are and where all the signals and slow orders are. It shows because in heavy fog they are unable to guide their hogger confidently at track speed. To anyone who thinks railroading is easy try it and you will see that you have to be damn smart and quick to survive out here.
Stefano Consiglio I'm not an engineer, (YET!) but my dad is, for CN. I have been on a few rides with him, and it is fascinating and awe inspiring to watch him work, hearing the roar of EMD 567s, or, more commonly, 675s or 710s, in notch 8, struggling to get up the 1.5% grade with a mixed in tow. More nights than I can count, I have been lulled to sleep by the chanting of 567s in the yard by my grandparent's house. When I'm done with high school and hire on, I will be a fourth generation railroader. The rails are like the sea. They get in your blood, and once there, they don't let go. All those who say that the rails are dying and are an outdated way to travel are wrong.
My son is a trainee train driver in the UK. It took five different tests and two interviews over six months before he got the job offer. Training so far has involved weeks of rules and regulations learning and assessments. He's know route learning with another driver where he has to memorise every signal, junction, staion and speed restrictions etc. On the routes he'll be driving
I never seen it from your vew. My step grandpa working for Peoria train company for 50 years. He drove trains till he retired, then he worked in the offices in Peoria where they lived. It's a nice way to travel for runs or short. Thank you. I have road trains a bit when my husband was alive. God bless you.
I enjoyed that immensely. That cab is very noisy. No wonder Jim has to wear ear muffs. Im in the UK and I don’t think the drivers cabs here are as noisy. But Jim made the job look easy as he seemed so relaxed whilst driving the train. He’s obviously a good engineer/driver. Thanks Jim. 👍😃
For those who are interested in what Model this locomotive was that Jim was operating at the time It is a 1992 EMD F40PHM-2 numbered 211 which back then when all 29 units 185-214 were delivered they were constantly being moved all around Metra’s system. By 2013-14 All F40PHM-2 serves three out the ten Commuter lines within the Northeastern Illinois region. Those three lines would be BNSF “racetrack”,Southwest Service, & Rock Island.
So that everyone knows and I set the record straight- I will be putting on youtube an interview with my dad back in 2005 2 years before he died. In the interview he explains how he started out as a clerk then got promoted a number of times.
3 years ago, I really considered enrolling into a 4 month train/railway conductor program with hopes of one day becoming a train engineer. Sitting at home, thinking about trains and the daily work life is a lot more different than actually living the life of a train engineer. This video helped me to consider many of the details that I failed to think about.. Such as the noise levels in the cabin, the physical requirements of this role, the demanding working conditions AND.. What if I was feeling ill while on the job or if I really needed to use a washroom? All and all, the job is demanding and takes a lot out of you (I would think). Anyway, thanks to this video and some good old research, I didn't go through with the program. It wouldn't have been for me. Having interest in locomotives is one thing, but to actually operate and live a day in the life of an engineer... is completely different!
+BRIANd all railroads accept for short lines are like that. You must know the territory before you can drive it. My father started as a brakeman for the L&N in 1975 and retired as the oldest seniority engineer on the division in 2014
I come back and watch these videos every few years having grown up in Chicago, right metra regularly and being a train fan. 5 years watching these videos and hope to for many years, they bring me back to a different time.
Thank you for this BIRDS EYE view from within the engine - and Jim for allowing the video to be done. I have often wondered what it is like up front and now I know. DWB
Thanks for putting this video up here. Pretty good stuff. Jim seems like a really good guy and guys like me that will never get the opportunity to do what you did really appreciate it. My name is Jim too!
I took the Metra a number of times from Great Lakes into Chicago to see family. Always wanted a front view of what these guy do on a daily basis. Thanks for the video!
My grandfather Ken C. Ran the Rock island line from LaSalle to Joliet from 78 to 88. We lived in Tinley Park, oak Forest Ave. I used to watch him roll through, and wave. My friends would ask why that guy driving the train was waving. I said that was my grandfather. No one believe me! Lol, I knew.
Great video. I rode the Rock Island every day until Covid hit, but I got on/off in the Beverly sub district. Pretty crazy that the trains, station, and much of the scenery hasn't changed very much in 20+ years.
Great video. I could watch a documentary of train conductors just doing there thing. I was entertained watching this even though not much happened. Thanks alot for this!
Great video, enjoyed it a lot, RIP for your father. I was an engineer on Caltrain for a few years out of San Francisco, CA, but do not do it any longer due to a serious work place injury to my lower back, I miss the job greatly, this brings back memories.
I've loved trains since my mother pushed me in my carriage, and still do, ('m 60). Always wanted to be an engineer, but instead I spent 35 years in the RCAF. When I'm driving down the road and come to a crossing with a train coming, I slow down and watch it pass by. Love those trains.♥️😁🚂🚃🚃...
I want to be an engineer so badly. . . To see all the sights, to do all the fun things, meet all the new people, everyones so old as an engineer though. Is it even possible to have your first job at a locomotive company being an engineer?
Applied at UP early March,23. Trying to learn as much as I can here thanks to the YT videos like this. Good luck to all you viewers as well as perspective rr employees. God bless. 🙏💪👍👍🐶🐶🤸♂️🤸♂️ also, thought you a comical job related joke but decided to keep it to my dog and myself. Not quite ready to be a stand up comedians yet.
Good video. Guessing mid to early 90's. They would throw you in jail today for that film. Sure as hell would fire you over it. There was a time when we all played card's or dominoes in the shanty waiting for the yard job to finish up the train. Like how he helt notch 1, till he got the go ahead and skined em back to notch 8. Rapid throttle movements is a sure fired way to get a notice of investigation in the mail. As an engineer it is nice to see vidoes when we were allowed to do our jobs.
@tubefilmvideo My dad worked for the Rock Island for 49 yrs. as a engineer. He retired in 1992. I worked for the Rock island for 7 yrs. My dad died in 2006.
I see they run push/pull like most commuter trains. Would like to see from the other end. (In the Boston area, pull to go out of Boston; push going in)
Such an awesome video! I am a huge fan of Metra it’s not even funny. I can tell you so much about the railroad. I even know every stop on 10 of the 11 lines. Seeing an engineer at the controls is very cool. It gives you insight as to what it takes to operate a locomotive
@@All_Noing here i am not having the slightest idea what you guys are talking about. all i do know is if y'all work for the railroad then youre part of what makes America great.
My maternal GG Father John Francis was an engineer for the LIRR, he won some kind of awards for running steam and then later the first non-steam engine(s) on the line, he died in 1955. The video kind of puts me in his driver's seat at work so to speak
@han0115 This is my dad in 1995 on the Chicago to Joliet line. My dad passed away in 2007.
Thanks for sharing this
Thanks for sharing this. We as locomotive engineers are carrying on the tradition. Respect.
Wow, thank you
Thanks for sharing this awesome memory of your father. so many other people have now been able to enjoy what he saw for many years from his seat. I live in the south suburbs and I can relate a lot to this video. Thanks again.
Thanks for sharing this
Honest man doing an honest days work. Nice to see.
Not like J*** at the Wall Street and in law firms! ;)
@@herzschlagerhoht5637 Based.
These guys hold so much responsibility in their hands everyday. Nothing but respect for them!
amazing the toll that this job puts on the body . I noticed quiet a few engineers much like truck drivers seem to be overweight . Has nothing to do with eating habit ,this is really a lack of movement . They definitely deserve respect
What a great job. My grandfather was a engineer on the old PRR. He started off as a fireman on coal and ended becoming an engineer. He put in 30 years and loved going to work. Some of my fondest memories was him taking me to the rail yards. He kept in contact with everyone after his retirement and would go down and play cards with the guys. Learned some choice words from those guys...LOL
I am surprised how loud it is .
I so enjoyed this video. My Father was a Locomotive Engineer, and I wanted to get into that Cab with him sooo
bad. Never got a chance to. I don't want to upset anyone, but many years ago, my Father was killed in a head-on train collision. I miss him so much. Peace be upon you and God Bless the Railroad Man.
C.J. Reed , I'm sorry to learn that your dad died so unfortunately... well im also aspiring to join Indian Railways as a Loco Pilot(engineer)
C.J. Reed WHAT'S IT CALLED AGAIN
my grand uncle got killed between a shed an a train in the 50s
@@Gamerboy-gy1rl what's what called again
@@davidjames8613 I don't even remember jeez uhh... Probably the train crash he was in or just a mis-type
Your dad looked like a really nice guy. So smooth with the controls, he's been doing this for awhile. Thanks for sharing!
I can honestly say I loved watching all of Jim's videos especially when he had his grandson riding along with him letting him blow the horn that was adorable it's nice when parents or grandparents can take there kid with them to work to see what they do all day rest in peace Jim we miss you thank you for all the wonderful videos
Thanks, for 20 years I video taped weddings, and legal depositions.
Back when I taped this stuff I thought - someday I'll put something together.
Then youtube came along and I thought that train people would get a kick out of seeing the footage.
Love it. And incredibly 10 years after posting it, the algorithm decided people will like it and now it has nearly a million views!
We are indeed
you are like your dad; helping others. God bless you.
Something to know about that passenger engine Jim is running: it's putting out Head End Power for the passenger cars from the prime mover via an alternator that requires the engine to be at a constant RPM (in this case, run 8) even in idle. At that point, all the throttle does is play w/ the field excitation of the traction motors. It's like constantly cutting out the field generator switch, put it in run 8, then cut it in again. Commuter trains have always been a stand'em up, sit'em down deal.
I like trains!
The MBTA (Boston) trains have separate generators for head end power so they can run more efficiently.
And for the year or so I took the commuter rail, there were many times the power in the cars went out, but the train kept moving. Usually a conductor got the power on again.
I noticed that about these Metra engines. Whenever stopped at a station, engine would still be revving high. I always wondered why that was the case
The life of a railroader people think we push buttons but few understand how good you have to be to do the job
Exactly. Railroading is an art, balancing the air, dynamics, slack, throttle, and more. It is less difficult than it was 40 years ago, but it still is an art.
Soo Line Bingo. I work for Bombardier operating Go trains and as a conductor you have to be commited to the craft be ready to master it before you can even think about being a hogger. I see to many conductors going for a train ride instead of learning all of the braking points, where the grades are and where all the signals and slow orders are. It shows because in heavy fog they are unable to guide their hogger confidently at track speed. To anyone who thinks railroading is easy try it and you will see that you have to be damn smart and quick to survive out here.
Stefano Consiglio I'm not an engineer, (YET!) but my dad is, for CN. I have been on a few rides with him, and it is fascinating and awe inspiring to watch him work, hearing the roar of EMD 567s, or, more commonly, 675s or 710s, in notch 8, struggling to get up the 1.5% grade with a mixed in tow. More nights than I can count, I have been lulled to sleep by the chanting of 567s in the yard by my grandparent's house. When I'm done with high school and hire on, I will be a fourth generation railroader. The rails are like the sea. They get in your blood, and once there, they don't let go. All those who say that the rails are dying and are an outdated way to travel are wrong.
Thank you the Metra and Union Pacific for the look inside, I always wondered what it was like, great job to have.
Lizanne Baxter I would love to Work for NJT at Hoboken terminal and run a GP40H-2
I can see why he was wearing ear protection, those older locomotives in the 90’s were loud as hell
how loud is hell?
@@dominicsipos4836 about as loud as a 90's locomotive
@@dominicsipos4836 So loud they can hear the partying going in heaven
RIP Engineer Jim. Clear blocks to you.
When did he pass away?
Dang........he looked one of those engineers who love their job! Like me. I enjoy operating trains
@Mprosser great post bruh
Rip jim...you have the eternal highball my railroad brother!!!
Years later Metra 211 got the CB&Q paint. Wished he could’ve seen it.
My son is a trainee train driver in the UK. It took five different tests and two interviews over six months before he got the job offer. Training so far has involved weeks of rules and regulations learning and assessments. He's know route learning with another driver where he has to memorise every signal, junction, staion and speed restrictions etc. On the routes he'll be driving
I don’t know why but I can’t stop watching this video
Me too.. 😊
Same here I agree
I never seen it from your vew.
My step grandpa working for Peoria train company for 50 years.
He drove trains till he retired, then he worked in the offices in Peoria where they lived.
It's a nice way to travel for runs or short.
Thank you.
I have road trains a bit when my husband was alive.
God bless you.
He "operated" the trains Peggy! That's the term : )
Excellent video. I have watched them all, (engineer Jim). Thank you for posting these, they are very good.
I wonder what year this was filmed.
I enjoyed that immensely. That cab is very noisy. No wonder Jim has to wear ear muffs. Im in the UK and I don’t think the drivers cabs here are as noisy.
But Jim made the job look easy as he seemed so relaxed whilst driving the train. He’s obviously a good engineer/driver. Thanks Jim. 👍😃
They're probably just as noisy.. they're just more polite about it.
Electric locomotives in the UK right?
@@MrAnthony551 both diesel and electric
For those who are interested in what Model this locomotive was that Jim was operating at the time It is a 1992 EMD F40PHM-2 numbered 211 which back then when all 29 units 185-214 were delivered they were constantly being moved all around Metra’s system. By 2013-14 All F40PHM-2 serves three out the ten Commuter lines within the Northeastern Illinois region. Those three lines would be BNSF “racetrack”,Southwest Service, & Rock Island.
Now this engine is the cb&q unit
Would he ever have considered Amtrak?
I hope everybody enjoyed the ride as much as I did thank you I will watch this over and over again.
So that everyone knows and I set the record straight- I will be putting on youtube an interview with my dad back in 2005 2 years before he died. In the interview he explains how he started out as a clerk then got promoted a number of times.
Does he explain how Scotty passed up that Deuce?
yeah, Illinois! i live in Elburn and a track runs straight through town. i love watching the trains go by whenever i get the chance
3 years ago, I really considered enrolling into a 4 month train/railway conductor program with hopes of one day becoming a train engineer. Sitting at home, thinking about trains and the daily work life is a lot more different than actually living the life of a train engineer. This video helped me to consider many of the details that I failed to think about.. Such as the noise levels in the cabin, the physical requirements of this role, the demanding working conditions AND.. What if I was feeling ill while on the job or if I really needed to use a washroom? All and all, the job is demanding and takes a lot out of you (I would think).
Anyway, thanks to this video and some good old research, I didn't go through with the program. It wouldn't have been for me. Having interest in locomotives is one thing, but to actually operate and live a day in the life of an engineer... is completely different!
Consider the fact railroads don't hire engineers also. You start off working on the ground as a conductor. Engineer is a promoted position.
RedneckFreightTrain1 Yup, also read about that. I wonder if it applies with passenger train engineers as well?
+BRIANd all railroads accept for short lines are like that. You must know the territory before you can drive it. My father started as a brakeman for the L&N in 1975 and retired as the oldest seniority engineer on the division in 2014
BRIANd most locomotives have a toilet in them somewhere.
+RedneckFreightTrain1 agreed unless you have the experience as an engineer of another Railroad.
I rode that train for four years in the 1980s to college and back. Nice to see the engineers point of view! Thanks!
My Daddy also a Engineer for Western Pacific. I miss him so and shared videos like this takes me back.
I come back and watch these videos every few years having grown up in Chicago, right metra regularly and being a train fan.
5 years watching these videos and hope to for many years, they bring me back to a different time.
Awesome video, thanks for posting.
Very nice video, well done thumbs up!
Absolutely!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing the human side of the real heroes out there everyday doing their job and what they do best being an engineer!
Thank you for this BIRDS EYE view from within the engine - and Jim for allowing the video to be done. I have often wondered what it is like up front and now I know. DWB
Actually looks boring after the first few trips.
Every trip is different.
Keep smiling Engineer Jim👍🏼
Great video
I like the bit about which car's doors will open at which station! Can see the passengers falling over each other to get to the right car!
Great video! Jim looks like a nice guy! :)
Love this. Thank you. Very well done, too.
Thanks for putting this video up here. Pretty good stuff. Jim seems like a really good guy and guys like me that will never get the opportunity to do what you did really appreciate it.
My name is Jim too!
I used to ride the rock island. Always wondered what it was like at the controls. Thanks for the video!
Jim looks as if he has done this a time or two, but he also looks like he still enjoys it....
He gets into the train and immediately starts reading his book , I like that job. 👌 I'm thinking I had the opportunity to be in one if his trains. 👋
I took the Metra a number of times from Great Lakes into Chicago to see family. Always wanted a front view of what these guy do on a daily basis. Thanks for the video!
I really enjoy all the train information that is available.
I love how they all wear flannel and play cards. Thats exactly what i would expect to see from train engineers
Terrific video. What a great gig to have.
My grandfather Ken C. Ran the Rock island line from LaSalle to Joliet from 78 to 88. We lived in Tinley Park, oak Forest Ave. I used to watch him roll through, and wave. My friends would ask why that guy driving the train was waving. I said that was my grandfather. No one believe me! Lol, I knew.
This is really cool. I felt my self in that cab, what a view .
Great video. I rode the Rock Island every day until Covid hit, but I got on/off in the Beverly sub district. Pretty crazy that the trains, station, and much of the scenery hasn't changed very much in 20+ years.
He did a great job on train handling. They run trains a bit different here in the states. Great video.
Very good. Thanks for posting. Helps us understand engineer's job.
Yes, would love to ride along in the cab once.
VERY cool. To be in control of such a monster machine as a diesel like that. Much respect.
fantastic video about your dad and his work.
Absolutely awesome!!
I ride this line every day from Mokena To Chicago. Very cool
Great video. I could watch a documentary of train conductors just doing there thing. I was entertained watching this even though not much happened. Thanks alot for this!
I love this video I watch it from time to time just to bring back the old days
Just about every little boy's idea of a dream job... Nice vid - Cheers
best job in the world..i wish is was a train engineer
I like when he talk to the radio with the anti noise helmet on the head lol :P
Great video, enjoyed it a lot, RIP for your father.
I was an engineer on Caltrain for a few years out of San Francisco, CA, but do not do it any longer due to a serious work place injury to my lower back, I miss the job greatly, this brings back memories.
Saw the unedited version of this video. It was really good.
Enjoyed that. Good vid.
I enjoyed this video quite heavily. I wish there were more.
I've loved trains since my mother pushed me in my carriage, and still do, ('m 60). Always wanted to be an engineer, but instead I spent 35 years in the RCAF.
When I'm driving down the road and come to a crossing with a train coming, I slow down and watch it pass by. Love those trains.♥️😁🚂🚃🚃...
This had me watching the whole thing more than once, Cool video. Thanks for posting.
Yes, great video!
Sorry for your loss. He looked like a great guy !!!
this was always a dream of mine...that never panned out, but i make one heck of a passenger. fun video.
Rode the metra for many years, when I lived in Chicago 😊😊
gotta love that old school feel, nothin like it
am a train engineer from algeria i love my job :p
Sounds dicey. Do they issue a side arm?
you are from??
Enjoyed watching this one!
Thanks for sharing man! Greets from the Netherlands. T.
Nice profile
I want to be an engineer so badly. . . To see all the sights, to do all the fun things, meet all the new people, everyones so old as an engineer though. Is it even possible to have your first job at a locomotive company being an engineer?
This brotha definitely nailed it driving this train
Thank you so much for posting this. I've always wanted to see what its like up front. Would love a career as a train engineer.
OMG me too!!!!
Smart wearing the ear protection! Great video!
FSAUDIOGUY yup! it gets loud in the diesels
I was wondering how he can hear the radio though.
Applied at UP early March,23. Trying to learn as much as I can here thanks to the YT videos like this. Good luck to all you viewers as well as perspective rr employees. God bless. 🙏💪👍👍🐶🐶🤸♂️🤸♂️ also, thought you a comical job related joke but decided to keep it to my dog and myself. Not quite ready to be a stand up comedians yet.
Good video. Guessing mid to early 90's. They would throw you in jail today for that film. Sure as hell would fire you over it. There was a time when we all played card's or dominoes in the shanty waiting for the yard job to finish up the train. Like how he helt notch 1, till he got the go ahead and skined em back to notch 8. Rapid throttle movements is a sure fired way to get a notice of investigation in the mail. As an engineer it is nice to see vidoes when we were allowed to do our jobs.
Cool! Always wondered what the cab of one of the F40PHM-2's looked like.
They look easier to control than the other F40's
April 2019✔️🚂🚊🚦
Enjoyable video 👌
Great video. Always wondered what the world would look like from the cab. It would take getting used to driving something without a steering wheel.
I enjoyed that video well done!
Loco Engineer from South Carolina here, love my job
@tubefilmvideo My dad worked for the Rock Island for 49 yrs. as a engineer. He retired in 1992. I worked for the Rock island for 7 yrs. My dad died in 2006.
WOW My dream is near reality. To be the engineer heading the passenger train.
I hope to drive a train for METRA someday..
Loved it!
Based on what I see I would place this video around 1990. Honestly, it seems like a miracle that you can transfer VHS to this high of quality video!
More great videos! Like I said thanks for sharing!
I see they run push/pull like most commuter trains. Would like to see from the other end. (In the Boston area, pull to go out of Boston; push going in)
Such an awesome video! I am a huge fan of Metra it’s not even funny. I can tell you so much about the railroad. I even know every stop on 10 of the 11 lines. Seeing an engineer at the controls is very cool. It gives you insight as to what it takes to operate a locomotive
This was my dream job when I was about 4 or 5 years old. Still seems pretty cool.
Now everyone knows why they call those F40s screamers, running full send all the time
I always dreamed of being a train engineer since i was a kid in the mid 1980s
@tubefilmvideo My dad was a engineer for the Rock for 49 yrs. He retired in 92', and died in 2006. I worked for the Rock Island for 7 yrs.
Awesome video!
I luv analog video. Jim is a cool guy, hope he is still around.
Jim does seem nice. But unfortunately Jim is no longer with us.
Illinoisrailfan 1630 How do you know?
@@cwc8979
It's in some answers from the video poster, Jim's son. He passed in 2007. RIP Jim.
Some commentary from engineered Jim as to what he is doing would be great.
Thanks I love this video.
Throttle swiping and not bailing, definitely older video of a time when they let engineers run their trains how they saw fit.
He never centered the reverser, either. You'd get fired running trains like this now.
@@All_Noing here i am not having the slightest idea what you guys are talking about. all i do know is if y'all work for the railroad then youre part of what makes America great.
I was thinking that too. 👍 Wouldn't get far doing that now 😂 (Australian Driver)
My maternal GG Father John Francis was an engineer for the LIRR, he won some kind of awards for running steam and then later the first non-steam engine(s) on the line, he died in 1955. The video kind of puts me in his driver's seat at work so to speak
very nice, good job Jim
Aaaah the 90’s good times