Conrail & Rio Grande Survivors on the Hartwell Railroad

[@GreatWhiteZep]

Those old warhorses certainly have seen better days but awesome to see them still in service, and with original paint!

[@coltfaze599]

Glad to see old locomotives still around and working. Makes me happy

[@AndreiTupolev]

This is the kind of backwater operation that I love. It's like the farmer who lives out in the woods and keeps a 1970s Ford pickup and John Deere tractor running because he don't see any need for this modern stuff

[@SignalMan9292]

Exactly!

[@ut000bs]

I'm dying. 🤣 My microwave oven is 22 years old. I carry a Galaxy S _Seven(7!)_ phone with a severely beat-up case. I could go on… I'm told to not worry, though. It is supposed to be natural with any physics PhD. 🤣🖖‍

[@mikemancini313]

I still drive a John Deere gator older than me :,)

[@OnefastAZfarmtruck]

Your description Sounds like me and my dad.

[@Мухамед-д5ъ]

Hb​@@SignalMan9292

[@pgronemeier]

LOVED the opening segment!! Silence. Then light. Then horn. Perfect!

[@huntermossakajunkerman9646]

Quisp!

[@SamLovesTrains]

Thanks! It was definitely worth the early rise that morning!

[@barrywilliams991]

3044 ... The rat rod of locomotives. Really great!

[@JohnWeems-y3e]

This Short Line action is AWESOME! 💯👍🇺🇸

[@JohnWeems-y3e]

Hartwell R.R. is going places. A short line Success,,👍💯🇺🇸

[@TruckzNTrainz]

Great chase. Raw emd power. Still getting the job done!

[@paulbergen9114]

Even though the sun didn't come out until almost the end of the video all the subjects were worth photographing. It certainly is one of those laid-back lines where quite a bit of it seems to be built on curves and grade crossing signals are few and far between. Thanks for taking the time to check out one of those lines that you know is there but sails under the radar with a collection of vintage motor power wearing long gone paint schemes

[@SamLovesTrains]

It was certainly a change from what I normally film, but it was pretty cool! There aren’t many shortlines like it out there these days. Glad you enjoyed!

[@kishascape]

He’s probably one of those weird early morning people.

[@25mfd]

WOW... all things being relative, that conrail blue is holding up pretty good

[@trainlover5633]

I love that P3, and I’m glad you were able to catch the old classic locomotives!!!

[@mitchmatthews6713]

I love that old CNW high hood.

[@jennashadowz6987]

Very nice to see ex DRGW 3044 runnIng. Those were down graded to B units when the Grande had them.

[@molossis]

i love shortlines like this. they always have some old power from other railroads.

[@crlaw75]

Nice to see those rails still active.

[@davidpoor8638]

Amazed!!! I ran that 3000 when we had it up here in Maine on the St. Lawrence & Atlantic RR. It sure has gotten around the country!

[@SamLovesTrains]

Fascinating how long locomotives can last and where they can end up. Thanks for watching!

[@cliffwilkie4035]

Dave, I remember 3000, as well & have been on it many times when it was here at SLR. It was here from 1996-2008. It has a second whistle valve on the fireman’s side.

[@cliffwilkie4035]

@@SamLovesTrainswhen 3000 departed SLR in 2008, it initially moved to the INCO nickel mine in Sudbury, ON. I’m not sure if it went anywhere else before it moved to HRT. It was owned by Locomotive Leasing Partners (LLPX, which later became GMTX) while it was here at SLR.

[@prodigaljess]

Some beautiful and beautifully shot railroad photography here. Well done. These small local railroads are the unsung heroes of modern transportation, often sitting (and working) quietly in the shadows of their much larger and more visible bigger siblings.

[@SamLovesTrains]

Thank you! I love shining light on the operations most overlooked!

[@dannyking748]

Boy ol boy. Looks good seeing these old workhorses still on the rails. If trains could talk there'd be some stories.

[@ocsrc]

That familiar Spit Valve sound on the Conrail I love that sound

[@riahthreetimes]

10:03 that CNW unit was so nice to see🫡

[@clarklindquist8137]

Love this. Great to see the old Hulks still running and working. Great video. Just found ya via a suggestion from KZbin. Glad I did

[@ICrailroadprod.2007]

Love the old CNW GP9 too!

[@matthewrinehart9514]

Looks like the original C&NW number too

[@Melynaberde]

you consistently produce content that is engaging and enlightening!

[@warrenp.5916]

That Conrail engine reminds me of when they took over the B&M line my dad worked for for 40 years, used to sit with him in his shack as he wrote down the 6 digit car numbers as they split after going over the “hump” I was mesmerized by the size and sounds!

[@TexasRailfan21-RailfanRyan]

Wow what an amazing Rio Grande Survivor what makes it very unique is that it has the smaller lettering which was before the big speed lettering and it’s even got its original nose mounted gyra light very amazing

[@SamLovesTrains]

It’s in rough shape, but it might very well be the last small lettered DRGW unit out there that’s not in a museum! The gyralight was a neat touch as well.

[@jennashadowz6987]

Even better because it was down graded to a B unit when the Grande had it.

[@O-PAC]

Yeah I think the small lettering was from the 1960s. So fun fact, likely when that unit was brand new the Rio Grande was still operating its narrow gauge San Juan extension and thus still using steam engines in regular freight service.

[@kelvintorrence5994]

the wheeling and lake eriew hava about 2 rio grades in their orignal paint and still say rio grade on them

[@SamLovesTrains]

@@kelvintorrence5994 Yes! I might’ve seen those before while in Ohio. Those are in a newer version of the DRGW scheme with the bigger letters.

[@thepozfromoz5166]

I really enjoy watching this railroad! Lots of cool vintage locos... Rio grande needs some sprucing up a little! Their high hood geep is awesome-always a fan of those engines!

[@alexmodern6667]

Got some serious Rust going on!

[@bluegrassman3040]

They need engine rebuilds.

[@thomasmackowiak]

Thank you for this video on the Hartwell Railroad in northeastern Georgia, Sam! Your opening scene is beautiful! I enjoyed looking at it. The engines of the Hartwell Railroad that you captured in this video do show their heritage. It would be nice if the railroad could scrap up some money to have them repainted in their original colors. The track speed on the Hartwell Railroad seems to be at least 25 miles per hour and it looks to be in decent shape. I did not see any cars rocking and rolling as they moved along the tracks.

[@cdavid8139]

Those spots are there. Believe me

[@kelvintorrence5994]

old iron overload,outstanding video,Sammy boy

[@SamLovesTrains]

Thank you!

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Fantastic video of this RR operation. Have a wonderful rest of your weekend.(Steve)

[@SamLovesTrains]

Thanks. You too!

[@mikehughes7335]

What a great video. I love that rusty old Rio Grande GP 35 and what about the horn on HRT 3000. This is a video I will keep watching as there is so much to keep you occupied as opposed to high speed run byes. Well done Sam.

[@coloradoinnewjersey]

That’s kinda nice seeing that they put a GP35 back in service. They would have had to put a new radio, seats, and toilet in since these were relegated to B-Unit service on the Rio Grande.

[@cdavid8139]

You don't need a toilet in Georgia. Just go out on the running board.

[@beeble2003]

They didn't "put a GP35 back in service" -- it never went out of service.

[@coloradoinnewjersey]

@@beeble2003 fair point. Didn’t word it correctly as I meant for crews to be able to use it stand alone.

[@rupak-travelmoments]

It's definitely an incredible train spotting program from Georgia !! Greetings from India.

[@SamLovesTrains]

Thank you!

[@markthomas6436]

Long live the Rio Grande! 😊

[@crlaw75]

That horn sound is like the ones used on the Cincinnatti Eastern Railroad.

[@BNSFRailProductions]

Amazing footage!! One of the best videos i've ever seen, keep up the awesome videos man!

[@SamLovesTrains]

Thanks man! I appreciate it!

[@how_to_hallagon1]

Thank you for not putting music in this video and allowing us to listen to the locomotives and enjoy the video.

[@johnconnolly6011]

Looks like the short line near my house in philly. This was in the mid 70's to early 80's. The line shut down sometime in the 80's when the last company closed it doors. They made fenders for cars.

[@DarkTerritory71]

Very interesting! Love the older power on this road! Thank you for sharing/showing

[@SamLovesTrains]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@sirblack1619]

Great video! I live in Colorado near the BNSF and UP consolidated line from Denver to Colorado Springs. I did not think that there were any Rio Grande units left with the stripped hood paint scheme. So nice to see it.

[@NWORails]

Okay now that is really cool, it's amazing how they are not repainted. If i was the rr owner, I'd be giving them a fresh coat of the same scheme. Lol.

[@haroldreardon8070]

Wasted money, which is why you probably do not own a rr.

[@NWORails]

@@haroldreardon8070 I don't even have any money in the first place, so...

[@cdavid8139]

The owner passed away not long ago. But I knew him well. He would love to have had the revenue to do it...but the traffic on the line barely pays wages and fuel.

[@NWORails]

@@cdavid8139 Aww, that's unfortunate. I hope his employee friends keep the company strong as much as they can! That's one thing that sucks about being this kind of company, some of them can almost not make it past to keep themselves running. I've know some that really succeed in the business, just got to find the right customers I guess. I'm not entirely sure how the industry completely works.

[@bluegrassman3040]

@@cdavid8139I can tell those old Geeps need an engine overhaul.

[@NorthernNewEnglandRailfan]

Beautiful roster, good to see a railroad doing things the right way

[@Railfan-uf9mw]

Would be cool if both the DRG&W and Conrail engines could get there original paint back and at least put it in a museum and take excursions that’s my thought

[@johnsheuring3755]

Back in the late 80's I had a chance to ride 44 tonner center cab on that line and had the best time in my life. True small railroad and very friendly people as well.

[@jasonpoole2093]

It's nice to see an independent shortline still around.

[@jeffwxyz]

Nice to see a GP35 with its turbo still present, but 3044 it sounds like 3044 has a cylinder that is not firing

[@ChessieSystemFan]

That Conrail loco is very lucky! It has CSX 1973 patches (omg chessie Heritage Unit!!!!!!) meaning it was probably close to being repainted!

[@williamault2490]

I once lived in Canon GA. This video sure brings back memories for me. The GP-40 3000, was still lettered for the St. Lawrence and Atlantic, when I lived there. Thank you for the memories on this Father’s Day!!!

[@LiamFire17B-R-qz2xr]

Wow that old Rio Grande jeep is very old. Looks completely fried, but glad it's still running! 💯

[@SamLovesTrains]

Agreed! It rarely ever leaves that grain elevator, but it’s better than being at the scrap yard!

[@mikemancini313]

Ohhh rust and smoke. The heaters broke. The door just blew away. I light a match to see the dash and then I start to prayyyy. Frame is bent. The muffler went. The radio, it's okay. Oh what fun it is to ride my rusty Chevro...rail.

[@aclsal2]

It is nice to see the Hartwell at work. I stumbled on the shop they had in Covington by accident, this was 25-30 years ago. Great video!!!

[@stretchlimo7275]

Wow, that Rio Grande GP35, what a beast💪🏼🇺🇸

[@sammyday3341]

Great work! Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@SamLovesTrains]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!

[@tfs4499]

Nice catch! Vintage locomotives in their original paint schemes are very cool!

[@SamLovesTrains]

Agreed!

[@kazmertobias4772]

SamLovesTrains: - As far as I can see, 59 years locomotive D&RGW 3044 2:53 - 4:50 is fine, alive and kicking. Thanks for sharing the video!

[@Amigafur]

As far as I'm aware, HRT 3044 is the last D&RGW GP35 that wasn't rebuilt into a GP38.

[@georgiasunbelt]

Enjoyed that…love watching the little guys…you did some serious chasing

[@WilliamShorter-x3y]

great videography sam,good to see a railfannig video from a somewhat different sperpective and with no narration.

[@Thatfarmkid4840]

2 of my favorite railroads!!

[@Joeyjoey53]

Cool video Sam love short line operations 👍

[@ggdaddy6676]

Really nice composition on an interesting railroad that runs thru some pretty countryside. Keep up the good work!

[@sparky107107]

that is nice catching a blast from the past. you got some great shots of that Conrail unit

[@Thomas1980]

H_E_L_L_O____Very good Video! BIG LIKE!

[@feminazislayer]

Gotta remember, them old gp's were built in the 60s. That conrail used to be either a pennsylvania or ny central unit new. And that old Chicago north western alco high hood is at least 70 years old. This place is great omg. ❤

[@kelseyfrye1694]

The cr is really running and it's a lot more rusty than you'd think

[@AndreiTupolev]

3:23If ever there was a railroad counterpart of the truck from Duel ...

[@huntermossakajunkerman9646]

A rusted and faded ghost from the past. Don't cross the tracks after dark or you might be it's next victim.

[@l.a.mulligan8201]

Dennis Weaver is somewhere up ahead on a pump trolley.

[@TexasandPacific]

I have that a model of that exact engine

[@PlTrMk689]

Phenomenal shots!

[@trezjr73]

Expertly crafted.

[@2READYCRETE]

That Conrail engine was originally purchased by the Penn Central. It's obvious that CSX removed the cab signal box

[@Diretodaferrovia9275]

spectacular video

[@TNRailProductions_01]

Fantastic work

[@cdavid8139]

great work!

[@SamLovesTrains]

Thank you!

[@MegaSquadVincent]

The fact the conrail unit number is 1973 is crazy

[@TimothyJazmineFamily]

Awesome 😎

[@AhmearClayIombo-dj6di]

Awesome Catches

[@SamLovesTrains]

Thank you!

[@AhmearClayIombo-dj6di]

You're Welcome

[@dajara521]

No ditch lights added on the 3044 either, cool little detail.

[@cliffwilkie4035]

HRT 3000 was born as MKT 186 in 1966. It was one of the first GP40’s built by EMD. Still painted in SLR (Emons) yellow & black. I see someone fixed the Nathan P3 on it after it left SLR in 2008.

[@fhowland]

Great video, love seeing the old units still in revenue operation! How come they don't have to stop and flag the crossings?

[@athensboy123]

Hartwell GA... I been needing to go there , looks cold there in that morning.? Thanks for the good video sir

[@matthewrinehart9514]

A two car backwoods local beats an intermodal every time. 😊❤

[@RibbonRailProfuctions]

Fantastic footage!!! I hope they never repaint any of their locomotives

[@SamLovesTrains]

Thank you! I don’t think they plan on it

[@RibbonRailProfuctions]

@@SamLovesTrains also, this video has earned you a new sub!!!

[@JosephSalaz-Paco]

Just clear coat them and save the old patina look on the locomotive

[@barefoot3662]

The hartwell rail road used to be the southern right of way that conectedt Conway to hart well and then elbertonon the bottom end they now conect up to CSX now the CSX Abbeville switcher exchanges cars with them off of the main line in elberton ga

[@yungkidnf]

Those girls were *TIRED,* but they kept on pushing(and pulling).

[@kitchener2200]

Great video

[@SamLovesTrains]

Thanks!

[@tommyhunter1817]

I know Benny Ray loved his railroad and trains in general. I wished Hartwell had the money to repaint these units into their original livery in his honor. The state spent $2 million to build that yard and connection to CSX to be used for a storage yard. 😂

[@ri1288]

I didn’t know the state paid for that. Was there any plan behind it? Or was it just to reestablish the CSX connection to try and give the customers two shipping options?

[@tommyhunter1817]

@@ri1288 yep. It was originally thought there might be an inland port in Lavonia right off I-85 that would keep trucks out of Atlanta and let shippers make NS and CSX compete. Unfortunately Nathan Deal was Governor and wanted Hall County to get the “port” and NS was able to hold shippers captive. The Lavonia location was Frank Ginn’s idea, and I think it was a good one.

[@kelvintorrence5994]

@@tommyhunter1817 I'm a trucker who loves trai9ns also , try all you want to trucks aren't going no where,

[@tommyhunter1817]

@@kelvintorrence5994 I agree and don’t ever want to see that. However, I know they, as well as the traveling public, would rather be able to avoid places like Atlanta.

[@cdavid8139]

He was a great dude. Got to chat with him not long before he passed away

[@buixrule]

The yellow Loco almost has Susquehanna vibes.

[@TomStarcevich-fb3qo]

Wow cool vid 👌 those engines could use a little paint 🎨

[@SamLovesTrains]

Thanks! They’re pretty beat up!

[@robbkardas3641]

Looks like something out of The Walking Dead.

[@kelseyfrye1694]

The rusty Rio grand

[@TroublesomeSlateTruck]

Good Work.

[@evan4re]

I don't think the Rio Grande 3044 has had a painted job since it left EMD for the first time.

[@jennashadowz6987]

Right. My dad worked for the D&RGW. Said it stood for Disgusting & Rapidly Growing Worse. Lol

[@ЛЬВИНИ]

!Nice video, Like!

[@AnthonyAnthony-tk4ye]

Dang, I was all excited to see if the Conrail 1973 had any heritage…. Nope, built for Conrail in 1979…. she gots no momma, got no poppa, just blue goo right down to bare skins…. lol

[@kidcotrains]

nice video good job

[@kelseyfrye1694]

OLD TRAINS

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

I think 5130 may be the last NS locomotive to carry subsidiary Georgia Southern & Florida reporting marks.

[@SamLovesTrains]

I noticed that! Hadn’t seen those reporting marks on anything before. If it’s not the last, it’s definitely rare!

[@youmadbro742]

20 mph is wild but the track structure looks decent just needs some vegetation spraying

[@centraliowarailproductions2810]

Nice catches!

[@SamLovesTrains]

Thank you!

[@centraliowarailproductions2810]

You’re welcome @@SamLovesTrains!

[@patricknoveski6409]

Move over Paww, im drivin today . 😂

[@joedelusso1415]

What were those 89' flatcars for?

[@DerrickODea]

Spacer cars for the grain facility that the DRGW Gp35 was at I believe

[@cdavid8139]

They store (or did store) a lot of cars for Trailer Train

[@kansasstatealerting2874]

Old Milwaukee Road locomotive at the start?