Abandoned train of Ocotillo (#44)

Come check out the train at the end of the street! These three locomotives and car have a story. Why are they here? Watch and find out the rest of the story.
Sounds by CO.AG music 🤙🏻 Trainorders.com is another interesting source. DesertUSA.com has great information on the railway also. If you like the video like, subscribe and comment and let us know what you think.
More info below!
** STBX 4500 (GP40M-2)
** STBX 4501 (GP40M)
** STBX 4504 (GP39M)
www.trainorder...
trainweb.org/hi...
Many GP50 units are fitted with the distinct "free-flow" style (or "Phase 2") blower duct; though many later production GP40-2 and GP38-2 units received the same style duct (notably with CP, FEC, and DRGW).
Larger radiator fans.
Taller wheelbase.
Larger air intakes (or radiators).
Several were built with radiator fan or weather covers (notably the CNW units).
Larger, more distinct exhaust vent.
Shorter or smaller dynamic brake grid.
Larger fuel tanks.
*Please see comments from Allen A for some great info!
*If you visit this site please be respectful and leave it better than you found it!

[@tedsmith5011]

My wife grew up in Nomirage, the area just south of these tracks in the '70's. I can see my late mother-in-law's house in the video. The occasional train was running there when I last visited about 15 years ago.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Thanks for the comment Ted! Check out the Outlaw Airlines video, it is flying over Nomirage.

[@christophertmunro4503]

Definitely looks like a somewhat desolate place to grow up & live in!!!!

[@lindaroberts1308]

Who she is? I may know her.I lived there in the 1970's

[@allenra530]

I worked on the tunnel repair and was a conductor for Carrizo Gorge for a year. We also put a new lining inside Tunnel #2 near Rodriguez Dam in Eastern Tijuana and daylighted half of Tunnel #3, east of Tecate, still in Mexico. Tunnel 4 crosses the Border. The place where those locomotives are parked was originally one leg of a wye for turning steam locomotives around. The foundation and inspection pit of a locomotive servicing and repair shop, foundations for 2 water tanks and other buildings are also found there at Coyote Wells. The wells in the name supplied water to the facilities there and the steam locomotives that ran over the line until the 1950's.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Allen, Thanks for your comments and your history. As a young boy scout we hiked the gorge form Jacumba to Ocotillo and stayed overnight at the goat canyon trestle. I was hooked... I always was amazed at the engineering and work that went into designing and maintaining this section. I am in not an expert on railways or locomotives or trains, just a kid that was inspired by the the people that built and ran this awesome piece of southwest history.

[@stephenhunter70]

As of now 2022 the last I have read about any railroad operating or intending to operate that line appears to be dated 2015 about 7 years ago.

[@allenra530]

@@stephenhunter70 It looks like the PSR Museum is the only operation on the line, running a few miles east from Campo and occasional runs down to the border at Tunnel 4. They used to make runs to Tecate, Mexico, but I don't know if they are still doing that.

[@IvesMarcelin]

👍 C'est ce que je pensais à peu près..

[@somewhat.random]

@@allenra530 Baja California Railroad owns the rights to the Mexican portion of the line now. As far as I'm aware, they are still running freight from Tijuana to the brewery in Tecate. They rehabbed most of the Mexican sections from 2015-17. The "daylighting" of Tunnel 3 was also completed during that rehab, along with removal of ALL the tunnels on the Mexican side. I've seen a few other videos recently showing landslides into the cut for Tunnel 3, and they have removed about 50 feet of track before Tunnel 3 as well so even the Mexican portion of the line is no longer complete. Apparently there was also a major fire and collapse in Tunnel 4, so it's unlikely crossing the border is even possible through the tunnel at this point.

[@libertywarrior22691]

These are rebuildable cores awaiting a time when contracts come in for those specific models, not too many people use gp38s and 39s anymore, usually they're sd40s and gp40s being the more desirable ones as they will haul a heavier Freight, have heavier frames and better traction, also having three axle trucks instead of two axle trucks. They are welded completely closed so that they cannot be vandalized further, this is what's called dry storage, typically a nice dry area in the desert is the best place to store them, keeps them from rusting away. There are lines of locomotives in the desert near Boise idaho, a place in Boise called Boise locomotive rebuilds them to brand new condition, they do not get scrapped. Eventually they will be collected and sent to a remanufacturer like Boise locomotive, used to be part of electromotive division General Motors, may still be connected to electromotive division. Once Upon a Time the locomotive shop in Boise was owned by Morrison Knudsen who specialized in building EMD locomotives. Cutting down 20 cylinders into 16 cylinders for better efficiency and less fuel burn. I worked at Boise locomotive for a few years, in the truck shop engine shop and in the general Fab shop, the locomotives are in the condition seen here, wheeled in to the first stage where they're completely cut apart, trucks removed, and sent to the engine and truck shop, cabs and bodies cut off the frames and cut into the basic components for refurbishment. Engines removed and alternators removed all sent away to be rebuilt to brand new spec or refurbished as per specifications of the contract they're being built for. These aren't the only locomotives in dry storage, there are hundreds of them scattered across the desert dry States. All awaiting a day where their number will come up and they'll be used for parts and rebuilt two brand new spec. All of the locomotives we rebuilt, we're in the exact same condition as these. Welded closed and sitting for long periods of time. All of the old technology is removed and replaced with modern technology, still using the same powerful DC motors and alternators. However the old DC locomotives are going the way of the dodo bird and many of them are being modernized into alternating current locomotives or AC locomotives which typically have a bit better traction ratio somewhere around 33% versus 28%, this means they'll have a lower fuel burn for the amount of tonnage they can pull. However, these being light duty locomotives, short haul locomotives or passenger Style locomotives, means that they are limited in their use and maybe sitting for quite a while. Typically in the eastern United States they are more popular for passenger car towing as they have lighter duty trucks and slightly smaller engines depending on which model. They appear to be in relatively good condition still aside from missing a few small bits and pieces. Edit:. After doing further research I've learned that Boise locomotive, Motive Power Industries mergered with wab-Tech which is a subsidiary of General electric, which is Motive Power Industries Direct competition. Apparently Boise locomotive or motive power industries in Boise Idaho was closed down in 2020. Not surprising, the time I worked there I was laid off twice. Still sad to see them go, they spent a lot of years in that area rebuilding locomotives that went all over the USA and Canada, so who's to say what the fate of these locomotives is, maybe they've been written off and forgotten completely by the powers that be, cheaper to let them sit than to haul them across the country to Pennsylvania and rebuild them since the Boise shop has been closed. Locomotives I worked on California coasters painted like the SeaWorld theme, full-bodied or a covered wagon Style GP 40s High geared for high-speed, Con- Dot Connecticut Department of transportation, full-bodied covered wagon Style gp40s old school round the body locomotives with modern internals, also geared high for high speed. MTA , Maryland transit Authority, gp40s High geared for passenger cars, high speed rail, painted Gray with red bull noses and yellow trim. Santa fe, sd40s 16 cylinder locomotives all blue with yellow trim. Burlington northern, sd40s 16 cylinders orange and black or very dark brown depending on the light and paint code. And Southern pacific, sd40s, dark gray almost black with red. We also built caterpillar powered LPG switchers for Union Pacific that went down into the Los Angeles area, using standard Union Pacific paint schemes as well as gp40s used for local rail traffic also 16 cylinders, lightweight diesels and standard Union Pacific paint scheme.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Fellow liberty warrior, Thank you for sharing your expertise and experience on these locomotives and the industry! Something tells me the story of these old work horses is not over and may have a few chapters left. The rail has also been abandoned. The line from these going west to San Diego has some of the most incredible engineering feats like the Goat canyon trestle and some of the tunnels. The scenery along the way is unprecedented. This line should be restored and opened. The challenge is that part of it goes through Mexico... These situations always cause drama and stalemate. So the story continues..... Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment!😎

[@streetpilot775]

That's some great info. Thanks for posting! When gas engines are put into storage, the cylinders are fogged, or oiled to keep the bores from rusting and eventually seizing. Due to the oil in diesel fuel, I was always curious as to how long an untreated diesel can sit and not seize. Do you think the cylinders were treated with some sort of rust preventative on these engines before they welded the cabs shut?

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

@@streetpilot775 I'm not sure what was done to protect them. I too am curious to see if they were set up for storage or just welded shut to protect them from further damage/ vandalism.

[@libertywarrior22691]

@@ocotillooutlaws4101 each cylinder is a modular unit that can be removed from the block and fully remanufactured to new spec simply by installing a new liner and refurbished head & valvetrain assembly, so pickling is not really necessary, diesel remains in oil form for an almost indefinite time unlike modern gasoline, so they shouldn't be harmed as the weather and critters have to get by the intake and exhaust side through a turbo vanes or supercharger screws depending on engine induction options, they are pretty well protected compared to a gasoline engine where there is direct access to the internals of the cylinder via the carb or exhaust if a valve is open. if you look closely, there is a plate steel cover welded over the diesel fuel filler cap to prevent access, and you can see a seep on the back of the tank in the video which wouldn't happen unless there is some diesel remaining in the tank.

[@arthurschipper8906]

The BNSF in my area uses alot of GPS 38's. Bring 'em up!

[@BossSpringsteen69]

These are three good GP40's in storage. I've seen security tape used as well in locomotive long term storage in a less secure area than a rail yard. I've seen locomotives stored for years and later resurrected later.

[@SolidCold]

The reason why these are here is because the railroad bought them back in 2010 or 2009 (Can't remember). And they were being used until one day they went to fast into a siding and hit the concrete loading dock bending the 3rd locomotive and warping the freight car out of proportions. Because the railroad wasn't very wealthy at the time and many embargos on the line already they were left there to rot.

[@Salman-sc8gr]

Old train yards are one of the saddest places, just like abandoned air planes.

[@alcopower5710]

I’m assuming the doors were welded or bolted shut……..would have been cool to get an inside peak. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

All welded... Not even a crack to peak inside. Thanks for checking it out with us!

[@johnmasco8488]

These were welded shut just recently (2 yrs) as there are videos on the inside of the cabs. These are in a bankruptcy case so it will be interesting what happens...@@ocotillooutlaws4101

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

@@johnmasco8488 it will be definitely will be interesting to see the outcome. I will miss them if they leave for sure!

[@officialFortherails]

@@johnmasco8488How do you know that they’re in a bankruptcy case?

[@doctordeath.5716]

As you were on top of the engine the one engine had a quill Tom GPS unit on it so they know where there's engines are sitting and they did a good job protecting the windows by welding plates over them

[@clearlycaribbeanreb7176]

I saw these units and car yesterday driving from San Diego to Phoenix and wondered what the story was on them. Nice video

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Thanks for taking an interest and watching!

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Give us a honk next time you drive by!

[@clearlycaribbeanreb7176]

@@ocotillooutlaws4101 I will do that! I’ve never met a stranger when it comes to trains. It’s been hot as hell in Phoenix and headed back to Ohio today so maybe next time!

[@randombread7535]

I would love to see these three engines repaired and preserved on a heritage railway

[@B52Stratofortress1]

The EMD GP40 and GP40-2 type locomotives as seen here were built in large numbers and most units built are still in service. To repair and restore these wouldn't be worth the time or money

[@keithlucas6260]

@@B52Stratofortress1, any buying a fully functional locomotive wouldn't have any association or connection with this historical site. Much like "matching" serial numbers for classic or antique automobiles. Sure you could paint them exactly the same and run a for profit experience as well as freight, but they wouldn't be the historical units, probably not that the average person would give a crap about.

[@skulleader]

Hello, A great thanks for this video and this sharing, since I was a little kid I'm fan of the US locomotives. Many years ago I had a collection of US locomotives G-scale, these machines are awesome. I really love the SD40-2, GP 9 and GP 7, F7 unit, Dash 9 AC4400, shay locomotive, heisler locomotive and Climax locomotive. By the past I had all these locomotives in G-Scale. These locomotives GP40M and GP39 are a real pieces of museum. Thanks again for this video.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@NERRP2017]

People are saying these are Junk, but if they rebuilt the cabs and stuff they could work again as slug units for yard and road local service

[@TrainFan119]

That is a good point

[@ericd2791]

There diesel no cab.

[@TrainFan119]

@@ericd2791 most slug units don’t have cabs any way so they really just need to put concrete inside of the locomotives

[@NERRP2017]

Yeah I mean maybe give them new cabs and new controls and they work fine, but slugs usally are pushed by another loco

[@TrainFan119]

@@NERRP2017 they could also make them eco locomotives to

[@BossSpringsteen69]

I'd love to get hold of those GP40's for my business if i had one established. These locomotive look better than some of the in service locomotives i operate with. I say that with honesty. It boggles my mind that a class one railroad would not "rebuild" a locomotive with long term usage in mind. Never mind the fact they need these units long term. CP and CSX seem to understand the importance of investment in in the rebuilds.

[@markrhuett]

Thanks for sharing..love seeing old relics just ghostly sitting in the desert. Any idea of the history on these locomotives? When they were built and for whom? I'm also thinking that if the 645 prime mover is still intact, they could be rebuilt and sold easily. Many tug boats still use them, for example.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

I believe that the owner of these locos would be interested in letting them go. They are really cool for people to get to check out up close too. As far as the history of each loco they can probably be researched more in depth but I haven't had the time yet. I am curious now after knowing why they ended up there what the history of each one was before that. Thanks for watching😎

[@CR7659]

All three are former CSX GP40s, two originally ACL, one SCL, built 1966 and 1968.

[@DavesTrainsAndAutomobiles]

That's a really cool story 👍 thanks for making this video I would really like to get all 3 of those on my G scale layout they will definitely run there again.. Great idea for a custom build.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

That would be cool to see!

[@JoeRiding-t4g]

The first time I seen the 4500 , was near Montour Idaho. It was laying on its side in the mud. They had to wait until the ground froze to roll it back up onto the track. They use to move lumber with these locomotives from Cascade Idaho, Tamarack Idaho, Emmett Idaho, Horseshoe Bend Idaho and LaGrande Oregon saw mills. They were called short line rail ways. I personally serviced these locomotives when they were still running.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Joe, that’s so cool 😎 thanks for sharing! Sad to see these just sitting there… I’m sure you have some stories to tell! Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@JoeRiding-t4g]

@@ocotillooutlaws4101 yes sir. I can tell you about blowing the rock, off the track. Across the Payette River and blocked the traffic on the road. On the other side. That was fun.

[@dd.greenefilms2598]

This is so interesting and thanks for sharing this with the audience,I enjoyed it.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@dd.greenefilms2598]

@@ocotillooutlaws4101 Your Welcome.

[@Mike-tg7dj]

I use to run that route on the old Microsoft train simulator. Even on a sim those trestles and tunnels could be scary. It was always maintaining the right speed. Nice video I think there are more cars stored up on the line.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

It's really an amazing feat of engineering! Thanks for taking the time to watch 😎

[@Mike-tg7dj]

@@ocotillooutlaws4101 I remember Coyote Wells on the the sim. The new Steam games isn’t the same as that Microsoft TS.

[@DrLumpy]

There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dry storage or abandoned rail cars between Phoenix-Tucson-San Diego. There's a bunch near the nudist colony west of ocotillo. It's probably a convenient place for them to sit, whether they are rebuilt or left to disintegrate. I don't consider it "sad" nor an eyesore to see any of them. It's like looking at history. The railroads have to put them somewhere. They'll get vandalized and tagged whether they are in the desert or in a rail yard with security.

[@bigbiff38]

5:07 "accident??" When scumbag vandals cause damage, it's not an "accident."

[@29brendus]

There's someting eerie about the train locos just sitting there. The whole scene reminds me of that movie 'Bad Day At Blckrock'.

[@andrewthacker114]

Interesting clip, thanks for sharing

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Thanks for checking it out!😎

[@stabbincabbincowbboy3770]

Very Cool History Out on That Line Indeed🚂🇺🇸👋🤠HeeHawww

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Hey Stabbin! Thanks for taking the time to watch. Dig the channel name. My friend had a boat named the S.S Stabbin cabbin 🤣 good times!

[@stabbincabbincowbboy3770]

@@ocotillooutlaws4101 Hahah Awesome!! “Love it”.. And No Problem Ur Welcome..

[@jon9148]

They hardly look destroyed, and most of the parts missing would need to be renewed for an overhaul anyway. They probably moth balled these in plans to sell of do a frame up. The hoods area all intact not major rust. I'm sure the Engines are still inside although the turbo stacks were not plugged but in a low or min rain climate should be fine can only steel so much without equipment, your not pulling a power assembly with basic tools, and Im sure all the cards have been pulled for other units long before being sealed up looking at the top headlight entire housing was removed before sealed up as well as number plate glass and weather strip was removed. This was done in a shop by railroaders who intended to open it back up one day. Sometimes the use of derelict rolling stock as track blocks or just storage on side rails no longer in use. Forgotten about by people but still on paper as rolling stock assets.

[@dp480caldwell]

Some movie production will see this and say “we’ll take them!”

[@michaelmorgan7893]

There was word a couple years ago of some entity or agency considering rebuilding the line from Tijuana to El Centro, and make the SDAE into a main line as a common carrier via Jacumba and Campo, etc. In reality, I don't see it. It would cost a billion dollars to do it, to bring it to mainline standards. First, they would have to do like UP is doing in Tehachapi, and "daylight" some of the tunnels. Shoring them up so if an earthquake occurs, you don't have a rockslide. Then there's the Chorizo Gorge trestle (Goat Canyon) that would need to be fortified against washouts, etc. Then rail replaced, and signal systems installed. It can be done, but the expense may not prove cost effective for what they would have to spend to bring it to class 1 standards.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Totally agree! I was lucky enough to hike over the goat canyon trestle before it burned and was rebuilt through and around the tunnels through the gorge and have seen the condition deteriorate over the years to the point sadly of no return. Maybe someday if the necessity out ways the cost of rehabilitation the line will open again.

[@kevincoleman9761]

Group went down 2 years ago to evaluate it. Friend of mine was with them. He went down 3 times. He was there to look at bridges. He's good with wood and timbers about cost to restore if possible. No ones built a timber bridge in probably 90 years or longer.

[@TedNewkirk]

There isn't the demand nor need for Class 1 standards. You are essentially talking a short line/branch line running from El Centro to San Diego. Study Coos Bay Rail Link in Oregon. They cleaned up some tunnels, made sure the bridges were OK, and put the line back in action. You don't need tunnels which will handle double-stack cars. Washouts and earthquakes are rare, and would be "repair as needed". 15 mph in the canyon, maybe 40 on much of the other stretches.

[@DIYWilly]

What a great place to visit. Image what it was like to make that journey on a passenger train? My imagination goes wild. Thanks for sharing this story…. So much history but nobody takes the time to look and explore anymore. Darn this electronic world we’ve made!!! 😪

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

It would be really cool to open this line back up. It goes through some awesome scenery.

[@cedarwest37]

Excellent!!!

[@BitterDemo]

What a waste As a boy after I left home I hitch hiked all over the USA and slept in Old abandoned Cabooses' Steam Engine Cabs and even Box Cars along the way when rides were few and far between. I met a lot of both great guys as well as women on the road as a kid. I was lucky enough to meet one of the best known Hobo's in History and even took him to my home and we became good friends until he got drunk and went off. That was what killed him and his acting career. Emmett Kelly Junior was my friend in the 1950's and 60's. I was the kid who got him a job in St. Joseph, Missouri working for Benny Witt and Gus Karras and he left never to be heard of again till he died and it was in the News.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Hey Ray, Thanks for your comments and history ! Sounds like you have had many great life experiences. I also have family down in the Ozarks and wandered the hills as a kid. You may remember the hillbilly band the Baldknobbers from the Branson Missouri area, Chick Allen that played the jawbone of a mule was my cousin.

[@larrydockery7201]

this makes me sick thes old units still have a lot of life in them i love the sd40s 50s units some of the best

[@doctordeath.5716]

Cool video and thank you for shearing this video

[@sebastianbarthel2393]

Wow, that centerbeam is in an insanely bad shape! never seen this before, except in a crash!😨

[@flavaflav7769]

good job brother!!!!! love history!!!

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@Ellectrica]

I’d say someone needs to save these. They’re probably the last locos from their railroad and need to be preserved

[@randombread7535]

maybe why don't you like call up heritage railway or museum And tell them about the three locomotives

[@randombread7535]

Like with them just sitting out there I'm sure the The railroad that owns them would give them for cheap

[@B52Stratofortress1]

Don't "need" to be preserved. Look at em. They're stripped of parts and vandalized. They weren't always boarded up tons of interior parts are gone. Sitting idle for years does machines no favours either. Stuff gets seized up from sitting. The GP40 type locomotives had thousands built and most are still in service. Be better off preserving one that is in better condition and still operating.

[@oldscoolcooldiecast1879]

Places like these seem so spooky being I'm from the east coast where everything is green and trees every where

[@lordpuneet459]

Very sad palace.i love rly.locos .....

[@kermitinmountain6371]

Ocotillo, What kind of drone did you use to video hovering above the abandoned trains? I find this very interesting!

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Thanks for watching! This is the drone that was used. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4eym4ubmrSreKc

[@onnovanknotsenburg1177]

Are the tunnels on that track still open? Might be a interesting though hot and long hike.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Yes some are still open... There are a lot of great videos of hiking and biking this area. There are some restrictions and must be thoroughly checked out ahead of time. Cool weather and plenty of water for this awesome hike/ride

[@onnovanknotsenburg1177]

@@ocotillooutlaws4101 Thanks for the reply!

[@michaelsmodelrailroading7665]

Question: "Will these locomotives ever run again?" Short answer: No! They are essentially junk. Stripped as they are, they're commercially useless. It's not unlikely that their titles are mired in some bankruptcy proceedings. There are a surplus of similar OPERATIONAL locomotives to be had for much less cost than what it would take to restore these relics. In short, they don't even have scrap value, which is why they continue to languish.

[@cacline72]

They're EMD GP40s, I'm pretty sure they're worth something as they're known for being some of the most reliable locomotives ever built.

[@Mark-jl6tl]

@@cacline72 The key word is “were”. With the EPA restrictions being what they are today, even the salvageable and reusable components such as the trucks, it will require a pretty fair amount of work just to get them to be moved DIC. When all is said and done, it’s most likely they will be scrapped.

[@sandysmithvideos228]

These engines have value. They can be freshened and re certified easily. They are not subject to the Tier 0-4 emissions standards as they are grandfathered in. Many components not visible give them value, main engine, turbo, dynamic brake blowers, alternator, air compressor, traction motors etc. Someone took great pains to preserve them for future use with the exception of not covering the exhaust stacks.

[@michaelsmodelrailroading7665]

@@sandysmithvideos228 There's a reason that they are still there, still basking in the desert sun, unwanted, unused, neglected. And that reason is $$$. Can they be restored and made to run again? Undoubtedly! But at what cost? For the same money, or even less, there are plenty of similar locomotives presently available as surplus, already operational and ready for RELIABLE commercial operation. The savvy businessman goes with the sure bet, and NEVER buys trouble. Every time. But if you want them, I'm sure you could claim them. All you need is $$$$, and plenty of them. And someplace to put them. And in the end, after investing all of that money, what will you have? A set of economically obsolete, fuel hungry and less-than-fully-reliable locomotives, that will NOT make meaningful contributions to the Bottom Line.

[@Mark-jl6tl]

@@sandysmithvideos228 You raise some valid points, and I thought it was interesting that they went through the effort of plating over the windows the way they did. Also thought it was interesting that they did not cover the stacks. That is usually one of the first steps railroads take when storing power for long term. But sitting unattended in the desert cannot be doing the locomotives any good, particularly in the heat of the summer. While the dry climate is good in some ways, the brutal heat of summer cannot be good on components in others. The fact that they are 4 axle is s plus, since that is a type that hasn’t been in production new in 25 years, and would make them valuable for a shortline. But it has also been said that these were involved in a runaway incident, leaving the frame on at least one of the units bent, which is generally the death knell for a locomotive. It will be interesting to see the outcome, but I wouldn’t count on a life after this.

[@johnlockesghost5592]

Unused locomotives can easily be converted into mobile (by rail, obviously) power generators to be hooked up to the grid for emergency use. Just a simple solution when the rolling blackouts come.....that probably won't be implemented. (edit) a typical locomotive produces about a megawatt.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Interesting concept. You never know, desperate times call for desperate measures. I wouldn't count anything out these days!

[@johnlockesghost5592]

@@ocotillooutlaws4101 not just a concept, it's been done.

[@HuntOfficial1776]

A CN train powered a whole town until the power grid was fixed

[@youminholastransit3218]

Those locomotives have a tragic and eerie past. I’m curious how these “unknown persons” moved the train there

[@suppylarue220]

a good question, moved from where? why were they unknown? I have never heard of unknown people moving around locomotives .

[@ReadingAreaRailfan]

If it rains out there, there probably too far gone. None of the exhaust stacks are capped over so if it rains the engine is gonna start to fill up with water. It looks like only one of them was damaged so I don't know why they dumped them there, there GP40-2s built in the late 70s / early 80s so there not that old

[@illiniwood]

Only a railroad company can afford to let over a million dollars worth of locomotives sit and decay for years on end.

[@southwestxnorthwest]

I visited these locomotives a few years ago and have hiked out to Goat Canyon Trestle a few times; this area around Ocotillo is some of the most hostile landscape I've ever visited.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

The trestle is awesome! A group of us hiked from Jacumba taking the path of the railroad tracks through all the tunnels and over the trestle to Ocotillo. It was one of the most scenic hikes that I have done! The desert has a beauty all its own. Out east of us is the Yuha badlands a place of history and endless beauty and views. Thanks for sharing and taking the time to watch and comment!

[@JohnnysTrainVideos]

Great video... thanks for making it and sharing...

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Thank you! Thanks for taking the time to watch 😎

[@Gusrikh1]

Most interesting!

[@RobertTrentX]

Great video. Love the narration too.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

We thank you Mr. Trent!

[@sgtjem6933]

You should do a video on Rotten Ralphs. When hurricane Kathleen came thru the guy that lived there had a heart attack and died. There's some interesting stuff there. A lot of history.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Thanks for the comment and taking the time to watch😎 I remember the destruction and aftermath when Kathleen rolled through! The 8 highway was washed out and the train track rails were twisted up like spaghetti... I would like to revisit the areas affected and talk to the folks that survived this forgotten disaster. If you have any history of our little area, please share them! Write us a letter!

[@carlwest859]

> Better late than never, looked thru the comments and many people want these units restored. They were in an accident so may be enough damage or bending of the frame and mounts that renders them scrap. The center beam car has a severely bent frame and that is an indication of a hard impact if it was in the accident Inside the locos bolt holes and pads where engine generator set, air compressor and other heavy components mate up can be bent or wallowed out of alignment from high impact force. I noticed some cracks that are not normal wear. Finding the original survey results would be a help.

[@norfolksouthernes44acgevo40]

they could bring a crane out there, lift the units up, put them onto a trailer designed for moving giant loco's like that, restore them, then use them in a different railroad

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

The whole railway should be restored maintained and used. There is a railway museum close by and I'm sure plenty of volunteers that would jump at the chance! We sure would, we're outlaws of course 😉

[@michaelmorgan7893]

They could switch them back onto the line and take them east on the remaining portion of the SDAE to the UP at El Centro, and then tow them dead in consist to LTE or Progress Rail in illinois for overhaul/salvage.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

@@michaelmorgan7893 Hey Mike! Thanks for the comment, they are right by the switch too! It would be cool to see and hear one of these run one more time....they are as they say part of the landscape now.

[@allenra530]

@@michaelmorgan7893 I think the IN&P got them from the rebuilders at Boise Locomotive in Idaho. They could be sent back up there if they are still in business.

[@kevincoleman9761]

UP has hundreds parked. These will probably be scrapped eventually. Friend of mine went there 3 times 2 years ago to evaluate the line. It would cost a fortune to update and repair. I use to work for a rail demolition company. There isn't good access one way in and out.

[@xlabentertainment]

Poor locos. Standing silently without protest.

[@jamesbutterson5218]

They don't look like they ever left the tracks. 🚂💨😁

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

On a permanent trip, going to nowhere.... All aboard!

[@HotRod8625]

For thier first time out with a drone not bad. Cool find of trains in the desert though.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

You busted me! It was the second time out....😁

[@cedarwest37]

Exactly!!!

[@scottpool4777]

Yes I would like some more information it’s very very interesting Railroad could you give me some more information or do I have to go to the bookstore thank you.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Scott, If you look in the description I list two good sources. The San Diego historical society is another resource. Also try the Pacific railway museum www.psrm.org hope this helps in your quest!

[@allenra530]

The Pacific Southwest Railroad Museum, display train in Lemon Grove, CA and Museum with train rides in Campo, CA has a lot of information about the line including history books and a PBS video series. They used to have their business office in the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego (Amtrak, Coaster, San Diego Trolley), but I don't know if it is still there. The web address is as noted by the Outlaws.

[@dereksevers9187]

Who owns them and how do we get in contact with him to purchase them we'll come get them

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Hey Derek, Thanks for asking, not sure who the current owners are. I have asked around but have had no valid response.

[@dereksevers9187]

@@ocotillooutlaws4101 so technically if we can find a way to get him out of there nobody will say anything cuz I was thinking museum pieces or there is a railroad museum in North Judson Indiana. I'm sure they would be interested in them or how about that big giant railroad museum in Wisconsin I bet you them guys would be interested in it.

[@thomashninan6708]

Those engines are basically roasting in the sun

[@kman-mi7su]

Now I'm wondering how badly vandalized are they? Too far gone to repair or sell to a shortline RR to be put back to work? They may be older locos but many of this type are still in use in daily operations.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Hey kman! Thanks for watching. Sad ☹ to see these locos rusting away. It would be sweet to see them repurposed and used again. At the time of filming the units had been welded shut with steel plates to stop 🛑 further vandalism so I'm not sure what condition the rest of the interior is in. We were there two days ago and saw some people checking them out. It will be interesting to see how the story of these locos and section of track plays out. I may have located the owner and ask to speak to him to understand the history of why these ended up here. If i hear back from him i will post it here. Thanks again for taking the time to watch😎

[@kman-mi7su]

@@ocotillooutlaws4101 The fact they are welded shut is a good sign. They are probably still decent enough to save one day and put back to work despite the vandals.

[@codybrackett812]

I was just on a GP 38 today.... local switcher job

[@mikebracht9261]

Very cool 😎 video.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Thanks😎 thank you for taking the time to watch!

[@Railrider765]

Same used on Katy.

[@Cataskew]

I hope this is a will it run video

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

That would be cool! I'm sure with the combined skills and experience/expertise of the viewers that have watched this video and commented, it could be done!

[@PRR5406]

My guess is the cabs are intact, including the electrical cabinets. The desert will keep them in good condition should anyone care to invest in repairs. Likely, they be purchased as scrap and cut up.Good source of parts for other restorations.

[@sunyotopurwadi3820]

Bravo Guys. Indonesian.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

terima kasih telah menonton! Kami harap Anda kembali dan melihat beberapa video 😎 lagi

[@raymondherbst7126]

The RR or owners would have taken the time, labor & expense of welding all those openings, Not vandals. Vandals could move them, even with a television ad pick-up truck. I guarantee the RR still owns the right of way for all those tracks… all over the US. No matter how unused or abandoned.

[@MsMsmak]

Its like leaving junk cars in the desert. Outrageous.

[@RobertTrentX]

All aboard!!

[@rebeccagray986]

Who owns the land the tracks are on?

[@seabeeusn76]

Theyre working on getting this line restored to operations in the not so distant future.

[@larrydockery7201]

i just wonder if they would sell thes units

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

Is the line connected to the US rail network?

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Yes

[@TrainFan119]

@@ocotillooutlaws4101 hmm I’m thinking about starting a railroad in the future these may be good museum pieces

[@cathleenbailey1398]

Can these be lived in? I think They're beautiful!

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Hey Cathleen! No they are all engine. Just enough room up front for the crew to operate them. Thanks for checking it out and commenting 😎

[@cathleenbailey1398]

Can you show photos of the inside? I''d love to see them! they have so much artistic Value, like a Sculpture. Cathleen Bailey

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

@cathleenbailey1398 I wish I could… they have metal plates welded over all the openings to prevent vandalism. They are beautiful for sure. Only time will tell what becomes of them. It would be nice to see them become active again or rescued and used at a railroad museum.

[@tomp8871]

Are all these rails dead?

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Hey Tom, yes sad to say they are not in operation. After several years of neglect and no maintenance they are in poor shape. It would be a great undertaking, but they could be saved and used again. The scenery is awesome and has several trestles and goes through part of Mexico. Thanks for your question and asking!

[@diogenes5381]

They are depreciating. Corporate tax write-offs. & yes , they can be refurbished & used again if economy warrants it. They were placed there under their own power. Basically they are in storage.

[@mr.polemikus4933]

Sealed this way means “asbestos inside “ Likely too expensive to remove or too complicated to export in Mexico

[@doctordeath.5716]

The rolling stock train car that is on the back of the three engions is called a spine car, it basically in layman's terms is a Lumber car for halling 2x4s and hacks of plywood.

[@unity3596]

That's a centerbeam spine cars are different lol

[@venustianozaragoza9436]

No wonder why here in America we don't have a high speed train

[@None-zc5vg]

There'd need to be a track and trackbed in first-class condition to accomodate a high-speed passenger-train service, along with suitable signalling and the removal or permanent manning of all vehicle-crossings. In short, you'd need a new railroad and who's going to invest in something that's unlikely to make the guaranteed big profits that come with the freight-only tracks ?

[@MarkSmith-dh5dh]

Hmm! Been out to Ocotillo loading material from the area never knowing of these trains!🤔

[@officialFortherails]

I actually am starting a short line in Ohio and am interested in acquiring these locomotives, but I have no idea how to reach the owner, nor who the owner is. If anyone has any information, let me know. 😊

[@B52Stratofortress1]

They're in rough shape. Better off buying a unit that actually runs!

[@peter486]

i would like to restore that train it hurts my eyes someting that beutufil and historic just fade away in the desert.

[@positionlightproductions6187]

I see someone's already stolen the horn off of the top of those three locomotives lol

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Dang horndogs! I was disappointed too! They at least could have left one for all of us to check out....

[@positionlightproductions6187]

@@ocotillooutlaws4101 Yeah it would have been interesting to know what kind of horns that railroad used.

[@volvoirizar]

Location?

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Se encuentra justo al sur de la ciudad de Ocotillo. Gracias por su pregunta y gracias por ver 😎

[@JohnShinn1960]

As if I don't have enough subscriptions already, but what the heck. None of my others have the variety. 👍👍

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Thanks for the subscription! And thank you for taking the time to watch. Variety is the spice of life they say... I have quite the collection of subs also😁if there is something that you want to see more of let us know.

[@crecencioresendiz2831]

Que triste verlo así cuando ha de ver estado hermosa funcionando saludos

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Sí, es triste, pero espero que algún día se salven y se vuelvan a usar. Gracias por ver

[@wrrail]

What makes this sadder is that someone needs to atleast just repair these but that'd be impossible cause thoses windows look like they're welded I dont even wanna think what it looks like inside thoses cabs could be empty hiding something WASP?

[@ironmatic1]

They’re welded shut to prevent vandalism of the cabs; put two and two together.

[@wrrail]

@@ironmatic1 yes

[@SPUDWRENCH]

“[moved] By persons unknown”. Interesting.

[@freeda15]

does the rail track still in use?

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

No this section is not in use.

[@1llenium]

What’s the cost for one of these

[@billiebobbienorton2556]

$6.59 Each. On sale at Walmart thru July 31, 2022 for $5.99.

[@dm6966]

I helped clean a couple these engine in the 90s this railroad has red engines now the mills went out of business

[@trackman174]

Are these near Ocotillo Wells?

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Hey trackman! No these are near the town of Ocotillo which is south of Ocotillo wells along the south side of the highway 8

[@robertswickard8355]

I don't see any damage to any of these locomotives !!! No collision happened .. Them there loco's have been plated over in the typical fashion for storage to maybe be used in an increase of traffic ,, that never happened ..... and the railroad stripped them for parts to keep their fleet going .....

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Thanks for your comment Robert! Some info to share with you below... www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?1,4495830

[@daveharris7734]

As of mid 2022. They'll never run again. No fuel. No motor OIL. Down the pipe five by five. :-)

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

2024 LGB 😎

[@zstation64]

I see three locomotives, but only one train. Where are the other two trains?

[@JakeSpelledJake]

Nice video :)

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Thanks!

[@paulmorissette5863]

They will probably sit there until the end of time.

[@mmandmcb14]

Future home for them will be MBTA or the Heber Valley Railroad.

[@oregonrailfan7046]

What MBTA is a passenger railroad why would they want these also heber valley is in Utah do you even know what you are talking about

[@mmandmcb14]

@@oregonrailfan7046 MBTA as work engines, additions to the Heber Valley Railroad to be lashed to the gp9s.

[@richharris9489]

Mbta don't want these .or do they ?

[@ironmatic1]

@@richharris9489 No

[@edisimcan1136]

Ohh mygood😢😢😢😢

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Terima kasih kerana menonton! Sungguh menyedihkan melihat kuda-kuda kerja lama ini berkarat. Saya harap suatu hari nanti mereka akan diselamatkan ...

[@kitchenwitharif281Jb]

Good

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

شكرًا لك

[@norfolksouthernes44acgevo40]

why are there 3 EMD gp50's sitting there

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

There was only 278 of these built between 1980 and 1985 here we have three! Just won the lottery😁

[@espeeKeith]

These are GP40's not 50's

[@DosieDoughRailfan]

I don't understand why they're even there. They rolled into that car, snd the front end of one of them probably got pusjed in a bit. Stuff like that happens all the time and it's fixed and put back out on the road. 2 out of the 3 weren't even damaged.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

@@DosieDoughRailfan I know kind of crazy… But insurance, politics and business partnerships tend to cause situations like this. Unfortunately went last week to check on them and vandals have cut some of the welded doors open and stolen more wire and smashed the cabs up… really sad to see them destroyed before our eyes and can do nothing from our perspective to save them… Thanks 🙏 for commenting! If you know anyone that could help save them share their plight! 😎

[@DosieDoughRailfan]

@@ocotillooutlaws4101 i saw another comment somewhere saying they were bought because they needed power for stack trains, but they thought they were under powered and dumped them. Idk of thats true, but what do you THINK pulled stack trains before the Macs and wide cabs??

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

@@DosieDoughRailfan I saw 👀 that also but it is not based in fact and more of an idea for potential future use. I made a short video # 264 on the latest damage. Video quality is bad due to heat but you can see the interior. It’s like seeing one of your friends get beat up by a bunch of punks and there’s nothing you can do to really stop it.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

@@DosieDoughRailfan #264 is of the outside #255 is in the cab

[@lutomson3496]

Glad they welded everything shut to keep youtubers and other idiots from vandalizing and stealing

[@Moondoggy1970]

I can’t believe Tweakers haven’t scrapped out that whole train out.A few oxy-acetylene torches & a few plasma cutters & your in biz.

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

The locomotives have been treated with "tweaker gaurd" it's a spray that makes them stoned and they go off looking for food instead of vandalizing 😎

[@GonzalezSix67]

With how the country is, I doubt they’ll be brought back to service any time soon