Love ALCos, love shortlines, love weird industrial track, love motley painted Geeps, love rail history. This is one of the most perfect videos on TH-cam.
U sing goats as lawnmowers brings a whole new definition to "Yard Goats"! Also, what a neat mechanism for the throttle. Looks like it was extended to allow the engineer to not have to lean or reach forward so much. I always love in-house modifications like that. Interesting that 23 still has journal boxes which I would assume still house plain bearings rather than roller bearings. I guess since it's low speed switching operations they decided it was unnecessary. Another great video! Thanks for sharing the history of such a neat little operation. Looks like a modeler's heaven!
I love how they make those videos with those shots from different perspectives showing the whole railway environment. They do Great Job, Delay In Block™ Productions a reference channel for me
Drayton, thank you for reloading this video with corrections. I heard in your narration that you brought us up to 2019 with information on the status of engine #23 as of that year. There were probably some other corrections or additional information that you added to the reload that I did not pick up on. I know that you want your narrations to be as accurate as possible so that 10 years from now(2032) soneone viewing this video will have the most current information available about the San Francisco Belt Railroad. I just loved seeing that ALCO S-2 doing its work.
I hired out with the Union Pacific in April '69 in Los Angeles. The Santa Fe, whose yard was across Washington Blvd from our yard, was using nothing but Alcos to switch their yard; S2s, S4s, and a few HH1000s. I remember at least once as a yard clerk when their transfer came over, using 2 S2s or S4s or a combination of both, I caught a ride because I was going in their direction. I was still vibrating when I got off.
Great post. The old Alcos are just beasts and indeed a joint achievement between them and owner for upgraded durability and longevity. The newer diesels are great and so too are the old work horses . Thank you.
During 1940's, Brazilian railroad Central do Brasil used ALCo S1 (S2's sister) to haul heavy ore trains in long trips across mountains... with very good results!
As usual, great vid! Loved the shot of the St. Louis Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) at 21:36. My grandfather worked for the Cotton Belt down in Pine Bluff, AR.
Winnipeg Railfan..... No "MLW"..... Alco. MLW was a Canadian Subsidiary owned by Alco, as the result of Alco's buy-out to expose the Canadian RR market to their products, and also as way around the tarriff's imposed by Canada on competitive products from outside of Canada. MLW did continue on, independently after Alco exited the locomotive portion of their business in 1968... manufacturing Alco's C (Centenial) Series locomotives under the "M" series (ie: M420, M460, M636, etc) in Canada (a few went to Mexico). The biggest contributor to Alco's exiting the locomotive business, were the troublesome 241, 244 & 539 prime movers... much too rushed designs as result of the late start into the diesel era from the steam locomotive era and trying to play "catch up" too quickly, that continued to plague MLW's aforementioned "M" series (from the Alco "C"entenial design), after MLW remained independently operating until Bombardier's take-over in 1975. Alco's biggest mistake was trying to "hang on" to the Steam Locomotives too long, even though they had diesels out there in 1940. The old Alco prime mover (251, Not the ill-fated 244) was the Only 4 cycle diesel that I ever liked.... have Always been a huge "fan" of 2 Cycle diesels in General, EMD, FM & Sulzer in particular.
This is great. I recently took a keen interest in this and even traced the tracks on Google maps...but could only find a couple of short videos. I can't believe my luck with you uploading this now
I love all your prodcions. We have a similar track setup here in FL Those or should I say the switcher you all are filming from is sporting a nice re furnishing and. paint
Great video, especially the views from the cab. I was born/raised in San Francisco but left 40 years ago. There was definitely, more rail activity back then. Great history about the beginning of the State Belt (and why) as well as more modern times. Thanks for captioning the street names too,
I’ve lived in SF for almost 10 years and never knew this operated. I’ve seen the tracks in the street down around the ports, but figured they were defunct. I always thought the line through Aquatic Park to the tunnel under Ft Mason was an extension of the streetcar system, but learned a few years ago that it wasn’t. Though I would like to see the tracks replaced and streetcars use it to extend to the Ft Mason shops and the Marina Dateway (Safeway). That would be a cool ride and would bring more tourists that way to that part of the waterfront.
Thanx for the video. Great to see 75 Year old ALCOs still operating. Says a lot for their original design and current maintenance though some how I don't think that horn is 75 years old. :-)
I believe these locomotives were built in Providence, RI at the ALCO Manufacturing Building on Iron Horse Way. I actually work in one of the buildings, they have been converted to beautiful office buildings
I've noticed that. light emitting diodes or better known as( L E. D's) are used more in the rail industry for crossing a. and other uses The current is so much less. Cheaper and. straight away brighter
The New York Green Lake Railroad had Alcos plus GP9s did Street running in Garfield NJ in the 2000s in the past and then NYS&W last year before Covid even stared they all the Equipment up to Port Jervis NY in New York state so now it's all abandoned
Instead of veering left and going about their business, the Prius had to panic, stop, make themselves a sitting target, then back into a corner with no escape. Some people just too dumb to live.
No. Each locomotive is connected to the other via electrical connectors and pneumatic hoses called MU connections, with MU the acronym for Multiple Unit. The controls for each locomotive are set to receive all their commands via the designated lead unit, so the group operates as a single synchronous set, requiring only one engineer.
That is just F*&d up. Why? I am a steam man myself, but still to blow a hole in a perfectly good old locomotive engine to make sure is don't run again????? SMH at the stupidity of California politics.......... :(
As a 71 yr old, I must object to the "antique" reference to a 72 yr old locomotive. Both the loco and myself have a few more milres ahead of us before "antique" becomes applicable.
The tracks are not in good maintained shape, and the ALCO S-2 rocks and rolls over the thin-looking steel, and grinds the ground. Probably 70 lbs. per yard at the worst on a lot of the in-yard track. Hey, as long as the locomotive stays in the groove, it's alright!
“Although they enjoyed working together, they no longer work for the railroad”. Hmmm, I wonder if allowing unauthorized persons (with cameras) into an operating locomotive had anything to do with it! 😂😂😂
Because of its age and design. And they are just plain fun to run unlike modern Diesels. No electronics controlling the engine. Just a simple mechanical connection between the cab and the injection pumps. Open the throttle and the contactor closes. Open it a bit more and the engine speeds up a bit. No notches on the throttle except at the idle point.
LOL. Before TH-cam, people paid $30 for VHS tapes and DVDs for high quality content like this. Ad revenue does not generate nearly as much income for independent creators like myself so contributions help. If you don’t like that, don’t watch my videos.
Wow that S2 looks well maintained. Great shape.
First S2 production had horizontal radiator shutters. Thanks for that joy ride.
Sure thing. Thanks for watching!
Love ALCos, love shortlines, love weird industrial track, love motley painted Geeps, love rail history. This is one of the most perfect videos on TH-cam.
U sing goats as lawnmowers brings a whole new definition to "Yard Goats"!
Also, what a neat mechanism for the throttle. Looks like it was extended to allow the engineer to not have to lean or reach forward so much. I always love in-house modifications like that.
Interesting that 23 still has journal boxes which I would assume still house plain bearings rather than roller bearings. I guess since it's low speed switching operations they decided it was unnecessary.
Another great video! Thanks for sharing the history of such a neat little operation. Looks like a modeler's heaven!
I love how they make those videos with those shots from different perspectives showing the whole railway environment. They do Great Job, Delay In Block™ Productions a reference channel for me
That sp and cotton belt loco is amazing
Drayton, thank you for reloading this video with corrections. I heard in your narration that you brought us up to 2019 with information on the status of engine #23 as of that year. There were probably some other corrections or additional information that you added to the reload that I did not pick up on. I know that you want your narrations to be as accurate as possible so that 10 years from now(2032) soneone viewing this video will have the most current information available about the San Francisco Belt Railroad. I just loved seeing that ALCO S-2 doing its work.
I hired out with the Union Pacific in April '69 in Los Angeles. The Santa Fe, whose yard was across Washington Blvd from our yard, was using nothing but Alcos to switch their yard; S2s, S4s, and a few HH1000s. I remember at least once as a yard clerk when their transfer came over, using 2 S2s or S4s or a combination of both, I caught a ride because I was going in their direction. I was still vibrating when I got off.
Great post. The old Alcos are just beasts and indeed a joint achievement between them and owner for upgraded durability and longevity. The newer diesels are great and so too are the old work horses . Thank you.
Love that view at 7:16 hearing the diesel churn.
During 1940's, Brazilian railroad Central do Brasil used ALCo S1 (S2's sister) to haul heavy ore trains in long trips across mountains... with very good results!
As usual, great vid! Loved the shot of the St. Louis Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) at 21:36. My grandfather worked for the Cotton Belt down in Pine Bluff, AR.
I was tickled to see 2 Cotton Belt engines in the video. I live near the old Cotton Belt tracks in East Texas and my dad was a conductor on the line.
What a cool & interesting video. I felt like I was along for the ride.
It’s always nice seeing these classic ALCo (or MLW) workhorses still on the job !
Winnipeg Railfan..... No "MLW"..... Alco. MLW was a Canadian Subsidiary owned by Alco, as the result of Alco's buy-out to expose the Canadian RR market to their products, and also as way around the tarriff's imposed by Canada on competitive products from outside of Canada.
MLW did continue on, independently after Alco exited the locomotive portion of their business in 1968... manufacturing Alco's C (Centenial) Series locomotives under the "M" series (ie: M420, M460, M636, etc) in Canada (a few went to Mexico).
The biggest contributor to Alco's exiting the locomotive business, were the troublesome 241, 244 & 539 prime movers... much too rushed designs as result of the late start into the diesel era from the steam locomotive era and trying to play "catch up" too quickly, that continued to plague MLW's aforementioned "M" series (from the Alco "C"entenial design), after MLW remained independently operating until Bombardier's take-over in 1975.
Alco's biggest mistake was trying to "hang on" to the Steam Locomotives too long, even though they had diesels out there in 1940.
The old Alco prime mover (251, Not the ill-fated 244) was the Only 4 cycle diesel that I ever liked.... have Always been a huge "fan" of 2 Cycle diesels in General, EMD, FM & Sulzer in particular.
Better tuck your mirrors in on that block 😂
Love the way sam quills the horn
I loved that job!
This is great. I recently took a keen interest in this and even traced the tracks on Google maps...but could only find a couple of short videos. I can't believe my luck with you uploading this now
That's cool to hear about. Google Maps is great, and as he was going through that part of town, I too followed the route.
The narration, the camera work, everything! Love it!!!
Classic ALCo and street running - what an excellent video!!
Love this. Thanks for sharing. Brings back many fond childhood memories.
I love all your prodcions. We have a similar track setup here in FL Those or should I say the switcher you all are filming from is sporting a nice re furnishing and. paint
Great video, especially the views from the cab. I was born/raised in San Francisco but left 40 years ago. There was definitely, more rail activity back then. Great history about the beginning of the State Belt (and why) as well as more modern times. Thanks for captioning the street names too,
I dont know what it is about little branch tracks on piers in California that is so fascinating to me. Watching trains switch on them is so cool.
I’ve lived in SF for almost 10 years and never knew this operated. I’ve seen the tracks in the street down around the ports, but figured they were defunct. I always thought the line through Aquatic Park to the tunnel under Ft Mason was an extension of the streetcar system, but learned a few years ago that it wasn’t. Though I would like to see the tracks replaced and streetcars use it to extend to the Ft Mason shops and the Marina Dateway (Safeway). That would be a cool ride and would bring more tourists that way to that part of the waterfront.
Very awesome video. It's always nice to see old locomotives still in service. It's like a blast from the past.
That engine looks and runs that good after 70 years, that means the hard working men over the years cared about there jobs. well maintained.😊
Great job you guys! Steve
One of the coolest videos i have seen well done love those gp 60s
This is nice! A few months ago, I went to SF to check out the SFBR. There was no action, but I saw the locomotives.
Outstanding video from beginning to end. Thanks for sharing 👍
Love the engine sound of the old diesel locos...
It is just a charismatic soung 😂
Fascinating video, thanks for producing and sharing. 👍
Street running is soo cool
That train blu the stop 🛑 sign 🤣😂👍🇺🇸
Superb!
Wow! What a great clip!
Thanx for the video. Great to see 75 Year old ALCOs still operating. Says a lot for their original design and current maintenance though some how I don't think that horn is 75 years old. :-)
Big ass Hyster forktruck, my favorite to drive!
Ooo i like that horn!
I like the poling pockets and friction bearings 15:54
This has been a dream for a long time
22:40 Could you imagine driving your little car down the alley and seeing those monsters appear?
We have an alco s-2… K&T 102. It has the horizontal shutters, but has a cracked turbo.
I have the piston and rod outta #25….
I built the emissions for the mijacks and we pulled the engine out because it was blown up.
Great Video!!
Good 1000 hp locomotive
I believe these locomotives were built in Providence, RI at the ALCO Manufacturing Building on Iron Horse Way. I actually work in one of the buildings, they have been converted to beautiful office buildings
I used to take video of some of these same gp60s making 70 plus btwn. Tucumcari and Dalhart.
Sad how those racehorses have now been put out to pasture, working locals and switch jobs.
It could have been worse... these locomotives would have been scrapped for the proverbial razor blades.
Бригада знатная: Ёлкин и Соколов. Nice video!
love that S-2, only wish it was red stripes.
so coooool!!!!!
Alco S2 no.23 was in the 1974 movie Freebie and the Bean.
Video molto interessante !!!
Wow cool 😎, 1:06
Awesome video and story telling man. Something i have got to work on 🤣.
We did street running with an alco s4 in Brooklyn New York
Drayton thankyou for making great railfanning videos!
Thank you for watching!
@@DelayInBlockProductions your welcome!
Grew up watching many s2s even had the opportunity to work on one as a brakeman
Like that horn
Used to street run in Brooklyn New York we encountered lots of morons!
Excellent Video
🌻🌻🇮🇳🌺🌻
I've noticed that. light emitting diodes or better known as( L E. D's) are used more in the rail industry for crossing a. and other uses The current is so much less. Cheaper and. straight away brighter
The New York Green Lake Railroad had Alcos plus GP9s did Street running in Garfield NJ in the 2000s in the past and then NYS&W last year before Covid even stared they all the Equipment up to Port Jervis NY in New York state so now it's all abandoned
I think I remember seeing this video before is this a reupload? just curious
Great (sigh). Now I really, really want an Alco S-series for my HO layout. :-)
Ha me too. All i have are Rs 3s and RS 11s..
Me too. Love the sound of those turbos doing their job.
Interesting that the switches do not have a short guard rail on either side of the frog; this is very unusual, in my experience.
Well spotted. I hadn’t noticed that. In New Zealand we call those check rails.
Handbrake on the caboose is knocked off right? ;)
Do you think that food truck driver @ 18:30 is going to clean up more than whats on the floor of that truck!!
That driver was a complete putz.
Instead of veering left and going about their business, the Prius had to panic, stop, make themselves a sitting target, then back into a corner with no escape. Some people just too dumb to live.
Get on sit down shut up and hold on!
That exhaust funnel on the top looks like #23 is an RS-1, not RS-2. Say I'm wrong.
When there's 2 or more engines per train, does each engine have an operator? If not, how does one synchronize all the engines together?
No. Each locomotive is connected to the other via electrical connectors and pneumatic hoses called MU connections, with MU the acronym for Multiple Unit. The controls for each locomotive are set to receive all their commands via the designated lead unit, so the group operates as a single synchronous set, requiring only one engineer.
Thanks good to know
They cut a hole in the block WTH.
Did the engineer and conductor of engine number 23 move on to a different company or did they retire?
They now work for another railroad.
Great Vid. Until I got to the part where they were forced to torch a hole in the motor of one of the Alco's as part of some kind of agreement. Sad.
How come they don’t work there anymore??
That is just F*&d up. Why? I am a steam man myself, but still to blow a hole in a perfectly good old locomotive engine to make sure is don't run again????? SMH at the stupidity of California politics.......... :(
Question: did exhaust from that S-3 smell...yummy?
Sweet ♐♐♐♐♐♐♐♐♐
This would make such a great model railroad if you modelled it as the video shows, especially if you like modeling scale trash and graffiti
As a 71 yr old, I must object to the "antique" reference to a 72 yr old locomotive. Both the loco and myself have a few more milres ahead of us before "antique" becomes applicable.
As a 70 years old I absolutely agree with you! But in Diesel terms I suppose it is.
Great videos, but San Francisco is such a filthy place
I dare say that Alco sounds better on biodiesel!
how could this be a premier when i've already seen this months ago
The tracks are not in good maintained shape, and the ALCO S-2 rocks and rolls over the thin-looking steel, and grinds the ground. Probably 70 lbs. per yard at the worst on a lot of the in-yard track. Hey, as long as the locomotive stays in the groove, it's alright!
😊👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Re-numbered COTTON BELT? Wow
Does the DIBler do dabs, or diddle dads?
I hope the rain engineer did get let for making this film.
No, not at all. He's with another railroad now.
That bio diesel engine on #23 sure does smoke, a lot. I bet it smells like KFC and french fries in that yard when she's tugging.
The crew and any railfan who rode #FEC148 over in Florida will tell you the same thing.
Always someone willing to cut in front of a train.
I smell French fries
For the UP job: why four engines for 12 cars....?
locomotive transfer, most of the locos are not active
Could it be they no longer have jobs b/c they let you on the engine ?:people dont just move around
Or they let him on the engine BECAUSE they were soon quitting and didn't care.
@@exoressdelivers70 ...why would you quit ? Oppose the jab ?
“Although they enjoyed working together, they no longer work for the railroad”. Hmmm, I wonder if allowing unauthorized persons (with cameras) into an operating locomotive had anything to do with it! 😂😂😂
Why is this loco considered classic?
Because of its age and design. And they are just plain fun to run unlike modern Diesels. No electronics controlling the engine. Just a simple mechanical connection between the cab and the injection pumps. Open the throttle and the contactor closes. Open it a bit more and the engine speeds up a bit. No notches on the throttle except at the idle point.
Like 1000
I’m the 100th comment. Also cool
Alaboard
Comyfornia
Who makes these decisions to torch a hole in the block of an engine? Just make sure its wounded, bad. 😢
I hate that shit when somebody with dirty filthy gloves runs a machine or vehicle the next guy gets grease and dirt all over his hands 😡
First
I would not want to spend 12 in that crap
Interesting video, Downvoted for money begging
LOL. Before TH-cam, people paid $30 for VHS tapes and DVDs for high quality content like this. Ad revenue does not generate nearly as much income for independent creators like myself so contributions help. If you don’t like that, don’t watch my videos.