Just found this and subscribed. The GG1's hold a special place for me. My dad was station master @ Penn Station Newark, N.J. I got to drive one from Newark to my hometown of Rahway when I was 14
I was a firearm an fired and or operated GG-1’s,E-44’s, E-33’s,E-60’s and the many types of Diesel Electric Locomotives,from March 1974 to July 1976 when I graduated to from LETP and was promoted to Locomotive Engineer. The Passenger Geared GG-1’s would easily go in excess of 100MPH on passenger trains that were authorized to be pulled at 100MPH. All single or multiple unit GG-1’s maximum authorized speed was 50MPH. A Single GG-1 pulling a dead not as a multiple unit GG-1, was considered a coach, maximum speed was 100MPH. When the new Amfleet Coaches started arriving in the mid to late 70’s, ( As the Self Propelled Multiple Unit Bud Metroliners were being retired and scrapped.These were not very reliable, and broke down regularly). Amtrak was purchasing E-60 Locomotives starting in 1972. They were supposed to be able to go anywhere from 100MPH to 120MPH maximum speed. These locomotives were poorly designed and really scary to operate at speeds of 80MPH and above. The side to side lateral Motion was so extreme, banging against the sides of the rails and the wheel flanges.That you would wonder how it didn’t either break the rail or the wheel flange causing it to derail. The E-60 was quickly restricted to 80MPH maximum speed. The Lateral motion was somewhat corrected by adding stabilizing Shock Absorbers that would wear out regularly. So Amtrak had no choice but to begin using GG-1’s on their Metroliners. The train would consist of a GG-1 a mail coach with updated trucks to allow 120MPH Maximum speed, used as a baggage & mail coach. Installed was a Diesel engine coupled to a Alternating Current generator set, providing Head End Power for the 3 to 5 Amfleet Coaches it pulled. The GG-1 easily got up to maximum authorized track speed. During this particular time. Amtrak was desperately trying to get ridership up. So for an incentive,if the Metroliner was more than 5 minutes late at its final destination. You would be refunded the price of the ticket and rode for free. There were times when something occurred that delayed the Metroliner. Such as restrictive signals,temporary speed restrictions, train ahead broke down and many other various reasons delaying the Metroliner. During these years North East Corridor was in desperate need of being rehabilitated. On tracks that had 120MPH authorized speed. The GG-1 would easily exceed their maximum authorized 100MPH. The speed indicator went to 100MPH and at that speed you still had 4 to 5 notches of additional amperage left on the throttle, to get the train speed up to 120MPH. If you were running late. Doing this allowed you to make up lost time and get the train back on time. I can’t recall one time that any Metroliner that I was either the Locomotive Engineer or Fireman on, that was more than 5 minutes late at the final destination. Most of the time the Metroliners were generally a minute or two early or right in time at its final destination.The GG-1’s were removed from Metroliner Service service as the AEM-7 Locomotives were put in service. The AEM-7 was a extremely reliable, comfortable seating , easy to operate locomotive. It had excellent heat and air conditioners, dynamic braking and electro pneumatic braking system, cruise control. Would go 125MPH with ease, was real smooth running at any speed. The GG-1 on the other hand had terrible seats, basically no heat,no air conditioning.It was extremely loud and filthy. All the widows leaked when rained. The main transformer was filled with PCB Oil, that is extremely dangerous. It was very narrow walking from one end to the other from the inside. The crew space was very small. With all these faults I still consider it to be the most reliable indestructible electric locomotives ever made. Not one time did a GG-1 break down and not make it from point A to Point B. Many would still be running today if they weren’t removed from service. When NJTRO started operating on January 1,1983. They had the last of the operating GG-1’s left, and were used to pull passenger trains from South Amboy NJ to either Penn Station NYC or Sunny Side Yard Queens NYC and back. These few GG-1’s could still easily get a 14 car passenger train to 100MPH. Going East from the PA&W mainline branch and onto the North East Corridor at Union Tower, Rahway NJ. Switching to either Track Two or Track Three. Providing you have clear signal on the cab signal rack and clear wayside signals. You could easily get the train up to 100MPH Until you had to slow down to 55MPH for Elisabeth Curves. The Freight GG-1’s had lowered gearing and would only go around 70MPH while pulling a Dead GG-1 that was only using the Brake Pipe and Main Reservoir Hoses. This dead GG-1 was then considered a Coach. A single or multiple units GG-1’s maximum speed was 50MPH. 2 or more Locomotives connected in multiple are considered as one Locomotive. Loaded Ore trains maximum speed was 30MPH. On mixed Freight maximum speed was 50MPH. On TTX Truck Trains maximum speed was 60MPH.
Wow thats really interesting! The GG-1 is definitely one of my favorite electric locomotives. From what you've said they must have been one of the most reliable engines on the NEC. I wish I could have seen these operate back in their prime. Thanks for the comment!
One of the most successful pieces of engineering and design ever. I rode many trains pulled by them and their unique look ensured they were always an object of interest during their long service. Thank you for a great summary.
The Jan 15 1953 wreck was just days before the inauguration of president Eisenhower, Jan 20. The station is DC was going to be very busy with people coming to the city. That is why they boarded over the GG1. It was going to take a lot of time to get the heavy locomotive out of the basement so they just waited until after the inauguration, when the station wasn't going to be as busy.
Eastbound out of DC Union Station the PRR and B&O ran parallel for a mile or so after clearing the switches. A B&O train, accelerating up the grade out of the station with three E8 Diesels pulling ten cars or so would be making about 50 mph . It would be passed by a Pennsy train of 16 cars or so doing 70+ mph pulled by a single GG1.
Electric locomotives have short time ratings. That is where they can put out a lot of power to accelerate out of a station or maintain speed up a short incline. The disadvantage is that you can not do this for any length of time. Think of what would happen if you plugged a 110volt toaster into a220volt outlet. You could heat your toast twice as fast, but you risk burned toast.
It’s nice knowing that the GG1 was designed and built solely for the Pennsylvania Railroad and when that couldn’t survive, PENN CENTRAL, then CONRAIL and New Jersey Transit, but it mainly reminded on the East Coast. For not only the GG1 but other designs of railroad locomotives and other forms of transportation, Raymond Lowey was a genius in his own right. Great video. Thank you for sharing
Thank you! Lowey truly knew how to make a timeless design. I’m positive if they drained the pcb and replaced the oil they could have lasted another 10 years. Thanks for watching and Happy New Year!
It’s just an opinion or speculation but I think if they drained the pcb’s and replaced the oil, the GG1’s may have lasted at least another quarter century
Great informative video about these mighty machines!! Thank you for putting this together, I don't know much about American rail, so I'm happy to have stumbled upon this 🙂
I’m glad you were able to learn about these incredible electrics through my video! I try to make these easy to understand for people who aren’t familiar with US rail history.
I visited the B&O Rail Museum back in August (2022) and I saw 4876 in the storage tracks while on a tour. If there's a chance of these engines ever returning to service, it would be to have better electric systems and traction motors than the original ones they used.
Agreed, most of their electric components would have to be gutted and redesigned from the ground up to be useable. I think the only place where they could run regularly would be the electrified section of the Illinois railway museums tracks. Would be really neat if it happened!
In 1979 we took a trip to the east coast. I knew the end was near for the GG1 so we made it to northern NJ to see them. We saw about 10 of them running on various trains.
With people possibly relying on this video for complete knowledge, I'd just like to make one adjustment and one addition, both involving the accident with 4876 at Washington's Union Station. This video is entirely about the GG1, so when the narrator states the train started in Boston, I'd like to add that the GG1 replaced the original diesel locomotive in New Haven. The portion of the NEC from New Haven to Boston was only electrified starting in 1996. Also, the most amazing part of the entire accident story is that it occurred only five days before the inauguration of Eisenhower, with hordes of people scheduled to pass in and out of Union Station. That made the construction of the temporary floor over 4876 all the more urgent, with it being reported that thousands of passengers walked over the engine lying in the basement without even knowing about it.
I recall reading in a Trains(?) magazine back in the 1980s about the GG1. The article said one was put on a dynamometer test bed in the 1950s and they accelerated it. It hit 120mph and it was still accelerating but they reached the physical limits of the dyno so they stopped it. The conclusion was they couldn't really know what the top speed was. The 100mph was probably the limit on a track with the overhead catenary.
@@TrainMaster26 this was on a Northeast Corridor, which was maintained well, with the exception of a freight line. High-speed operations did happen during the Penn Central years.
I inherited the Lionel GG-1 as a kid. I never realized how truly big it was until We went to Harrisburg one day and I saw a real one at the train station. My poor little chin almost hit the floor! They really WERE that big! I never forgot realizing that.
If you dig deep enough you will find out that 4876 for the most part was scrapped after the crash in Washington. There was some components from the original locomotive used but a brand new car body, frame, trucks and so on were all fabricated to build what was basically a brand-new gg1.
@@TrainMaster26 In the late 1960's I would ride in the cab of a B&O E8 with my dad who was running the engine. My dad pointed out the concrete floor where the 4876 crashed which was a lighter shade of grey than the rest of the floor.
I always thought the GG1 was the best looking locomotive ever. Glad that i was able to the pulled by one once from NYC to New Haven, although it was painted Penn Central black instead of being in the sweet PRR livery.
I saw one at the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum and they are MASSIVE in person! I've always seen videos or photos but you can tell how thy were 475,000 lbs when you see them up close.
I grew up in NE Philadelphia, we would always hear them and when we fishing we cross the rail lines and watch the GG1's go by. In high Schooll we would ride up to NYC on trains that were pulled by GG1's. In Sky Captain, and the World of Tomorrow there a GG1 in the battle in NYC
@@TrainMaster26 i think of ss Normandie here. installed turbo electric plant was 160000 hp. this could be increased to 200000 hp from higher boiler pressures, yet had to be tempered so the motors would not overheat, especially when opened up for his blue ribbon challenges against QM1.
The red GG1 4877 footage you used is from the Michaela and Marianne Autorino film GG1: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC. I bought a 16mm copy in 1984 after he finished it.
I'm not a great fan of north american railways, but i love american electric locomotives especially the gg1 who also remind me the fs E428 (the italian gg1, although it was 2-b+b-2). Love from italy
I’m still holding out hope that maybe one day a gg1 will operate again. I mean. Just a decade ago no one would’ve thought a big boy would run under its own power. What makes it so different. Aside from steam vs electric power
Excellent overview! I’m surprized, though, that you didn’t mention that the “GG1” designation came from PRR using “G” for its 4-6-0 steamer and this was a (sort of) 4-6-0+0-6-4. Hence GG1. (There were no GG2s ever made.)
Very well done. @ 4:10 you show the GG1 as the Broadway Limited... where did they replace it with a steam engine, as I don't believe it was electrified all the way to Chicago
The AEM-7 replacement locomotive is a bit ironic as EMD built the locomotive and ASEA provided the innards. The locomotive is a Swedish Rc4 at it's base modified for American needs. Usually when it comes to Diesel locomotives in Sweden it was the other way around EMD provided the diesel engines and NOHAB built the locomotive. NOHAB existed untill the late 80's and built most of Sweden's diesel locomotives and exported many locomotives to the rest of Europe including across the Iron Curtain. Rc4 no:1166 that was brought over the the USA for testing prior to the AEM-7 order seems to be still in service. As far as i know the Rc4 class will continue in service for many years to come. Rc locomotives where built new in classes Rc1-6 and they replaced the first electric locomotives generation of electric locomotives the D-class built from 1925-1943 it's the biggest class of locomotives in Swedish history with 366 locomotives built between 1967-1988.
@@TrainMaster26 imagine how amazed people would be today if they learned in a museum that two of the GG1s towed the first steam locomotive to OFFICIALLY go 100 mph, Flying Scotsman.
good point. but then again, the PRR might have been in a power crunch and needed that gg1 fixed. Although building a brand new gg1 might have been cheaper lol
@@TrainMaster26 Thank you, I played those games a lot as a kid on my GameCube. I don't own those particular compilations now (Steam has replaced them, lol) but the special features have a special place in my heart.
@@johngregory5424 "engine" is usually used for something with fire in it ie combustion. Think of gas ENGINE vs electric MOTOR. Why isn't it a locomotive?
@@paulcrowshaw4232 Locomotive, is an engineering expression for an independent prime mover. A prime mover that uses overhead or 3rd rail power is not a locomotive. Please don’t take my word for it, check it out. I started train spotting during the days of the ‘Big Four’ Southern.
@@paulcrowshaw4232 what motor does your car have? When I ask that question, do you immediately think of the start motor, wiper motor, fan motor, and other electrical parts? No. You think of internal combustion motor. They are interchangeable.
@@TrainMaster26 I imagine if everything is updated for safety that the East Coast or California may be a good run. I don't know how long the pentagraph system goes or what the restrictions are but both coasts might be an option. Unless that tiny cab window stops it from ever running again due to safety
Not possible. One thing that the lady narrating this video didn't mention was that the GG1 was designed to only run on the PRR electrical system of the time, which was 11KV, 25 Hz AC. Back in the 80's, this system was changed to common line frequency (60 Hz AC), as the old PRR power plants were shut down. AFAIK, there is no place in the world which still uses 25 Hz power, although a heavy converter COULD be made to alter 50Hz power in a country outside of the western hemisphere (aside from southern Japan)
Back when people used to walk I'd often walk the tracks to and from school. The 1st time I saw the GG1s I knew what I wanted to do for a living. It was larger than life and I fell in love. It's still my favorite locomotive, thanks for the video.
I might have been referring to the wreck it was in, since most people who dont know about trains know the gg1 for the wreck when they see it in pictures, but I think I meant famous.
@@TrainMaster26 The GG1s operated, as you know, basically between 1935 and 1983 and the 1953 wreck of the 4876 was one of a few. They had a pretty good safe and reliable career. I have the builders plate for GG1 4897 and soon will be getting the plate for P5a 4777.
@@TrainMaster26 The 4777 was one of 5 P5a "Modified" engines built by GE in 1935. I still have a bit to pay for it, but I should have it within a few weeks. I bought 4897 Builder's plate in 1984, from the same dealer who is selling me the P motor plate, which was mounted on the frame, as were the ones on the G's with the exception of #4800.
Oh, yes, they certainly did. The GG1 was the world's most powerful locomotive for at least it's first 25 years. Freights on the NE corridor couldn't slow down the passenger service, and freights often ran 90 mph. The E44's and the P5a's were a bit slower (the E44 only did 70, and the P5a had stability issues, so it was rarely pushed hard, even in multiple units).
Stopped watching after you showed the picture of the R1, and said it was a 2-D-2 arrangement instead of 2-C-2. That throws everything else you have said out the window as far as reliability.
@@threehead99 My apologies, but not only was this made 2 years ago and isn't up to my current standards, pictures and information on some of these lesser-known engines is very hard to come by. This leads to mistakes such as these. I've already been told countless times by railfans about problems in this, so I know what to do for next time. Regardless, I appreciate the feedback and will be thinking about this when I make my next episode. I recommend skipping this and the f-7 episode and going straight to episode 3 as its quality is 10 times better than this.
Hey! If you're finding this recently from TH-cams recommended then consider subscribing! I spent over 26 hours on this video so it would mean alot!
The GG1s did so well on express services on the Trenton Line, and limited service on the Paoli-Thorndale, and Wilmington-Newark Lines.
Right on, Brother..subbing immediately..We love the GG-1's here in Texas.
The GG1 was not just an engine, Lowey made it a work of art.
Just found this and subscribed. The GG1's hold a special place for me.
My dad was station master @ Penn Station Newark, N.J.
I got to drive one from Newark to my hometown of Rahway when I was 14
That’s awesome! Definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Glad I could rekindle some fond memories.
I was a firearm an fired and or operated GG-1’s,E-44’s, E-33’s,E-60’s and the many types of Diesel Electric Locomotives,from March 1974 to July 1976 when I graduated to from LETP and was promoted to Locomotive Engineer.
The Passenger Geared GG-1’s would easily go in excess of 100MPH on passenger trains that were authorized to be pulled at 100MPH. All single or multiple unit GG-1’s maximum authorized speed was 50MPH. A Single GG-1 pulling a dead not as a multiple unit GG-1, was considered a coach, maximum speed was 100MPH.
When the new Amfleet Coaches started arriving in the mid to late 70’s, ( As the Self Propelled Multiple Unit Bud Metroliners were being retired and scrapped.These were not very reliable, and broke down regularly). Amtrak was purchasing E-60 Locomotives starting in 1972. They were supposed to be able to go anywhere from 100MPH to 120MPH maximum speed. These locomotives were poorly designed and really scary to operate at speeds of 80MPH and above. The side to side lateral Motion was so extreme, banging against the sides of the rails and the wheel flanges.That you would wonder how it didn’t either break the rail or the wheel flange causing it to derail. The E-60 was quickly restricted to 80MPH maximum speed. The Lateral motion was somewhat corrected by adding stabilizing Shock Absorbers
that would wear out regularly. So Amtrak had no choice but to begin using GG-1’s on their Metroliners. The train would consist of a GG-1 a mail coach with updated trucks to allow 120MPH Maximum speed, used as a baggage & mail coach. Installed was a Diesel engine coupled to a Alternating Current generator set, providing Head End Power for the 3 to 5 Amfleet Coaches it pulled. The GG-1 easily got up to maximum authorized track speed. During this particular time. Amtrak was desperately trying to get ridership up. So for an incentive,if the Metroliner was more than 5 minutes late at its final destination. You would be refunded the price of the ticket and rode for free. There were times when something occurred that delayed the Metroliner. Such as restrictive signals,temporary speed restrictions, train ahead broke down and many other various reasons delaying the Metroliner. During these years North East Corridor was in desperate need of being rehabilitated. On tracks that had 120MPH authorized speed. The GG-1 would easily exceed their maximum authorized 100MPH. The speed indicator went to 100MPH and at that speed you still had 4 to 5 notches of additional amperage left on the throttle, to get the train speed up to 120MPH. If you were running late. Doing this allowed you to make up lost time and get the train back on time. I can’t recall one time that any Metroliner that I was either the Locomotive Engineer or Fireman on, that was more than 5 minutes late at the final destination. Most of the time the Metroliners were generally a minute or two early or right in time at its final destination.The GG-1’s were removed from Metroliner Service service as the AEM-7 Locomotives were put in service.
The AEM-7 was a extremely reliable, comfortable seating , easy to operate locomotive. It had excellent heat and air conditioners, dynamic braking and electro pneumatic braking system, cruise control. Would go 125MPH with ease, was real smooth running at any speed. The GG-1 on the other hand had terrible seats, basically no heat,no air conditioning.It was extremely loud and filthy. All the widows leaked when rained. The main transformer was filled with PCB Oil, that is extremely dangerous. It was very narrow walking from one end to the other from the inside. The crew space was very small. With all these faults I still consider it to be the most reliable indestructible electric locomotives ever made. Not one time did a GG-1 break down and not make it from point A to Point B. Many would still be running today if they weren’t removed from service. When NJTRO started operating on January 1,1983. They had the last of the operating GG-1’s left, and were used to pull passenger trains from South Amboy NJ to either Penn Station NYC or Sunny Side Yard Queens NYC and back. These few GG-1’s could still easily get a 14 car passenger train to 100MPH. Going East from the PA&W mainline branch and onto the North East Corridor at Union Tower, Rahway NJ. Switching to either Track Two or Track Three. Providing you have clear signal on the cab signal rack and clear wayside signals. You could easily get the train up to 100MPH Until you had to slow down to 55MPH for Elisabeth Curves.
The Freight GG-1’s had lowered gearing and would only go around 70MPH while pulling a Dead GG-1 that was only using the Brake Pipe and Main Reservoir Hoses. This dead GG-1 was then considered a Coach. A single or multiple units GG-1’s maximum speed was 50MPH. 2 or more Locomotives connected in multiple are considered as one Locomotive.
Loaded Ore trains maximum speed was 30MPH. On mixed Freight maximum speed was 50MPH. On TTX Truck Trains maximum speed was 60MPH.
Wow thats really interesting! The GG-1 is definitely one of my favorite electric locomotives. From what you've said they must have been one of the most reliable engines on the NEC. I wish I could have seen these operate back in their prime. Thanks for the comment!
The Leslie A200 horn is the most beautiful thing I've ever heard ❤
Probably the most beautiful thing ever to roll on rails
There’s no engine quite like it! I’ve seen many of them in person and they’re very impressive.
One of the most successful pieces of engineering and design ever. I rode many trains pulled by them and their unique look ensured they were always an object of interest during their long service. Thank you for a great summary.
No problem! Im glad you enjoyed!
The Jan 15 1953 wreck was just days before the inauguration of president Eisenhower, Jan 20. The station is DC was going to be very busy with people coming to the city. That is why they boarded over the GG1. It was going to take a lot of time to get the heavy locomotive out of the basement so they just waited until after the inauguration, when the station wasn't going to be as busy.
Eastbound out of DC Union Station the PRR and B&O ran parallel for a mile or so after clearing the switches. A B&O train, accelerating up the grade out of the station with three E8 Diesels pulling ten cars or so would be making about 50 mph . It would be passed by a Pennsy train of 16 cars or so doing 70+ mph pulled by a single GG1.
Must have been a confusing trip after that...
Electric locomotives have short time ratings. That is where they can put out a lot of power to accelerate out of a station or maintain speed up a short incline. The disadvantage is that you can not do this for any length of time. Think of what would happen if you plugged a 110volt toaster into a220volt outlet. You could heat your toast twice as fast, but you risk burned toast.
A Unique And Beautiful Engine. Thank You PRR And Raymond Lowry.
It’s nice knowing that the GG1 was designed and built solely for the Pennsylvania Railroad and when that couldn’t survive, PENN CENTRAL, then CONRAIL and New Jersey Transit, but it mainly reminded on the East Coast. For not only the GG1 but other designs of railroad locomotives and other forms of transportation, Raymond Lowey was a genius in his own right. Great video. Thank you for sharing
Thank you! Lowey truly knew how to make a timeless design. I’m positive if they drained the pcb and replaced the oil they could have lasted another 10 years. Thanks for watching and Happy New Year!
It’s just an opinion or speculation but I think if they drained the pcb’s and replaced the oil, the GG1’s may have lasted at least another quarter century
@@Stevelikestrains with the proper care an maintenance I think it’s more than possible.
Great informative video about these mighty machines!! Thank you for putting this together, I don't know much about American rail, so I'm happy to have stumbled upon this 🙂
I’m glad you were able to learn about these incredible electrics through my video! I try to make these easy to understand for people who aren’t familiar with US rail history.
Great history concerning the Pennsy GG1. THANK YOU
I visited the B&O Rail Museum back in August (2022) and I saw 4876 in the storage tracks while on a tour. If there's a chance of these engines ever returning to service, it would be to have better electric systems and traction motors than the original ones they used.
Agreed, most of their electric components would have to be gutted and redesigned from the ground up to be useable. I think the only place where they could run regularly would be the electrified section of the Illinois railway museums tracks. Would be really neat if it happened!
I just picked up a new Lionel GG1. Thanks for the history lesson!
Thats awesome!
@@TrainMaster26 if you only have one train in your collection !! Start with a Lionel GG1
Nice job. You kept it short, sweet and factual.
I rode in the cab of the last GG1 to ever operate. It was October 29, 1983. The GG1 was in service for N. J. Transit.
That must have been quite an experience! Was the cab cramped at all? I’ve seen the inside of a gg1 and it doesn’t look that spacious.
In 1979 we took a trip to the east coast.
I knew the end was near for the GG1 so we made it to northern NJ to see them.
We saw about 10 of them running on various trains.
I wish i could have seen them when they were in service, you're lucky!
Outstanding! Incredibly well done!!
Thank you that means a lot!
Hey this is pretty good!
Thanks alot!
With people possibly relying on this video for complete knowledge, I'd just like to make one adjustment and one addition, both involving the accident with 4876 at Washington's Union Station. This video is entirely about the GG1, so when the narrator states the train started in Boston, I'd like to add that the GG1 replaced the original diesel locomotive in New Haven. The portion of the NEC from New Haven to Boston was only electrified starting in 1996.
Also, the most amazing part of the entire accident story is that it occurred only five days before the inauguration of Eisenhower, with hordes of people scheduled to pass in and out of Union Station. That made the construction of the temporary floor over 4876 all the more urgent, with it being reported that thousands of passengers walked over the engine lying in the basement without even knowing about it.
A fine film, I was the individual who allowed Liberty Historic Trust to use my cab ride film of the early 1980s.
Wow really? Thats so cool! Glad you enjoyed the video!
@@TrainMaster26 I was able to get several cab rides in 1982
I recall reading in a Trains(?) magazine back in the 1980s about the GG1. The article said one was put on a dynamometer test bed in the 1950s and they accelerated it. It hit 120mph and it was still accelerating but they reached the physical limits of the dyno so they stopped it. The conclusion was they couldn't really know what the top speed was. The 100mph was probably the limit on a track with the overhead catenary.
That does seem likely, with the technology they had back then it would make sense that the gg1s were held back.
@@TrainMaster26 According to a former Penn Central employee, when running late, they would increase the speed to 135mph.
@@WesternOhioInterurbanHistory That seems a bit dangerous considering how old the track was at the time, but who knows.
@@TrainMaster26 this was on a Northeast Corridor, which was maintained well, with the exception of a freight line. High-speed operations did happen during the Penn Central years.
I inherited the Lionel GG-1 as a kid. I never realized how truly big it was until We went to Harrisburg one day and I saw a real one at the train station. My poor little chin almost hit the floor! They really WERE that big! I never forgot realizing that.
If you dig deep enough you will find out that 4876 for the most part was scrapped after the crash in Washington. There was some components from the original locomotive used but a brand new car body, frame, trucks and so on were all fabricated to build what was basically a brand-new gg1.
Dang, makes sense given the amount of damage 4876 sustained from such a crash.
@@TrainMaster26 In the late 1960's I would ride in the cab of a B&O E8 with my dad who was running the engine. My dad pointed out the concrete floor where the 4876 crashed which was a lighter shade of grey than the rest of the floor.
Sounds really fun to ride in the cab of an E8!
That is correct and what I read. They had to fabricate a new frame
You sound young man but you are very informed about this stuff
Keep making Videos!❤
Thank you! That means a lot!
I always thought the GG1 was the best looking locomotive ever. Glad that i was able to the pulled by one once from NYC to New Haven, although it was painted Penn Central black instead of being in the sweet PRR livery.
If you've seen videos from the IRM, the "Little Joe" makes the GG1 look small (IIRC, the IRM has CSS&SB #803).
I saw one at the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum and they are MASSIVE in person! I've always seen videos or photos but you can tell how thy were 475,000 lbs when you see them up close.
Absolutely! I’ve seen 4 in person and they dwarf almost anything else around them.
When I was a kid, I'm 69, my parents gave me a train set, the locomotive was a gg1.
Nice work Train Master 26.
I had the opportunity to see the GG1 up close at the Baltimore railroad museum. It hadn't been restored yet, but still an awesome behemoth!
I’d never miss the chance to see a gg1, they were spectacular locomotives.
Thank you for this Faaantastic collection and presitation
I remember one GG1 had the seal on it advertising to buy U.S. Savings bonds, We called it the Bond Engine,
That was an excellent, concise history given 🙂 Thankyou gor making this vid 🙂
It’s my pleasure, thank you for watching!
I grew up in NE Philadelphia, we would always hear them and when we fishing we cross the rail lines and watch the GG1's go by. In high Schooll we would ride up to NYC on trains that were pulled by GG1's. In Sky Captain, and the World of Tomorrow there a GG1 in the battle in NYC
I would have loved to see these in action, they must have been so fun to watch go by.
Great channel. No crappy music and good info.
Thanks alot!
gg1s could produce 10000 hp for a short time only so the motors wouldnt overheat.
Oh wow really? Thats extremely impressive for a locomotive that old!
@@TrainMaster26 i think of ss Normandie here. installed turbo electric plant was 160000 hp. this could be increased to 200000 hp from higher boiler pressures, yet had to be tempered so the motors would not overheat, especially when opened up for his blue ribbon challenges against QM1.
@@geodot595 That makes alot of sense!
They need to restore a gg1! I want to see one running!
My favorite loco of all time. Next comes the Big Boy
The Yellowstones, 4-8-8-2, were almost as big.
Same!!
yellowstones had the same wheel arrangements as SP AC-12 locomotives
Fantastic job explaining young man, I'm a huge GG1 fan !
Thank you me too!
The red GG1 4877 footage you used is from the Michaela and Marianne Autorino film GG1: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC. I bought a 16mm copy in 1984 after he finished it.
I could've sworn that's some kind of experimental nuclear train if i didn't learn what i did today.
Anyways
GG
I used to watch PC and later Conrail GG1s pull freight past my house along the Trenton cutoff in the 70s..
I'm not a great fan of north american railways, but i love american electric locomotives especially the gg1 who also remind me the fs E428 (the italian gg1, although it was 2-b+b-2).
Love from italy
Thanks for stopping by!
Good video man.👍🏾👍🏾
Great video!! Thank you! I really enjoyed it! I have 2 scale lionel models I absolutely love.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. The Lionel GG1's are one of my favorites!
I just watched a video of 2 GG1's abandoned in N.Y.
Keep up the great work!
Thank you!
Amazing video!subbed!
Im glad you liked it!
Excellent research!
Thank you!
Nice job!
I’m still holding out hope that maybe one day a gg1 will operate again. I mean. Just a decade ago no one would’ve thought a big boy would run under its own power. What makes it so different. Aside from steam vs electric power
The main transformers were all pulled cuz they contain PCBs, polychlorinated biphenyls.
Holy crap, it’s a miracle no one was killed in 4876’s derailment
For sure, especially since people were told of the runaway just a few seconds before it hit the station.
@@TrainMaster26 and the basement workers were on break
@@thatoneguy611 very lucky. If I recall some of the station masters were also out for coffee
Great video!
thanks!
6:26 the frames weren't just cracked man. They were ROTTING away
After 50 years in service it’s not hard to imagine that they were close to completely falling apart
Excellent overview! I’m surprized, though, that you didn’t mention that the “GG1” designation came from PRR using “G” for its 4-6-0 steamer and this was a (sort of) 4-6-0+0-6-4. Hence GG1. (There were no GG2s ever made.)
Thanks a lot! Yeah idk why I didn't cover that, a major oversight now that I think of it.
Nicely done!
Thank you!
Very well done. @ 4:10 you show the GG1 as the Broadway Limited... where did they replace it with a steam engine, as I don't believe it was electrified all the way to Chicago
The wires ended in Harrisburg. So the trip around the Altoona Curve and west was behind Steam or Diesel.
Guau! , debieran re-hacerla por que es muy hermosa, gracias.
The AEM-7 replacement locomotive is a bit ironic as EMD built the locomotive and ASEA provided the innards.
The locomotive is a Swedish Rc4 at it's base modified for American needs. Usually when it comes to Diesel locomotives in Sweden it was the other way around EMD provided the diesel engines and NOHAB built the locomotive. NOHAB existed untill the late 80's and built most of Sweden's diesel locomotives and exported many locomotives to the rest of Europe including across the Iron Curtain.
Rc4 no:1166 that was brought over the the USA for testing prior to the AEM-7 order seems to be still in service. As far as i know the Rc4 class will continue in service for many years to come.
Rc locomotives where built new in classes Rc1-6 and they replaced the first electric locomotives generation of electric locomotives the D-class built from 1925-1943 it's the biggest class of locomotives in Swedish history with 366 locomotives built between 1967-1988.
It would make sense for the rc4's to still be in service. They're very reliable!
Great job!
Thank you!
The Gigachad/Gigachick of electric locomotives.
The EP-3 looks better
My favorite American electric locomotive!
Same here!
There's one still in Harrisburg pa
I hope the GG1s come back!
Same here!
Are the two GG1s that towed the Flying Scotsman during her USA tour in 1969 preserved today?
Unfortunately, 4845 and 4857 were scrapped at some point in time. Would have been neat if at least one of the two were preserved, oh well.
@@TrainMaster26 imagine how amazed people would be today if they learned in a museum that two of the GG1s towed the first steam locomotive to OFFICIALLY go 100 mph, Flying Scotsman.
That would be awesome, wish we had a turbo train preserved as well, Scotsman met 2 of them on its tour.
@@TrainMaster26 that was LITERALLY the only time in which the Turbo Train met up with a steam locomotive.
A CN turbo train met up with Scotsman and another steam locomotive in a photo shoot. It must have been such a surreal sight.
What someone should do is Motor a GG1 to Diesel electric, it would look the same, just no cantinary.
my question is How was it that they could pull a GG1 out of a collapsed building but couldn't rebuild a derailed ACS64?
good point. but then again, the PRR might have been in a power crunch and needed that gg1 fixed. Although building a brand new gg1 might have been cheaper lol
Other than sound levels being too low, a good documentary!
Thank you! I’m not too happy with how the audio is either, maybe I can redo it some day.
Isn't the music from this video used in Sonic Mega and Gems Collections? =)
Yep! I love those games so I used the soundtrack. Good eye!
@@TrainMaster26 Thank you, I played those games a lot as a kid on my GameCube. I don't own those particular compilations now (Steam has replaced them, lol) but the special features have a special place in my heart.
@@leshiimorph7933 the GameCube is the best!
Love your videos, thanks! One suggestion, refer to the "engine" as a "locomotive". More accurate!
Thanks for the tip!
Engine is correct, it is not a locomotive, but it is a beautiful engine.
@@johngregory5424 "engine" is usually used for something with fire in it ie combustion. Think of gas ENGINE vs electric MOTOR. Why isn't it a locomotive?
@@paulcrowshaw4232 Locomotive, is an engineering expression for an independent prime mover. A prime mover that uses overhead or 3rd rail power is not a locomotive. Please don’t take my word for it, check it out.
I started train spotting during the days of the ‘Big Four’ Southern.
@@paulcrowshaw4232 what motor does your car have? When I ask that question, do you immediately think of the start motor, wiper motor, fan motor, and other electrical parts? No. You think of internal combustion motor.
They are interchangeable.
This is great content! Are you going to make more videos like this?
Most definitely! Ill be making one about some early streamliners like the m10000 and Ill even make videos talking about other railroad topics too!
Unfortunately there's nowhere you can run them due to the voltage they used
Al menos tengo una GG1, a escala H0 en mi librero.
Gran locomotora eléctrica
The locomotives🚂 ♥ 😍 ❤ ✨ 👌 🚂 of usa 🇺🇸 ♥ 👌 😀 ♥ looking like from another planet
0:43 that's an EP-2
Whoops! The image told me it was an ep-3, Ill have to do more thorough research next time.
@@TrainMaster26 you accidentally choose wrong thing!?
If BigBoy can get restored, so can a GG1.
Yes but where could we run one that wouldn’t get the fra involved :I
@@TrainMaster26 I imagine if everything is updated for safety that the East Coast or California may be a good run. I don't know how long the pentagraph system goes or what the restrictions are but both coasts might be an option. Unless that tiny cab window stops it from ever running again due to safety
Not possible. One thing that the lady narrating this video didn't mention was that the GG1 was designed to only run on the PRR electrical system of the time, which was 11KV, 25 Hz AC. Back in the 80's, this system was changed to common line frequency (60 Hz AC), as the old PRR power plants were shut down. AFAIK, there is no place in the world which still uses 25 Hz power, although a heavy converter COULD be made to alter 50Hz power in a country outside of the western hemisphere (aside from southern Japan)
Back when people used to walk I'd often walk the tracks to and from school. The 1st time I saw the GG1s I knew what I wanted to do for a living. It was larger than life and I fell in love. It's still my favorite locomotive, thanks for the video.
No problem I wish I could have seen them running!
#GG1 | GG1
great engine
Why do you call the GG1 "infamous"?
I might have been referring to the wreck it was in, since most people who dont know about trains know the gg1 for the wreck when they see it in pictures, but I think I meant famous.
@@TrainMaster26 The GG1s operated, as you know, basically between 1935 and 1983 and the 1953 wreck of the 4876 was one of a few. They had a pretty good safe and reliable career. I have the builders plate for GG1 4897 and soon will be getting the plate for P5a 4777.
@@mitchdakelman4470 Yeah id say they had a very good working life. Hope you get 4777's builders plate soon!
@@TrainMaster26 The 4777 was one of 5 P5a "Modified" engines built by GE in 1935. I still have a bit to pay for it, but I should have it within a few weeks. I bought 4897 Builder's plate in 1984, from the same dealer who is selling me the P motor plate, which was mounted on the frame, as were the ones on the G's with the exception of #4800.
I doubt it pulled a freight train at 90 MPH
Oh, yes, they certainly did. The GG1 was the world's most powerful locomotive for at least it's first 25 years. Freights on the NE corridor couldn't slow down the passenger service, and freights often ran 90 mph. The E44's and the P5a's were a bit slower (the E44 only did 70, and the P5a had stability issues, so it was rarely pushed hard, even in multiple units).
like gg1 train
Like train
like train
The narrator's sound is too low
As in voice is too low or its hard to hear low?
@@TrainMaster26 voice volume is too low.
@@TrainMaster26 volume other than voice seem to be ok
@@quaildogusa oh ok ill keep that in mind for the next episode!
Yes. You can barely understand her...
Stopped watching after you showed the picture of the R1, and said it was a 2-D-2 arrangement instead of 2-C-2. That throws everything else you have said out the window as far as reliability.
You showed a P5, which is a different class of locomotive. Can't take you seriously.
@@threehead99 My apologies, but not only was this made 2 years ago and isn't up to my current standards, pictures and information on some of these lesser-known engines is very hard to come by. This leads to mistakes such as these. I've already been told countless times by railfans about problems in this, so I know what to do for next time. Regardless, I appreciate the feedback and will be thinking about this when I make my next episode. I recommend skipping this and the f-7 episode and going straight to episode 3 as its quality is 10 times better than this.
i mostly prsumed they were unrelaible
Can barely hear the narrator.