Fantastic! I had no idea those passenger Sharks lasted that late; my hat is way, WAY off to you, Ed, for catching the sights AND the sounds. Many thanks!
I'm hoping that NJ takes a serious step forward in improving the pricing and reliability for their rail system. Even if trains are expensive, they are absolutely necessary for the Region, since I just can't envision roads supporting all the commuter load between NYC and Philly. Better rail infrastructure is vital. I frequently hear people bad mouthing NJ transit saying "Get rid of it, Its a waste of taxpayer money". But, just think of how bad the traffic situation would be were NJ transit nonexistent. The Turnpike and Parkway are already choked, and there is literally a space struggle for adding more lanes. One road closure could spell Nightmare. Better trains are the best way forward.
I was born in 1960 and grew up in NJ and remember the tail end of this era. My father was a tug boat captain for the PRR, so I was able to see a lot of operations up close.
Great video. It brings back memories. I remember as a small child taking the train from Belmar, pulled by a steam locomotive. We switched in Rahway to a GG1. I, also, remember when the "Sharks" were added and the steam locomotives retired. The long train was usually seen on Friday nights in the summer time bringing all the "Bennies" to the shore.
Ed, even though this video is just 1:49 it is outstanding, especially outstanding is the large block signal at the end of this video. Excellent footage at Rahway, NJ Thank you for sharing.
Incredible. E-7s, GG-1s, and (gasp) Baldwin passenger diesels doing a ballet. This is awesome footage -- the original photographer deserves a major SHOUT OUT for capturing this moment. Modelers replicating this era of PRR history should take note. With Kurt Armbruster, I am amazed that Baldwin passenger sharks -- whose lines echo that of Pennsy's classic 4-4-4-4 T1 steam locomotives -- lasted this long. Call it PENNSY PRIDE -- the fact that these Baldwins, with just a few years in front of them before they reached the dead line, were kept in fresh paint. Awesome historical footage -- I want to see more,
This is priceless! Seeing GG-1s and E-units switching around on the mainline and not on museum track is ridiculously NEAT-O!! In color, no less. Outstanding!
The swaps were usually done in South Amboy. It took all of 12 minutes at which time every male commuter jumped off and rushed into the local tavern for a quicker-picker-upper. When the territory became electrified to Long Branch in the 1980s, that bar went out of business.
Wow! Beautiful, all American works of industrial art in color and motion. Wish this vid was much longer. Thank you for posting this gem of a vid, Ed. Excellent quality.
Like to many others here, I was thrilled to see the Sharks in action. Only others I saw, and photographed, were on the Monongahela RR in the early '70's. Those were 4 wheel truck units fwiw.
I thought I remembered GG-1s hauling freight to/from Exchange Place and other points in Jersey City, back in the '60s when you'd see the elevated PRR electrified tracks next to the city streets to/from the Holland Tunnel. It's something I have a vague memory of, but glad you confirmed that.
Well, if that's the same prime mover, then I think a very fine audio mix, coupled with the classic Leslie chime. And what a great look at the big Sharks! Thanks for posting.
I was not aware that there was a six axel version of the shark!!!!!!! The only one's I have seen pictures of had 4 axels. This footage is gold,so far the only actual film of the sharks I have ever found.
Cool! By far the best audio footage you will find!, the sound is like a couple of Belgian classes (51, in my avatar and 59) they used Baldwin engines of the same type, 608A 8 in line build in license by Cockerill Liege in Belgium. They outlasted the sharks by more than 25 years, both classes ending duty in 2003. (but built between 1954 and 1961, so also some years later). The 59's, rated 1750hp were very reliable, but the 51 at 2150hp had issues too, hence they were downrated at 1950hp.
I don't know how true it is, but some claimed the change was made there to increase sales at the bar car. In South Amboy, many people would go to the back door of bars to buy package goods. There were sidewalks poured from the station to many of those places.
Sorry to say your dead wrong on this one. I grew up here, got the 8mm movie camera for a wedding present, I got married in 1964. Shot this scene in 1966 the BP-20's were still around. I was shooting black & white here in the 1950's. Ed K.
I'm just realizing that the RPM in the BP20's is much lower than that of the EP20 (E7). Makes me wonder how smoothly they could run at 100 if their engines let them
Incredible footage. I can't believe this was 1966! I have never seen such a good personal film from that time. Is the sound original? I didn't think personal film cameras from that time had sound capability at all. Only the big expensive professional cameras had sound.
If you go back a few years before the BP-20s, the same configuration was called a "Baby Face". And a few years before that, in 1945, it was called a "1000/2 DE". Baldwin kept updating the same configuration of two engines/two A1A trucks/80' frame and the BP-20's were the last ones. I have 1:8 assembly drawings of the 1000/2 DE, bought them from the Pennsylvania State Archives. They have a big collection of Baldwin drawings.
It's not likely that this was from 1966. The BP20s got bumped off the Long Branch soon after they replaced the K4s in 1956-1957. It is much more likely that this great video was from 1957, or 58 the latest.
Poor planning on part of PRR management to have E7 and Baldwin with no MU thus running up operational costs to put another crew in E7. Planning did id not do any better after PC merger disaster. But who cares. Management and labor rode out on gorgeous pensions.
Ed, were those two Baldwins and E7 MU'ed together, or running independent? Also, do you have anymore sound recordings from these units? I've heard some stories about the BP20s dealing with their MU capabilities. Thanks for sharing.
i wish i could explain the meaning of that white building on right side in photo.my father owned 33 semi truck run out of that building if that is it.instincts say yes.i worked there a year myself and i do miss living in rahway nj.i am a hillbilly from appalachian mtns so was hard with accent.i could have been wealthy if i stayed there but no listened to wife and now in middle of usa and i hate it for long time.bye.point dont listen to women
Love it. I never had the chance to see GG1 locomotives in person. This is a tantalising moment in time.
Fantastic! I had no idea those passenger Sharks lasted that late; my hat is way, WAY off to you, Ed, for catching the sights AND the sounds. Many thanks!
I used to watch the engine swaps at South Amboy on John Street when visiting my mother's Aunt Jenny. Miss those days.
Those 6 axle sharks were some awesome looking units! Wish some had survived. Great video, thanks for sharing.
I'm hoping that NJ takes a serious step forward in improving the pricing and reliability for their rail system. Even if trains are expensive, they are absolutely necessary for the Region, since I just can't envision roads supporting all the commuter load between NYC and Philly. Better rail infrastructure is vital.
I frequently hear people bad mouthing NJ transit saying "Get rid of it, Its a waste of taxpayer money". But, just think of how bad the traffic situation would be were NJ transit nonexistent. The Turnpike and Parkway are already choked, and there is literally a space struggle for adding more lanes. One road closure could spell Nightmare. Better trains are the best way forward.
Those sharks have a very unique sound. Baldwin's diesels operated at lower rpm's than other builders you can hear the difference.
1966 with great trains and shots and noone comes close to matching the realistic quality of your audio. Incredible and well done, Sir!
Rest In Peace Ed. You’re greatly missed
Oh no 😢
I saw this on Facebook to
I was born in 1960 and grew up in NJ and remember the tail end of this era. My father was a tug boat captain for the PRR, so I was able to see a lot of operations up close.
Great video. It brings back memories. I remember as a small child taking the train from Belmar, pulled by a steam locomotive. We switched in Rahway to a GG1. I, also, remember when the "Sharks" were added and the steam locomotives retired. The long train was usually seen on Friday nights in the summer time bringing all the "Bennies" to the shore.
Ed, even though this video is just 1:49 it is outstanding, especially outstanding is the large block signal at the end of this video. Excellent footage at Rahway, NJ Thank you for sharing.
Damn. This is smooth for a vintage camera
Fascinating look at such rare locomotives...
Incredible. E-7s, GG-1s, and (gasp) Baldwin passenger diesels doing a ballet. This is awesome footage -- the original photographer deserves a major SHOUT OUT for capturing this moment. Modelers replicating this era of PRR history should take note. With Kurt Armbruster, I am amazed that Baldwin passenger sharks -- whose lines echo that of Pennsy's classic 4-4-4-4 T1 steam locomotives -- lasted this long. Call it PENNSY PRIDE -- the fact that these Baldwins, with just a few years in front of them before they reached the dead line, were kept in fresh paint. Awesome historical footage -- I want to see more,
Sorry to hear of Mr Kaspriskie’s passing, his work lives on. Thank you sir.
This is priceless! Seeing GG-1s and E-units switching around on the mainline and not on museum track is ridiculously NEAT-O!! In color, no less. Outstanding!
I know. Thats why I said "whaddya do?". I think its great that you still have this footage after all these years.
The swaps were usually done in South Amboy. It took all of 12 minutes at which time every male commuter jumped off and rushed into the local tavern for a quicker-picker-upper. When the territory became electrified to Long Branch in the 1980s, that bar went out of business.
Wow! Beautiful, all American works of industrial art in color and motion. Wish this vid was much longer. Thank you for posting this gem of a vid, Ed. Excellent quality.
thank you so much for sharing. I wish it didnt take me this long to find this!
Like to many others here, I was thrilled to see the Sharks in action. Only others I saw, and photographed, were on the Monongahela RR in the early '70's. Those were 4 wheel truck units fwiw.
I thought I remembered GG-1s hauling freight to/from Exchange Place and other points in Jersey City, back in the '60s when you'd see the elevated PRR electrified tracks next to the city streets to/from the Holland Tunnel. It's something I have a vague memory of, but glad you confirmed that.
Great footage of the only A-1-A Sharknoses!!
Well, if that's the same prime mover, then I think a very fine audio mix, coupled with the classic Leslie chime. And what a great look at the big Sharks! Thanks for posting.
Wow, Baldwins and GG1's, cool.
Nothing like the GG1s and F units and E units and what not units :D
It seems so much more efficient than it is today
I was not aware that there was a six axel version of the shark!!!!!!! The only one's I have seen pictures of had 4 axels. This footage is gold,so far the only actual film of the sharks I have ever found.
very clear footage
Cool!
By far the best audio footage you will find!, the sound is like a couple of Belgian classes (51, in my avatar and 59) they used Baldwin engines of the same type, 608A 8 in line build in license by Cockerill Liege in Belgium.
They outlasted the sharks by more than 25 years, both classes ending duty in 2003. (but built between 1954 and 1961, so also some years later).
The 59's, rated 1750hp were very reliable, but the 51 at 2150hp had issues too, hence they were downrated at 1950hp.
Great footage, Ed! Thanks for uploading!
A GG-1 plus passenger Sharks in two different liveries. Awesome.
Wow. Passenger Sharks. Guess the E7 is along in case the Sharks didn't make it. LOL. Nice video.
Thanks for posting great history.
I don't know how true it is, but some claimed the change was made there to increase sales at the bar car. In South Amboy, many people would go to the back door of bars to buy package goods. There were sidewalks poured from the station to many of those places.
Spectacular.
Sorry to say your dead wrong on this one. I grew up here, got the 8mm movie camera for a wedding present, I got married in 1964. Shot this scene in 1966 the BP-20's were still around. I was shooting black & white here in the 1950's.
Ed K.
I'm just realizing that the RPM in the BP20's is much lower than that of the EP20 (E7). Makes me wonder how smoothly they could run at 100 if their engines let them
Awesome post, Thanks for the classic footage.
Imagine going back in time to this period, only to see what life was like during the mid 60s
Great video, thanks for posting
Great Video Ed.
listen to the wonderful noise coming from the 606 turbo's in the bp20 sharks!
Fine job!
Awesome footage!
Gotta love the A-200
Great video. Love the Shark's!
very VERY cool! i'm not a big diesel fan and i like it!
@bonzobakermoon I believe the six axel verions had a steam generator. It was basiclly Baldwins version of the E units.
I like old jointed rail that still earns revenue.
Rest and apiece Ed
Great stuff!!!
6axle sharks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just subscribed - thanks for the great videos!
Keep em' comin!
I read the Baldwin Sharknoses were good rugged engines vs some other makes that had issues.
Nice
@hope2prosper
Certainly is! I was 26 years old then.
Ed K.
Passenger sharks ran on the Pennsy as late as '66? I thought they were retired years earlier, about the same time as the PAs...
GG1 and Sharks just before the infamous PC merger
Yes you are right, only Pennsy had sharknose styling. I meant that the loco design underneath the styling was not new. Styling is just sheet metal.
Would have been nice to see the rolling stock behind it as well.... :-)
Incredible footage. I can't believe this was 1966! I have never seen such a good personal film from that time. Is the sound original? I didn't think personal film cameras from that time had sound capability at all. Only the big expensive professional cameras had sound.
If you go back a few years before the BP-20s, the same configuration was called a "Baby Face". And a few years before that, in 1945, it was called a "1000/2 DE". Baldwin kept updating the same configuration of two engines/two A1A trucks/80' frame and the BP-20's were the last ones. I have 1:8 assembly drawings of the 1000/2 DE, bought them from the Pennsylvania State Archives. They have a big collection of Baldwin drawings.
Train 735 Has A Awesome A200 At 0:08!
on i8
0
?
Hey! I do the best I can with what sound files I have.
Ed K.
@edward kaspriske where exactly in Rahway is this?
Aren't they Sharknoses the Babyfaces are different! The Pennsy was the only road to have Baldwin DR-6-4-20 loco's in the Sharknose styling!
Is that original sound? It would be mighty difficult to find a matching soundtrack to those Baldwins!
Streamlined Steamroller No it isnt. also I love your username
1966 at that. All Ed's films are unequaled in big sound!
Good footage, innacurate sound dubbing, but without running prototypes, whaddya do?
I spy a locomotive in the distance at 0:50 with flashing ditch lights. Was that a thing in 1966? I didn't realize that it was.
They were not.
I'm sorry, what is that GG1 in the blue scheme called?
One other thing: why did Pennsy use such dim headlights? Saving $$ on low-watt bulbs?
Maybe because it was daytime?
It's not likely that this was from 1966. The BP20s got bumped off the Long Branch soon after they replaced the K4s in 1956-1957. It is much more likely that this great video was from 1957, or 58 the latest.
wow an rf-16 shark nose
were BP-20's. RF16's were the 4axle freight units.
who else thought the signal in the beginning was a chocolate chip cookie?
what was with the E-7?
@m3ohwell & for that I say good job!
Exactly where in Rahway is this?
is this actual audio?
i live in rahway. where exactly was this? elizabeth ave/scott ave area?
Poor planning on part of PRR management to have E7 and Baldwin with no MU thus running up operational costs to put another crew in E7. Planning did id not do any better after PC merger disaster. But who cares. Management and labor rode out on gorgeous pensions.
Ed, were those two Baldwins and E7 MU'ed together, or running independent? Also, do you have anymore sound recordings from these units? I've heard some stories about the BP20s dealing with their MU capabilities. Thanks for sharing.
They had to run independently. One of Baldwin's downfalls was that their engines couldn't run MU with anyone else's.
Sexiest railroad in the World...
Hate to say this tward a PRR, but it's horn sounds like a fart!
If history had gone just a tad differently, it could have been an English Electric Class 55 based diesel pulling that train.
gguru1 If only it was all Baldwin diesel power
i wish i could explain the meaning of that white building on right side in photo.my father owned 33 semi truck run out of that building if that is it.instincts say yes.i worked there a year myself and i do miss living in rahway nj.i am a hillbilly from appalachian mtns so was hard with accent.i could have been wealthy if i stayed there but no listened to wife and now in middle of usa and i hate it for long time.bye.point dont listen to women
Curt Ray or at least not always
,,,,,,,,,,Glad I was not part of the GG-1 era,,,,,The Engine looked Bad-ass,,,,,,But the HORN is Lameass.....Sounds like a sinking Tug boat ,,,,,,