Restoring a 4-6-2 Pacific in 35 Minutes! - Soo Line 2719

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 พ.ค. 2024
  • The 2719 was originally built for the Soo Line Railroad in 1923 as an ALCO H-23 class 4-6-2 Pacific type steam locomotive. The steamer was used by the Soo Line in passenger train service until its retirement in 1959. In 1960, the Soo Line then donated the 2719 to the city of Eau Claire, Wisconsin where it proudly sat on display in Carson Park. In 1996 the Locomotive & Tower Preservation Fund took on the task of rebuilding this beautiful locomotive to operating condition. This video covers the fascinating stages of the two year restoration that brought this steam locomotive back to life.
    The full 92 minute program highlights include:
    • Film footage of the last runs in 1959
    • The move to Carson Park in 1960 via Soo Line & Milwaukee Road
    • Wintertime removal from Carson Park in 1996
    • Highway transport from Eau Claire, WI to Altoona, WI
    • C&NW operational roundhouse and turntable!
    • Various stages of rebuilding in the Altoona Roundhouse
    • Operating turntable scenes with Soo 2719 & the Soo 1003
    • TWO operating steam locomotives in a roundhouse! WOW!
    • 2719 test firing and test runs at the Altoona yard
    • Ferry trip over the UPRR and Wisconsin Central RR to Osceola, WI
    • Additional break-in runs on the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway
    Running Time: 92 Minutes • 4:3 Aspect • Narration ON/OFF • Rail Map Included • Blu-Ray or DVD
    Full length 92 minute Blu-ray or DVD: www.pletsexpress.com/fnimall/...
    For more action after the restoration, check out our other program "Soo Line 2719 Steamin' Thru the Chippewa Valley" available On Demand: vimeo.com/ondemand/soo2719ste...
    Here's some chapters for y'all:
    00:00 Introduction
    01:01 Soo Line 2719 in Carson Park
    02:29 Transport by truck to Altoona, WI
    04:30 Arrival at Altoona Roundhouse
    05:55 Removing the pilot wheels
    06:44 Removal of damaged left cylinder liner
    09:30 Prepping the boiler for a patch
    08:47 Machining the damaged left cylinder
    10:40 Patching the boiler
    11:23 Cutting and installing boiler flues
    12:16 How a steam locomotive works
    12:35 Machining the new left cylinder at Checker Machine
    13:47 Installation of the new left cylinder sleeve
    16:14 Machining a piston rod
    17:05 Runaway Tender!!! (really, it almost did get away!)
    17:58 Installing a brand new engine cab
    19:16 The first test firing in 38 years!
    20:13 Installation of the boiler jacket
    20:35 Setup of the cross head guide
    20:51 Installing the right side piston
    22:12 Painting the engine
    22:49 Re-Installing the overhauled engine appliances
    25:44 Test Runs after 30 months of restoration!
    28:33 Some finishing touches, a beauty queen needs her makeup ;-)
    29:09 Working on the braking system
    29:22 Last minute work on the eve of departure
    29:53 TWO fired up steamers in Altoona roundhouse!! First time in 41 years! (my favorite shot)
    30:16 Leaving Altoona on ferry trips over UPRR and WC to Osceola, WI
    32:26 Arrival at WC's CF Yard
    32:51 Run-by on the WC West of Boyceville, WI
    33:36 Arrival at Osceola, WI
    copyright © 1999 Plets Express Inc.
  • บันเทิง

ความคิดเห็น • 744

  • @james6275
    @james6275 2 ปีที่แล้ว +95

    BRING BACK STEAM ENGINES

    • @evanbattleson5112
      @evanbattleson5112 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      I think we should have a mix of diesel electric and steam

    • @thomasblack736
      @thomasblack736 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      .Steam Shortlines in the West featuring the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad,the Heber Valley Railroad,the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad,the Grand Canyon Railway,the Fillmore and Western Railway,the Nevada Northern Railway Museum,the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad,Sumpter Valley Railway and the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad
      .California Shortlines Featuring the Niles Canyon Railway,the Fillmore and Western Railway,the Sierra Railway,Metrolink,the Napa Valley Wine Train,the Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad and the California Northern Railroad
      .Chicago Trackside Featuring the C&NW,the CP,Metra,the UP,the WC,the BN,the NS,the CSX,the CN,the AT&SF,the WICT,the BRC,the ATSF 3751,the NKP 587,the NKP 765,the N&W 611,the N&W 1218,the UP 844 and the MILW 261

    • @hrk9209
      @hrk9209 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Bruh if we bring back steam the idiots working on the railroad boutta make these things go gettysburg 1278

    • @herbalgabel
      @herbalgabel ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Diesel is more friendly to the environment.

    • @5SuperAviationFans
      @5SuperAviationFans 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      ⁠@@herbalgabel no it’s not, it can spread out toxic air and make the world a worse place.

  • @mohammadjuma4757
    @mohammadjuma4757 ปีที่แล้ว +189

    These men who donated their time and talent are simply great human beings!

    • @adia1745
      @adia1745 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Q❤❤

    • @madame-rosalitaduchesse7636
      @madame-rosalitaduchesse7636 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Men yes...and women also being fans of rail and aktive members.

  • @gunslingerfromwish4656
    @gunslingerfromwish4656 ปีที่แล้ว +270

    This really puts into perspective on why a steam Locomotive restoration takes so damn long.

    • @peteraugust5295
      @peteraugust5295 ปีที่แล้ว +41

      I was expecting it to take much longer then 35 minutes to be honest.

    • @slabriprock5329
      @slabriprock5329 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      And why diesels took over. I'm so glad so may of these beauties are being brought back to life. I love the sounds they make, even sitting still it's easy to imagine they are living, breathing creatures. A wonderful part of our history everyone should be able to experience.

    • @ToreDL87
      @ToreDL87 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Remember, this one's been covering more miles than it's type was originally designed for, it had also fallen decrepit for years before it was brought in.
      It also depended on what the locomotive was used for, freight duty was much more arduous than passenger duty = More maintenance.
      But because of routine maintenance they seldom needed to do anything more than that.
      Back in the day they would have spent no more than a couple of weeks in the shop, they even took it so far as transferring the hot water from locomotive inbound for maintenance into an outgoing one to save on time there as well.
      Because steam locomotives were phased out by the time they did this rebuild it took much longer than that.
      The way it used to be done was keeping the boiler hot until it's monthly boiler wash to get rid of scaling inside and outside the tubes.
      So, they definitely got by with steam, but needed looking after and wasn't maintenance free, what killed the steam locomotive was maintenance and running costs.

    • @divljacina1
      @divljacina1 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      and how long it took to be mad in factory!!!

    • @itsrealplayer162
      @itsrealplayer162 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      What do you mean it only took 35 minutes

  • @williamcharles9480
    @williamcharles9480 ปีที่แล้ว +220

    Keeping American railroading history alive. There's nothing as exciting as seeing and hearing a steam locomotive in action. My thanks to all involved.

    • @jimshimek450
      @jimshimek450 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I remember the mountain climbers in Montana 1952 they are all gone

  • @richardjohnson681
    @richardjohnson681 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    It was a pleasure to assist in the restoration of the 2719,,

  • @williampettengill5851
    @williampettengill5851 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

    I really enjoyed this short story - worth watching! The old girl wakes back up to find out she's the new Prom Queen and everyone wants to do her makeup. As a MechEngineer, seeing the large boring equipment, the installation of the cold liner into the hot cylinder - all a joy to watch. The talents and generosity of the volunteers is the "best of America" in my book. Thank you for sharing this, thank you for all the work, and the delightful results.

    • @pletsexpress
      @pletsexpress  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I'm so glad you enjoyed it. It would not have happened without the thousands of hours of labor by the volunteers, Diversified Rail Services and the Locomotive & Tower Preservation Fund. As you say, it sure was a joy to be part of this and to watch the transformation. Take care :)

  • @xlerb2286
    @xlerb2286 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I wish my Grandfather could have seen this. He worked for the Soo Line for many years and retired as Section Chief of the Harlow ND branch around the time this engine made its last passenger run. We still have a ton of buckets, shovels, tools, etc., with the "Soo Line" stamp on them. It was hard work, I remember Mom telling me stories about him going out in the speeder (A little gas engine driven cart that ran on the tracks) no matter how hot, cold, or stormy it was because he was responsible for ensuring the tracks were in good condition. And of course in his earlier years he had been one of the crew doing the hard work of laying and maintaining those rails. For all that hard work Mom said he never had anything but good to say about the Soo Line railroad and how he was treated. He would have been bursting with pride to see an old Soo Line steam locomotive restored and put back into service.

    • @pletsexpress
      @pletsexpress  ปีที่แล้ว

      it's great to hear stories like this, thank you for sharing.

    • @phbaynes4237
      @phbaynes4237 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That is the way I felt about the GN BN. As a machinist I retired 2004 and went to work in 2015 on the ATSF 2926 finished 2021 in ALBUQUERQUE www.2926.us

  • @gamerjosh5686
    @gamerjosh5686 ปีที่แล้ว +51

    The runaway tender was intresting to see and I like the fact it was included

    • @JuanGamer0202
      @JuanGamer0202 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      that was funny

    • @Spook_Boi
      @Spook_Boi ปีที่แล้ว +5

      although hilarious to witness kick shunting, its downright terrifying and nowadays the FRA would de-certify you 5 times over for kicking cars cuz apparently shoving uncontrolled cars with no loco is a dangerous idea. AKA they dont like fun lol

  • @thatsatiricalguy1695
    @thatsatiricalguy1695 ปีที่แล้ว +104

    This was randomly recommended to me and I gotta say I'm glad I spent my half hour watching this! And I've been to that railway museum in Strasbourg!

    • @rubenisapanic
      @rubenisapanic ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Vintage trains are being restored all over the country and world. It's a fascinating subindustry

    • @JuanGamer0202
      @JuanGamer0202 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      same here

    • @raitchison
      @raitchison ปีที่แล้ว +2

      All hail the algorithm

    • @RipRoaringGarage
      @RipRoaringGarage ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I love the museum in Strasbourg, home of the GG1 Rivets!

  • @garryferrington811
    @garryferrington811 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    It's hard to believe the engine could sit around in the open so long and still be brought back to life. Kudos to everyone.

    • @santaclaus6602
      @santaclaus6602 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      That’s cause things used to be made to last

    • @dennisp.2147
      @dennisp.2147 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@DontCryAboutIt Consider that the video is 25 years old. Most of those older guys that were fixing stuff were in their 50's and 60's are gone now.

    • @deweywalters6968
      @deweywalters6968 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Can you hear a message could you read that to me I cannot read I can hardly say

    • @ryano.5149
      @ryano.5149 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Believe it or not, more often then not, the railroads were far harder on these machines toward the end of the steam era than the elements ever could be. Why would the railroad take care of them when they are going to be scrapped and replaced? The majority were run into the ground and then dumped on the dead lines, often with high mileage on the running gear, screwed up frames, bad wheels... The middle bit of the preservation era was also hard on these machines, as a lot of the folks who had the experience to work on and run them retired, passed away, or otherwise left the industry. I like to call it the "Patch it, and get it out the door era." (Late 80's, early 90's). Problems that could have been manageable with proper maintenance then, are now big expensive problems which are responsible for sidelining popular excursion stars. There were a number of locomotives then that probably shouldn't even have been running by 2022 standards. Then, the Gettysburg 1278 incident happened, and re-wrote the rule book. Thankfully, there are enough machinists, welders, and boilermakers out there with enough interest in working on these things to support the locomotives we have. Thanks to them, we are currently experiencing a Renaissance of sorts.

  • @bret9741
    @bret9741 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How exciting. When god made me, he asked do you want to work on planes or trains… I said trains quietly and was misheard and ended up flying planes lol. Seriously had I not ended up flying back int 1985, I’d loved to have made a living working on trains.
    Like so many millions of young men, I loved model railroading and so did my grandfather who was born in 1917. He had HO scale engines and cars all over his office and at one time his garage had such a nice layout that the Dallas newspaper gave him a one page write up.
    My dad was a pilot and I also loved airplanes. That became my career. Maybe when I retire, can find an old engine near that others need help maintaining

  • @TheGuitologist
    @TheGuitologist ปีที่แล้ว +2

    These men represent what being men is all about - restoring and preserving heritage because you should and because you can.

  • @cermisan
    @cermisan ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Hail to all the volunteers for there work to keep this beautiful machinery alive. Greets from Holland.

  • @masessum1
    @masessum1 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Seeing how much work it takes to do this today, it amazes me that it was done on a daily over 100 years ago.

  • @ashipcrafter2440
    @ashipcrafter2440 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    My dad fired 2719 when it was on the Wisconsin great northern railroad in 2002

  • @1chuck96
    @1chuck96 2 ปีที่แล้ว +64

    God! I gotta ya'll what...I'm not a big fan of the C&NW, but anything being re-built, (mainline, USA only), is SO extremely satisfying. Anybody else out there with similar videos?

    • @pletsexpress
      @pletsexpress  2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      It is especially satisfying to watch a display piece be brought back to life and preserved for all to enjoy. Thanks for watching Jim :)

    • @kanderson1945
      @kanderson1945 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Wonderful program

    • @GrasshopperKelly
      @GrasshopperKelly ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I'd recommend Flying Scotsman but she's mainline UK...

  • @Noone-rt6pw
    @Noone-rt6pw ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Can anyone imagine the memories this would bring back for old timers?

  • @unclepauly2959
    @unclepauly2959 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Time out 27:44. I could smell the smoke coming out her stack!! Thank you for the memories of childhood!!!!

  • @Destin65
    @Destin65 ปีที่แล้ว +72

    Nice to see a lot of professionalism going on here, all the documentation of everything done, thousands of inspections of the metal. These aren't just shade tree mechanics, these guys are pros. I used to do depot-level maintenance on aircraft that involved a lot of work like this. Much respect to this crew because it's anything but easy yet so satisfying when you're done and it rolls out.

    • @tsbrownie
      @tsbrownie ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Just thinking the same thing.

    • @nickademuss42
      @nickademuss42 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      got to be pro's, you dont get a boiler certified without the inspections.

    • @williampettengill5851
      @williampettengill5851 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      When a machine goes out and you can say to yourself "Sure, I'd be proud to let my mom drive that, or ride on it.."

  • @NackDSP
    @NackDSP ปีที่แล้ว +62

    Soo Line 2719 is a 4-6-2 "Pacific" type steam locomotive was restored and operated in excursion service from 1998 until 2013 when its boiler certificate expired. Today, the locomotive remains on display in Duluth, Minnesota. Built by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) for use on passenger trains operated by the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railway ("Soo Line"). No. 2719 was used to haul the Soo Line's last steam-powered train, a June 21, 1959 round-trip excursion between Minneapolis, Minnesota and Ladysmith, Wisconsin. It was then displayed in Eau Claire, Wisconsin until 1996.[3]

    • @albertodominguez150
      @albertodominguez150 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Soo sad to read about the end of this wonderful machine, when I saw the video planning to visit them take a ride on board

    • @mangoyeah9663
      @mangoyeah9663 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I need to restore all these engines

    • @buildingwithtrees2258
      @buildingwithtrees2258 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I've been there in the museum. There's also another 2 trains in 2 harbors about 30 miles up the north shore. You can take the excursion and see it.

    • @Deltaexe190
      @Deltaexe190 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      What do you mean the boiler certificate expired? What does that mean?

    • @TheLongIslandRailfan
      @TheLongIslandRailfan ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@Deltaexe190 It means that every 15 years, or 1,472 days of operation, the locomotive would have to get its boiler flues replaced and get anything else inspected and repaired, which is called the “1,472-day inspection.” So in the short terms, a mandated overhaul. The process could take a few years but the Strasburg Railroad did a 1,472-day inspection on one of their engines in 6 months flat.

  • @jackofn0trades29
    @jackofn0trades29 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It makes me happy to think that there are people who will go out of their way, spend their own time and money for the sake of preserving industrial history like trains.

  • @lukewise1227
    @lukewise1227 ปีที่แล้ว

    The guys who rebuilt this engine are the real superheros, not today's instagram influencers.

  • @marcryvon
    @marcryvon ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My late Dad would be amazed seeing this. He started working as a machinist in 1932 at the Canadian National Railway engine room at the age of 22 before voluteering to the WW2 effort and came back a decorated hero for saving many lives on marine convoys to UK.
    He went back to CNR and worked on these steamers for years. He was one of the last to know all about and maintain them.
    He deeply HATED diesel/electric locomotives. No soul to them he used to say, comparing steamers to living animals, huffin' and puffin' under the effort.
    My last view of one was in 1981, stopping for water in our town, unexpected. The Fire Dept' was called in to refill.
    All in town gathered to watch. Kids afraid. My wife who had never seen one, let alone hear one starting, bell ringing and all was duly impressed. Back at home, she had to call my Dad, all excited. "You actually worked on those ? You test drove them ?? " 😳
    Yep, kiddo! "Oh my god, awesome, Dad !" 😍🤗

  • @daveneil3963
    @daveneil3963 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Boy I miss that sound, but I can watch westerns and hear it again! Thanks for the great video!

  • @steveshoemaker6347
    @steveshoemaker6347 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    l am in my 80's ans l remember when Live Steam was King....Thanks so very much for this amazing video.....Shoe🇺🇸

  • @tracyjohnson2992
    @tracyjohnson2992 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    Wow, There is nothing more beautiful than watching a restore steam engine. They did a fantastic job of restoring the engine. It is so great to me, that engines like this one are restored so we never forget these beautiful engines are what made the wild west and tamed it so as we nostalgic about the old steam trains are kept and used and maintained so the next generation can more appreciate the way we used to travel. North America and Canada relied on these old work horses for mail delivery, supplies and passenger travel for hundreds of years before the modern engines took over for them. Stunning well put together documentary. Loved it.

    • @Baron_Muenchhausen_Original
      @Baron_Muenchhausen_Original ปีที่แล้ว

      34:19 steam? a LOT of dirt dust would i say.. thanks god this era is over

    • @calrob300
      @calrob300 ปีที่แล้ว

      I had the opportunity pre-COVID to ride a steam excursion train. The smell was awful, and cinders got in the eyes and hair and all over the seats in the open flatcar. All this, from just a little coal burning 0-4-0 made me glad to have been born after dieselization. The Pacifics, Hudsons, Mikados etc proportionately must have really made a mess.

    • @tracyjohnson2992
      @tracyjohnson2992 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@calrob300 Hi Cal, I was born when dieselization was well in the swing of things. I love looking at the grand old work horses fly down the track i have been on a steam train only once and that was a miniature so i got the smoke produced right in my face and i loved it. it was a lot of fun, and to see my Dad's face light up like it did i was so happy for the experience. Diesels are exciting to see also and to feel them take off is amazing. We don't use trains for every day commutes here in Canada trains here are more for long distance travel where to crew change quite regularly. I miss the trains sound as it goes past your house. Occasionally a newly restored train comes barreling passed you house and you know just by the sound of the whistle what kind of train it is. I am sorry your experience wasn't a good one but you really don't know what you are missing. To see these old steam trains it a sight to behold, its part of our history a history that is great, many people got rich off the railroads of old and still today. I hope your next experience is a better one but this time clear your mind and think outside the box.

  • @Shadow_Architect
    @Shadow_Architect ปีที่แล้ว +51

    Wow, incredible that they were able to completely restore it in a little over 35 minutes! That’s gotta be a record.

    • @HazzyHazeI
      @HazzyHazeI ปีที่แล้ว +2

      i don't know if you're serious or not

    • @PreservationEnthusiast
      @PreservationEnthusiast ปีที่แล้ว

      @@HazzyHazeI Steam locomotives cause pollution. We should be scrapping them and cutting them up. Not restoring them.

    • @HazzyHazeI
      @HazzyHazeI ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@PreservationEnthusiast dude, literally everything with a diesel engine in it creates c02, also steam locomotives are apart of history.

    • @PreservationEnthusiast
      @PreservationEnthusiast ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@HazzyHazeI When did I mention diesels? Those should be cut up too. We need to use electric power with energy created from renewable resource and hydrogen power.

    • @HazzyHazeI
      @HazzyHazeI ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@PreservationEnthusiast well let's cut up all the cars too then, also don't forget most boats

  • @RichieCat4223
    @RichieCat4223 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    9:54 That line bore machine is something else !
    12:55 That vertical lathe is, well you guessed it, something else too.

  • @bigsparky8888
    @bigsparky8888 ปีที่แล้ว

    EARLY 50'S I SAW THE UNION PACIFIC TURNTABLE YARD IN SAN BERNARDINO WITH LIVE LOCOMOTIVES...MY POP WORKED AT REDLANDS FEED & GRAIN & HE TOOK FAMILY OUT TO MENTONE TO WATCH A STEAM ENGINE DELIVER GRAIN TO RED FEED & GRAIN WAREHOUSE...I REMEMBER THE NOISES AND FELT THE RUMBLING IN OUR CAR...AWSOME...THE WEIGHT & POWER OF THOSE STEAMERS REALLY LEFT THE IMPRESSION ON ME...(73yo now) THANK YOU FOR THIS INTERESTING MAINTAINENCE VIDEO...NICE!!!

  • @proudvirginian
    @proudvirginian 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    "breathe live steam again for the first time in 36 years."
    It's been 27 years since the tear down started on the restoration. And it's been on static display for the last 10 of those years.
    I'm glad it got a little bit of extra time before returning back into a relic.

  • @marekeos
    @marekeos ปีที่แล้ว +6

    What a beauty!!! These locos were simply pieces of art. A huge debt of gratitude to the men who donated their time and effort to work on her.

  • @topturretgunner
    @topturretgunner ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You grand, beautiful old lady! Thank you for posting this heartwarming video.

    • @pletsexpress
      @pletsexpress  ปีที่แล้ว

      Glad that you enjoyed the sights and sounds :)

  • @andrewrivera4029
    @andrewrivera4029 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Nothing more exhilarating than watching a steamer come flying by!

  • @stevebutterworth1937
    @stevebutterworth1937 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Magnifique!… well done guys and girls bringing this baby back to life!
    In my school days , here in Manchester UK I used to go to school and pass over a railway bridge and wait for the steam engines to pass beneath!… I’m now 71 yrs and going strong with that love of steam locomotives! Thanks

  • @euchiron
    @euchiron ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a beautiful machine

  • @Davett53
    @Davett53 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    So very cool,..when you have the expertise and the right equipment, it goes along smoothly. My friend in Southern Ohio, pulled a pre-Civil War built, farm steam engine out of a bog, and was given it, for his efforts. Even though it had been submerged in muddy glop, for 50 years, it was in repairable condition. The bog preserved the iron monster. He was a master welder and was certain he could get back in running order. That steam engine would have powered, a sawmill, or something similar. It sat on huge iron wheels. The the style of rivets holding the boiler together and the smoke stack, defined the year it was manufactured. (as in: pre or post Civil War. It was very solid, some internal heat tubes needed repair. My friend also resurrected and was using a late 1800s, (portable) saw mill. Portable because it was mounted to an iron sled. It was also in a bog. He cleaned up, and got it running, using a WW2 Jeep, to power it. He was able to make money, cutting rail road ties, for the rail road in his area.

  • @commodoresixfour7478
    @commodoresixfour7478 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Just letting you guys know Soo Line 1003 will be making a run to Metra on Friday August 5 2022.

    • @pletsexpress
      @pletsexpress  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      thanks for the tip!

    • @commodoresixfour7478
      @commodoresixfour7478 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@pletsexpress Thanks for the video. I still have a lot to learn about these locomotives and railroading in general. Last year I got to go on 1003's photo excursion. That was crazy. I got to be 3 feet from the tracks as it passed me, violently shaking the ground and blowing steam & smoke in my face. The best part was I got to get my shot and also put my phone down and actually experience it. Like your videos, it was worth every penny and probably more.

  • @GewelReal
    @GewelReal ปีที่แล้ว +3

    man, interlaced footage for all its downsides provides a very smooth picture now

  • @Slaktrax
    @Slaktrax ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Just love the sound of the old steam locos, brings back memories of train journeys as a kid.

  • @jamesheath9385
    @jamesheath9385 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This video is so cool. During World War II my dad rode on a steam train like this. I think after this dad always wanted to work for a rail road.

  • @johnv.cramer3008
    @johnv.cramer3008 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love to see the old steam engines back on the tracks.

  • @bertdellaluna5612
    @bertdellaluna5612 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    What a truly massive example of design and engineering technology that was once cutting edge. Wonderful to see that it has endured.

    • @bingosunnoon9341
      @bingosunnoon9341 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's hard to believe that 5 percent thermal efficiency was once cutting edge.

  • @jameshaynes8489
    @jameshaynes8489 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I really like the old steamers, very few people left alive today that saw them operate in their day

  • @bjw4859
    @bjw4859 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    It was literally brought back to life, so great it's going back into service, a big shout out to all the volunteers who helped in the restoration.

    • @Pearls996
      @Pearls996 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Remember this video was made in 1998 or so. since then the 2719 has run excursions and has been donated to the Lake superior rr museum where it ran on the north shore line untill its boiler certification expired. It now resides under cover at the museum.

  • @denizen9998
    @denizen9998 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Steam locomotives are the most intriguing machines ever! It's amazing all the technology they had in the early 20th century.

  • @rusty383
    @rusty383 ปีที่แล้ว

    Every year we are learning the almost lost ability of of this Beautiful work. My Late Grandfather worked for Baldwin Locomotives in Philadelphia his entire life.

  • @JesusTorres-qr1gz
    @JesusTorres-qr1gz 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Would've been great to see it in person, at my 71 years of age, been born and raised in the mechanical field, I enjoy every minute of it, most kind of you for sharing it with us, blessings to you and your love ones, from the endless summer paradise Puerto Rico Jesus Torres.

  • @chesterswingjr9796
    @chesterswingjr9796 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Great video. A heartfelt “THANK YOU” goes out to the craftsman, and volunteers who brought this beauty back to life. I visit the Strasbourg Railroad in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and absolutely LOVE the old steam locomotives. I plan to visit Steamtown in Scranton, Pa, as soon as they finish cosmetically restoring the Union Pacific Big Boy 4012, my favorite locomotive of all time.

    • @untouchedforce6388
      @untouchedforce6388 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      i have a 3985 in my HO scale collection. its on my list as well

    • @chesterswingjr9796
      @chesterswingjr9796 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@untouchedforce6388 - Nice!!! I’ve read even in HO scale, those giants need a WIDE turning radius!!! Someday I’d like to build a HO scale diorama. I may have to go with N scale, but there’s so much more available for HO scale, and I think with HO being a little bigger, it would be easier to build.

  • @ZackeryGuzman-wo2kg
    @ZackeryGuzman-wo2kg 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    😢 because being able to be a part of this journey and restoration of it was always a dream job of restoring trains but I didn't have the financial aid to do this so thank you for allowing me to see my passion for trains to see it happen thank you again 😭 wish I could be there with the hold restoration process and thank you for letting me see my dreams come true 🙏

    • @user-cm4qt5yk6n
      @user-cm4qt5yk6n 26 วันที่ผ่านมา

      What is going to happen to the coal tender I'm happy it's coming back to life

  • @pletsexpress
    @pletsexpress  2 ปีที่แล้ว +53

    I want to say thank you to all of you long time subscribers and customers, without you we would not exist. We appreciate each and every one of you :-)
    As a token of my appreciation for all of you I've created this condensed action packed clip of restoring the SOO Line 2719. The full length program with much more detail is also available from our website, just follow the link below at the end of this post.
    I meant for the Restoring a 4-6-2 Pacific clip to be a Christmas present for all of you, but I got hung up with a computer breakdown of epic proportion right before Christmas. I thought we had lost our next new release, but luckily the project was saved from digital obliteration and will be coming out in mid March 2022 so stay tuned for this next new release!
    As for now, your love of the chase, and your love of railroading keeps us going. Really it does. Thank you for watching our channel and supporting us on TH-cam. Please comment, like, dislike, and tell us what you want to see (or don't want to see) in future programs from Plets Express.
    Thank you for watching, and if you're looking for additional railroading, great lakes shipping, scenery or hot spot entertainment please visit us at www.pletsexpress.com for a complete library of entertainment.
    I hope you enjoy the new clip.
    Regards,
    Brad Plets
    Restoring a 4-6-2 Pacific in 35 Minutes! - Soo Line 2719 www.pletsexpress.com/fnimall/Plets/0242719R/vid_trains.phtml

    • @johnkries8189
      @johnkries8189 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I remember working on 2719 , good times thanks for your work

    • @pletsexpress
      @pletsexpress  2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@johnkries8189 yeah, it was a wonderful time to be involved in the most worthy of causes, restoring the life blood of America, Steam Locomotives. It's almost unimaginable to think where we would be without steam and the railroads. Thank you for your work in preserving a piece of our history.

    • @pletsexpress
      @pletsexpress  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@johnkries8189 John is that you at 15:31 ? I'm sorry, I'm having a hard time placing your face with your name.

    • @jeffktown
      @jeffktown 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Easily one of the all time best Plets Express videos. Fair to say, this video was instrumental in developing my passion for trains

    • @devernepersonal3636
      @devernepersonal3636 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I hope you will exist for a long time. You are one of the few producers still making stuff. You know its hard when Pentrex is basically just selling their old collection at this point. So I am glad you are all out there. BN Mississippi river route is still one of my favorite videos to watch.

  • @julianbizdoaca1546
    @julianbizdoaca1546 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Those men and their magnificent machines

  • @MarkInLA
    @MarkInLA ปีที่แล้ว +19

    No doubt THEE best steam restoral video ever made !! Not too long/not too short..Just enough to cover the gamut of this amazing voluntary work and dedication to preserving and reviving the past !!!

    • @WasatchWind
      @WasatchWind ปีที่แล้ว

      I prefer the video of Sumpter #19 but this one was good too.

  • @EngineerDaylight
    @EngineerDaylight หลายเดือนก่อน

    Just bought this DVD and am watching it rn. I am very pleased with the quality of the presentation. Very good product, sir.

  • @77PacerStudios
    @77PacerStudios 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Really amazing film! And hey, November 22, 1997, the day the firebox testing took place, was also the year my younger sister Rachel was born!! Pure coincidence!

  • @markwheeler202
    @markwheeler202 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My dad worked for the Soo Line and helped move the 2719 to Carson Park back in the day.

  • @167curly
    @167curly ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wonderful restoration work!

  • @TrainBoi6095
    @TrainBoi6095 ปีที่แล้ว

    Randomly popped up in my recommendation
    And I enjoyed this half hour video

  • @robh4671
    @robh4671 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent thanks for posting.

  • @calliepohl7230
    @calliepohl7230 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Wow what a beautiful master piece .I allways loved a steamlocomotive sins my childhood days.Thank you for this awesome movie. South Africa🇿🇦💯

  • @geob0324
    @geob0324 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What an amazing piece of machinery. Speaks to the state of casting and metalworking technology in this country in the Roaring '20s.

  • @dougk5456
    @dougk5456 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great job of explaining all of the operation and components!!

  • @mad2barxhst
    @mad2barxhst 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks to everyone who gave their time and talents in restoring the 2719 steam engine.

  • @johnwebstet8132
    @johnwebstet8132 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Fabulous job of work saving this historical beauty Makes those who grew up with steam engine trains very happy...

  • @20builder07
    @20builder07 ปีที่แล้ว

    It was fun tracking down this train. Its currently in Duluth. Its boiler license expired so they plan to give it back to Eau Claire to fix and keep it.

  • @jsteins
    @jsteins 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great to see 2719 restoration and 1003 in such great shape. Thanks to all the effort & skill it takes from people who care to keep the classic steam locomotives alive. Hopefully the skillset to operate+care for them properly will be maintained over the years as well, so these two steam engines will still be happily taking people on steam excursions in another 100 years !

  • @danielpfaffe4914
    @danielpfaffe4914 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What a great video! Thanks!

  • @karlkuehn4783
    @karlkuehn4783 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I grew up seeing 2719 at Carson Park.

  • @aaronjaben7913
    @aaronjaben7913 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Beautiful job and machines

  • @mitchellkrouth5083
    @mitchellkrouth5083 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good stuff my uncle was a mechanic and engineer for the railroad .hard working people

  • @peteradely885
    @peteradely885 ปีที่แล้ว

    Railroads Railroads. Love them. Part of my afterlife. Still brings thrills to see them rum.

    • @pletsexpress
      @pletsexpress  ปีที่แล้ว

      and even better if you can feel the ground rumble, the sounds and smells, and the whooshing air as they thunder by! Thank you for watching.

  • @Davett53
    @Davett53 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I recently saw a You Tube video of an old locomotive that has been converted to burn recycled cooking oil, instead of coal. It is on a scenic route. The cooking oil means there is no sooty coal smoke. I guess it is better for the nature & environment near where the train travels along. The smell is like cooking "french fries", and is more desirable to all.

  • @robertdonnell8114
    @robertdonnell8114 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks, very pleasent to watch this.

  • @michellefernandez3155
    @michellefernandez3155 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    One minute to appreciate how Hank Hill does a great narration of this fantastic documentary about locomotives and propane.

  • @clydecessna737
    @clydecessna737 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Outstanding; well done.

  • @marcmckenzie5110
    @marcmckenzie5110 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Truly one of the more beautiful steam engines I’ve been luck to see or ride behind!

  • @johnkeviljr9625
    @johnkeviljr9625 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Simply wonderful.

  • @rogermoore7644
    @rogermoore7644 ปีที่แล้ว

    I absolutely love to hear that chuffing sound.

  • @jw4620
    @jw4620 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent video! I listened to steam power switching in the yards 70+ years ago.

    • @pletsexpress
      @pletsexpress  ปีที่แล้ว

      a great memory I'm sure, thanks for sharing. Take care!

  • @MyronLupkes-gs9vx
    @MyronLupkes-gs9vx 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Magnificent! Job well done!

  • @john48fan
    @john48fan ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love watching history restoration. Great work to all involved.

  • @paulpaul5606
    @paulpaul5606 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What an absolute beast of a train. And a beautiful one

  • @jarmstrong2843
    @jarmstrong2843 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nothing sounds nicer than a steam whistle on these engines.

  • @ittipolpan-ngum4477
    @ittipolpan-ngum4477 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Superpower report of restoration!

  • @NateG3678
    @NateG3678 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is absolutely amazing and a great way to keep history alive!

  • @ianaristotlethompson4186
    @ianaristotlethompson4186 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great job by all involved.

  • @samdanner6806
    @samdanner6806 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I really enjoyed this presentation and it was very well produced.

  • @johnkries8189
    @johnkries8189 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    That was a fun project

  • @bobwatson957
    @bobwatson957 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That is a handsome engine.

  • @airailimages
    @airailimages ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Wow! What a lot of detailed effort -- both in restoring the 2719 and documenting its progress. Thumbs up!

    • @pletsexpress
      @pletsexpress  ปีที่แล้ว

      Many thanks! It was great fun to document it coming together piece by piece. So glad you enjoyed it.

  • @douglaslewis6360
    @douglaslewis6360 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very interesting video and very well done. Thank you presenting this production!

  • @vchiu9560
    @vchiu9560 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Outstanding preservation work. Warm congratulations from Paris. Cheers

  • @PhD777
    @PhD777 ปีที่แล้ว

    Beautiful steam locomotives! Thanks for posting!

    • @pletsexpress
      @pletsexpress  ปีที่แล้ว

      You bet! It was a special time indeed with two operating locomotives in the same roundhouse.

  • @rjcoady21
    @rjcoady21 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Oh man! I remember seeing Soo Line cars and bridges in the UP. My grandfather and his family worked for LS&I.

  • @joshuajackson6442
    @joshuajackson6442 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Loved it, thank you

  • @robertschmidt6383
    @robertschmidt6383 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    What an amazing video. Thanks to the dedication of all those volunteers the 2719 lives again.

  • @art1muz13
    @art1muz13 ปีที่แล้ว

    These men who donated their time and talent are simply great human beings! Keeping American railroading history alive. There's nothing as exciting as seeing and hearing a steam locomotive in action. My thanks to all involved. This really puts into perspective on why a steam Locomotive restoration takes so damn long.

  • @philslaton7302
    @philslaton7302 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great that these old steamers are preserved and maintained.

  • @tk9839
    @tk9839 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Obviously it takes a group of very dedicated and highly skilled people for this restoration to happen...well done and thanks!

  • @benedictxavier812
    @benedictxavier812 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very beautiful, a great fan of the steam engines from anywhere in the world. Thank you

  • @glenkelley6048
    @glenkelley6048 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank You So Much for a fine presentation!