Abandoned New York Central electric locomotives saved! Danbury Rail Museum

Last month I was able to make my way to the Danbury Rail Museum to attend the River Rail Photo event in Danbury, Connecticut. The event was the first railfan photoshoot at the museum in many years and is hoped to be the first of many more. One of the event highlights was being able to see and tour a New York Central electric S motor that was basically abandoned in the swampy woods of New York for 36 years. This locomotive is an extremely important part of rail history as it was the world’s first mainline electric locomotive ever built. It was the prototype locomotive for all future mainline electric locomotives to follow including the New York Central T motor #278 that was also saved with NYC 100/6000. I was able to see and tour the T motor thanks to a museum volunteer although it wasn’t apart of the photo event. In the future both locomotives will be cosmetically restored and work on the S Motor has already started, evident by the black and yellow paint already applied. This video will show you the current conditions of both locomotives as they appeared in August 2024. Please consider donating to the restoration so these two historically significant locomotives can once again be used to tell history. More information on these two motors can be found on the Danbury Railway Museum’s website linked below in the video description.
www.danburyrai...
www.danburyrai...
Some more info on these locomotives (static1.square...)
Built for the New York Central in 1904 and 1926, S-1 locomotive #100 (originally #6000) and T3a locomotive #278 represent the significant development of electric locomotives in the early 20th century. The #100 is the world’s first mainline electric locomotive and was built jointly by General Electric (GE) and the American Locomotive Company (ALCo) both in New York State. This revolutionary piece of technology was built for service to New York City’s iconic Grand Central Terminal in the wake of a devastating steam locomotive accident within the Park Avenue tunnels in 1902 that stands as the worst train accident within city limits. It served decades transporting passengers of commuter and long distance trains to Croton Harmon and North White Plains, New York. The #278 is part of the successor class to the #100, delivered twenty-two years later. It is the most modern of the succeeding “T-Motors”, and is the last remaining T-Motor in existence of 36 that were manufactured. Its design is similar to the 65 P and R-motors, of which there are no surviving examples.
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©2024 South Coast Rail Videos

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

Abandoned boxcar in the woods saved! - BCLR Millis, MA to NNB Rhode Island - 9/2023 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmjUkqd4pKh4gtU

[@gaborgredely1848]

Egy darabka Amerika.ami. jobb sorsot érdemel..

[@WA1LBK]

Wow, they aren't wasting any time getting the cosmetic restoration on the S - motor started! I'm amazed to see that some of the electrical gauges are still intact, also glad to see that the control & brake stand hardware is still in place; additionally, noticed some third rail shoe assemblies inside there. I'm wodering how thery're going to go about cleaning up the frame before repainting (I would imagine sandblastig to get the worst of the rust off). The S - motor in particular was the protoype for a lot of Lionel's pre-WWII standard - gauge & O gauge toy locomotives. Can still see the remnants of the New York Central grey paint scheme on the T-motor. 🙂

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

Thanks for watching!

[@vettebecker1]

Awesome they were saved ❤❤

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Thanks for watching!

[@curtismarean6963]

It's amazing to see a steeple cab at all now! I don't think there are very many left now. The box cab is cool too! To think that these two have sat for that long and still be as intact as they are is astounding. Like you said, the historical value of these two is significant, and they should be saved for the future generations to see. Thanks for sharing!

[@louislamonte334]

I'm thrilled that these were both saved! I hope that at least one of these will be restored to operation! Hopefully it will be the #278!

[@TheLongIslandRailfan]

Only cosmetic restoration is possible, but it's unlikely the two will ever run again.

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

Thanks for watching!

[@buddmetroliner200gaming3]

​@@TheLongIslandRailfan I totally agree these trains ran on 660 volt dc third rail and if they were drivable again then that'd be dangerous especially if a live rail was placed around the museum

[@riderstrano783]

I know it’s a pipe dream, but given the historical significance of the S motor, she really deserves an operation restoration, with historically accurate, tho safety modified internals

[@Gerk8]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@Robbie-sk6vc]

You buying?

[@joshuamuir7577]

I would also love to see the engine run, however she is electric (powered by a 3rd rail) so seeing this engine run is pretty slim.

[@riderstrano783]

@@Robbie-sk6vc honestly I wish, we as a country massively neglect the preservation of electric power. But if I had the money it would probably be going to the sheepscot narrow gauge 😅

[@Robbie-sk6vc]

@@riderstrano783 Well it's all part of our history! I wish more electric power was set aside and preserved. Because in a way, these meant more to city folk than steam. But I'm glad that at least a few examples of electric units are still around for folks to see.

[@garymessina1609]

Very glad they could be saved

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheOldSalt]

It’s amazing how much original stuff is left despite the vandals

[@davidmihevc3990]

That I pretty amazing, especially for sitting for so many years.

[@Colbleep1]

I visited the units about two years before they were moved. The cab doors were open at that time . On the T motor I was surprised to find the small pantographs used in the low ceilings of grand central station lying on the floor just inside the doorway. I would have thought that they would have been stolen. They obviously had been taken off intentionally. I don’t know how heavy they were but I shudder to think that they could have been stolen and turned into scrap. I left them as I found them as they survived all those years and hopefully others would treat them with the respect they deserved. I wonder if they were still present when the motor was boarded up and moved. The sand was still in the sand boxes. I found that weirdly interesting as it was loaded decades earlier. I knew the location but I zeroed in using google earth. I parked down the road and followed the active tracks to switch and followed those tracks until they hit the fence of the power plant. A dirt trail down a hill lead to the severed track where they stood. It was quite exciting to see them looming in the distance. As historic the S motor is, I was really excited to see the T motor. I rode behind one when I was 12 and I remember the day vividly. Also I knew that an S motor survived at the IRM in Union Illinois, a truly remarkable experience, go see it. I like to think that the vandals had more fun trashing the locomotives rather than stealing stuff. The rail fans, seemed to have left stuff,witnesses those slotted screwed data plates on the electrical stuff in the S motor. I could be totally wrong, I would like a reply from someone from the museum on their condition when moved For those who lament the U25 and RS3 they were REALLY trashed and vandalized and rusted. They were shoved back into an area of heavy vegetation and a more moisture rich environment hence more rust.

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[@ebf82234]

@@Colbleep1 I find it interesting that you were able to access that remote location in Glenmont. I had been "following" that situation for some time via Internet postings, primarily because of my interest in the two ex-D&H "Adirondack"/ NYDOT diner lounges that resided there. I rode in #42 "Adirondack Lodge" when it was running in Metro-North commuter service between Poughkeepsie and GCT. Given its history (along with sister #41 "Saratoga Inn"), and the expense of upgrading those two cars (by Hoover Industries) for D&H's "Adirondack", it's a shame they were recently scrapped on-site at Glenmont with no regard to preserving them.

[@SouRwy4501Productions]

Thank goodness. Those things deserve to be protected and put on display for all to see.

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulorobertopedroso9933]

Congratulations , this is a job for giants, talentous and deteminated men - Paulo Roberto From Limeira sp Brasil

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[@atsfevan0242]

It's good knowing these two NYC engines got saved, especially 278 being the last of its class to survive the scrapper's torch. While I'm not a big fan of the NYC, I will admit 278 is a very interesting Diesel and I'm glad we have one left in the preservation era.

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[@maciekkra539]

Number 278 is not a diesel, it's an electric locomotive that was powered off a third rail.

[@atsfevan0242]

@@maciekkra539 oh... my mistake

[@NSandBNSFrailfanProductions]

nice, didint get good pic of the S1 because ran out of tickets. Still went tho. Was lots of fun

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnandrus3901]

Cool! The S-Motor was the inspiration for many early Lionel electric locomotives. The T-Motor design was produced by Lionel, Ives and American Flyer, among others. It is great that these historic motors were saved, especially after sitting so long.

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[@joefin5900]

As a kid in the 1950's, I remember the box cabs replacing the EMD's at Croton for that trip into GCT. We were travelling from Colorado Springs to NYC. Years later, I am a super for a MNCRR project and in the cabs of FL9s and Genesis motors! Life is great.

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[@rabie95]

I would like to see one of them be restore operation so people can understand how it run but cosmetic is easier and cheaper

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

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[@johnknippenberg-LandmarkYards]

Cool project, lots of work to be done. Looking forward to following the progression of these rebuilds.

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

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[@XBOXShawn12thman]

I just came across this video ... Subscribed!!! 👍

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

Welcome aboard!

[@mrfingerlakes8735]

Awesome video

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

Thanks for watching!

[@ethanspaziani1070]

Finally some good fucking news for a change

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

Thanks for watching!

[@brianfalzon6739]

Thanks for saving it!

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

All the thanks goes to the Danbury Rail Museum

[@buddmetroliner200gaming3]

Oh those legendary beasts have arrived time to restore them

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

Thanks for watching!

[@buddmetroliner200gaming3]

​@@SouthCoastRailVideoscould their motors be restored like trying to see the sounds of their traction motors

[@spuds6423]

Awesome vid!!!😁

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[@danielthewlis2109]

My Grandfather was a track Supervisor for 56 years For the New York New Haven Railroad

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[@luislaplume8261]

I hope both locomotives have their 3rd rail underunning shoes reinstalled. 😊

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[@RichardKroboth]

It’s good that these units were saved. Just sad that the U25B and RS3 were sacrificed. Both loco models are now rare. There are probably more RS3s surviving than U25s.

[@zenontrainstrucks9433]

Awesome video!

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

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[@mhbpodnk]

The stories those two locomotives could tell if they could the freight and or passengers they pulled and the people that ran them

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

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[@johniacono3725]

The Baltimore and Ohio were the first to pull mainline trains through the Howard street tunnel in 1898. There were the first.

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

The B&O only used their electric engines to pull mainline steam locomotives through the tunnel as the NYC used these motors as actual mainline power.

[@ЛЬВИНИ]

Nice video, Like!!!

[@maxwellwalcher6420]

wow and is the electric moter and 2-6-0 number 1455 getting restored for the new York Central for me.

[@Duececoupe]

It's funny, I find these locomotives better looking than today's MANY ugly....contraptions! Hopefully they'll soon be back in their former glory! 🤞🏻👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

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[@coldwar1952]

My dad likely ran #278 when these were on CUT, I'll have to check his log book. I always heard the last owner was reluctant to let these go, they were not exactly "abandoned". Perhaps left to the elements might sum it up more accurately. I am gratified to see how much of the equipment seen in the interior views survives. Would gladly kick in a donation to return these to some kind of running state, even tethered electrically to another D-E locomotive. CMW

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

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[@maciekkra539]

These did not run on the CUT. This is a "T" motor build specifically for Grand Central Terminal electrification. CUT used "P" motors which were larger and those later joined "T" motors in operation out of New York City after finishing in Cleveland.

[@coldwar1952]

@@maciekkra539 Thanks for the clarification. I mix up these types of locomotives, and likely will do so again as the brain ages. Best CW

[@emagenevanhorn1543]

Yay they will both be fixedddddd and restoreddddd EEEEEEE🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

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[@princessofthecape2078]

Sure wish some more NYC steam could have been saved :/.

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[@F40M07]

Too bad they can’t be operationally restored. If they could, i would lose it.

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

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[@F40M07]

@@SouthCoastRailVideos you’re welcome! You film NYC electrics, you got me hooked.

[@RailPreserver2K]

Did the frames get damaged from them lifting the units?

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

I don’t believe so

[@alexhajnal107]

Any idea how the toasters, etc. are being powered?

[@andrewclarkehomeimprovement]

I believe that the Mersey Railwsy converted to 600v DC electrification in May 1903 predating new York by a year according to various sources.

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

They used motor cars, not separate electric, mainline locomotives.

[@buddmetroliner200gaming3]

Can they restore the cab controls and traction motors and make it move again

[@WAL_DC-6B]

I think the issue is in order to make these electric locomotives operational you'd have to build a 600 Volt DC 3rd rail alongside the museum's trackage which could possibly expose the public to that dangerous live rail.

[@buddmetroliner200gaming3]

What did their traction motors sound like ​@@WAL_DC-6B

[@WAL_DC-6B]

@@buddmetroliner200gaming3 Jeez, I can't tell you as I never witnessed one in action having lived in the Midwest all my life.

[@buddmetroliner200gaming3]

Will these be drivable again

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

These are only being cosmetically restored

[@buddmetroliner200gaming3]

@@SouthCoastRailVideos what about after being restored will these be drivable again

[@WAL_DC-6B]

@@buddmetroliner200gaming3 My guess is that the expense of restoring the mechanics of these locomotives would be way too expensive. Also, these units were powered via a 600-volt 3rd rail which I doubt the museum would want to install for safety reasons alone.

[@richardschindler8822]

Good to see some locomotives are being saved from the melting pot.

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

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[@Williamballou]

Boys….we have a survivor……

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

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[@buddmetroliner200gaming3]

Wait I know smth how about the two locomotives be put on some nyc central carriages with a locomotive at the other end

[@raymondleggs5508]

Art Deco locomotives

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

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[@nickb.1095]

Yes, if they didn't screw around so long trying to get the ability to get on the property, maybe the rest there that are now too far gone could have been saved...at least 2 were

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

Screw around? They had to wait for the property around the units to be made accessible while raising the funds to save them. I’m sure you would’ve done much better getting double the amount of money to save them….

[@rottenroads1982]

One day, there will be electrification across the US, and then there will be Bio-Coal Steam locomotives, Bio-Diesel Locomotives, and Electric locomotives. It will be beautiful.

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

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[@XBOXShawn12thman]

It'll buff out .... Some elbow grease, Bondo and some touch-up paint ... and she'll be ready to go!!! ...... 🤣

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

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[@emagenevanhorn1543]

We have more American central trains now TAKE THAT SO MUCH FOR ANTI PRESERVATION

[@abrr2000]

The trouble with cosmetic restorations, is they all too often wrip out historically important information in favour of things "looking good" It's happened a few times in UK restoration, and the archeologists have to work out what's a new addition and BS, and what was REALLY there to begin with. For example "Lion" never had the copper dome over it's fire box in opperation as well as a number of other features which are known to be pure fiction of "cosmetic restoration"

[@pontushaggstrom6261]

saved? they're just sitting

[@SouthCoastRailVideos]

Do you expect them to be moving around as volunteers work on them or something?

[@Random__9431]

I wonder about those dc traction motors fitted on this s motor loco

[@buddmetroliner200gaming3]

I think their motors just like other old electric trains had growling gearboxes and the air compressor sounds kicking in when staying still