Almost 40 Years Being Hidden Away, This Rare Baldwin RF-16 "Sharknose" Appears! | Jason Asselin

One of only two surviving Baldwin RF-16 “Sharknose” diesel locomotives were moved from Escanaba to Wells, MI today (December 2, 2021). Come along as I document this historic move, it was the first time it's seen sunlight in almost 40 years! This one is numbered 1216 was put inside and stored since the early 80's, its said it will be donated to a museum along with the other unit 1205.
Baldwin built 109 such A units and 51 B-units between 1950 and 1953 for Baltimore & Ohio, New York Central, and the Pennsylvania Railroad. The last two As, Nos. 1205 and 1216, which were in danger of scrapping, were purchased by Delaware & Hudson in 1974. They were used in freight service and in passenger excursion service on the D&H until late 1978. No. 1216 was briefly used by E&LS in the summer of 1979, then saw another revival in autumn 1982, but after a few trips between the railroad’s headquarters in Wells and Channing the unit’s crankshaft broke and it has been stored ever since. - (www.trains.com/trn/news-revie...)
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[@Mercatoyd]

Jason, thank you for sharing this historic event. Hat's off to the people who gave you the heads up that it was going to happen. Not only did we get to see this moment in history, in this video we got to see a collection of motive power.. good stuff. Thanks again.

[@jasonasselin]

Very welcome

[@mattydred72]

I second that. Not to mention, the center cab and the SW 1200? Crazy stuff. What's the deal with those passenger cars? That looks like a Via sleeper.

[@phillnigro205]

Did you work for the D&H if so where you in Oneonta NY if yes did you know my grandpa Marvin McMullen his nickname was drift pin or how about Frank Harkereader or Jerry Harkereader that's my family who would have been working for the Delaware and Hudson railroad company

[@Mercatoyd]

@@phillnigro205 hi Phill.. I did not. I just lived in the tri-city area.. Colonie, NY

[@DjPorkchop73]

Most certainly! That was a pretty amazing moment for him to share with us.

[@mickenright2721]

You caught a GP38, 45-tonner, SW8, SD9 AND a Shark??. I'd call that a GOOD day!

[@williamwade3542]

I like that you found the Baldwin Shark out.I’m a retired signal maintainer that worked on the D&H railroad in the Albany .n.y. Area. The D&H had owned the Sharks at one time. I see the Shark has the D&H paint scheme. Nice find! I’m glad to see the Shark again.

[@johntitterton4840]

Bruce Sterzing, D&H president and the person responsible for bringing these locomotives, and the Alco PA-1's, to the D&H, passed away on October 9, 2021 at age 88. He was originally an attorney for N&W and found his way to NS later in his working career, having been sent to D&H when N&W controlled D&H via its Derco subsidiary, I rode these units while they were on Michigan Northern where I worked. The air throttle on these units was a completely different approach to locomotive operation. Glad to see they are in good hands.

[@Jleed989]

That entire facility is like a living railroad museum. Even the switchers are vintage

[@onrr1726]

there are more Baldwins on the property besides the 2 sharks and all of them from my understanding will be donated to varied museums across the country.

[@michaelfranciswilliams34]

WOW, I haven't seen those babies in over 45 years. I remember kicking the air starter to keep them running (they would shut down at inopportune times) I wondered when EL&S was going to bring them out of hiding.

[@butchgreenfield1238]

I think it's great that people are starting to value the history of the railroad and are restoring the engines so future generations can get to see history!!

[@steamy1225]

That was awesome to see. Thanks Jason for filming it. ELS sure has an eclectic collection of locomotives. Acouple of Geeps, the FP7 , Baldwin rf12 and the 1223 that looked like a SD9. Small switchers. Oh and the SD40-2 the GM demo. Just too cool. Thanks again.

[@IckAck03]

This is surreal. This is cooler than expected

[@sclewell777]

That is a Deleware and Hudson Baldwin Shark. Wow.

[@chrisecoff6155]

Thanks for your work, Mate!! Fabulous video. The Sharks were my late father's favorite diesels - glad to see they're still with us. My vote is a restoration to NYC lightning stripes. Cheers!!

[@robertbate5790]

Wow, what an adventure!! It will look superb when it's done up. I recognise it from photos but would not have known what it was. Showing us round their facility was great too. I didnt realise how big the ELS operation is. Much more than seeing them trundle past your property, lol. Thanks to you and your friends for sharing.

[@rycarse]

THAT is a catch of a lifetime! Did not think they still existed. Thanks for posting the video!

[@RHJ3]

UNICORN!! Man what a sight! Thank you soooo much for filming this! I think it is everyone dream to see the last 2 Baldwin Sharks fully restored and used in excursion service. Just about everyone who loves trains and history has wondered what will become of these two locomotives stashed away for soooo many years and no one allowed to see them. We are all starved to see them run again. If a fund was started I have no doubt that it would be a resounding success. I got my 50 bucks right here waiting to donate! I'm still stunned...

[@tylersebring8045]

Thank you for showing me this beautiful historic localmotive hopefully to see the other one soon and your the first railfan to record this unit move over 40 years congrats keep up the good work

[@BmdZero]

Awesome video! The shark-nose is awesome, but the SD-9 part was amazing! That SD-9 took so much cars! I never thought an SD-9 could do that.

[@ernestpassaro9663]

Sd means special duty more driving axles on the ground

[@danielbackley9301]

Remember reading I think in trains many years ago about an sw-1 pulling 84 cars out of a yard at just over stall speed.

[@jasonasselin]

Thank you! 👍

[@BmdZero]

@@ernestpassaro9663 yep

[@Kay-ki7qs]

Man those were some really cool looking old trains. I'm not really into trains, but watching your videos has given me a little more appreciation for them!

[@conrailjohn6682]

Awesome video Jason! What a sweet engine! Glad you were able to catch it!

[@armandoperez7967]

I’d love to see both RF 16’s restored, repainted, and pulling a passenger train! Sweet!

[@pinball1968]

Thank you so much for this video! I appreciate all the time this took to get on film for all to see. I know lots of folks would like to see this running. That would be great, but just to be able to see it not lost to the scrappers cutting torch is a beauty to behold. So glad you were available to take a day to capture this move! Hope she makes it to a museum some day, but if she doesn't, at least we have this memory!

[@jasonasselin]

You are so welcome!

[@frankjonathan8043]

Great video Jason. Thanks for taking the time to make it. Yes, hopefully they will both be restored to operating condition. It was also great to see the last operating ELS SD9.

[@TriGogglin]

Yes Jason, we loved this video. Thanks for the work you put in to bring us this great piece of history.

[@pauld.1256]

Thank you so much for your efforts in documenting the Shark and posting this event…

[@Yo_Its_Matty_ice]

Hell of a catch! Thanks for bringing us this little piece of history

[@TheLocomotiveEngineer]

Such an incredible catch! The rest of us are also thankful to your sources for making this video possible.

[@jasonasselin]

Thank you very much!

[@romie1967]

I had heard there were rumors of two Sharknose locomotives in Michigan. It is amazing to see some actual footage. Thanks for posting!

[@jasonasselin]

No problem!

[@johntapp7232]

They were numbered 1205 and 1216 respectively.

[@oldplace2844]

So glad you caught it. I've been wondering about this for some time and was aware it was in a private collection. Among my favorite diesel locos.

[@jasonasselin]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@alcobufff]

The other unit 1205 is suppose to be a real basket case. It suffered a major prime mover failure working for the Michigan northern just after the railway rebuilt its prime mover. The owner, who leased it and 1216 to that railroad took them back and then sent 1205 it to be rebuilt by a company called diesel eclectic services, but that company went bust as the work was being done. It was incorrectly reassembled and sent to the E&LS for storage, who then acquired it and 1216. Supposably, parts were used to get 1216 up and running.

[@spuwho]

I am quite sure both can be fixed and running. It only needs time and money. At the moment time is the only resource available.

[@danhopper8266]

Hi Jason, this video is totally rad! Thank you for capturing this

[@paulmatulavich7321]

Oh my oh my. At the 17:53 mark, you were mere inches away from the elusive mythical beast. That was the time to hop out and take video and stills - if only for a minute or two. A rare opportunity for sure, but a great job as it stands.

[@josephfine3394]

Imagine the last 2 Baldwin Sharks together as A and B units! That would be something to hope for, and to hear them running again! Thank you for all your effort to bring this video to light.

[@johntapp7232]

That’s how they operated when they were being used back in the 1970s. They pulled passenger cars part time.

[@yahdoober]

This is just amazing! Jason, you killed this!! Outstanding!!!

[@boxborolad]

From wikipedia: On January 10th, 2020, Trains Magazine reported that the two surviving units will be going to a museum for preservation.[1] RF-16 # 1216 in the summer of 1979 was briefly used by the railroad. RF-16 # 1205 is stored with mechanical issues. RF-16 # 1216 in autumn 1982 saw another reactivation. The unit's crankshaft broke after a few trips between Wells and Channing. RF-16 1216 has been stored ever since.

[@Docdug]

This is SO cool! Thanks for posting up! Cheers Doc

[@jonschuster1029]

Very cool. Glad you got there to film it, and thanks for the work you did!

[@jasonasselin]

Glad you enjoyed it! I got a tip the day before from someone inside. lol

[@d-fender4489]

Just when i thought the Baldwin RF-16's were long gone extinct, there's two of them left. Thank God they're still alive.

[@thhseeking]

I hope that they get her running again. Belgium has some Baldwin-engined locos in preservation (Class 51 & 59), and I love the sound of them :)

[@onrr1726]

both units will not be restored to operational use from what I've heard in different publications nor will both locomotives go to the same museum once donated.

[@williamralph5442]

Thanks so much for sharing this video . The ELS is packed with railroad history.

[@biscuitag97]

Love it! Great great catches! One of the best railfan videos I’ve seen in a long tim!

[@zalmaflash]

Jason - ya done good.

[@randylearmonth4047]

Thanks jason, wonderful video of historical locomotives

[@rogerhass6227]

That would be great having that back in service

[@keithholzer4231]

Didn’t think any of these were left in existence, great to see there are still 2 left!!

[@RailPreserver2K]

There the only survivers

[@velocityinstereo]

Glad you were able to document this occasion.

[@B-and-O-Operator-Fairmont]

The two E&LS Sharks also worked for the Monongahela Railroad prior to their sale to the D&H. Monongahela bought several A units and one B unit in the late 1960s at scrap metal prices and there were never more than three in service at one time. When one died, they shoved it on the dead line and fired up another to take its place.

[@PRRFanDoesTrainz]

Damn, I'd never thought I'd see the day! When I first heard the news of these units being donated I knew you were gonna be the first one out there to see it!

[@videobobdammit4818]

Never thought I'd see the day! Thanks for posting!!

[@aceadman]

Amazing video. Great work and really good historical record. Thank you for making it. . 😊👍👍

[@JFinnerud]

A few months back a guy posted a video of a PA moving under it's own power and now this!!! Awesome catch and thanks for sharing.

[@leverettrailfan5414]

Wow! What a catch- I had no clue any 'sharks' were left, assumed that they'd all been scrapped decades ago. Perhaps it's too much to hope for them both to run again, but I am very excited at the prospect of them going to a railroad museum. They really are neat looking locomotives.

[@johnb.mcgregor963]

Jason..Merry Christmas.. So glad you stuck with the SHARK..great historic beast..thank you..Toronto, Canada

[@nicholasmatiash7117]

Awesome video Jason! Thanks for your perseverance in capturing all of this footage of an extremely rare Shark nose! Hopefully we'll see it moving under it's own power some day. Nick from Grand Rapids.

[@Mr_Randoms69]

You have anonymous sources....I love it Jason!!🤘 yes hopefully they get the one back in the mix , that would be amazing!!! Thanks for taking us along on that epic journey Jason, much appreciated per usual!!💪

[@williammummert645]

Thanks , great news, please keep us updated

[@15alfonzo]

Thank you for posting, greatly appreciate you taking the time and effort to do this

[@jasonasselin]

My pleasure!

[@MikeG42]

Thank you for making these videos. Better than any of the crap on tv. I have always been fascinated with Michigan and the E&LS. They had great looking 50ft boxcars back in the good ole days.

[@Realohiorailroadproductions]

Truly an amazing video, great shots of the shark nose locomotive and an amazing mix of locomotives on the ELS I have to say. If I’m ever in the area I’ll definitely check that railroad out.

[@crsrdash-840b5]

OMG, a real Sharknose! This is amazing!

[@alwaysbearded1]

That's tenacity. You are amazing.

[@MrBnsftrain]

I'm glad these units have been kept safe for 40 years and have finally found a new home!

[@trainguy111]

Great to see that these unique survivors will be donated to a museum.

[@fluffnose3386]

I didn’t know there were any more sharks in existence. This is awesome news for me!

[@bryancooper2699]

That is amazing. I don’t even think there are any shark noses in museums. Thanks for posting this unique move. I hope they continue to drop news in your ear on what is happening with 1216

[@CR7659]

There's only these two, 1205 and 1216.

[@jeffgarrett2114]

Seeing all these steam locomotives being restored and then seeing a vintage diesel getting a turn is wonderful

[@nashguy207]

Jason thanks for the awesome chase of the Shark being moved. This was an awesome video and a very special day indeed!!

[@jasonasselin]

You bet!

[@mikedurhan9941]

Very informative. Thank you. And I had no idea Michigan was such a lovely place in which to live.

[@josephhudson4314]

That 1223 is awesome on its own--but the classic engine and cars in this video are definitely gorgeous.

[@jayutterback386]

awesome video Jason. Love the Old Locomotives. would love to see a refurbished and repainted "Shark"

[@libby5335]

WOW, Jason! That was one of the best videos you have posted! We synced it with the big TV and watched it on that. Neither of us had ever heard of a shark locomotive. What an unusual shape of the front. It has a look that it has been cannabilized but sure hope they fix it and do donate it to a museum. Maybe a railroaders restoration group would be interested. And it would be absolutely awesome if they would put the second one back in service. Please post if you hear anything about either one. Thanks for running over to Escanaba to get the video and share it with all of us. Best wishes from G & L in N. Idaho.

[@davenitsch6094]

Superb video Jason, my friend. Thank You and to your sources too, historic indeed.

[@jasonasselin]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@peteshoulders1]

brilliant thanks for taking the time to follow thi, my all time favorite loco

[@jasonasselin]

No problem 👍

[@clarkbarnes7709]

Thank you, I have only seen pictures and was unaware that any were still in existence. "AWESOME"!!!!!

[@thomasboese3793]

Yet again another absolutely wonderful video, thanks, Jason!

[@jasonasselin]

Thanks again!

[@mattydred72]

Man. What a great video. I'd heard about the move on Facebook. Jason, you captured some great stuff. I think I have to go to this place...

[@larrybaldridge1571]

Great video, Jason, Thanks so much for the video,

[@gmills5763]

Beautiful loco. Thank you so much!!!

[@markslioneltrains]

Very interesting video! Thanks for your hard work and time filming this! BIG👍🏻

[@jasonasselin]

Thanks for watching!

[@Wildfire86872]

My first HO train set I got when I was 3 had one of these painted in Rock Island colors (Tyco) so I've always had a soft spot for these.

[@roscoepcoltrane5499]

I rebuilt alot of tycos using K&S brass for the underframe and athearn drives.

[@russellholt5879]

THAT SIDE NOSE PROFILE ON ZOOM IN at 1:01 !!!!! BEAUTIFUL DESIGN!!! Thx so much for capturing and Sharing! Hope full restore can happen

[@richardtalbot2529]

Nice to see this. I do love the early diesels. Nice job getting these great shots.

[@jasonasselin]

Thank you very much!

[@x890239]

Thanks for sharing this historic event

[@icecold1950]

That was awesome Jason. Thanks for sharing it. I will be watching your snowmobile videos too. I’m hoping they restore the Shark to look brand new again.

[@jasonasselin]

I hope so!

[@johnwinter8273]

Besides the Shark, that looked like a vintage SD9 moving cars around. And ELS 400 is the 1st unit I saw painted in ELS colors with the name of the railroad spelled out on the side. I wonder why we never see it being used on road freights up your way. Several good catches. 👍👍👍

[@johnwinter8273]

@W&RCounty I wasn't sure if they did. But it's the only engine I've seen with the name spelled out. To bad they don't get it out on the road more. At least in Jason's neighborhood.

[@joecameron3512]

Awesome catch that Baldwin is beautiful

[@RailroadJourneys]

Pretty awesome Jason. Glad you got this history

[@mikeking2539]

Just stumbled across this video, after watching a UK based KZbinr's video on his model railway, really enjoyed it, hope something good come out for both the Sharks. Cool to see lots of different US locomotives.

[@tomy.1846]

This is amazing! Like a museum parade!!! 😎🤩😎🤩

[@SocialistDistancing]

Lots of interesting things going on there. I don't think I've seen a sharknose on the rails since the late 70s. But you also caught some other interesting things. The old via rail cars. The 60 tonner. The highnose. All those light towers. There must've been a lot more action in that yard at one time.

[@kimberlyatwood5154]

Thanks for sharing! Luv historic train engines !

[@NoahDoane]

I've been watching your videos for a long time, and this was a great surprise! Hope you have a good day!

[@jasonasselin]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulsmith5398]

Jason, you have made the "Catch of the Year" with the 1216, the 1205 will be next.

[@sammisworkshops3762]

getting to see all kinds of interesting locomotives! nice work

[@BradClarke]

Very cool video Jason. Man, ELS is like a rolling railway museum.

[@glynnismacpherson504]

Thankyou for your interest in all things train👍👍

[@alcopower5710]

Thanks for sharing this video. Such a historic moment

[@jasonasselin]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@edtribou6134]

Thank you Jason.... Excellent footage. ....

[@jasonasselin]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidmeek3104]

Great video Jason thank you very much

[@jhonny1392]

Fantastic Vid, my friend !. I have one of those in N Scale together with its B unit and is one of my favorites. Very nice and vey hard to find. Thanks for taking time to produce this great video !. We really appreciate it. Greetings from Santiago de Chile, South America. This is John. Cheers !.

[@jasonasselin]

Many thanks!

[@amuroray1085]

This video is a real historical piece. Thanks.

[@markbaker3639]

Amazing job Jason!