This documentary is better than 99% of the garbage on regular TV. I grew up in Pennsylvania in the 70's and 80's, and it was always a treat to go to the Strasburg Railroad Museum and ride No. 31, No. 89 & No. 90. They now have No. 475, and one of the highlights of my life was taking my kids there and ride in the dining car. I'd like to visit the TVRM one day and ride 4501.
I’ve rode the Strasburg Rail Road the only steam locomotive I’ve rode. That was 2018. I’ve been to the railroad museum in Duluth MN there’s some cool pieces there.
My wife grew up right beside the track . There were many children in her neighborhood, but she was the smallest. At Christmas time the engineer would slow down and throw candy to the kids, but when he came, she wasn't ready and knew the other kids would get all the candy if she didn't hurry. So out the door she went almost barefooted. When the old engineer saw her with no shoes in the snow he stoped completely, and got down off train and with tears in eyes he gave her a whole bag of candy ! Every Christmas she tells me the story....60 years later.
This brought tears to my eyes. The world was a bit kinder and gentler back then. And probably because it was also a bit slower. I personally think we need to slow down a bit and enjoy life and humanity.
I'm 68 years old and ever since I was a kid, I have had a love of steam engines. Until tonight, I didn't know that my little H.O. gauge #4501 in green Southern livery was so famous. It's always held a special place on my layout which is set in the late 30's/early 40's Southern Railway with steam and first gen diesels. Now I know why. I felt a certain pride watching this amazing documentary. I couldn't look away. Thank you so much. Great job.
Thank you for the comments. I grew up with my grandfather and 4501, which is why I wanted to be a part of this documentary. I learned so much about the history myself during the production process. Thank you for watching, and please share.
I'm 72 years old and I grew up in a house near a railroad crossing on the Central of Georgia Line. The men on the steam locomotives used to wave at me when I was a kid waving at them. Back then there was always a caboose at the end and they would wave to. I was still a kid when they started switching over to diesel engines. I hated to see the steam engines go. I remember feeling sad back then. It is great to know that I was not the only one who loved steam engines. This was a great video. I sat here and watch the whole thing from start to end. The people who did this did an excellent job. I would love to ride on a train one more time. Last time I was on a train I was in the Army back in 1967. It was from Fort Gordon, GA to Fayetteville, NC on my way to Fort Bragg, NC.
David Baugh couldn't agree more. Besides being 15, its sad to see things that have been around for so long and shaped how we moved around the country disappear due to them just being out of date. Sad.
I am too young to have ever gotten the chance to witness such things. All I have gotten to see is UP 4014 in the yard. I would love, even dieselized, to go from LA-Chicago on Santa Fe, and switch in Chicago to NY Central, or PRR to make the final dash into NYC, and do it all in under 48 hours on a bloody train, not a plane. I guess its wish in one hand, shit in another for me.
This film brought tears to my eyes repeatedly. It is essential that the 4501 not be forgotten. The sight of her cruising along spewing steam everywhere when she came out of retirement was a dream come true. The glorious sound of the conductor blowing her whistle is like no other sound in the world. I reside in California now but intend to go to Tennessee to ride on the 4501. God bless all the caring folks who helped keep her in existence all these years, and I am very grateful to y'all for doing so.
I have no particular interest in rail and I have no idea why I watched this, but this presentation filled me with emotion and pride in the skills of the men and women that made it all possible. I’m a 66 year old Brit and remember traveling by steam locomotive when I was in my teens. There’s a few restored locos running on limited private lines in the UK, and I had no idea that in the USA steam locos we’re playing any part in the 21 century rail system. I agree that unless you’re aware of from where we’ve come in the past, it’s impossible to comprehend where we should go in the future. This movie should be shown in every school and educational facility, it encapsulates all that it is essential for a worthy work ethic, pride in your product and the very reason why each and every one of us should develop our skills for the collective good of the product. A superb presentation, which is beyond adequate words of praise.
Couldn't agree more and well said. I am a 66 year old New Zealander and was fortunate enough to have journeyed on mainline steam trains from New Plymouth to Auckland, towards the end of the steam age here. This excellent video is a great watch and brings back so many memories for me. I loved hanging around the old New Plymouth station and rail yards, observing the sights, smells and glorious sounds of those days. My uncle Ron Rapley was a guard on the overnight steam train to Auckland that we were on and I regret later, not being brave enough to talk to him about his experiences. I am a lifetime fan of rail and airplane engineering and this video covers all the bases. I haven't enjoyed this video enormously. Congratulations to all involved in this video and all involved in the restoration and operation of these wonderful locomotives.
Very well said. “Unless you’re aware of where we came from in the past, it’s impossible to know where we should go in the future” Truer words have never been spoken. Too many things in the past are just demolished, scrapped, forgotten like they meant nothing.
Thank you to all that helped to create this video and put it on TH-cam! It's so greatly appreciated! If you only knew how much I wish I could go back and be a part of those times. At almost 62 years old, it don't seem very likely.
As a child I would be thinking about my life and the world around me before falling into restful sleep, but knowing the steam train would be coming about 10pm as usual I would listen and while the wonderful sound of the train horn blowing letting all know of its travelling through town. It was always a blessing to me, that all was well as I faded into deep sleep...
The last thing we did together before my wife died was to ride a steam train. I am very grateful to those folks who keep steam locos running. This video was excellent. Best I ever saw. Thank you from another Old Fart.
I am sorry for your loss, Michael. Thank you for watching and commenting, and I hope this film was able to provide you with fond memories of the time you had with your wife. (Chuck - Exec Producer, Editor).
Seeing the 4501 run made me smile. She carries the love of 1,000's of volunteers and fans. What a great legacy. I bet it has a soul from all who ever loved her.
I had the opportunity to visit the steam shop in 1993. It was a very impressive operation. I am so ecstatic that we have these craftsmen to bring back these magnificent machines and not let Steam die. Believe it or not, this is one of the many reasons I am a Norfolk Southern stock holder!! Excellent work guys!!!
That is actually for the best, as a small community of people who made a labour of love will always create better content than a funded doco that is made for profit or to push some hidden agenda or to make some corporation some money. The people and the volonteers brought back this old lady and took care of her and also made this movie with love in their heart. What more could we ask for. This movie gave me a warm fuzzy feeling as i am a big fan of steamers and honestly, i never seen one running in my life. Ive only seen a few static ones as museum pieces.
The last half of an hour I was constantly wiping tears away just to be able to see to the end. I am 62 years old, always thought myself to be a tough guy, but this beautiful locomotive 4501 just broke me. I love you 4501.
I'm sure there are more that did the same, with joy in the joy given those who participate in the work, who make the pilgrimage to visit and to experience the life the railroad provided. I have done a little wrenching on the Allison V-1710, always in awe at the beauty of the craftsmanship of the machinists that built and assembled beautiful parts inside those engines destined for airplanes like the P-38, P-39, P-40 and the early P-51 models.
I've read the emergence of elder emotions has to do with dwindling testosterone, part of the natural aging process. Affects can be 3X if you have granddaughters. No more hunting and gathering for you eh!
One of the most heartwarming, beautiful, and best documentaries ever created by mankind. It must be an extremely fun experience to see the 4501 running in front of your own eyes. I hope I get that experience one day.
"It is a good thing to let another generation know what a steam locomotive is." - W. Graham Claytor, Jr. Truer words have never been spoken. Fantastic work!
@@TweetsieRailroader Well said. I have the luck of living near one of the highest railway bridges in Europe (built in 1897). Every year in october there's a celebration involving this bridge, which includes that some commuter trains are pulled by steam locos. -> th-cam.com/video/NUobh6_8M6I/w-d-xo.html (they have to pull a small diesel for safety, because these tracks are heavily used and they can't have a train stopping there)
Here's a newsreel from 1946 about the 45th anniversary of the monorail. It was made by British Pathe (as this part of Germany was occupied by the UK at this point, shortly after WW2). The reporter explains that the line runs on a length of 13 km (8 miles), and that the trains run at an average speed of 30 km/h (18 mph). The maximum speed allowed (and tested) is 60 km/h (37 mph), but it is rarely reached during normal operation. The trains are powered by a third rail at 700 DC volts, like most subways, even though in this special case it's actually the second rail. th-cam.com/video/BfsOBw3u5FI/w-d-xo.html
Well said it is certainly an inspiration I love trains I used to live next to tracks remember when train came shook the whole house every time I felt peace in my mind miss the good old days
Where I grew up there was a rail line nearby (could see it from the front yard) that was a going concern - diesels by that point). There was a level crossing nearby and, on the hill above, lived a retired engineer who most certainly worked in the age of steam. A lot of the engineers, when approaching that crossing and doing their required series of horn blows, would add a little toot as a salute to this guy. Says a lot about the brotherhood of railway men. That railway shut down decades ago and most of the track was torn up (much of the right of way is now part of the Trans Canada Trail). But for some reason the track through and a ways past my hometown was left. Now there's a steam excursion train running on it and it is the most heart warming sight and sound. Kudos to all the thousands of dedicated volunteers all over North America who keep these beautiful and complex engines alive that we may recapture the past in a away that a static display cannot. Also, tremendous respect for the makers of this documentary - a true labour of love and one of the most professional works I've seen a long time. For anyone interested, the steam railway I mentioned is in Summerland, BC, Canada. They're running a 1912 engine (don't know the make). Just search for Kettle Valley Steam Railway.
Man what a fantastic documentary! This deserves to be on television. Alot of history on this engine that was never known because she was shoved aside for the 611 and 1218. A+ to all that contributed to this!
Thank you for your comments, as well as taking the time to watch the full documentary. We are trying hard to get a 2-disc DVD set available for sale by Christmas. It will be sold exclusively by and at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.
As a young child, I remember pressing my nose against the screen windows of my upstairs room in the middle of the night, inhaling the scent of spring lilacs, and hearing the mournful whistle of the steam locomotives calling from the rail line several miles to the north. I can hear them even now.
As a lifelong railfan I'm used to being awestruck by the quality of restoration and the dedication of restorers. The staggering thing here is the film, such a great production and all by amateurs! Well done!
Thanking God I'm old enough to have been in the last days of steam. What a thrill it always was, if not riding then just watching them pass by. You all have done an incredible work, restoring, documenting the history, and the production of this project. Thank you.
As a small child, in the mid 1940's we lived in Seymore, Indiana. There were four railroads running through the area and I can remember the sound of their steam whistles and the smell of coal smoke. The memories are still pretty clear. The last steam engine I saw on the rails was in 1963 and it was being towed into a steel mill to be cut up for scrap. It left a sad feeling which comes to mind often, even today. Unlike the diesel locomotives, the steam engines seemed to be a living, breathing, thing.
I, living far away in Tamilnadu, India, chanced to watch the documentary. For some strange reason I could not control tears..! Absolute congratulations to those wonderfully sensitive minds that created this brilliantly researched-executed production.
I think the reason people tear up is in part to know how much Hitler relied on trains as the NAZI party mass murdered millions of people. Russia broke their connection, as they did with their oil foundries - destroying them, to rebuild later. They outsmarted the NAZIS and their access to train bringing them supplies brought victory to the Russians, despite a million NAZI soldiers entering Russia. Never again should anything like that happen - and to those who keep trying to make it happen, wasting US Govt money, may you all rot in hell. This film AND the heart-warming comments make me realize how precious our country still is. 😍
I can still remember watching the steam trains roll by while I held my father's hand. I was four years old...it was1959. This show made me feel four again!
I have read many children's books about the age of steam as a child. The one detail from many of the books that I took away is that each engine had it's own distinct sound. From the way it ran on the tracks to the sound of the steam whistle (not a horn), one could tell at a distance which engine was passing through. It may even be a subject of discussion at the local diner the next day if a different engine brought the 10pm freight! I am certain I would have been one to know these details. Many thanks for your well done work on this documentary and to those running the organization. May you be blessed in these endeavors to keep history alive for we who missed this special part. Much is relegated to reading about it. How special it would be to join one of the excursions!
So proud I caught this video. I've always admired the men that ran the railtrains. I love the steam engine and am so proud these Americans still remember and still take care of when America 🇺🇸 was great. Thank you
I knew the fireman of the 4501 he was a family friend. He has passed on now, but he shared with me some great memories when he was working and keeping that engine alive. I know he would've loved to see this video. RIP Ralph you are missed. #4501
One of my best friends loved all things trains. The year before he passed we toured the train museum yard in Golden Co. it was a memorable time seeing, touching, exploring, and reading about the trains that built this country. Earlier that day my friend, his son, and I took a ride behind a steam engine up to the silver mines to explore. I will never forget that weekend.
In 1963 they were closing the longest wooden trestle in Canada and the last train across was a steam train that was also making it's last trip. I still remember my friends father filling his station wagon with kids and making the excursion on a Sunday afternoon. I had no sense of the history I was seeing at the time but I have come to appreciate it much more since.
I love train travel. Towards the end of this documentary, after a very long restoration period, we see the 4501 charging along and hooting for all its worth, as if its saying, "Hey I'm back". Well done, a wonderful documentary and I too will be watching it again.
Wow, great documentary! THIS is the kind of stuff I come to youtube for; real content that's worth watching. I first saw 4501 pass through my hometown at the age of 4, didn't see her again until almost 40 years later while she was under her most recent rebuild, then FINALLY got to ride behind her two years after that, to Summerville from TVRM last October. It was so worth the wait.This film does an admirable job telling her story!
This was absolutely wonderful. My heart is full and overflowing. People were so in love with trains and trolleys. It is such a shame that politicians did not continue to support public transportation. Ah well ... we musn't cry over spilled milk. This helps a lot. I live within hearing distance of railroad tracks in NC and love hearing the train whistle. My brother and son loved their HO trains
Here in the UK we, and I include myself in this, tend to think that Britain is the only country with a sufficient number of eccentrics to carry out work of this kind, but I am heartened to see that there are enthusiasts all over the world who can gather the skills needed to ensure that the great, historical engineering which has lead to today's technological era, is preserved. Well done for making an excellent documentary and for the wonderful preservation work you have carried out.
Go over to the Netherlands. Tons of running steam engines. Actually THEY are keeping the german steam engine tradition alive far better than the german state railway does. Going to VSM Beekbergen and watching half a dozend Einheitsloks running on first full weekend in September is beautiful. Be it the prancing pink unicorns of the BR23 class or the ugly but sturdy BR50 and BR52 workhorses
I grew up in Ogden Utah, up on the east bench. In the summer months we would sit on the porch, enjoying the cool evening air, and listen to the whistles blow and hear the bang of the cars connecting. I love and miss the mournful sound on the evening air. Yeah!
Fabulous story - I was born a month after Southern Rail stopped all steam in June 53 and was lucky enough to have grown up in South Africa where steam still ran on for a good few years after this. We lived quite near to a shunting yard and it was not frowned upon to let kids go walk about amongst these great machines when they were working! Well done to you all for keeping her alive!!
This is an exemplary documentary history. It clearly states the facts in a linear narrative with only a voiceover to explain and graphics to explain and illuminate and illustrate. I wish they were all like this.
Preservation is not just about the tangible objects themselves; it is about the history and story too. This documentary is a wonderful contribution to the preservation of 4501's story. Bravo!
Outstanding story! Loved trains since s kid. 72 yrs old now and I hope to ride on her before I leave this 🌎 well done my friends! Hope to see you soon.
Outstanding. Intellectual and emotional. A whole lot of effort obviously went into its making, and that's a credit to those volunteers behind the production. Wish more videos on this platform had the same dedication and spirit too. Thank you so very much.
I remember the first moves, and watching her take her first trip on the TVRM mainline in person. You have captured the story, the people, and the magic of the moment. This video literally brought me to tears. Thank You!!!
I was born in Springburn ,Glasqow ,Scotland...they built these beauties for the British Empire ...you name it they shipped them there...Sudan, India,South Africa , Australia...and South AmericA......and North America...and as a baby i breathed in every polution that industry produced...but it was honest pollution and i am still here...great video...thank you.
In all of my days of loving trains I have never seen and heard that much history of the 4501. Back when I was I kid in 2015 I went to tvrm and saw 4501 for the very first time. And when I saw it i thought it was one if the most beautiful sights that i've ever experinced..... I'm so glad the 4501 is still in operation and I hope she never stops running for many years to come
1964? Happens to be my birth year. I so love trains and the stories surrounding the steam engines. So sorry I was born so late. I'd love to be able to have ridden around the southeastern US by train. Born too late. Thank you for the documentary! Congratulations to those that were a part of bringing her to life and to witnessing this fantastic voyage!
So very well done > well written, and Danny Harmon's narration is perfect. It captured the romance of steam perfectly! Thanks so very much, to all involved. Truly a 'labor of love', that is greatly appreciated.
Superb Documentary. Great to se spirit of America through this restoration journey. Hats off to all Engineers of restoring team and the Msnagement to take this historic decision of revival of 4501
This documentary isn't just a film about an old steam engine, it's a film about love and respect and goodwill. I'll return to this documentary again and again. Thank you to all involved! As Richie Havens sang, there's something about a train that's magic.
My father, Alfred P. Rogers, worked as a volunteer at the TVRM for many years. As a teenager, I worked on the dining car serving coffee on the fall excursions to Crossville. One year, I got to ride in the cab of the 4501 for over 40 miles full steam ahead (see 58:52 for example). It was exhilarating, hot as Hades, and rough.... I needed a seat belt and was genuinely afraid I would fall out of the window. It is wonderful to see it still in operation and well-preserved!
Thank you so much for posting this. I enjoyed every minute of it. I am reminded of the off quoted saying (but by whom, I forget) that "the steam engine is the nearest thing to life that man has ever created"
That had to be an awesome experience, thanks Betsy for sharing! I've been on a couple of narrow gauge engines, quite a thrill but much different than a cab ride in the likes of the 4501... hoping to someday to have a ride in a bigger engine.
I'm 71 yrs old and grew up on the Gainesville Midland RR as a kid. My Uncle was an Engineer. I got to ride the Decapods they used. . 4 yrs ago I got to ride the 4501 !!! Outstanding !!!!
Such a wonderful tribute and surprisingly emotional. Thanks so much to the countless people that must have contributed to this wonderful glimpse into our shared past.
Gives me goosebumps, there is an honor among those whom worked the old girls and those that dedicated themselves to preserve em' God Bless the crew and ol' 4501.
This documentary was great.thank you to all the people that restored this locomotive and those that made this documentary about 4501 and the steam era.
Thank u for this fine film on 4501, fantastic, as a young boy, growing up in fremont,ohio, i was able to witness many streams come thru on N W line. what a fine experiences for this ole man of 81 yrs. young.. i want to say, this was a fine film an want to thank all that put this together. a great job,, God Bless u all, Ron , WB8NMK in N W OHIO this date 3/10/2018
Long live 4501 and long live steam. There is just such a romantic nostalgia riding on the back of a steam powered train. I had the privilege of riding in a steam locomotive. There is just nothing like it.
I never would have imagined experiencing such a heartwarming story about a “locomotive” until this documentary showed up for me this morning. What a treasure to have 4501 restored and running-not to mention folks who care as well! Bravo!
1:24:15 I almost started bawlin'...I am gettin' wayyy too soft in my advancing years... Good job people...you saved a real piece of history from being erased...THANK YOU!!!
Simply LOVED this video! Danny Harmon’s narration makes Mike Rowe look like a rank amateur! PLEASE! ! ! ! Make more of these documentaries....... This was way better than 99% of the documentaries on TV! A truly excellent job, and very informative and extremely entertaining!
My grandfather, Herschel Gilbert, would wave at every Northern Pacific train as they passed the homestead (at the bottom of a steep hill that led down to the Columbia River). He would wave from the apple, peach and apricot orchards he carefully tended during the day, then from the farm house at night. I remember as a two year-old boy seeing him reach over, grasp the kerosene lantern that rested atop the bedroom buffet and make three passes back and forth in front of the bedroom window at night. He would then return the lantern to the buffet as the engineer would return his salute using the train's whistle/ horn. Grandfather Gilbert's body did not move during this greeting except for that right arm. As such I could not ever tell if he really woke up when he did so, but he did not in 45 years miss his greeting of a passing Great Northern train. Over the years the family fought many grass fires to save the house, fires started by the train wheels slipping on the rails as the train would struggle up the grade above the ranch house. Shovels and wet blankets were the only tools we had to extinguish the fires that exploded through the cheat grass, sagebrush and sumac that covered the basalt and sand. As kids we would count the cars, the number of engines, and, with special glee, the caboose. During the winters, my grandmother _a teacher in one-room schools that serviced the ranch children living along the Columbia as it split the volcanic cliffs South and East of Wenatchee, WA_ would walk her four daughters up the hill to the rail line and wait for the train to pass. She had no money, but the engineers were gracious enough to stop the train, allowing this group of ragtag females to board and deliver them to the little school house. When the blizzards obscured all visible terrain features past fifty feet from the rails, paying passengers were amazed to see these five women appear from the 25-below-zero "nowhere" to board the train. On the days when Northern Pacific officials were aboard, the engineers could not make this unscheduled stop. Those days the school kids had no school. Note: as one crosses the Columbia River into Wenatchee there remains a steam engine resting on a few tracks poised to greet you, a telltale reminder of the years when the fruit, grain, and gold from the Columbia River valley, hills, and basin were transported by rail to the outside world. Thank you for this well-done presentation. The memories evoked were special.
Mr. Brown, Thank you for sharing your magnificent autobiography from your early days of youth. And, thank you for the illustrative narrative of your young days around the trains you came to know so well!
What a WONDERFUL documentary film! My great-grandfather and his brother were railroad engineers of steam locomotives(in the early 20th century...in Georgia). My great uncle was an engineer who was dual certified in both steam and diesel locomotives. I thoroughly enjoyed this film from beginning to end. Thanks so much!
This film was so emotional, so real that I got cinders in my eyes. Awesome job to all in producing this film and a hearty thanks to all of the visionaries and countless volunteers in the history of 4501. Perhaps the promising economy in 2017 will bring 4501 back to the main line.
My Dad was a Steam train driver here in New Zealand and I try and show him as many of these sort of programs as I can find. Thank you for letting him see this. We have a steam train that travels every summer and the tourists and locals love hearing it go out of town.
My Dad rode the rails to work for 35 years,I can hear the train horn in the distance with my bedroom window open in the summer,along with the ding of the boats mast rigging with the bay close by,best life as a kid
Love this story. Already lost count of how many times I've watched it. The story is that of romance in the sense of love of history and passion to keep history alive and well.
This was really well produced. The script was well written, and clearly well researched. The VO was well done, and the soundbites kept things moving. I have loved seeing the 4501 in Summerville, and it's great to now know the history of it. Having shot, edited and written for television, I would definitely say this was professionally done. I hope it gets the attention it deserves.
What a fantastic sight seeing 4501 come back to life after so long. Really stirs the emotions. Well done to everyone involved with the project. I live in the UK and thankfully we have more than our fair share of wonderfully preserved steam locos, many of which are certified for mainline running. With a country the size of the USA i think it's great to see another steam loco brought back to life, such important parts of our history that must be preserved.
What a wonderful documentary. In that I am not a train enthusiast (despite living in Durango, CO for years), I did not think I would watch the whole show, but each time I thought I was done with it, I found myself continuing to watch. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for watching the film Trip... or should I say not giving up. :) It's nice to hear that the story telling was was enough to get you hooked and keep returning. Please share with others you feel may enjoy it as well.
Grate Man what a fantastic documentary! This deserves to be on television. Alot of history on this engine that was never known because she was shoved aside for the 611 and 1218. A+ to all that contributed to this!
My dad was a steam locomotive engineer pulling iron ore out of open-pit mines in Minnesota to a Great Northern spur. As a pre-teen lad, I was privileged to sit on dad's knee and blow the whistle. Yes, I am 80 years old. Wonderful memories.
I WAS SO PLEASED TO FIND THIS VIDEO... because I visited the Tennessee Vally Railway Museum during a visit to the United States of America in 2008. I still have the photographs I took of 4501 which at the time was in a very sorry state, and it's so great to know that it was finally restored. In the workshop was a sign on the wall.... "No Loafing".... The instruction was obviously heeded by those who restored the locomotive. Sadly I have lost the picture I took of the sign. Have a great 2020 from Anton In Cornwall, England.
Very well put together documentary of the Baldwin 4501. Soon after this engine was out there was another Baldwin that was almost double the power of 4501...it was the Prototype Baldwin 5000 that ran almost 1 3/4 million miles and began the Texas class. That was the last of the monumental improvements in rail steam power by Baldwin. Starting in 1930 with the Santa Fe 5000 during the great depression ending with the 5035 during World War 2.
Excellent documentary, very heart warming to see these men who clearly loved and wanted to preserve these old engines. Steam locis are a big part of our history and are full of character. Puts a big smile on my face to see them doing what they were built to do all these years later.
What a beautiful history well told. Excellent video. What a relief, to see 4501 reborn. Thank you, to all you fine folk. I am English, my father was a steam enthusiast and would take me to see various steam locomotives hauling trains in mainline operation, from vantage points around the local area where the Great Western Railway and Southern Railway operated. Sadly, I watched the last steam hauled train, leave Montecute station in 1964 and that line, from Yeovil to Taunton in the county of Somerset, was closed forever. I was ten years old.
This documentary is better than 99% of the garbage on regular TV. I grew up in Pennsylvania in the 70's and 80's, and it was always a treat to go to the Strasburg Railroad Museum and ride No. 31, No. 89 & No. 90. They now have No. 475, and one of the highlights of my life was taking my kids there and ride in the dining car. I'd like to visit the TVRM one day and ride 4501.
I’ve rode the Strasburg Rail Road the only steam locomotive I’ve rode. That was 2018.
I’ve been to the railroad museum in Duluth MN there’s some cool pieces there.
LSMS No1 at the Henry Ford museum was cool
I’ve ridden behind the 4501 two times now and it’s an amazing experience
It does good when a documentary is made with love and care
Very well stated and all those produced and directed it deserve great praise. Compliments well deserved!
My wife grew up right beside the track . There were many children in her neighborhood, but she was the smallest. At Christmas time the engineer would slow down and throw candy to the kids, but when he came, she wasn't ready and knew the other kids would get all the candy if she didn't hurry. So out the door she went almost barefooted. When the old engineer saw her with no shoes in the snow he stoped completely, and got down off train and with tears in eyes he gave her a whole bag of candy ! Every Christmas she tells me the story....60 years later.
that's a heartwarming story
this is such a great story
What a wonderful engineer. He deserves a kindness metal even though he's dead
this made me tear up
This brought tears to my eyes. The world was a bit kinder and gentler back then. And probably because it was also a bit slower. I personally think we need to slow down a bit and enjoy life and humanity.
I'm 68 years old and ever since I was a kid, I have had a love of steam engines. Until tonight, I didn't know that my little H.O. gauge #4501 in green Southern livery was so famous. It's always held a special place on my layout which is set in the late 30's/early 40's Southern Railway with steam and first gen diesels. Now I know why. I felt a certain pride watching this amazing documentary. I couldn't look away. Thank you so much. Great job.
Thank you for the comments. I grew up with my grandfather and 4501, which is why I wanted to be a part of this documentary. I learned so much about the history myself during the production process. Thank you for watching, and please share.
I'm 72 years old and I grew up in a house near a railroad crossing on the Central of Georgia Line. The men on the steam locomotives used to wave at me when I was a kid waving at them. Back then there was always a caboose at the end and they would wave to. I was still a kid when they started switching over to diesel engines. I hated to see the steam engines go. I remember feeling sad back then. It is great to know that I was not the only one who loved steam engines. This was a great video. I sat here and watch the whole thing from start to end. The people who did this did an excellent job. I would love to ride on a train one more time. Last time I was on a train I was in the Army back in 1967. It was from Fort Gordon, GA to Fayetteville, NC on my way to Fort Bragg, NC.
David Baugh couldn't agree more. Besides being 15, its sad to see things that have been around for so long and shaped how we moved around the country disappear due to them just being out of date. Sad.
I am too young to have ever gotten the chance to witness such things. All I have gotten to see is UP 4014 in the yard. I would love, even dieselized, to go from LA-Chicago on Santa Fe, and switch in Chicago to NY Central, or PRR to make the final dash into NYC, and do it all in under 48 hours on a bloody train, not a plane. I guess its wish in one hand, shit in another for me.
I'd love to hop a ride like a hobo, for a nice journey! :)
Smedley butler
I miss the caboose
This film brought tears to my eyes repeatedly. It is essential that the 4501 not be forgotten. The sight of her cruising along spewing steam everywhere when she came out of retirement was a dream come true. The glorious sound of the conductor blowing her whistle is like no other sound in the world. I reside in California now but intend to go to Tennessee to ride on the 4501. God bless all the caring folks who helped keep her in existence all these years, and I am very grateful to y'all for doing so.
I have no particular interest in rail and I have no idea why I watched this, but this presentation filled me with emotion and pride in the skills of the men and women that made it all possible. I’m a 66 year old Brit and remember traveling by steam locomotive when I was in my teens. There’s a few restored locos running on limited private lines in the UK, and I had no idea that in the USA steam locos we’re playing any part in the 21 century rail system. I agree that unless you’re aware of from where we’ve come in the past, it’s impossible to comprehend where we should go in the future. This movie should be shown in every school and educational facility, it encapsulates all that it is essential for a worthy work ethic, pride in your product and the very reason why each and every one of us should develop our skills for the collective good of the product. A superb presentation, which is beyond adequate words of praise.
Couldn't agree more and well said. I am a 66 year old New Zealander and was fortunate enough to have journeyed on mainline steam trains from New Plymouth to Auckland, towards the end of the steam age here. This excellent video is a great watch and brings back so many memories for me. I loved hanging around the old New Plymouth station and rail yards, observing the sights, smells and glorious sounds of those days. My uncle Ron Rapley was a guard on the overnight steam train to Auckland that we were on and I regret later, not being brave enough to talk to him about his experiences. I am a lifetime fan of rail and airplane engineering and this video covers all the bases. I haven't enjoyed this video enormously. Congratulations to all involved in this video and all involved in the restoration and operation of these wonderful locomotives.
Very well said. “Unless you’re aware of where we came from in the past, it’s impossible to know where we should go in the future” Truer words have never been spoken. Too many things in the past are just demolished, scrapped, forgotten like they meant nothing.
Now an interest is fired in your belly I hope.
You sound like a person who respects the past. Strange thing these days.
They are to busy teaching our kids with commie BS
Thank you to all that helped to create this video and put it on TH-cam! It's so greatly appreciated! If you only knew how much I wish I could go back and be a part of those times. At almost 62 years old, it don't seem very likely.
As a child I would be thinking about my life and the world around me before falling into restful sleep, but knowing the steam train would be coming about 10pm as usual I would listen and while the wonderful sound of the train horn blowing letting all know of its travelling through town. It was always a blessing to me, that all was well as I faded into deep sleep...
I am 88 years old the rock island railroad went through our farm I grew up with the sound of the steam engines thanks for this work
God has surely blessed you with many years. I hope that you know that Jesus loves you. God bless you.
The last thing we did together before my wife died was to ride a steam train.
I am very grateful to those folks who keep steam locos running.
This video was excellent. Best I ever saw.
Thank you from another Old Fart.
I am sorry for your loss, Michael. Thank you for watching and commenting, and I hope this film was able to provide you with fond memories of the time you had with your wife. (Chuck - Exec Producer, Editor).
Seeing the 4501 run made me smile. She carries the love of 1,000's of volunteers and fans. What a great legacy. I bet it has a soul from all who ever loved her.
😌She is a railroad's classic legend. ROLL on man!
I had the opportunity to visit the steam shop in 1993. It was a very impressive operation. I am so ecstatic that we have these craftsmen to bring back these magnificent machines and not let Steam die. Believe it or not, this is one of the many reasons I am a Norfolk Southern stock holder!! Excellent work guys!!!
Wow! Better made than many "made for tv" documentaries, and to find out it was created by volunteers without outside funding...Five Stars*****
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You can have zero interest in steam locomotives or railroading and not be bored watching this. Excellent documentary
That is actually for the best, as a small community of people who made a labour of love will always create better content than a funded doco that is made for profit or to push some hidden agenda or to make some corporation some money. The people and the volonteers brought back this old lady and took care of her and also made this movie with love in their heart. What more could we ask for. This movie gave me a warm fuzzy feeling as i am a big fan of steamers and honestly, i never seen one running in my life. Ive only seen a few static ones as museum pieces.
The last half of an hour I was constantly wiping tears away just to be able to see to the end. I am 62 years old, always thought myself to be a tough guy, but this beautiful locomotive 4501 just broke me. I love you 4501.
Same here. I cried with happy tears but also very emotional of the life she's had and over coming so many odds and still here today she's steaming on.
I'm sure there are more that did the same, with joy in the joy given those who participate in the work, who make the pilgrimage to visit and to experience the life the railroad provided. I have done a little wrenching on the Allison V-1710, always in awe at the beauty of the craftsmanship of the machinists that built and assembled beautiful parts inside those engines destined for airplanes like the P-38, P-39, P-40 and the early P-51 models.
I've read the emergence of elder emotions has to do with dwindling testosterone, part of the natural aging process. Affects can be 3X if you have granddaughters. No more hunting and gathering for you eh!
She Loves to Roll!!!!!🥲🥲
Yep I tear up when I hear her whistle too. My Grandpa used to run her.
One of the most heartwarming, beautiful, and best documentaries ever created by mankind. It must be an extremely fun experience to see the 4501 running in front of your own eyes. I hope I get that experience one day.
"It is a good thing to let another generation know what a steam locomotive is."
- W. Graham Claytor, Jr.
Truer words have never been spoken.
Fantastic work!
Amen Brother, Amen.
@@TweetsieRailroader Well said. I have the luck of living near one of the highest railway bridges in Europe (built in 1897). Every year in october there's a celebration involving this bridge, which includes that some commuter trains are pulled by steam locos.
-> th-cam.com/video/NUobh6_8M6I/w-d-xo.html
(they have to pull a small diesel for safety, because these tracks are heavily used and they can't have a train stopping there)
(the structure on the left is the Wuppertal Elevated, built in 1899, most likely the first monorail ever and one of the few which turn a profit).
Here's a newsreel from 1946 about the 45th anniversary of the monorail. It was made by British Pathe (as this part of Germany was occupied by the UK at this point, shortly after WW2). The reporter explains that the line runs on a length of 13 km (8 miles), and that the trains run at an average speed of 30 km/h (18 mph). The maximum speed allowed (and tested) is 60 km/h (37 mph), but it is rarely reached during normal operation. The trains are powered by a third rail at 700 DC volts, like most subways, even though in this special case it's actually the second rail.
th-cam.com/video/BfsOBw3u5FI/w-d-xo.html
Well said it is certainly an inspiration I love trains I used to live next to tracks remember when train came shook the whole house every time I felt peace in my mind miss the good old days
Where I grew up there was a rail line nearby (could see it from the front yard) that was a going concern - diesels by that point). There was a level crossing nearby and, on the hill above, lived a retired engineer who most certainly worked in the age of steam. A lot of the engineers, when approaching that crossing and doing their required series of horn blows, would add a little toot as a salute to this guy. Says a lot about the brotherhood of railway men.
That railway shut down decades ago and most of the track was torn up (much of the right of way is now part of the Trans Canada Trail). But for some reason the track through and a ways past my hometown was left. Now there's a steam excursion train running on it and it is the most heart warming sight and sound. Kudos to all the thousands of dedicated volunteers all over North America who keep these beautiful and complex engines alive that we may recapture the past in a away that a static display cannot. Also, tremendous respect for the makers of this documentary - a true labour of love and one of the most professional works I've seen a long time.
For anyone interested, the steam railway I mentioned is in Summerland, BC, Canada. They're running a 1912 engine (don't know the make). Just search for Kettle Valley Steam Railway.
Man what a fantastic documentary! This deserves to be on television. Alot of history on this engine that was never known because she was shoved aside for the 611 and 1218. A+ to all that contributed to this!
K&L Trainz you guy's are just now watching this
Only watched part of it a few months back. Now that im working on my own 4501, I finally finished watching it.
Thank you for your comments, as well as taking the time to watch the full documentary. We are trying hard to get a 2-disc DVD set available for sale by Christmas. It will be sold exclusively by and at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.
K&L Trainz as
K&L Trainz and y
Thanks. A history of American know how . Well done.
As a young child, I remember pressing my nose against the screen windows of my upstairs room in the middle of the night, inhaling the scent of spring lilacs, and hearing the mournful whistle of the steam locomotives calling from the rail line several miles to the north. I can hear them even now.
That is a beautiful couple of sentences.
🌟💖🌟💖🌟💖🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Ppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp0ppppp0000000oppppp0ppppp00pppp0oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo9oooooo9ooooo9ooooooooooo9ooooooo99ooo9oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo9o9óo
@@hirkimerwilberfart2413 - We didn't. The best of this nation is behind us.
Mr Larson , I wasn't there , but I can smell those flowers and hear that whistle you described so wonderfully..
EXCELLENT!!! An excellent documentary about an excellent, enduring steam locomotive...4501👍
As a lifelong railfan I'm used to being awestruck by the quality of restoration and the dedication of restorers. The staggering thing here is the film, such a great production and all by amateurs! Well done!
Thank you for taking the time to watch, and commenting.
Thanking God I'm old enough to have been in the last days of steam. What a thrill it always was, if not riding then just watching them pass by. You all have done an incredible work, restoring, documenting the history, and the production of this project. Thank you.
As a small child, in the mid 1940's we lived in Seymore, Indiana. There were four railroads running through the area and I can remember the sound of their steam whistles and the smell of coal smoke. The memories are still pretty clear.
The last steam engine I saw on the rails was in 1963 and it was being towed into a steel mill to be cut up for scrap. It left a sad feeling which comes to mind often, even today. Unlike the diesel locomotives, the steam engines seemed to be a living, breathing, thing.
Thank you for your dedicated work to preserve the operation of this artifact of our country's transportation history
I, living far away in Tamilnadu, India, chanced to watch the documentary. For some strange reason I could not control tears..! Absolute congratulations to those
wonderfully sensitive minds that created this brilliantly researched-executed production.
I think the reason people tear up is in part to know how much Hitler relied on trains as the NAZI party mass murdered millions of people. Russia broke their connection, as they did with their oil foundries - destroying them, to rebuild later. They outsmarted the NAZIS and their access to train bringing them supplies brought victory to the Russians, despite a million NAZI soldiers entering Russia. Never again should anything like that happen - and to those who keep trying to make it happen, wasting US Govt money, may you all rot in hell. This film AND the heart-warming comments make me realize how precious our country still is. 😍
Nice comment.
A very emotional journey even for an old guy watching from Australia
I can still remember watching the steam trains roll by while I held my father's hand. I was four years old...it was1959. This show made me feel four again!
Yeah too bad we cannot use steam engines today
0
I have read many children's books about the age of steam as a child. The one detail from many of the books that I took away is that each engine had it's own distinct sound. From the way it ran on the tracks to the sound of the steam whistle (not a horn), one could tell at a distance which engine was passing through. It may even be a subject of discussion at the local diner the next day if a different engine brought the 10pm freight! I am certain I would have been one to know these details. Many thanks for your well done work on this documentary and to those running the organization. May you be blessed in these endeavors to keep history alive for we who missed this special part. Much is relegated to reading about it. How special it would be to join one of the excursions!
So proud I caught this video. I've always admired the men that ran the railtrains. I love the steam engine and am so proud these Americans still remember and still take care of when America 🇺🇸 was great. Thank you
I knew the fireman of the 4501 he was a family friend. He has passed on now, but he shared with me some great memories when he was working and keeping that engine alive. I know he would've loved to see this video. RIP Ralph you are missed. #4501
One of my best friends loved all things trains. The year before he passed we toured the train museum yard in Golden Co. it was a memorable time seeing, touching, exploring, and reading about the trains that built this country. Earlier that day my friend, his son, and I took a ride behind a steam engine up to the silver mines to explore. I will never forget that weekend.
In 1963 they were closing the longest wooden trestle in Canada and the last train across was a steam train that was also making it's last trip. I still remember my friends father filling his station wagon with kids and making the excursion on a Sunday afternoon. I had no sense of the history I was seeing at the time but I have come to appreciate it much more since.
I love train travel. Towards the end of this documentary, after a very long restoration period, we see the 4501 charging along and hooting for all its worth, as if its saying, "Hey I'm back". Well done, a wonderful documentary and I too will be watching it again.
Thankful to the people that put this together and that it has 2.5 million views!
Wow, great documentary! THIS is the kind of stuff I come to youtube for; real content that's worth watching. I first saw 4501 pass through my hometown at the age of 4, didn't see her again until almost 40 years later while she was under her most recent rebuild, then FINALLY got to ride behind her two years after that, to Summerville from TVRM last October. It was so worth the wait.This film does an admirable job telling her story!
Thank you!
Www22333ŕ32ŕŕ3322
My mother said the workers kicked coal off the coal cars for their family to have coal.for heat during the depression....
Every time the steam whistle blows it brings tears to my eyes. I just love it. Fantastic documentary. Thank you for telling a great story.
I fell in love with the 4501 in your documentary. Tears, smiles, heart moving. What a magnificent proud girl she is! Thank you!
This was absolutely wonderful. My heart is full and overflowing. People were so in love with trains and trolleys.
It is such a shame that politicians did not continue to support public transportation. Ah well ... we musn't cry over spilled milk. This helps a lot. I live within hearing distance of railroad tracks in NC and love hearing the train whistle.
My brother and son loved their HO trains
Here in the UK we, and I include myself in this, tend to think that Britain is the only country with a sufficient number of eccentrics to carry out work of this kind, but I am heartened to see that there are enthusiasts all over the world who can gather the skills needed to ensure that the great, historical engineering which has lead to today's technological era, is preserved.
Well done for making an excellent documentary and for the wonderful preservation work you have carried out.
Go over to the Netherlands. Tons of running steam engines. Actually THEY are keeping the german steam engine tradition alive far better than the german state railway does. Going to VSM Beekbergen and watching half a dozend Einheitsloks running on first full weekend in September is beautiful. Be it the prancing pink unicorns of the BR23 class or the ugly but sturdy BR50 and BR52 workhorses
I grew up in Ogden Utah, up on the east bench. In the summer months we would sit on the porch, enjoying the cool evening air, and listen to the whistles blow and hear the bang of the cars connecting. I love and miss the mournful sound on the evening air. Yeah!
Fabulous story - I was born a month after Southern Rail stopped all steam in June 53 and was lucky enough to have grown up in South Africa where steam still ran on for a good few years after this. We lived quite near to a shunting yard and it was not frowned upon to let kids go walk about amongst these great machines when they were working! Well done to you all for keeping her alive!!
This is an exemplary documentary history. It clearly states the facts in a linear narrative with only a voiceover to explain and graphics to explain and illuminate and illustrate. I wish they were all like this.
Preservation is not just about the tangible objects themselves; it is about the history and story too. This documentary is a wonderful contribution to the preservation of 4501's story. Bravo!
Thank you.
Amazing production. Amazing men. Amazing machines.
Outstanding story! Loved trains since s kid. 72 yrs old now and I hope to ride on her before I leave this 🌎 well done my friends! Hope to see you soon.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
Outstanding.
Intellectual and emotional.
A whole lot of effort obviously went into its making, and that's a credit to those volunteers behind the production.
Wish more videos on this platform had the same dedication and spirit too.
Thank you so very much.
I remember the first moves, and watching her take her first trip on the TVRM mainline in person. You have captured the story, the people, and the magic of the moment. This video literally brought me to tears. Thank You!!!
It's been our pleasure, Jason! Thank you for watching!
Jason Elser......I envy your experience. BB
I was born in Springburn ,Glasqow ,Scotland...they built these beauties for the British Empire ...you name it they shipped them there...Sudan, India,South Africa , Australia...and South AmericA......and North America...and as a baby i breathed in every polution that industry produced...but it was honest pollution and i am still here...great video...thank you.
In all of my days of loving trains I have never seen and heard that much history of the 4501. Back when I was I kid in 2015 I went to tvrm and saw 4501 for the very first time. And when I saw it i thought it was one if the most beautiful sights that i've ever experinced..... I'm so glad the 4501 is still in operation and I hope she never stops running for many years to come
1964? Happens to be my birth year. I so love trains and the stories surrounding the steam engines. So sorry I was born so late. I'd love to be able to have ridden around the southeastern US by train. Born too late. Thank you for the documentary! Congratulations to those that were a part of bringing her to life and to witnessing this fantastic voyage!
Awesome story. Really enjoyed. Thanks to all the volunteers and professionals that put this amazing story together.
I’m gonna go and dry my eyes now. Thanks to all who made this possible!
So very well done > well written, and Danny Harmon's narration is perfect. It captured the romance of steam perfectly! Thanks so very much, to all involved. Truly a 'labor of love', that is greatly appreciated.
Superb Documentary. Great to se spirit of America through this restoration journey. Hats off to all Engineers of restoring team and the Msnagement to take this historic decision of revival of 4501
This documentary isn't just a film about an old steam engine, it's a film about love and respect and goodwill. I'll return to this documentary again and again. Thank you to all involved! As Richie Havens sang, there's something about a train that's magic.
Wonderful Film and I'm an Englishman living in UK who was fortunate to come by accident across this film
Trump 2020 😁
My father, Alfred P. Rogers, worked as a volunteer at the TVRM for many years. As a teenager, I worked on the dining car serving coffee on the fall excursions to Crossville. One year, I got to ride in the cab of the 4501 for over 40 miles full steam ahead (see 58:52 for example). It was exhilarating, hot as Hades, and rough.... I needed a seat belt and was genuinely afraid I would fall out of the window. It is wonderful to see it still in operation and well-preserved!
Wow! What a story! Thanks for sharing, Betsy!
cool anecdote
Thank you so much for posting this. I enjoyed every minute of it. I am reminded of the off quoted saying (but by whom, I forget) that "the steam engine is the nearest thing to life that man has ever created"
That had to be an awesome experience, thanks Betsy for sharing! I've been on a couple of narrow gauge engines, quite a thrill but much different than a cab ride in the likes of the 4501... hoping to someday to have a ride in a bigger engine.
Betsy Hawkins You and your dad are great Americans. Thank you.
I'm 71 yrs old and grew up on the Gainesville Midland RR as a kid. My Uncle was an Engineer. I got to ride the Decapods they used. . 4 yrs ago I got to ride the 4501 !!! Outstanding !!!!
You know it's gonna be good when Danny Harmon is narrating.
I didn't even realize it was him until I read this comment.
Ya.
@@cjuice9039 0090
@@cjuice9039 to thl
What a great documentary! I enjoyed it very much. My grandfather worked on the railroad for 52 years and my great grandfather for 48 years. Thank you!
Why la your profile a confedarate flag😠
Such a wonderful tribute and surprisingly emotional. Thanks so much to the countless people that must have contributed to this wonderful glimpse into our shared past.
Your Dedication of Everyone ! Priceless.
Gives me goosebumps, there is an honor among those whom worked the old girls and those that dedicated themselves to preserve em' God Bless the crew and ol' 4501.
An absolute gem right here for any rail fan...BRAVO!!
This documentary was great.thank you to all the people that restored this locomotive and those that made this documentary about 4501 and the steam era.
I remember seeing the 4501 as a boy passing through Shannon, Ga. what fond memories.
Thank u for this fine film on 4501, fantastic, as a young boy, growing up in fremont,ohio, i was able to witness many streams come thru on N W line. what a fine experiences for this ole man of 81 yrs. young.. i want to say, this was a fine film an want to thank all that put this together. a great job,,
God Bless u all,
Ron , WB8NMK in N W OHIO this date 3/10/2018
Long live 4501 and long live steam. There is just such a romantic nostalgia riding on the back of a steam powered train. I had the privilege of riding in a steam locomotive. There is just nothing like it.
I never would have imagined experiencing such a heartwarming story about a “locomotive” until this documentary showed up for me this morning. What a treasure to have 4501 restored and running-not to mention folks who care as well! Bravo!
1:24:15 I almost started bawlin'...I am gettin' wayyy too soft in my advancing years...
Good job people...you saved a real piece of history from being erased...THANK YOU!!!
This is hands down the best documentary on any locomotive i have personally ever seen. Thank you very much for posting this
What a fantastic program! Thanks to everyone that contributed to sharing the history of 4501!
Simply LOVED this video!
Danny Harmon’s narration makes Mike Rowe look like a rank amateur!
PLEASE! ! ! ! Make more of these documentaries....... This was way better than 99% of the documentaries on TV!
A truly excellent job, and very informative and extremely entertaining!
Thats the best 1.5 hrs of viewing I`ve done this entire year
My grandfather, Herschel Gilbert, would wave at every Northern Pacific train as they passed the homestead (at the bottom of a steep hill that led down to the Columbia River). He would wave from the apple, peach and apricot orchards he carefully tended during the day, then from the farm house at night. I remember as a two year-old boy seeing him reach over, grasp the kerosene lantern that rested atop the bedroom buffet and make three passes back and forth in front of the bedroom window at night. He would then return the lantern to the buffet as the engineer would return his salute using the train's whistle/ horn. Grandfather Gilbert's body did not move during this greeting except for that right arm. As such I could not ever tell if he really woke up when he did so, but he did not in 45 years miss his greeting of a passing Great Northern train.
Over the years the family fought many grass fires to save the house, fires started by the train wheels slipping on the rails as the train would struggle up the grade above the ranch house. Shovels and wet blankets were the only tools we had to extinguish the fires that exploded through the cheat grass, sagebrush and sumac that covered the basalt and sand.
As kids we would count the cars, the number of engines, and, with special glee, the caboose. During the winters,
my grandmother _a teacher in one-room schools that serviced the ranch children living along the Columbia as it split the volcanic cliffs South and East of Wenatchee, WA_ would walk her four daughters up the hill to the rail line and wait for the train to pass. She had no money, but the engineers were gracious enough to stop the train, allowing this group of ragtag females to board and deliver them to the little school house. When the blizzards obscured all visible terrain features past fifty feet from the rails, paying passengers were amazed to see these five women appear from the 25-below-zero "nowhere" to board the train. On the days when Northern Pacific officials were aboard, the engineers could not make this unscheduled stop. Those days the school kids had no school.
Note: as one crosses the Columbia River into Wenatchee there remains a steam engine resting on a few tracks poised to greet you, a telltale reminder of the years when the fruit, grain, and gold from the Columbia River valley, hills, and basin were transported by rail to the outside world.
Thank you for this well-done presentation. The memories evoked were special.
Beautiful memories. My fathers name was Clifford.
Fantastic story. I wish our world still had people of such admirable character.
Thanx for preserving some golden history.
Sincerely,
MD Kotowski
Mr. Brown, Thank you for sharing your magnificent autobiography from your early days of youth.
And, thank you for the illustrative narrative of your young days around the trains you came to know so well!
clifford Brown Daaammn. That was such a deep story..... Have you thought about writing a book?
You write well.
What a WONDERFUL documentary film! My great-grandfather and his brother were railroad engineers of steam locomotives(in the early 20th century...in Georgia). My great uncle was an engineer who was dual certified in both steam and diesel locomotives. I thoroughly enjoyed this film from beginning to end. Thanks so much!
Thank you for watching and commenting Valerie Griner. (Chuck - Exec Producer, Editor).
This film was so emotional, so real that I got cinders in my eyes. Awesome job to all in producing this film and a hearty thanks to all of the visionaries and countless volunteers in the history of 4501. Perhaps the promising economy in 2017 will bring 4501 back to the main line.
Thank you sir, for what is probably the best railway documentary I have ever seen.👍👍👍
My Dad was a Steam train driver here in New Zealand and I try and show him as many of these sort of programs as I can find. Thank you for letting him see this. We have a steam train that travels every summer and the tourists and locals love hearing it go out of town.
My Dad rode the rails to work for 35 years,I can hear the train horn in the distance with my bedroom window open in the summer,along with the ding of the boats mast rigging with the bay close by,best life as a kid
Love this story. Already lost count of how many times I've watched it.
The story is that of romance in the sense of love of history and passion to keep history alive and well.
Who else wishes that the TVRM will paint it green again
This was really well produced. The script was well written, and clearly well researched. The VO was well done, and the soundbites kept things moving. I have loved seeing the 4501 in Summerville, and it's great to now know the history of it. Having shot, edited and written for television, I would definitely say this was professionally done. I hope it gets the attention it deserves.
The Southern was a class Act.
What a fantastic sight seeing 4501 come back to life after so long. Really stirs the emotions. Well done to everyone involved with the project. I live in the UK and thankfully we have more than our fair share of wonderfully preserved steam locos, many of which are certified for mainline running. With a country the size of the USA i think it's great to see another steam loco brought back to life, such important parts of our history that must be preserved.
What a wonderful documentary. In that I am not a train enthusiast (despite living in Durango, CO for years), I did not think I would watch the whole show, but each time I thought I was done with it, I found myself continuing to watch. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for watching the film Trip... or should I say not giving up. :) It's nice to hear that the story telling was was enough to get you hooked and keep returning. Please share with others you feel may enjoy it as well.
One of the best documentaries I have ever watched. Evan you and your team did a stunning job.
Wow, so much love for the 4501, that sure would be fun to take part in that project, may the 4501 stay healthy and run for ever
Grate Man what a fantastic documentary! This deserves to be on television. Alot of history on this engine that was never known because she was shoved aside for the 611 and 1218. A+ to all that contributed to this!
My dad was a steam locomotive engineer pulling iron ore out of open-pit mines in Minnesota to a Great Northern spur. As a pre-teen lad, I was privileged to sit on dad's knee and blow the whistle. Yes, I am 80 years old. Wonderful memories.
I WAS SO PLEASED TO FIND THIS VIDEO... because I visited the Tennessee Vally Railway Museum during a visit to the United States of America in 2008. I still have the photographs I took of 4501 which at the time was in a very sorry state, and it's so great to know that it was finally restored.
In the workshop was a sign on the wall.... "No Loafing".... The instruction was obviously heeded by those who restored the locomotive. Sadly I have lost the picture I took of the sign. Have a great 2020 from Anton In Cornwall, England.
I really don't understand how this video could have 1k down votes, am I missing something? I really enjoyed this documentary.
Very well put together documentary of the Baldwin 4501. Soon after this engine was out there was another Baldwin that was almost double the power of 4501...it was the Prototype Baldwin 5000 that ran almost 1 3/4 million miles and began the Texas class. That was the last of the monumental improvements in rail steam power by Baldwin. Starting in 1930 with the Santa Fe 5000 during the great depression ending with the 5035 during World War 2.
And like Southern Railway, Santa Fe ended steam in 1953 as both railroads moved on from steam locomotives.
Well done , thanks to all , and God bless all.
What a great documentary. My hat's off to those who made it and to all those that keep steam alive.
I wasn't sure about watching this but then I heard Danny's voice and knew I had to!
Excellent documentary, very heart warming to see these men who clearly loved and wanted to preserve these old engines. Steam locis are a big part of our history and are full of character. Puts a big smile on my face to see them doing what they were built to do all these years later.
What a beautiful history well told. Excellent video. What a relief, to see 4501 reborn. Thank you, to all you fine folk. I am English, my father was a steam enthusiast and would take me to see various steam locomotives hauling trains in mainline operation, from vantage points around the local area where the Great Western Railway and Southern Railway operated. Sadly, I watched the last steam hauled train, leave Montecute station in 1964 and that line, from Yeovil to Taunton in the county of Somerset, was closed forever. I was ten years old.