3 Unpopular Railfanning Opinions :)

[@Cal90208]

if railfans ever complain about a landmark advancement in rail travel, they’re not true railfans. we should all support caltrains election because it’s a huge win for transit

[@IronHorsefan1869]

Steam Locomotives will Always be my favorite but I've accepted that they will Never return to regular use and know I can enjoy them in Preservation, all while welcoming the New Equipment to Amtrak and Commuter Railroads, I agree foamers aren't real railfans, they're cry babies who only care about being stuck in the past.

[@brianholmes1812]

Feels wild that the new caltrail emus are unpopular. In terms of performance, they're superior in every way to the old diesel units. But honestly it does feel like a lot of railfans have quality of service at the bottom of their priorities, with their top being how much it looks like the f45

[@TohaBgood2]

This! It seems that the railfanning community thinks that it's "edgy" to fanboy over the very rolling stock that the actual riders hate the most. It's a weird contrarian thing.

[@sunnyd_thebestngl]

@@TohaBgood2 not really, its just the cars and locos that look better are older and thats the same with the better sounding locos, and being older mainly relates to less comfort. though some new stuff is pretty.

[@TohaBgood2]

@sunnyd_thebestngl Literally zero actual Caltrain riders agree with you. This is just foamer copium.

[@IronHorsefan1869]

I don't care what others say, I prefer the modern EMUs and chargers to the older units, and I'm not afraid to say it to a foamer's face!

[@captainminecraft631]

Opinion #1: I agree all the way on that one, especially the Stadler KISS. 7 double decker cars helps it have a large capacity, and they can also be reconfigured for high platforms as well, unlike the gallery and bi-level cars. Opinion #2: MP36’s aren’t really an eyesore to me, but don’t look as good as an F40 or Genesis locomotive. Opinion #3: Although I’m old enough to remember when the Genesis locomotives were unrivaled, the Chargers look very streamlined. Especially the ALC units, and now that the airo train sets are coming, we’ll have the American version of the Railjet sometime in the near future.

[@F40M07]

The EMU’s are insanely good

[@josepho.8039]

I love that crossing bell on those stadlers the dying goose horn is less than desired... still better than a K5CA

[@TRE-Productions]

Yes!

[@Frank-c6p]

Yea, some people think that the MP36 are F59PHIs, but they need a replacement. So yea, you prefer Stadler EMU

[@MononFan603]

Here are my opinions about your opinions: 1. I don't like how the cabs look, but the coaches are fine, I am someone who likes a more boxy or flat design over a smooth one. 2. Agree, plus the 4 windows make it a Canadian wide-cab wannabe. 3. Same thing as my first opinion.

[@cryorig_transit05]

Smooth and aerodynamic cabs>>>> I find flat cabs ugly asf personally

[@CedarLakeRailfanner]

Another fan of the Monon nice

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

Cab of what?

[@rakandzakwan6402]

I prefer more boxy cab only for single lever train. IDK why but I feel that double decker train are somehow looks like need more streamlined cabin face. TGV Duplex and Stadler KISS are looks nice for me but for single level regional train I prefer boxy cab like MTA M9

[@mrvwbug4423]

Can't really disagree with any of it. Foamers might not like the Stadlers, but for the passengers who ride them and the people who live near the tracks they're a monumental improvement over the old diesels. IMHO the Stadler KISS that CalTrain uses is probably the best rolling stock in the country right now. This is also where I remind you that the F59PHI is a more modern locomotive underneath the sheetmetal than the MP36, the F59 uses 1-2 generation newer components, it's basically a passenger SD70 (except for the actual passenger SD70s that Metra uses) where the MP36 is literally the guts of an F40PH crammed into a carbody that meets FRA crash standards. The Chargers certainly had their share of teething pains, but they've already exceeded the reliability numbers of the P42s in Amtrak service, and the ALCs even look good. Most new trains have teething pains, the P42s were extremely prone to issues early in their service lives too.

[@RascalTrainz]

Dont worry, I too think chargers are kind of neat. :)

[@TYR-RailFan]

I agree

[@Yellowstone216]

Same

[@TexasSoCalRailfan9021]

Same too!

[@Via_SCV-42]

Same

[@LakeCountyRails2022]

Agreed 100%

[@patrickhundley1203]

Finally, someone else who thinks MP36s are ugly!

[@R262SubwayCar1]

The MPXpress Sucks

[@NorCaliRailroading2023]

I agree with you on the EMUs. I’ve always liked the idea of electrifying the peninsula corridor.

[@charles_kerman-357]

While I do agree that EMUs are amazing, I highly disagree that the railroad crossing bell and European horn are bad. I love how beautiful and soft and unique the bell is. Also, yes, chargers are not bad. they just receive bad care. Finally, why do you find mp36 locomotives ugly?

[@TheThirdRailDC]

I like chargers a lot actually

[@isaacrogers4174]

I actually worked on the Caltrain EMUs in high school, they were built in Salt Lake City Utah

[@Bayarearailphotos]

I don’t disagree on the EMU’s (I love them) but growing up with F40’s being the norm is just special. It’s still taking time to adjust to not hearing the loud locomotives. And the MP36’s I could somewhat agree.

[@javachillerchannel8638]

To be honest, we all miss the Caltrain f40s, and the emus horns just broke my mentality on the Caltrain p2 horns i have listened to growing up. Oh and there seats are mid

[@Bayarearailphotos]

@javachillerchannel8638 ya

[@Jytami]

Thank god someone said it! Modern trains are awesome. In Europe where I live, many railfans complain about e. g. seat comfort etc. and then foam about the older trains just simply being better. Meanwhile I'm sitting on a replacement train in these exact older train models (carriages/E-/DMU) in these inaccessible, dark, loud, smelly, bumpy, no AC equipped models. Do note that i'm exaggerating. Yes modern trains have problems but they are a very important things for ppl taking transit. Love the video!!!

[@TexasSoCalRailfan9021]

Great opinions and thanks for posting on my birthday!

[@sebastianmunera5470]

The Caltrain stadler kiss trains are unique

[@BenjaminStewart-u9j]

Yeah, and I bet the California power grid loves them.

[@danieljk826]

Not really, Stadler KISSes are a dime a dozen in Europe. That being said, the Caltrain ones are a little different due to the larger loading gauge.

[@javachillerchannel8638]

Caltrain emu seats are mid, my back literally died after taking a ride in them

[@TohaBgood2]

@javachillerchannel8638 It sounds like you have some unrelated back problem. I like the seats. They're perfectly fine.

[@wta1518]

@@danieljk826 They're still definitely unique. Basically every other KISS has the weird rounded top floor that I'm sure is super comfortable for tall people.

[@CedarLakeRailfanner]

I agree with you about the emus they look cool but don't sound good, i kinda like the MP36 because Metra heritage units but besides that not really, and the chargers i think are starting to grow on me.

[@LakeCountyRails2022]

MP36s were my top favorite locomotives when I was younger, and they still are today, but I respect your opinion on them

[@gingeronrails]

Very interesting. I personally love MP36's and Chargers. They both give me the same vibe

[@modified_2t22]

Thoughts on your opinions 1. I agree with this one completely. 2. I like the MP36 about the same as the F59. It looks great in my opinion. 3. Chargers are okay. Although I won't really foam over one, it's infinitely better than having an aging fleet F40s. Although I'm sad that the F40 has to go, I think chargers are a perfect replacement.

[@TohaBgood2]

Muni's S200s don't smell like sweat and homeless people. I don't see why Caltrain's Stadler's would. Especially since Caltrain only has three stations in SF, all in pretty expensive neighborhoods.

[@SoundFX09]

SoundFX09's Response to Your Opinions: (1) Absolutely Agree. Would love to see MORE EMUs by other Metros or Passenger Railroad Organizations. My ONLY Complaint is that The Caltrain EMUs have ONLY Two Restrooms, and they're on Opposite Sides of the Train. IMO, there should be Restroom for at least Every Other Car or Every Car in the Consist. (2) To be honest, I didn't even know the MP36's were out there. Then again, I haven't visited Cali to know what they look like. I'm not a fan of F59's myself, but I do respect them as being impactful for the Railroads they operate on. (3) Glad I'm not the Only Person who Likes the Chargers a lot. Heck, what we're seeing with the Chargers is NOT a Problem with the Trains Themselves, but how the Train Organizations Use them. I actually PRAISE Brightline for having Siemens provide Technicians and Engineers to Keep their Chargers Running, and have told people ENOUGH TIMES OVER that the majority of Problems with Brightline's Chargers have more to do with Idiotic People in Florida than the Trains Themselves. Florida East Coast AND Brightline have done everything possible to minimize the risk of Train Accidents on their Lines, but as I've told people enough times: 'You cannot fix stupid'.

[@TohaBgood2]

With the latest upgrade Caltrain has turned into just another BART line with slightly worse frequencies. BART doesn't have bathrooms so Caltrain doesn't need them either. There isn't an expectation from Bay Area commuters to have bathrooms on the trains themselves, only in the stations.

[@FoxRiverPro]

i LOVE chargers specifically the ALC-42s and the Caltrain DMUs are just as good. tbh i do like European horns i think they sound pretty nice.

[@austriankangaroo]

*Emu

[@3985uprr]

I’m from Long Island, New York and I overdosed on F40’s, MP36’s and RFW rides in the last year. I’ll miss the F40’s. Being an EMD guy I love the MP36 sound. As for the new EMU’s, they will be nice for the locals but as a senior citizen railfan, they are a huge letdown. The bells and horns are awful. No more variety on Caltrain. I’ll be attending a reunion in Sacramento this summer and I will likely check out the EMU’s but the only variety I will see are the different stations I visit.

[@IronHorsefan1869]

Nostalgia isn't gonna keep the Railroads alive! I love steam engines but I know they're never coming back but still enjoy them in preservation! you can enjoy old diesels in preservation the same way!

[@jaylenjackson2403]

Wait people don’t like Chargers?! They’re awesome 😭😭

[@TohaBgood2]

The foamers invented some conspiracy theory that a few early Charger teething issues are actually fundamental design flaws. And while some were completely made up and some were addressed by Siemens immediately, they're still pretending like those issues still exist and that the entire world and the media are engaged in a massive conspiracy to "hide the issues with the Chargers". No, I am not kidding. And yes it is in fact that stupid. smh...

[@PlanesTrainsAndSimsOfficial]

there was a thing where in the midwest, chargers would shutdown randomly without any warning to drivers when the fuel gets frozen because of cold weather, which caused many delays from what i know

[@TohaBgood2]

@PlanesTrainsAndSimsOfficial Source that this is still an issue? This was a software issue that Siemens identified and fixed years ago. Are you pretending like that's still happening?

[@GreenlightGlory-Jesuswithus]

Unfortunately I don’t have instagram, but still a fan. While I may not agree with your opinions overall, you do make some very valid points. And when it comes to the chargers especially, they do have some cases where they do look nice.

[@SkysTrains]

exact same except 2. but thats probably because i grew up seeing GO trains decently often. But I can respect it.

[@az196823]

I thought the chargers were weird at first. However, they've grown on me, and I like them.

[@3li_516]

Being from the Bay Area and taking Caltrain often, I totally agree with this! (Still no forgiveness for the horn/bell guy)

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

My unpopular opinions: 1. I HATE Gevos so much ask me why 2. Some raised letter K5LAs are terrible 3. UP 1979 NEEDS to go

[@Railfanner4459]

I do feel the EMU are bad in some ways and good in someways the performance is good however I liked that the F40PHs were named after the Caltrain stations

[@georgeman-rj8go]

Stadler kiss horns sound like some of Caltrain’s cab cars.

[@Unioncentrals1]

The bell on the EMUs are fine but the horn….not so much if Caltrain decides to replace the horn. I’ll be pleased

[@carisi2k11]

While it is good that San fran has got there nice new double deck electric trains. I however question why they were needed instead of a single deck train when only 753.000 passengers used them in the month of October. As an example my home city of Sydney, Australia has a train network using double deck rolling stock (nicer looking ones as well) that move more then that in 1 day. That is about 24,000 a day or about 10 minutes in peak hour at Central Station in Sydney. Our light rail system does 110,000+ passengers a day which is over 4 times the amount of this caltrain service. Maybe order the correct rolling stock next time.

[@MilliBlom]

There are a few reasons: Caltrain's ridership is not even across the day. With the old trains, they would quickly fill up to standing-room only during peak commute times, especially express trains and trains going to baseball and football games. Going from bilevel coaches down to single-level trains would not significantly improve them in any way, nor significantly decrease price, and would unnecessarily decrease their capacity even with 10 car trains. Besides, the ridership Caltrain got in October at the very start of electrified service is certainly not going to go down, and with improvements being made across the entire corridor and new high-density housing being built in the vicinity of almost every major station, it is more than reasonable to plan for the future by getting bigger trains. In fact, even after COVID, Caltrain increased their order from 6-car to 7-car trains because they realised ridership was going to be higher than initially anticipated.

[@GP30_Foamer]

Honestly yeah I’m a big fan of the chargers and Kiss units too. I’m kinda biased towards the MP36 though since watching Frontrunner’s MP36’s is what got me back into railfanning in the first place, but I can understand and respect your opinion.

[@sebastianmunera5470]

5008 is also my favorite Siemens charger built

[@GRFP6903]

HOLY GLAZZ

[@CanalConcourse1196]

I like the EMU Stadler Kisser, but if we are talking about SC-44 5008 cus you guys don’t like the MP-36s *we have a problem and expect a surprise at your mailbox*

[@SPRailfan4449]

I thought I might get mad watching this video but surprisingly I don’t feel mad in the slightest. I think this guy kinda has some good points. Nice video dude. 👍🏻

[@HeyItsMeGoku785]

I like newer units but its still kinda sad to see those f40s and mp36s go away on cal train

[@Itpaysoff]

fine, the emu are pretty cool. BUTTT. Insulting the mp-36 is uncalled for, im a go transit railfan and i get a little bit of everything, p42s,f40s,f59s,cem cab cars, old cab cars, butout of all those the mp-36 and mp-54ac have to me my favorite

[@richardandandrewloran6216]

Nice video keep up the good work👍

[@sixfifty_sebb]

I LOOVE The MP36, but your opinion, we listen and we don’t judge.. but have to agree on the EMU’s they’re AMAZING but that bell is what bothers me

[@SteamboatWilley]

I need to search youtube for Caltrain EMU horn footage now to hear what your complaint is about.

[@StefanWithTrains]

These absolutely DON'T have European horns as trains in Europe have 2 tone horns and sound quite different.

[@railfannerofthenorthwest]

I like the charger because they are pretty unique in terms of looks as they aren't painted in the casual amtrak colors (a phase 5 charger would look like it came straight out of the depths of hell), and they just have a smooth design overall

[@jyw0000]

Not gonna lie, I think the only people who hate on the Caltrain EMUs are the same people who think that wanting to regulate pick up truck cab heights for pedestrian safety is anti-freedom. In other words, their opinions were probably not worth much to begin with.

[@chastermief3501]

I agree completetly and am only adding a comment so that way I add interaction with the video

[@lassepeterson2740]

As a rail fan a train has to look , feel and sound like a T R A I N . Nothing that is inspired by automotive , aeroplanes , space ships , Star Wars , i-phones , Elon Musk nor appliances is worth foaming over . I like steam engines , vestibules , rivets , smoke and freight trains and for passenger styling art deco .

[@sihocolus]

0:45 "who had the Idea to put European Horn... ...on these things" NCTD's Siemens Desiro: 👀

[@muni_Thomas_boi]

I mean the EMUs are outstanding Old equipment in this situation is meh The f40s made Caltrain look like a garden shed on wheels I'm just saying ever since the EMU was put into service Caltrain has been so much better

[@andrerenault]

VIA Rail has the best-looking Chargers and Ventures, fight me

[@JerryTheTankYank1776]

I still prefer the classic locos, but I’ll admit the chargers and newer engines sort of grew on me.

[@stretch_zzz]

I love the look of the caltrain kisss'

[@Token_Nerd]

We have a standard for EMU horns, and they’re all Leslie’s

[@onlineconsumer9]

stop bullying caltrain

[@maho_nishizumi_tigertank]

But you got to admit, the horn and bell of the EMUs *SUCKS*. Although the MP hate is not justified

[@onlineconsumer9]

@maho_nishizumi_tigertank The horn, eh. the bell i can deal with. you gotta understand its a european company. i def am opposed to the MP hat tho lmao

[@San-Diegorailfan3001]

Great vid as always

[@SD40-2]

Nice knowing you (hope you survive)

[@c.h.s9022]

I have no strong feelings about MP36s. Im sure Stadler MUs and Chargers are an upgrade being new, in terms of service, i just don’t like the look of em. Like most folks i guess. Same for Siemens S700s that are coming into service in my city. They look like giant blue steel worms

[@TheRailfanofTexas]

2:54 There I am lol

[@Yvrplanespotter]

I agree 100% with your opinions. The Amtrak Cascades chargers I have been seeing look spectacular.

[@Southern_California_Railfanner]

agree w/ 1, 2 i dont fully hate u for bc they are cheap copies of f59s/f40s and 3 chargers do look pretty slick and got gud acceleration

[@DG_64]

The EMUs are great, I just wish they had the old horn personally, I don't really mind the bell too much. Highly disagree with you on the MP36s, personally I love 'em but to each their own. And anyone who hates chargers are just dumb. They're the best fr.

[@Railfantastic]

I (kinda) like chargers too

[@SilkyTrains]

My unpopular railfan opinions: 1. Amtrak Dash 8s are trash 2. F59phis suck 3. F40s are bad

[@P0w2you]

I support these opinions!

[@S53PROD]

rip 5008🙏

[@officialdani43]

Im copying @MononFan603 idc Mine is 100% gonna get more hate than you 1. They are amazing in basically everyway, but looks and sound like you said 2. I disagree. These things (were) amazing, at least for the mbta (mainly due to their extremely loud horn). The only thing I dont like is that 4 window thingy they got which makes it look a little weird 3. They look pretty good... except for the alc42

[@AroyalOfficalYT]

I agreee with the chorger part. The mp36 im meh for them

[@C2309P]

0:43 fRiGIn aMaZzzing 😂

[@Metrolink936]

Ok MP36s are a lot different and yes F59PHI’s are wayyyy better and I know 891 890 and 898 are kept back and remember when fouled 894 didnt sound good either with that ehaoggggg sound so I have no defense for my species against these things I see them like 2 times every time I go railfanning at Santa Ana my favorite MP36 is of course SCAX 888 and F125 is my name and CTC5… yeah I hate those things Hyundai Rotem you hear me and F59phr hmmm…. gotta be 856

[@SlavExperiences]

I like chargers too

[@ApproachSlowRO]

(I unironically agree with all 3 of these)

[@Mnbaco2]

My hot foamer takes 1. Gevos are fine because freight is freight 2. Amtrak phase 5 is ugly 3. Union Pacific is over rated

[@onlineconsumer9]

⛔

[@LakeCountyRails2022]

I agree with all of these

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

@@LakeCountyRails2022yea, but I completely disagree with the first one because I HATE gevos

[@2119official]

I have used the term unpopular opinions aswell lol 😂.

[@amtrakdude432]

i also like caltrain emus

[@themeparkgod6573]

The only problem with most US trains I have is that they look extremly ugly (probably also a bid unpopular opinion) but I dislike most of the designs especially the locos (tbf I live in Germany so we have a pretty good network but I think Brightline will safe the US from beeing that country with the ugly and not fast trains

[@dat1rirailfan]

Honestly Caltrain should’ve just used the aem7s if they wanted to electrify Edit: yeah I’m not so sure about that

[@lighttecsound6818]

Honestly using 50 year old locomotives doesn't sound like a clever plan. And than, what would be the improvment for the users. It would still be old and stupid Gallery cars and slow acceleration.

[@dat1rirailfan]

@ oh so they HAD to use the Stadlers

[@nether_bat]

@@dat1rirailfan name another good bi-level EMU designed for regional services

[@dat1rirailfan]

@ alright you got me

[@gb9727]

MUs are better than locos in my opinion

[@AmtrakFan6905]

I agree with all man

[@woodalexander]

The EMUs are weird looking but EMUs are second to none for fast acceleration in commuter service. Not only are they much cleaner than diesels, but they get more people off the road and onto the train which is good for everyone, including people who need to drive.

[@TohaBgood2]

How are they "weird looking"? They look exactly the same as any other current gen KISS.

[@woodalexander]

@@TohaBgood2 Well, for one, these are the first US EMUs that are taller than I believe about 14'6" because that's what we're limited to on the east coast, and the Denver ones are just SEPTA Stupidliners. So they just don't look like anything we've had before. Weird isn't necessarily a bad thing, in fact it might be good because it gets the general public interested in riding them (which they have in record numbers), and they look modern and European, because, well, they are.

[@woodalexander]

@@TohaBgood2 Also, although they're "only" 7 car sets, they have the same capacity as a significantly longer set in the east due to their full double decker design, which is great.

[@FanoftrainsfromCA]

"The EMU's are ama-" (Loads gun)

[@jmrgg3669]

Does Matt (5008) Reply here?

[@youwereprettylasttimeisawy1227]

my opinion on your opinion - caltrain’s new trains looks ok to me, they sound terrible tho, the livery is also kind of lacking - I love the mp36, i’m a metra fanboy and they’re pretty reliable on from my own experiences taking it to work everyday(sounds like a skill on metro links part) - I used to think the chargers were ugly until i saw one in amtraks phase 7 in person for the first time and completely changed my mind, borderline say it looks better than the p40

[@jthe_railfaner2643]

I respect your opinion, however, I’m old-school and prefer older equipment!

[@TohaBgood2]

Why though? It's trash from the era where US manufacturers were protected from competition and were building idiotic inferior designs that no one wanted.

[@jthe_railfaner2643]

@ Well actually alot of people wanted the MP36s. Also EMD took a huge successful leap forward after its debut. And if it was really trash, do you think that most of these railroads would still run them. Regardless of “funding” issues. Also I prefer the old train vibe to it! The sounds, the vibrations, it just feels more American than those new EMUs that look like they would fit in Switzerland or the Netherlands. I understand new equipment is better! However it just doesn’t fit in like the others!

[@TohaBgood2]

@@jthe_railfaner2643 There was no other choice but to use import-protected inferior crap so that's what all the railroads got. Now we have world class trains available that are superior in every way. Why wouldn't you upgrade to them? Foamers need to understand that the regular riders, you know the people who actually pay for all of these lines to exist, don't want the old crap and want normal modern trains!

[@dutchvanderlinde154]

I dislike the cal train emus shoot me

[@caltrain914studios]

EARLY

[@de-fault_de-fault]

Attention diesel foamers: At the end of the day the trains you like are also electric, they’re just worse at being electric than trains that draw external power. Good day. (Trollface dot jpg)

[@Metrolink873]

First

[@barbedwirerat661]

Not sad to see Chargers replacing Genesis Locomotives.

[@edwinli9164]

I like chargers too