An All-American Railroading Legend | Alfred E. Perlman | History in the Dark

[@andrewbowen4544]

Waited a long time for this, The Man,The Myth,The Chainsaw. I WANT THAT STEAM ENGINE.

[@miles_da-tractor_man]

You can’t have mine

[@AutZentus]

"What's a steam engine?"

[@adamtain7627]

😒Barry I swear to u if u ask that question 1 MORE TIME……..

[@Doll.The.Solver]

Alfred E. Perlman: I WANT THAT STEAM ENGINE!!!!!!!

[@Railhog2102]

Speaking of which if I wanted to go back in time to the 50s when the NYC ended steam I would save a J-3a Hudson a non streamlined one

[@Cnw8701]

I WANT THAT STEAM ENGINE!

[@O-PAC]

6:28 What’s interesting, while you mention Rio Grande being one of the first railroads to dieselize or modernize…at the same time they were also one of the last railroads to use steam engines in regular freight service. How? They’re a company of two personalities. They operated both a standard gauge system and narrow gauge system at the same time. They modernized the standard gauge system with diesels while the narrow gauge system continued the old ways of steam. The Rio Grande used K-28, K-36, and K-37 mikados to haul regular freight on their narrow gauge system all the way until 1968-1969 on the San Juan extension. They had a 3 rail yard in Alamosa where they’d transfer freight from narrow gauge to standard gauge and vice versa and even had a diesel switcher equipped with dual couplers so that it could switch both standard and narrow gauge equipment as needed. Even after they abandoned a good chunk of the San Juan extension, the Rio Grande continued to operate their steam fleet on their now isolated Silverton branch all the way to 1981 before selling it to a businessman who turned it into the Durango and Silverton. Their history is very interesting (especially the fact that they hired gunslingers to shoot it out with the Santa Fe), but their rail lines were feats of engineering.

[@railsandracing]

Perlman (in Waternoose's voice): "I'll scrap a thousand steam engines before I let this company die!" But, in all seriousness, it seams that he was a very good businessman. And, he did end up saving at least one steam engine. We probably put too much blame on Perlman for the scrappings. As bad as the NYC was doing financially, someone else could have easily made the same decision that Perlman made. The PRR was doing just as bad, if not worst, financially. Look at how many PRR types went extinct (J1, T1, Q2, etc.), and how only 2 out of 425 K4s survived.

[@09JDCTrainMan]

No doubt then that 3001 was sold to the T&P for scrap value money since it happened in 1957. So glad the T&P came along, otherwise she would've had the same unfortunate fate as the others. And as far as I'm concerned, 3001 is the only surviving steam locomotive that pulled the 20th Century Limited. Also among the best 4-8-2s ever built. Let's not forget that Perlman also donated 4-4-0 999 for preservation, and she's also quite historically significant. Farther proof that Perlman was not a hater of steam, but wanted to save the NYC for as long as he could. If he were truly anti-steam, 3001, 2933, and 999 would've been cut up. Look at other railroads like Erie, which have no surviving steam locomotives at all.

[@railfanlynx]

didn’t the erie sell a steam engine to South Korea?

[@09JDCTrainMan]

@nocontext4463 I think they did. But I looked up it up, it was eventually scrapped.

[@marcleslac2413]

​@@railfanlynxand take a guess who served as a advisor to korea.

[@Railhog2102]

He's a morally Grey figure but I wonder if he could've gone after steam locomotives on other railroads including the CNJ or Jersey Central, Like the NYC and other roads it also struggled in the 50s but managed to save one of it's locomotives that being Camelback 592 and also there were attempts to save G class Pacific 833 but failed due to lack of funding in a time when scrap value was high in the post World War II era

[@YJRail]

Now you gotta do William Graham Claytor Jr, who I would say was THE best railroad president in the 20th century.

[@sp786fanboy9]

You know, there are a few other NYC steam engines still around as well, 0-6-0’s numbers 6721 and 6894, and of course, 999. There are also two Mohawk tenders still around, one was used as an aux tender behind Reading 2101 and is now behind 3001, and the other is paired with Western Maryland Scenic 734.

[@rwchannel8832]

Parody Alfred E. Perlman: *Chainsaw noises intensify* Real Alfred E. Perlman: Do we even need that scrap value???

[@DavidSmith-vm3cu]

Im led to believe Pearlman initiated the conversion of 4 track main to 2 track via CTC, centralized track control, as lines remain. Big overhead cost savings.

[@Railbrony]

About time he got his own episode

[@RandomTrinidadian]

The man... The Meme... The Legend....

[@tomasjones3755]

"This element would become relevant...." Love it. Had me singing, with a Schoolhouse Rock vibe

[@evangaines2303]

I've been waiting for this Darkness, my bro.

[@TheSudrianStoryteller]

On a scale between Alfred Perlman and Dr. Richard Beeching, it's only fair that both men who are just overlooked should be given a fair bit of more respect than just dehumanizing them for publicity attention or falsified statements/descriptions. At the end of the day, they both are, or were, human beings in their time. But I got to give credit for Perlman, because, unlike Beeching who struggled under pressure by the board of directors, but still managed to make ends meet when it came to finances and deciding what part of BR was seeing more revenue traffic and what wasn't, Perlman definitly knew what to do and make better decisions of maintaining, modernizing, and saving a railway at a slow yet quick pace for better efficiency in a positive way.

[@CarlSmith-p2c]

In some editions of "The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham, there is a chapter dedicated to the Penn Central bankruptcy. Graham made the case that during the 1950s and into the 1960s, the Pennsylvania Railroad was flirting with bankruptcy and the New York Central wasn't far behind financially. Graham also made the case that Penn Central was doomed to failure because of the financial distress of the PRR and NYC before the merger and the PC immediately after the merger. So it's no stretch that the NYC needed the revenue from scrapping steam engines as part of the effort to remain solvent.

[@stanleepatterson95]

Best video to date. My hats off to you

[@lucasquintanilla1673]

When you think about it Pearlman’s efforts with the New York, central in the end were completely in vain. That being said, I suppose that Conrail certainly might have potentially learned a thing or two as they were able to restore profitability to railroading in that part of the country. On another note, I think I understand why he might’ve scrapped the Hudson’s but there is a claim that his decision to scrap the Niagara’s was a stupid one, because their efficiency was good enough to rival diesels at their time and mechanically speaking, they probably would’ve been adequate for use compared to diesels at least until the 1960s. Even when accounting for that New York, central, desperately needed the scrap money I think that preserving one or two examples of each of the three big classes of New York steam wouldn’t have cut that far into the central’s revenue.

[@geebs76]

Very good video Darkness!

[@Railhog2102]

I actually wonder if this guy would've thought about other railroads saving steam like the B&O and Jersey Central because CNJ did donate Camelback 592 to the B&O museum but scrapped everything else including their G class Pacifics

[@MrCateagle]

M497 had a jet engine pod from the B-36 with two GE J47 jet engines.

[@marcleslac2413]

I WANT, THOSE, STEAM, ENGINES, BRRRRRRRRRRZZZZZZZZZTTT

[@jamiethedinosaur869]

Oh no. I was about to set up a new HO-scale layout and I realized that my star locomotive was a New York Central 2-8-2. I can already hear the chainsaw noises. “Boys, where is that last Mikado? I WANT THAT STEAM ENGINE!” …Gotta go.

[@AlwaysStayWorkin]

The up side to steam locomotives of the NYC is that even tho most are gone and 2 survived from the grace of GOD!!! They are all made of iron and metal and can be rebuilt if the funds is right and someone invests into rebuilding another Class J Hudson

[@DiamondKingStudios]

It’s only a matter of time before some Midwesterners with a warehouse form the J3 Locomotive Trust.

[@csxguy3002]

Where's my STEAM LOCONOTIVE!

[@0clectmovie781]

I… WANT… THAT… STEAM ENGINE!!!!!!!

[@trainglen22]

Oh boy, here we go! I want that Steam Locomotive to be scrapped!!!

[@rwchannel8832]

*The legend himself now has his own video……..*

[@FranTheTrainfan]

I WANT THET STEEEEEM ENGIN

[@Hikarii349]

The doom music is so fitting 😂

[@Railroadracer49]

“I WANT THAT STEAM ENGINE!!!!”

[@ChristinaLarsen-dk1pe]

First\ Last mile FREIGHT railroading helps lower peoples taxes. It alleviates road congestion and makes road\ highway repair less frequently needed. alfred E points that out (a man well ahead of his time indeed) in the video where he is riding in the passenger train that you used dubbed over clips in your video. You should do a video of Andy Mueller CEO rbm&N rr. Or better yet do a video on what class 2 railroad could become the 5th american class 1 railroad (now that kcs is gone and there is only 4 left). That would be a great debate topic indeed.

[@Dragonbear13-k2r]

Liked the information about Mr. Perlman, but truly disliked the goofy voice. That was a real disservice to a great man.

[@RailPreserver2K]

Oh no Alfred Perlman back again. Get ready boys here comes the story of the meme himself

[@TrainBoyProductions-ij5fi]

Alfred when a steam engine is in site lol 🤣

[@andrewwatkins4852]

Run Barry run

[@topgunfurry]

What a very greedy man that did not want any steam locomotives to be preserved but luckily people sneakily preserved them without him noticing

[@49commander]

1000% Better than the Crooked Management of the Milwaukee Road or the New Haven!!!

[@lordcaptainvonthrust3rd]

Nice history lesson on the birth of Satan, Sir Darkness Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year to you and your family

[@YoLo-bb2vc]

well i think while he was a good guy if anything this video seems to be breaching the realms and allowing the Evil Alfred into our realm with the hunger for stream trains!

[@amtrakproductions-mx9ib]

777 comments

[@JarradBruessel32]

It's pronounced like Brusselsprouts.

[@amtrakproductions-mx9ib]

Can’t wait for this crap

[@haroldchase4120]

Sir this man wasn’t from the Deep South . You got the wrong idea about how he should sound

[@JackCarsonsRailroadVideos]

Oh boy here we go

[@Railhog2102]

Yeah unfortunately

[@thejdmguru621]

Oh boy indeed

[@avatarinum]

It's nothing personal.. I WANT THAT STEEEAM ENGINE!!!

[@genesisrailfan1507]

At least he wasn't on the level of beeching or hunter Harrison of killing locos

[@kristoffermangila]

Indeed.

[@bdub215]

I WANT THAT STEAM ENGINE!

[@Railhog2102]

I could only imagine him going to the B&O Railroad Museum, Steamtown or the Railroad Museum Of PA with his trainsaw, God forbid

[@DiamondKingStudios]

PRR execs in the 1950s: “Look at this knucklehead! He’s actually going to take the train for his business trips! Fly like a real gentleman!” Perlman: “Look here I put railroad wheels on this Imperial luxury car”

[@dannyjones3840]

So glad to finally see Al getting his very own episode!!!

[@SPRailfan4449]

I’m so happy that you made your funniest character of your Channel into a video about his actual past and history.

[@mikehawk2003]

His role in saving the Western Pacific Railroad from total disaster is very underappreciated. He turned a small single mainline bridge-traffic railroad into a serious competitor to the dominating Southern Pacific all while having a significantly longer route than SP. His actions prevented a planned hostile takeover of the line by SP which would've led to a monopoly of traffic along the I-5 Corridor and Overland Route. He gave the WP another 10 years of life, though it was struggling again by 1979 after Perlman's tenure was over and would've fallen under harder times had it lasted past 1983.

[@shimesu443]

Perlman: Starts at the D&RGW Hyce and co: Hastily stuffing Peaches and her sisters into a closet.

[@Alcofoamer]

Not saving a Hudson was his only mistake and it ruined his reputation. I understand why he did it, but there were 272 Hudsons still on the roster (one had been wrecked in the 30's and two were sold to the TH&B in the 40's). If he saved one, that's still 271 available to scrap.

[@moosecat]

Thank you for doing this video. While the lampooning of Alfred Perlman is funny, I'm glad that you took an entire video to show that he was a very good man, and did what he could to save the Central.

[@InkopolisCountyRailfanAC2023]

I WANT THAT STEAM ENGINE -Alfred Edward Perlman - January 1958

[@roydrink]

If someone would have paid the scrap value + $1, I’m sure that the locomotives would have been preserved.

[@e-train765]

I WANT THAT STEAM ENGINE!!!! *Angry chainsaw noises*

[@supergenesisstation1991]

"Boss, please just spare one steam engine!" "What's a steam engine?" "SHUT UP, BARRY!

[@jamiethedinosaur869]

@@supergenesisstation1991MY CHAINSAW IS HUNGRY!

[@sp786fanboy9]

I still think you should do a full blown documentary about Chicago and North Western 1385, and after that, if you really enjoy doing businessman documentaries, Edward Burkhardt. I believe there are articles that explain there’s more to Burkhardt than just a certain rail disaster in Canada.

[@SouRwy4501Productions]

I understand Mr. Perlman’s scrapping of the steam engines. He was only doing what he knew was the best course of action. He saved the Central a ton of money and kept them alive. He did, after all was said and done, saved engines 2933, 3001, 999, and many other of his steam engines for preservation. In that regard, he did some good for the preservation industry. He saved many railroads from certain demise, saving the New York Central and Western Pacific railroads most notably from bankruptcy and brought their profits into the positive. He was a great leader for the railroads, and he did exactly what needed to be done to keep them afloat.

[@clevelandmaker386]

I still don't get it....the scrapping the steam engines....

[@SouRwy4501Productions]

@@clevelandmaker386the Central was struggling financially, and the steam engines were only adding to that situation. Steam locomotives are very costly to run and maintain; diesels aren’t as costly. The steam engines had to go, and scrap value was high. Scrapping them was the only option to save the Central. Think about it. Which is more important; a money hemorrhaging steam engine, or an entire railroad company?

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

@@SouRwy4501Productionswell the railroad is gone an so are most of the steam locomotives so.. sounds kinda like it was for nothing anyway

[@AutismTakesOn]

@@overpoweredsteamproduction513 That wasn't really Perlman's fault, though. Had the New York Central not merged with the PRR, it's possible that it'd still be around. Sure, Perlman didn't save the NYC, but he made great progress in lifting the company out of its troubles... Until the ex-Pennsy Employees ruined everything and, not only reversed all of Perlman's efforts, but caused the largest bankruptcy of the time, a deficit of $325.8 million, in just 3 years.

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

@@AutismTakesOnwe’re fucked aren’t we

[@berniemarkley]

What would have happened to PC if Perlman would have been given full control? Would it still be in existence today? One has to wonder!

[@lucasquintanilla1673]

If I had to guess, I think it would’ve been too much even for him, although he might of delayed the collapse of Penn Central by a few years. Definitely I think he would’ve welcomed the formation of Amtrak as being able to allow Penn Central to get rid of a massive loss of money for passenger services though. Even if he could have saved Penn Central, I think that it would’ve depended on the Penn Central not being forced to acquire the New Haven, which was already basically a dead duck by that time, and a lot of other things having to go right before the merger even happened. Not to mention that the Pennsylvania railroad and New York Central we’re just not the right railroads to merge with each other because of a bunch of redundant track along the same routes. Best case scenario for Penn Central is that they would have let go of their passenger services not being forced to acquire the New Haven, and had to tear up a lot of their old track in order to have a semblance of survival. Even then the collapse of the other railroads in the region, such as the Reading New Haven, central of New Jersey, and Boston and Maine was only a matter of time and would have necessitated the formation of Conrail anyway even if it didn’t cause the collapse of Penn Central. In my opinion, after 1960, Conrail and possibly Amtrak were already inevitable, if the US railroad system wasn’t going to deteriorate into complete collapse, at least in the eastern United States

[@ChristopherORourke-s7g]

Alfred E. Perelman would have cleaned house had he would have been the man in charge of the Penn Central. Stuart Saunders destroyed the Pennsylvania railroad along with his clique would have been fired-he was the Eddie Lambert of railroading. Alfred E.Perelman wouks have sold off various railroads such as the Lehigh Valley to the Canadian National railroad, the West Shore line to the Delaware & Hudson, the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie to the Baltimore & Ohio.

[@DrRacer78]

LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

[@Railhog2102]

Everyone should hide their steam locomotives

[@schudder1623]

You know what that means, darkness, you gotta Perform the best perlman ever

[@Sevenfeet0]

Great video Darkness. I’m sure that Perlman’s family would be appreciative of the compliments to his business acumen and work ethic but undoubtedly would be a bit confused by the running joke of Perlman voiced as a homicidal “Uncle Pennybags” from the Monopoly board game. As someone else said on this comment section, “The Man, The Myth, The Chainsaw”. And he always wants that steam engine. Always funny.

[@genesisrailfan1507]

Alfred Perlman: *Thanos snap* Steamers ahhs Also Perlman: Good thoughts, strategies and component workings

[@joshmeister4449]

I WANT THAT STEAM ENGINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Mandem_Nj]

Why hello as you maybe well aware I am ALFRED E PEARLMAN, NOW where are those STEAM ENGINES because, I WANT THAT STEAM ENGINE!!!

[@buecomet831]

I WANT THAT STEAM ENGI- Alfred......just stop.

[@lukechristmas3951]

In some sort of Upside Down alternate universe, Alfred E. Neuman was president of the NYC and Alfred E. Perlman was the face of MAD magazine. 🤣But I sure did enjoy this biography video about the career of Alfred E. Perlman and I agree with you, even though it is fun to parody him to be a chainsaw-welding madman hunting down any steam engine larger than a Consolidation, he truly was a very respectable man who had to make the tough leadership decisions for the company.

[@southern207hobbies]

Quick hide all steam locomotives!!!

[@andrewboyd8073]

Cant help but wonder what difference it would have made if the NYC's financial state was better. Perhaps Perlman would've been more open to selling locomotives for preservation.

[@moosecat]

He probably would have. He had no problem donating the last Mohawk the Central had.

[@rayvaul3539]

@@moosecat Perlman: “Why did I do that?! Where is that last Mohawk? I must HAVE IT! Chainsaw’s hungray!!” *chainsaw sound* Oh yeah, but I also wonder if he could have at least saved one Hudson, one Niagara, one Mikado, and one Pacific. But who knows, maybe that wouldn’t be possible.

[@theadude2136]

Hilarious parodies aside (XD), this video does make me think highly of Perlman and what he did. I have a lot of respect for him. But of course, we’ll never forget his famous quote: I WANT THAT STEAM ENGINE!! 🤣😆

[@whitetailfox1]

Sharpen your chain saw chain boys

[@muhammadfadhiil5992]

*WHERE IS THAT S T E A M ENGINE*

[@GoofyVirginian630]

It'd be nice if you do a video on Southern 4501, it's a pretty cool locomotive with a complex history

[@MaddoxsTrains]

I second this

[@amedford57]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnXWnqqbqcekrqssi=QJqzoW9_mgc5t_BN

[@bowlinerailfan]

Indeed. A good choice to make a video on. I got to ride her in june, in the cab! One of the best times of my life.

[@bowlinerailfan]

Is this an early april fool's joke? History in the Dark doing a special on Alfred E. Perlman and calling him a genius? If this can truly happen, I better get down to Florida and look for a mermaid, or catch bigfoot with some bait of beef jerky. (Yes, that's a reference to the Jack Links commercials.) Perhaps Perlman's ghost came back and is using the chainsaw to convince History in the Dark to make a good video about him. In all fairness, from what I've heard of him, he was actually a good leader for railroads. His downside of scraping steam locomotives was because he was trying to keep New York Central financially sound, instead of preferring Diesels over better performing steam locos. (Looking at Stuart Saunders. His legacy would have been better if he'd let N&W steam last longer and had more of them preserved.)

[@s.p.d.magentaranger1822]

Ah yes, Fired Up, the best music ro describe this wonderful mess of a human being. I WANT. THAT. STEAM ENGINE!

[@sammy6289.]

I WANT THAT STEAM ENGINE🗣️🗣️🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯

[@AutZentus]

*chain saw noises*

[@SouRwy4501Productions]

This may seem hilarious, but I named one of my engines after him. You’ll never guess what kind of steam engine it was. It was a J3a Hudson

[@marcleslac2413]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I WANT, THAT, STEAM ENGINE!

[@Steamtheamaricanengine]

Lol you better hope he doesn't find your comment here

[@dannyjones3840]

😂😂😂😂​@@Steamtheamaricanengine

[@SouRwy4501Productions]

In my model railway’s universe, it would’ve been Perlman that authorized the sale and signed the confirmation of purchase.

[@shimesu443]

Perlman: I did it AGAIN?!

[@robertwilloughby8050]

Oh, you just have to do Saunders next! (And maybe the signaling and telegraphic geniuses, the Szlumpers, Father and Son? So loved that when a scurrilous muck-raking magazine accused them of spying for the Germans in the First World War, the rank and file of the London and South Western Railway threatened to "overturn" the offices and printing works..... you can guess what "overturn" was a euphemism for!)

[@0fficialdregs]

"I want that steam engine!"

[@jade-a7990]

what if perlman saw nowday railroading... he will be furious about it

[@gonzoengineering4894]

I don't think Perlman could have saved the Penn Central. He was a genuis not a miracle worker. PC's biggest issues were either things that had to happen for the merger to go through, or tied up in regulations 50 years out of date -things he could do nothing about no matter how well the company was willing to listen. The best timeline is the one NYC listens to him about the merger in the first place. But in the second best timeline, under his leadership PC holds out until the more public service and spending freindly Carter years which could give us a better AMTRAK network more in line with the original proposal Nixon gutted and possibly even a Conrail built to last. One can dream anyway. One can dream...

[@mikeburkett4014]

What's a steam engine?

[@AutZentus]

Barry I swear to god!

[@backonpro5679]

I think it goes in your car and makes it go

[@DCSk8er529]

I personally think if whoever owned the scrapyards tried to actually sell the locomotives first, and see if it worked, at least 1 Hudson might have been saved. That's just me. The Hudsons were their most successful locomotives.

[@kensbackshop6399]

#3001 nyc mohawk is at the nyc history museum in elkhart ind today

[@dustin_4501]

Can't be deny that he was a intelligent guy, but talking about Perlman wasn't there a story of someone offering a lot of money for one of the Hudsons but he turn down.

[@backonpro5679]

Where did you hear that story? If someone offered at least scrap price I’m more than certain he would’ve sold it

[@thomastankengine2638]

Never thought that this would happen, the man, the myth, the destroyer of steam engines.

[@CoalChrome]

You forgot to mention that he tried to give someone a J3a but nobody wanted it

[@Railhog2102]

It was the Smithsonian that made the request but however the Southern Railroad was next to the museum and was basically the easiest way for them to obtain a steam locomotive that being Pacific 1401, As a result non of the Hudsons survived although if the choice was made to send one down there we would've still had the iconic locomotive as a static display instead of that 4-6-2

[@onetrackmind6919]

It was nothing personal it was just business.

[@harrisonallen651]

*I W A N T T H A T S T E A M E N G I N E*

[@RailPreserver2K]

Do you think you could do something on Southern railway's president DW Brosnan

[@Steamtheamaricanengine]

Whooooooohooooo alfred getting a spotlight episode and hes gonna go insane

[@ClearTrackSpeed]

This video really gave me a respect for Mr. Coleman. I never realized his other work outside of New York Central and I’m rather impressed of what he did. I think it’s incredible that even after his tenure with NYC that he was almost immediately hired by Western Pacific. Great video

[@Steamer96]

What would a conversation between Alfred Perlman and Richard Jensen be like?

[@Railhog2102]

*Ross Rowland has entered the chat*

[@ValleyThrills]

Apart from the stain of killing off all the Hudsons & Niagaras, this guy was fairly admirable. Better than Beeching.

[@AnimalsVehiclesAndMore]

Can you please talk about NP (Northern Pacific) in a future video? I would love to see a video made by you about it.

[@thatonecaledonian812]

Why can’t Pearlman be known for wanting the jet train instead!

[@MachRacer4]

If he was from Saint Paul, MN, why do you portray him as having a Southern accent?

[@zyancuerdo1615]

You know as much i hated the fact he genocide almost all the nyc steam fleet this man did wonders for the railroad he had control saving nyc and western pacific from financial bankruptcy

[@ArxCyberwolfPC]

I still don't know what a steam engine is!

[@lewiehanson3257]

Staples mn was offered a steam locomotive but turned it down and got a caboose instead

[@Railroadracer49]

10:24 oh no😂