Changing a Traction Motor on an AC6000

On the evening of October 10, 2013, southbound CSX stack train Q156 experienced traction motor issues involving its second locomotive, CSX AC6000 5006 after departing from the siding at CP 43 in Fort Montgomery, NY on the River Sub. After the conductor contacted the mechanical department, it was discovered that the fifth traction motor was not working properly and would needed to be cut out. The following morning, we returned to CP 43 to find 5006 paired with an AC44 sitting on the siding. RJ Corman derailment services showed up shortly after our arrival to change out the traction motor; a true sight to behold.
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[@donmoore7785]

I'm glad you posted this "how to" video. I need to do this job on my AC6000... I think I have everything I need, I just need to find the safety vests. It looked to me like they put an axle in where a motor and axle used to be.

[@progressforward]

That's what they do when not in a shop to fix it properly.

[@Doubledsccreepingtom]

Xz

[@maximumhardcore4362]

My local autozone is out of traction motors but has plenty of traction axles

[@DavidGurrney7589]

@@maximumhardcore4362 My local auto one are a bunch of clowns😷😷😷😷

[@maximumhardcore4362]

@@DavidGurrney7589 same haha

[@ernestimken6969]

They did not change out a traction motor. They replaced it with a dummy axle.

[@bradbeasley7669]

yeah wtf

[@obviousness8113]

That's what I was thinking! I don't know anything about trains but the part that went in didn't look like that part that came out 😂

[@deksea]

you beat me to it, Ernest

[@lindabahlmann9442]

Impressive!

[@ernestimken6969]

@ETOPSOf course, the most efficient option was to install a non-working axle until the locomotive could be taken to the shop. My remark was about the non- truth that said they changed a traction motor.

[@jonvig4771]

I am a construction equipment mechanic, mad respect for these guys, and how well organized and proficient they are!

[@MrKeserian]

The thing that impressed me the most was how you could tell that everyone knew exactly where *not* to be during each phase of the operation. Like, you can see in the video how people are taking really wide routes around when they're walking to avoid crush zones

[@wangshu3117]

That was AWESOME! A very dangerous operation considering the weights involved! Did anyone notice the LARGE dozer was bobbing from the weight of that electric motor when it was lifted off the tracks? Thank you for sharing this video of the electric motor removal from the CSX AC6000 5006. I love these big toys! :)

[@katawa5268]

That motor and axle is roughly 10,000 lbs (more or less depending on model). I've hauled several over my career.

[@aleksankazakov]

A lot of copper in that motor, must be expensive and its not a "large dozer" lol its a regular bucket dozer you see on most construction sites in America, good scooper. An average dozer is a D9 D8 close to 50 tons and its also common, a large Dozer is 100+ tons , this is a consumer grade scooper haha , pretty common to find Here you have pipe line equipment used to lift and a scooper all of those are cheap and easy to find with exception of the equipment installed on the pipeline dozers, those cables and motors are expansive.

[@katawa5268]

@@aleksankazakov D-8s are only about 20 ton (40,000 lbs) while the D9s average 50 ton (100,000 lbs) depending on attachments. But yeah, the dozers in this clip were not too terribly large when measured against the weight of that power unit. Kinda reminds of a pair of pickup trucks attempting to pull a loaded 'pup' trailer loaded with lumber.

[@aleksankazakov]

@@katawa5268 The whole operation is relatively cheap, the reason I comment on it because some make a big deal about it, they use outdated equipment, basically whatever they had laying around. These pipe dozers are out of 70s so no need to say how a bucket loader is overwhelmed by a 5 ton motor assembly.

[@katawa5268]

@@aleksankazakov The other overlooked tidbit was the reach of the sling while lifting. That same weight lifted within a foot of the body would not have caused so much sway as this. Or, had there been a tail mounted counter weight the whole lift would have been more stable as well.

[@WizenedVariations1]

The gentlemen from RJ Corman are true professionals. This type of coordinated work solving real time problems is gained only through experience and a willingness to learn. This cannot be taught in school. On the job training learning to work with smart people that KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING makes true professionals.

[@KutWrite]

I worked for CSX and saw them fix a yard derailment lickety split. From the time of derailment 'til they got there was less than an hour. It was an amazing ballet to watch them at work.

[@thomasdupee1440]

Back in the olden days, we used to rerail minor mishaps in the yard with our own people and equipment. But after they cut the forces to the bone, contractors became the way. The contractors are good at it now.

[@TheNemosdaddy]

They also take work away from railroaders

[@kkoch666]

fucking contractors

[@felixbaxter352]

@@TheNemosdaddy A job is a job. I'm sure Corman pays pretty well.

[@Alejandro-vb2fx]

I’ve been a union operator for 5 years now and pipelining for 8 years and have been running a side boom or trachoe on very job since I started operating and I had no idea they used side booms for railroad maintenance. Mind blown

[@thetexorcist2235]

Those guys are crazy good with it too man.

[@hawkeye-vv4kb]

I just love the finger language between the crane operator and the engineer at the scene.

[@johnmoore8016]

+hawkeye0248we had hand and finger signals between the crews that worked in the engine room on ship in the ship yard because of the noise.

[@salvatoreshiggerino6810]

+hawkeye0248 You can tell a lot about their professionalism from the way they communicate. I saw one re-railing video where the men were yelling and whistling at each other over a lot of engine noise, absolutely disgusting.

[@johnmoore8016]

+Salvatore Shiggerino Thanks for the info

[@stansenter2660]

Gang signs..... LOL!!!

[@buddhimanivantha6719]

me too

[@ExBruinsFan]

If any video deserved "it's Miller time!", this one does. Great job, guys.

[@donniegray553]

beer o' clock

[@johnfosteriii5792]

Most definitely more involved than an engine swap on a car. A very instructional video of exactly what is involved in maintaining these monsters. Thank You for posting and Thank You as well to the workers allowing you to record this

[@wesw9586]

How to repair an AC6000: Step 1. Buy an EMD Step 2. Win Mad respect to the RJ Corman guys always though. They get sh!t done!

[@feelnrite]

There are still some folks in this world that know how to work and are willing to do so.

[@AZdirtdog]

Looks to me.... and I'm no train expert..... but they removed a complete motor and wheel assembly and installed a roller to get it back to the yard for a full repair. It has 5 traction motors

[@19rick44]

Azdrtdog Guru of go. You are right, there is a much serious more problem.

[@Atomsk102]

It must have been serious for them to leave this unit blocking a major single track line all night.

[@richardcox8409]

Having worked for GM at the Locomotive plant in London when it was open I can comfortably say you are spot on with your call.

[@schwags1969]

I agree, they did not put a drive assembly back in, only an idler.

[@MarkInLA]

Ditto...

[@Dirtbug473]

Been in excavating business for years...small 2 man show...but I forget sometimes how amazing "Man And Machine" is. I am impressed that someone built these big machines...someone has to repair them...good video...reminds me to be proud of America's Great Achievements along with other Great countries...but I love America First. Great Men and Woman built great wonders over the last 100 years or so. To me...the Steam Locomotive is still an impressive machine for the time. A few years ago I was on a small excavation job at our airport...a 1950's DC7 Fire Retardant planes were in the hanger. I asked if I could look at the cockpit. I was amazed at this "Dump Truck Of The Sky". I marveled...again at mans ingenuity.

[@robroiboi]

It would be interesting to know the repair cost that R. J. Corman charges

[@lexturner2365]

Oh about a buck, three eighty-nine.

[@marionvanpeer5579]

Shane vanWinkle

[@kandiwilke2445]

Marion Van Peer reviewed

[@jrirwin50]

Very well said.

[@Humblearrogance_TX]

Damnit now I’m gonna be on KZbin for hours looking at videos about locomotives and all the parts involved!!

[@fredzephire4071]

lol.. it gets you in man.

[@easternfrontnh]

No joke

[@AVG336]

Didnt plan on doing that did you? You're not the only one lol

[@progressforward]

@@AVG336 I didn't plan on working there for 20 years, lol.

[@hootinouts]

Now comes Miller time. Pretty awesome operation. The rear of that dozer was getting kind of light after it picked up that motor.

[@dozerblade]

I used to operate one of those, they can pick up about 6 tons, so that must be about what that axle was.

[@dae8053]

Plus he was reversing towards the rails, that made the dozer tip a little.

[@trainsautisticmarriedsingl6614]

The GP9 that's parked at Horseshoe Curve actually has all unpowered axels like that one they replaced the bad traction motor with- incase anyone was ever wondering.

[@fokkerd3red618]

How many traction motors are there? And why did they reinstall with dummy wheels on this locomotive? Those traction motor wheels must draw one helluva lot of amps when there working, don't they?

[@brianhickey5949]

It is amazing to watch. When you consider how heavy everything is - wow! Doing this "in the field" is very cool!

[@hawghead4596]

The real artist of this master piece is the person in the cab of the locomotive that can use the throttle to harness and control the power those traction motors put out. I know, I am an retired artist.

[@muphfab]

That was so satisfying. I wish I’d chosen a career that allowed me to work with others to complete a task of this size. I, instead, restore vintage cars. I could totally start a new career doing this and I’d sleep so well at night.

[@olli3j]

I just applied. Coming from the service tech Dept. Seeing how things go. Car restoration would be my go to, got an 82 four eyed fox body(mustang) I'm trying to restore. Imo, just try applying. 🤘

[@RickSaffery]

That's the first time I saw a defective traction motor get pulled from an engine in the field. Thanks for sharing this clip!

[@NeilLB7]

Hats off to those that do this hard and dangerous work. Thank you for keeping the goods moving in the USA.

[@johnrobertson8907]

I really enjoy RJ Corman's crews in action

[@SteyrM1912]

Title is off, still a good vid. That traction motor is clearly seized, easier to slip an idler axle in and replace when you have access to shop facilities.

[@label1877]

My grandfather said on earlier engines the traction motor could be partially lifted so it could limp to the shop. Newer ones cannot.

[@lovelyplanet6791]

Dear its not possible to lift traction motor up

[@valeniusthekat]

DUDE!!!! I friggin need those loco' lifts for my '84 Caprice Classic! 👍👍

[@karlmadsen3179]

This was JUST the video I needed to get that stranded locomotive out of my front yard and off my porch. Finally. Headed to the hardware store.....

[@RailroadScannerMan15]

for those who never knew, RJ CORMAN was a genius. Kentucky native. started his passion in the back of his truck. I don't remember 20010-2012??? corman was ate up so bad with brain cancer, it killed him. his company is handled well thanks to knowledgeable employees, investors and everyone who plays apart to make it run. big company to be from a pickup😃😉

[@thomasbeck9075]

They certainly know how to handle their business

[@sparky1331]

Walmart!

[@randallcarney1216]

He had lymphoma, he lived a long time after diagnosis, undergoing years of treatment for it.

[@IrishEddie317]

You want to know how heavy that motor is? Watch the rear end of that D9 as it is lifting the assembly! I used to work with a company where I called on a railroad mechanical shop and I would see these things being torn apart all the time. Very cool The head mechanic got me in "close and personal" with the engines. It was way cool!

[@danceswithbears2521]

I'm jealous.

[@BellaGhostCaseyHill]

Da

[@eifeldude1]

+jim smith 12,500 pounds is really not that heavy in the big picture of things.

[@Engineer9736]

+eifeldude1 Of course there are things on the globe that weigh a 100 tonnes. Doesn't mean that 12500 pounds isn't heavy. Such a weight needs very heavy lifting equipment, and people need to be very careful. 12500 pounds won't stop for a microsecond for a bit of flesh and bone.

[@ChiefCabioch]

DC traction motors are 12,500, the AC traction motors are 15,000

[@darioinfini]

That was literally awesome. Props to those bros.

[@javaman2883]

For all those saying why replace with an idler rather than just sticking a new motor in it. The have idlers, which fit multiple locomotives stored and ready to go in various places, to allow for quick changes. The motors are expensive, and fitment is more specific, therefore they don't just leave a bunch laying all over the place in case they need them. The motors sit in the repair depot.

[@mayhemmike1789]

they didn't change any traction motor! they swapped it out for a dummy axle to put it on a shop move!

[@allcot6219]

Guessing, took it to be rebuilt and just stuck the temporary in .The description is not correct.

[@zoraidaramoz2218]

Michael Gillette I

[@GIGABACHI]

Michael Gillette Ok, so my eyes were not deceiving me. Misleading title it's misleading. 😳

[@llloyd4]

JIGA BACHI Yeah. :(

[@hemi5365]

The phrase "change out a traction motor," does not mean to remove and replace with same. Meaning another traction motor. Change is exactly what they did! They removed the traction motor, most likely because it locked up, and replaced with a wheel set sufficient to allow the locomotive to be moved to a shop facility. I know what I am talking about. I am an AAR writeup inspector for Union Pacific, I have 38 years of service.

[@broshadow]

Coolest thing I've seen this week! Tough looking job handled skillfully. Interesting .

[@fungustmaster]

about 100 tons of pure muscle being lifted, amazing, i see when that thing crashes a car(bus/truck, whatever, ir doesn't even drop speed in the crash, it's great banter

[@BenjaminEsposti]

Yup! This loco weighs around 430,000 pounds. Lifting one end gives you roughly half, which is a good estimate because they try to balance the weight on each of the two bogies when they design locomotives.

[@ratman5727]

@@BenjaminEsposti It is pretty amazing how they make it look like they are changing a tire on the side of the freeway! LOL. Now imagine that a grossed-out 747 weighs close to 875,000 pounds, -and it flies! It is simply amazing what we can do, -isn't it?

[@brice3011]

@@ratman5727 Except when it involves a 737-MAX.

[@MrKfq269]

Im an outsider. I love all of the train talk.

[@davebennett4364]

Very cool vid. The traction motor was huge. I love this kind of stuff.

[@JawTooth]

Cool video. First time I have seen that done.

[@bradbeasley7669]

sup jaw tooth

[@eddiewillers8379]

They replace the traction motor with a dummy axle however the train should still be able to be powered by the other traction Motors. Excellent job by these guys they are so efficient and organized and intelligent and it is very dangerous work I'm sure they are being paid correctly

[@williamschlumpf1025]

Yes just so they could get it into the shop for a swap with a new motor .

[@GilmerJohn]

Good catch. The title was misleading.

[@therealroguexd2168]

My better half is an assistant superintendent for Rj Corman and oversees a crew that does this. They took the loco out of service, pulled the traction motor and slid in wheels so the locomotive could be towed to the shop for further service inspection and put back into operation.

[@Iamgay2024]

RJ Corman is a good place to work, I guess it still is, Mr. Corman passed away I think in 14

[@chriskleckner1659]

This is a very impressive operation being performed out in the field.

[@darrenalmeida1382]

100% skilled crew.

[@threynolds2]

I can't believe all the comments complaining that they didn't a traction motor going back under the engine. I wanted to see the set-up and break-down of the RJ Corman equipment. I know those Cats could not have been hauled on the highway with those crane booms still attached.

[@bradleymcwilliams6348]

Mr. Reynolds, I agree it would be interesting to see. I worked for Hulcher, a few years, err, I mean a few decades ago. At that time you would remove the counterweights, counterweight rack, boom, and all the slings, chains, and hardware for transport. I seem to recall it would take around 30 minutes to rig up two tractors. Each tractor has a lowboy to haul it, plus another tractor/trailer for all the extras. As I recall the counterweights are like 15-20,000 pounds.

[@Onthegasandhaulinass]

I work for winters Rigging and Bradley is correct....we do the same work in derailment....25-30 min to set up and tear down two low boys,flat deck and crane truck and box truck to haul all the chains and books.

[@chrismellios1287]

I can't believe you can eat off the undercarriage of those rigs

[@speedbuggy16v]

I wish these guys worked on our roads, things that take the road crews months to accomplish they would do in a few days max.

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

They pick up those locos as easily as you can pick up an HO replica. That's impressive power as I see it.

[@jeffmedina43]

Very well trained professionals

[@schrap72]

Very interesting. I've seen the video once before and it's just so fascinating to watch it all over again. Good video and very informative.

[@DeanLorman]

Ohhh I do love big stuff.The worst part of retirement is being away from it all !

[@DeanLorman]

Well,,kind words.I was a master fabricator/machinist in logging. My favorite beast was the 124 Madill cable yarder .Big beast,high maintenance and depending on operators(engineers) many parts to be made. There is a down side to retirement .

[@buddyclem7328]

@@DeanLorman That's the truth!

[@TomokosEnterprize]

@@buddyclem7328 Without a different direction I don't think I would survive retirement !

[@markmayfield2228]

I totally agree. I was an equipment operator in the Seabees until my retirement. I miss playing with my toys. But I still get to be around them from time to time hauling a cement tanker in my civilian job. Still not the same thing, though.

[@99kevin99]

Wow! What an incredible TEAM job! Thanks so much for filming...this is what being human is all about. Working together for the common good (and a little bit of green $$). Ha! KP

[@63256325N]

A pit crew for trains. Good job Corman. Thanks for the video.

[@AVG336]

They could've done this with 4 duralast floor Jacks, jack stands and blocks of wood on each side but I guess they like spending money.🤷‍♂️

[@khancrow8212]

yea spending money to keep people alive and from getting injured dumb ass....next time use common sense before you comment like fr....

[@owenh5769]

@@khancrow8212 lmao dude the comment is sarcastic

[@aleksankazakov]

HOW are you going to do it when the train is not straight? You would lift it and then what? LOL its like saying a car lift in the car shop isnt needed because they could have done it with 2 jack stands just as you would on your own driveway. This is rail they have to have industrial equipment and a bunch of guys they have to pay 10 times of world salary doing exactly same thing but dummer than lets say what they do in China or Europe or South America, On this I agree with you. Yeh they like to spend money, its all ensured by the big corp. $ dollar and backed by the FED but the fact is to hire John is expensive in the U.S. so as the rest because John rather not work and get paid by his own gov getting fair law pay, watching this on KZbin from home drinking bud light.

[@AVG336]

@@khancrow8212 Picking up sarcasm requires a certain level of IQ that you haven't reached yet.But it's cool 😂

[@MrGtsmoker]

as long as they don't use harbor freight jack stands

[@mikethesax]

That is incredible. I had no idea this was even possible.

[@MegaJohnhammond]

Very informative video. I feel as though I could do it myself next time

[@bowler1106]

MegaJohnhammond I'm going to go run out to the first train I find with my 6 ton bottle cap Jack and do this myself

[@Steve-bo6ht]

Fascinating and dangerous work, you can see the caterpillars back end bounce of the floor when it picks up the traction motor from the rails.

[@kkoch666]

the floor??

[@jessefoulk]

Very good DIY How-to video.

[@Poop-nu1so]

change traction motors in a snap!

[@keithm5224]

I used this trick yesterday on my Dash 8

[@mukhtarcompany5734]

Lol

[@RobbieHatley]

I'd rather fly in a Dash 8 than in a Max 8. :-/

[@waynerainey2606]

wow, been a long time since I've seen a Side booms working. probably because I've been retired for a long time . I used to work for Hulcher Services... RJC's competitor :) I kinda miss it but I don't miss waking up at 2am for some kind of fast response emergency That turns a 9 hour day into a 15 hour day :( you youngsters can have it, great video, stay safe.

[@jamesroberts2115]

These boys are handling some serious iron.

[@fomoco1454]

Man, you know CSX pays a huge price to have Corman to come out and do this.

[@AVG336]

True, but its just a drop in the bucket for them

[@1Ocqueoc]

that wasn't as much as changing a motor as it was installing a spare tire

[@Mishn0]

I'm no train expert, but I'm guessing they pulled a bad motorized axle and replaced it with a free spinning axle so the bad motor would cause drag and more damage to the motor. This was a quick fix, a new motorized axle would be installed later. As it is, the train can continue on with partial power.

[@MrTruth111]

Anyway, the title is not correct.

[@robertfourkiller7412]

Randy She h

[@robertfourkiller7412]

Mishn0 ff

[@norms3913]

Yea it was balanced and rotated

[@dominicracca6955]

So this was mainly a patch job to get the engine to roll with out damaging the rails or the trucks. The wheel set that they rolled under didnt have a traction motor on it. Loved how the dozer that picked up the dead traction motor/wheel set was very nose heavy and looked like it was about to tip up. Very heavy critter there!

[@GG1man]

I noticed the same thing. I've read all the posts here but no-one seems to have the end answer. Interesting video though. I hadn't realized that there were contractors out there that do this sort of work. I had assumed the railroads had their own crews.

[@brianlundsr1489]

It looks like they removed the motor and replaced it with an idler set. Maybe to limp back to the shop for proper replacement??

[@thomasbeck9075]

R J Corman has some top notch employees they better treat them guys good

[@SaturnStarOfDavid]

The train was towed away at the end which tells me a free axle set was installed only. No motor.

[@RobbieHatley]

suffolk6311 : Re "...a free axle set was installed only. No motor.": Yes. If the motor of a pickup seizes-up on the side of a highway, would one install a new motor on the spot? No; one needs proper facilities, equipment, and tools for that; so instead, one would tow the pickup to a repair shop and replace the motor _there_ . Which is what these trainmen decided to do with this locomotive: they elected to replace the bad motor with an axle only in the field, then tow it to a repair shop where it's safer and easier to replace the motor.

[@capnskiddies]

It could even be working with five motors.

[@falrus]

@@RobbieHatley why did not they tow it away with not extra repair?

[@RobbieHatley]

@@falrus : What's happening in this video is, the railroad folks removed a bad traction motor from a locomotive, replaced it with an axle only (no motor), then towed it to a repair facility which has all of the tools and supplies they need to do a proper repair. The same would be done if the motor in your car froze up: AAA would tow it to a repair shop. They wouldn't try to repair or replace the bad motor on the side of the road, for multiple reasons: too dangerous, too difficult, and the proper tools and supplies and environment are not present.

[@falrus]

@@RobbieHatley if motor in my car froze up, I would not even take wrench. I would tow it straight to the shop.

[@williamschlenger1518]

I worked like this on gas pipelines & you definitely wanted to keep your hands clear.

[@j.b.productions8479]

Rj corman I work for them let me just say we're always here to help 👉

[@RODALCO2007]

That faulty traction motor looked like it had seized up as its axle wheels were not rotating. Great video, just temporary conversion from CoCo to CoA1A with loss of about 600 Hp.

[@btaylorsacto]

Yeah, the traction motor was definitely seized. You can see that the wheels aren't turning when they pull it. No way to get it to the shop w/o pulling the motor. And no way CSX would spend that kind of money if they didn't have to. So why all of the second guessing? Really cool video. Thanks!

[@gregorymartin219]

+William Taylor If that was in fort Montgomery ny it is a hard area to work at the bottom of a big hill/ mountain along the Hudson river single I think in that area, track heavy usage by freight & passenger . It is just above the fort / school West Point. I thought it is a major train usage along with another track on the other side of the hudson river. I would think taking a chance of derailment would not be smart.

[@BruceBergman]

I agree if they couldn't if they had to do the damn work in the field get it movable they had to do the work in the field to get it movable sometimes you got to spend the money commit to get the damn things doneyou have to be able to move it to get it back in to get fixed if it won't move you got to do the work in the field simple as that

[@BruceBergman]

H thing that surprises me is how they let it out of the yard with one wheel with one wheel locked up somebody did not inspect things properly I bet you

[@stanleykeith6969]

I work in a Steel Mill and have helped to changed the Loco Motor. I ran the over head crane to put the engine out.

[@dano8613]

They did all this with tools from harbor freight

[@debrademingwalsh7495]

😂😂

[@billybobs841]

Icon series

[@christopherdibble5872]

The engineer's don't wave from the trains anymore, not like they did back in 1954 God bless the ones that still do.i still get a tear in my eye when I hear an old train in the night.

[@rickdevault2535]

The best part is at the end when he blows that horn. No other sound like it. Just makes me want to be a hobo.

[@johnledger7763]

very impressive video of the work being done and all of the comment's left after the post . Thanks

[@peetre]

@ 2:15 isn't it "Left - Loosy" Thanks for sharing this!

[@deadfreightwest5956]

+peetre "Lefty-loosey, Righty-tighty!"

[@ppdan]

+peetre I was thinking the exact same thing.

[@hwoods01]

+peetre yes, yes... sometimes it helps to loosen a tight bolt by tightening it just a bit, then backing it out.. To those who don't do this kind of work it may sound strange, but it does help sometimes.

[@RailroadScannerMan15]

+hwoods01 it definitely makes sense. work on cars and trucks. gotta bust a nut somehow😉

[@19Dad84bod]

Hahaha glad I wasn't the only one

[@shaneimmelt8399]

TG for RJ Corman, Hulcher & the people that invented the pipelayer attachement ( and beefed it up to handle Loco recovery work)

[@ernestanderson3726]

You could have simply pulled into a JIffy Lube for an oil change and tire rotation! :)

[@windwhipped5]

Im sure they woulda tried to upsale with a special order filter they have to ship from California..😁

[@ernestanderson3726]

@@windwhipped5 Too Funny.. But true..

[@ctrlaltbackspace]

That specialized equipment reminds me of the Thunderbirds! Awesome work!

[@svenmartin840]

Mike Rowe would have a big smile on his face. it's a dirty job and it had to be done

[@RobbieHatley]

Not really very dirty. Somewhat dangerous, though, especially if the people doing the job don't watch what they're doing. It obviously requires a lot of training and a good safety culture. (Having a 5-ton motor, or a 500-ton locomotive, dropped on one can be injurious or fatal.)

[@RyanHatterer-Ryanns999]

And within 4 or 5 hours CSXT 5006 went from an AC6000CW to an AC6000CW-P5, LOL. I enjoy this video a lot thank you for posting it.

[@Tom_Lynx_98626]

The title should of been: "REMOVING a Traction Motor from a AC6000"

[@oldedwardian1778]

Wow what a revelation, now everything is perfectly clear.

[@capnskiddies]

You should have written "should have", but there's none of us perfect.

[@RobbieHatley]

The traction motor _does_ get "replaced" in this video... just, not with another traction motor (they use a plain axle instead). They probably figured it would be safer and easier to install a new motor in the shop rather than in the field.

[@gc1172]

They went in a pulled a bad drive motor and put in an idler. A full drive motor will be a shop which will be reworking the problem one and returning it.

[@davesstuff1599]

Wonder who was the lucky guy who got to attach the winch cable to the bad motor to pull it out.

[@josephkrizauskas1052]

I HOPE he got a big pay bonus and I bet they probably drew straws to see who does it. ( LOL )

[@Phantomthecat]

Never seen this done 'on the side of the road' so to speak - in the field that is. Over here in Australia the loco would have been towed back to a workshop with a hoist or drop floor. Great job - nicely done.

[@nwgguy1070]

It would be a really bad plan to tow the unit back with a seized axle. It wouldn't turn moving down the track.

[@GilmerJohn]

As another posted pointed out, they just replaced the axle. It looks like the locomotive was taken is tow rather than simply driven to the shop.

[@jayl8034]

It is called a "locked axle." These locomotives are routinely inspected so something like this is a rare,(perhaps once /year) A locked axle occurs when the lubricant in the pan of the motor escapes from a seal going bad , or perhaps a tooth on either the drive pinion of the motor or wheelset chipped off and became jammed in turn locking the axle. At any rate, a locomotive cannot be moved to a repair facility without a high probability of a derailment, so a "field repair," with an idler wheelset gets the locomotive moving to a proper repair at a locomotive shop. (in this case, probably Selkirk is closest) Corman gets BIG BUCK$ for a derailment or field repair like this. The labor alone is @ $80/hr for 8 men , 4-6 hrs. for a job like this, longer for derailments.

[@BairdRayburne]

When I worked for Santa fe as a locomotive machinist we would just with a laborer or another machinist and cut the lube box huck bolts remove the pans and cut the pinion shaft. It would then be moved to Barstow LMIT where I worked to get a traction moter. A lot cheaper then 8 guys and equipment fees.

[@BairdRayburne]

Meant to say we would go out with a laborer or another machinist so you had a second person incase of an emergency and they could also hand tools underneath. Laborers didn't do the work.

[@gregorysampson8759]

Rj Corman, when they come to town prepare to be impressed.

[@budburr66]

I love to watch real pros work. Tell the rookie it's rightey tightey lefty loosey.

[@johntrauger68]

They didn't show the joy of disconnecting the motor, one of my first jobs while working for the Penn Central Altoona, Pa shops.

[@theodorethompson9032]

GE's are easier than EMD anyday. I've been a loco electrician for 23 years

[@robertkerr3059]

please pardon the nub question from a NON railroad expert but couldnt the motor have been isolated electrically and coast to the next maintenance event? because it always seems there are extra motive power available, just sayin

[@Shit_I_Missed.]

Not if the motor has seized. If it's seized, as it appears it has in the video, it's not doing any kind of coasting, and may in fact cause further damage to the locomotive and the rails it rides on

[@mayhemmike1789]

all depends on what the problem was

[@mikeypops73]

Not a locked axle

[@mt.rushmore7916]

REAL work performed by REAL men.

[@doncarlo5]

nice footage! They didn't replace the damaged traction motor, they swapped it with an "empty" axle (you can tell from the geared inner ring that that is a traction motor axle).... I guess they'll have to rebuild the damaged e-engine first .... it's weird to me that they don't have any "swap meat" ready to go ....maybe it's just cutting down costs as everywhere else too, nowadays .... sadly

[@philbox4566]

Makes perfect sense to me. Do the minimum amount of work in the field and send the job back to the workshop where they have all the gear to do the whole job easily. Always costs far far more in the field than in the workshop.

[@WJack97224]

Thanks for the video. I am getting some really nice education on the use of the "sidewinder" dozers.

[@chrism9277]

Makes me wonder why they would spend the time and effort of contracting a 3rd party company for likely 10's of thousands of dollars just to throw a dummy axle in it when they could have just towed it home and fixed it on their own dime. Unless the traction motor was seized and wouldn't turn. Either way cool cool video, nice catch man.

[@ExBruinsFan]

***** This might be a silly question, but are there trucks that could carry that loco back to the shop? I think there are flatbed trailers that can transport tanks, and they are pretty damned heavy, themselves.

[@CaptainHandbrake]

ExBruinsFan It is likely that the traction motor seized, or suffered some other serious mechanical failure, otherwise it could be electrically isolated, and the locomotive could continue on to a repair facility. As concerns a truck hauling the locomotive away; such a thing is not possible for many reasons beyond not being able to get the locomotive up onto the truck, even if such a truck did exist. The largest piece of military armor weighs but a fraction of a locomotive's weight. The machine that is the subject of this video weighs more than 400,000 pounds. By comparison the heaviest Abrams tank tops the scales at a paltry 136,000 pounds. The locomotive is ten feet wide and approximately fourteen feet tall. Loaded onto even the lowest low-boy type trailer, it would never be able to transit the roadways and clear all the necessary obstructions which are designed to a gauge that allows passage of standard semi-trucks and an occasional slightly oversize load, but nothing on the scale of a locomotive atop a trailer which would be massive enough to carry it.

[@bearbon2]

Notice when they dragged the assembly out the wheels were dragging which means it was seized up or close to it. An idler axle will be fine for getting it to the shop where it's easier to work on the trucks. No point in a contractor changing out the motor when they will all probably need inspection.

[@haroldsmith8698]

R J CORMAN HIS CREW ARE GOOD AT TEIR JOB THEY GET THE JOB DONE

[@freewill51]

Probably not a cheap roadside call. With all of that equipment, there was not an air compressor with an impact wrench? That looked like some serious bolts that they had to break loose.

[@theodorethompson9032]

heck start the locomotive and use its air

[@who-gives-a-toss_Bear]

Great show, removed the old motor but forgot to replace it with another one.

[@easydoz1]

Wow! The weight of that motor almost tips the D8 lifting it...

[@ralfie8801]

easydoz1 Not a D-8. That's a bulldozer. A 977 Track Loader is what they used to lift the traction motor wth. Not the same tractor by a long shot.

[@KenSilvers]

easydoz1 Not a D8

[@kempmt1]

Amazing! I assumed that job requires the locomotive to be taken to a shop, because all of the equipment to lift the trains were in a large building with heavy lift equipment was there, and it will be in for days.

[@stephenanthony55]

Let's call it "Removing a traction motor on a AC6000"..... so we are correct in what happened.

[@ellobo1326]

You watch these guys do tough, hard, hot and dangerous work. And as of September 2021 many, if not most of the fast food restaurants have drive through only, because they don’t have enough employees to run the dining room. Young people now won’t even go work in an air conditioned restaurant where the heaviest thing they’ll lift is a plastic garbage can and a box of frozen patties. It’s a shame what has become of America’s work ethic.

[@jw4620]

Seems to me that if you're paying RJ Corman a ton of money it wouldn't' cost much more to replace the powered axe with another powered axle.

[@JohnnyAGraves]

jw '46 ton of money...ton... no pun intended? Being a non rail guy, this was cool to watch. And educational.

[@robertgarrett5009]

Looked like the loco had some fire damage. Glad the pipe cranes have found a new job.

[@garymathews9534]

did they replace the bad drive motor with a unpowered axle ? then do they take to a shop to put in another traction motor ?

[@1960bobthebuilder]

gary mathews Yes. The unpowered axle enabled the locomotive to roll. The inability to roll is why the traction motor had to be extracted at this difficult location. Movement of the locomotive with the defective traction motor would have been very difficult. It would have been like driving it with the brakes applied. As the defective wheel on the defective motor would have remained stationary with regards to the locomotive, then it would have continually scraped along the rails as it was being moved. At a locomotive depot they would have lifted the whole loco vertically. They would have rolled out the rear truck or "bogie" (australian term) , then lifted the truck off the unpowered axle and replaced it with a traction motor.

[@ApolloWasReal]

+1960bobthebuilder Why did the locomotive have to be towed after the defective motor was replaced with an unpowered axle? Couldn't it have been operated with the remaining good motors?

[@comettoPL]

+ApolloWasReal I'm not familiar with this particular type of locomotive, but traction motors often working in series.

[@ApolloWasReal]

comettoPL That would certainly explain it, but I had thought railroad DC traction motors had pretty much standardized on 600 V DC, and that they could be arranged in either series or parallel depending on the required speed or torque.

[@1960bobthebuilder]

+ApolloWasReal Honestly...I cannot answer that question. What i can tell you is that when I worked for Queensland Rail I only ever came across a similar situation to this once. In 1984 I was required to attend to an English Electric locomotive at remote depot where the bearings on the armature of the traction motor had failed. As a result the armature was not horizontal and therefore had caused the cog on the end of the armature to foul the pinion on the wheel. Because the locomotive was over a pit we were able to remove the gear case surrounding the pinion and raise the armature with a crow bar so that the teeth on the cog could be ground off. After this the locomotive was towed to the nearest depot for a traction motor change. This locomotive is a GE and i am not familiar with how they are able to cut out traction motors if there is a failure. With EMD locomotives it was possible to cut out traction motors in pairs ....1&6...2&5...3&4 being the 3 options available ,even then the conditions which necessitated such actions were either wheelslip or ground fault. Even though in theory it would appear possible to cut out a motor which was removed and then operate the locomotive with remaining traction motors, the reason why it was not performed this way is not known to me.

[@franklinwhite5392]

They didn’t change out a traction motor! They removed one and replaced it with a idler axle wheel set!