EMD OR GE - HOW I TELL 'EM APART

[@suzanneknepp849]

My background is nursing but I have always liked trains. I’m ignorant and always wanting to learn more. Thank you for sharing this information! I just told my husband that I got smarter today! 💯

[@Buzzizoven]

for YEARS people have told me that they cannot tell the difference between locomotives whenever i point them out along with their model names. they say things like “They all look exactly alike to me.” after countless attempts to try and explain the minute differences between the models, Danny FINALLY makes a video where people can have an educational look into the differences between GE and EMD locomotives. well done!!!

[@joeldunsmore5159]

An easy way to tell if its EMD or GE is to look at the fuel tanks if it more rounded its EMD if its trapizoid looking lengthwise its GE

[@bryanthunderfootporter4436]

Additionally; GE’s have two short air tanks on the engineer’s side mounted in the fuel tank, END has/had two long skinny air tanks - one on each side above the fuel tank. GE wings are quite flat and at the absolute end of the hood, EMD flares are quite vertical and about 6-8’ from the end.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

Rail geek alert rail geek alert. You can also tell. GE uses round wheels. AMD more oval ..

[@TolgaEastCoast]

The radiators are a better difference maker these days

[@ryanbytracks4476]

Another good way is also the truck design and also the sounds they make. Most GE models have a sort of chugging noise. EMDs have a more roar type of sound.

[@JP-wv8tc]

Jeff

[@tigersfan14]

Couldn’t click fast enough when that notification for a new DS video popped up. Danny is the best.

[@quinnkotorman8914]

Gotta say Danny, I'm new to railfaning and when I found your channel I fell in LOVE. Your edits, your enthusiasm, just you in general helps us newcomers experience railfaning and really makes this hobby ever so more exciting. Thank you for all you do from all of us!

[@robk1310]

💯 % Agree

[@trainfixer1981]

An additional spotting feature is the turbo exhaust outlet, EMD'S are closer to the cab while GE'S are closer to the rear. Always enjoy your content from little old New Zealand!

[@larrysierens1029]

As a novice to rail fanning I really appreciated this video I had no idea how to tell the locomotives apart your videos are the best 🙂

[@IWriteDrama]

Okay, I didn't get an A+, but I only got confused on the EMDs with the flared radiators. This is great, Danny! THANK YOU SO MUCH! You've just greatly increased my joy of railfanning!

[@16thaveproductions]

Awesome video as always Danny. The GE's that Pan Am acquired from CSX in 2017 were MEC 7489 YN3 patch (out of service) MEC 7500 YN2 patch (getting scrapped) MEC 7517 YN2 patch MEC 7518 PAR blue MEC 7523 PAR blue MEC 7528 YN2 patch (out of service MEC 7534 PAR blue (out of service) MEC 7535 YN3 patch (out of service) MEC 7541 YN3 patch MEC 7542 PAR blue MEC 7545 YN3B patch MEC 7552 PAR blue MEC 7561 PAR blue MEC 7575 YN2 patch MEC 7585 PAR blue (out of service) MEC 7594 YN2 patch MEC 7595 YN2 patch MEC 7605 YN3 patch MEC 7609 YN2 patch MEC 7620 YN2 patch MEC 7622 YN2 patch MEC 7627 is now CSXT 9280 MEC 7635 PAR blue (out of service) MEC 7643 YN2 patch B40-8's MEC 5930 PAR blue MEC 5933 YN2 patch MEC 5936 PAR blue MEC 5943 PAR blue MEC 5946 PAR blue MEC 5948 YN2 patch MEC 5953 YN3B (scrapped) MEC 5956 YN2 patch MEC 5958 PAR blue MEC 5963 PAR blue MEC 5966 YN3 patch MEC 5967 PAR blue MEC 5968 PAR blue (out of service) MEC 5972 YN3 patch MEC 5973 YN3 patch MEC 5974 PAR blue MEC 5976 YN3 patch C40-8W's MEC 7797 YN3B patch (now retired) MEC 7898 YN2 patch (now retired) MEC 7835 YN3B patch MEC 7875 YN2 patch MEC 7655 YN2 patch MEC 7727 YN3 patch

[@TrainsAreReallyCool]

It's sad that 7500 is being scrapped. It was the first ordered by and built for CSX. But, it had a good long career, and is the oldest of them, except 7489. I hope 7489 returns to service, because it is the last ex-Conrail C40-8 still left on a class I, but due to it apparently blowing the bearings in its engine block, I'm not sure that's going to happen.

[@16thaveproductions]

I hope it'll get fixed again that was my favorite C40 out of all of them. I loved it's Leslie 2 chime horn that it got from MEC 377 a few years ago.

[@TrainsAreReallyCool]

@@16thaveproductions If it does get fixed, I think it would be cool if CSX put a genuine Conrail RS3L on it, but I do think if would be better if it kept the RS2A, as I believe it would be the only one in use on a Class I.

[@joshmustian335]

Does anyone else want a train tv show with this awesome man as the host. He just has the perfect educational TV show host voice.

[@gavinsimmonsmccullum4219]

Literally any show -it doesn't have to be train-related. He's got elite voiceover skills

[@jeffparker3334]

He actually does the background voice for a show called “All Girls Garage” on the Motor Trend Network. I recognized it immediately. Such a pleasant voice.

[@calvingrondahl1011]

Thank you Danny. I only started looking at trains after retirement 10 years ago. I was a newspaper cartoonist in Utah working with Blair Koostra, photographer. Blair is in Texas and I am still in Utah. UP goes past my house near Ogden. I tell GE from EMD by the cab shapes and radiators. Salute to you.

[@therealandrewstrains]

"If I Like the Video?" I hit the like button at the start of the video everytime, because I get so engrossed in your content Danny, that sometimes I forget to hit the Like button by the end.

[@distantsignal]

Many thanks, Martin!

[@therealandrewstrains]

@@distantsignal - actually Andrew (Martin's my last name!). Still love your content Danny!

[@toddbehrends1373]

Thank you for this video. I am not a locomotive know it all either. This explained to me how to tell the differences. Some details to look for in order to know what kind of equipment you are shooting.

[@briangeorge7346]

Thank you sir, what a great way to enjoy my morning coffee.

[@distantsignal]

Good morning and thanks! Sounds like you hit the day about like me.... waaaayyy before daylight.

[@ScottTaipaleRail]

You did a better job of explaining that to my son than I did! That and he never listens to me anyway!

[@12kmbm21]

I feel like I've known Danny all my life, just from watching his videos! Thank you, Danny, for the great videos you produce and present to us. Pure joy for me.

[@valaksimulations4503]

I thought I had a good handle on American railway power. Then I began working for Florida east coast railway locomotive shop and it really opened my eyes a lot.

[@tonybozeglav8744]

Nothing makes my day like getting a notification that a Distant Signal video was uploaded. Love your work!

[@BBT609]

The SD40-2 is like the Crown Victoria of locomotives…the best ever built and proved itself decade after decade! Great video DH!! The details of EMDs & GEs are there and it can definitely spot one when you see it!

[@noahater5785]

Yep, they may be over 40 years old now, but they absolutely refuse to die, they just take a beating and keep on running.

[@BBT609]

@@noahater5785 EMD definitely had that locomotive in the bag as the SUPREME locomotive above all.

[@siegfriedjantsch5296]

Thanks for your explanation. I always was in trouble to find the difference. Greatings from Germany

[@DOTD-Ko7382]

If Danny Harmon made a Train School, I'd definitely attend! You're a one-of-a-kind teacher, and you'd do us good. Love to see more of these, maybe you should cover Freight cars next!

[@distantsignal]

Thanks very much! And way ahead of you on the freight car idea. I discussed with a friend in the industry two nights ago. Should be fun.

[@molly2120]

Nice meeting you

[@joshhardel528]

Several years ago, I frequently hauled locomotive components to and from EMD in Lagrange, Illinois and Progress Rail Muncie, Indiana assembly plants... I would embed a picture of 2 cabs on my trailer going to Muncie if I could... If you ever get a chance to tour the Muncie plant, you would be blown away...

[@thomasbritton640]

Danny you are no amateur I've been with you a couple years now it's good to see your numbers climbing 😉

[@debikawaii]

Spongebob Squarecabs! 😂 Never heard that one before but you'd better believe I'm gonna start using it!

[@Tomlin242]

As always, thanks Danny. The GE's and EMD's used to be much easier to tell apart. Nowadays, it's a bit trickier.

[@chrisw73]

What a great teacher, simple explanations that we can all understand! I definitely learned something today!

[@jackgreen412]

Danny always provides a quality presentation.

[@jason27swg]

Great video. After 27 years at NS. I've operated both and much prefer emd over ge any day!!

[@alleghenyshenangorr2017]

Great video, I know the difference between EMD and GE, as far as what models they are, especially with rebuilds, I have to look them up! Thanks for keeping me inspired with train videos!

[@dbcooper7164]

Thanks for the video. Finally a rail channel that describes the locomotives.

[@BertLensch]

As a long time rail fan who has never been able to tell the difference, this was super helpful!

[@jeffrumbach150]

Thank you Danny for taking us to locomotive ID class Always have our full attention These locomotives keep America moving Thanks to the engineers and maintenance keep them running well and smooth

[@jtulloch]

Best video I’ve seen on topic. Thank you.

[@MNL-D-m4e]

I didn't know a EMD from a GE until I watched this video...but now I do...thanks Danny

[@anacoman3265]

You are easily the most informative railfan KZbinr. I learn something from every one of your videos. Many thanks!

[@distantsignal]

That's a nice compliment. I try to put as much info as I can find into each video.

[@MNL-D-m4e]

I didn't know a EMD from a GE until I saw this video...thanks Danny

[@GRS504videos]

I'm sure others have covered it in the comments. Not all EMD wide cabs have tear drop windows either. That's a railroad specific feature. The SD60M, SD60I, SD70M, SD70MAC, SD80MAC and SD90MAC, SD90/43AC, etc all have unique features of their own as well for the cabs, radiators, and windows, then toss in the SD70ACu's, ACC's, ACis, and M-2's. It's gets weird. Haha. The tear drop window feature can also be spotted on former BCRail and CN GE locomotives. C40-8M's and D9-44CW's. Excellent video as always!

[@bpickens44]

I feel like I went to school today. Great teacher and expert. Happy 2023. Keep 'em coming!

[@earllutz2663]

Thank you Danny Harmon, for all of your good videos. You do a good job of explaining things about trains & related train things.

[@philis05]

As a railroader, I never thought to notice the radiator as a indicator for the different models… nice breakdown.

[@Ghostrider01]

Low down, from the roadside, it is possible to ID, most of the time, the difference between GE and EMD units by their trucks and fuel tanks. They are distinctive, especially the historical Blomberg B-B's on the 4-axle EMD road switchers (and restored F-units). And the C-C trucks are also unique to each brand. A more distinguishing feature are the fuel tanks and compressed air cylinders. The EMD's tanks are rounded with the air cylinders being a single unit above the tanks. The GE's are vertical and then angled towards the roadbed. The GE's also have their air cylinders tanks mounted in pairs above the fuel tanks.

[@ellisjackson3355]

A couple of the GE dash 9s in this video had the same trucks as the sd40s. And then csx had some special trucks on some of their dash 9s

[@bobniederpruem3333]

Danny, Another great video. May I say, you are no amateur, You are a real pro and the most trusted outlet for stories and events. Im planning Waycross in April and would love to meet you.

[@le351a]

Great video! Another very distinctive sign that’s noticeable for the GE is now many engine sections are burnt like toast!

[@bluegrassman3040]

Toasters. I was told if they’ve been idling for extended amounts of time, they tend to burn off unburned fuel when throttled up.

[@TSmith-lw5ou]

Hi Danny. As usual, another excellently produced, very educational video. Your videos are a joy to watch. Thank you and best wishes for 2023.

[@martinarrand4336]

This is great for a UK enthusiast well done

[@thomasmackowiak]

Thank you for this quick guide to determine whether an engine was built by GE or EMD, Danny! The video was very enlightening.

[@mattbalboa1349]

Happy New Year Danny! Another way to tell GE locomotives apart from EMD is the distinctive thumping exhaust. EMD's come past with almost a sewing machine sound and idle like a big old Buick. Ge's can be heard way off thump, thump, thumping and usually mask the EMDs in the consist. GE's kinda sorta sound like Alcos. but not quite.

[@bluegrassman3040]

The GEs have a sewing machine sound when they idle. The older EMDs have a rumble when pulling.

[@garysnider4305]

Nice job summarizing the differences. Sometime consider including fuel tank comparison as a way to separate the builders. Thanks for your years of dedication to our beloved hobby.

[@jackmarshallD9525]

A useful and educational video there chief, thank you for that. Even for someone like me, who has a DEEP loathing of anything with an EMD engine in it, this was an interesting watch.

[@jmozz1]

This is just an awesome way to quickly tell the difference. Thanks for posting. I feel smarter already!

[@csxrensville5105]

Thanks for this video it's cleared up the confusion I had over these locos. In the UK, it's far easier. All the locos have the class number on the side followed by the loco number.. Eg 20 156, 37 419, 66 135. Makes life so much easier.

[@BNSF1458]

Excellent video, once you start studying different types of locomotives by looking online at photos it's usaually pretty easy to identify them once you see them out on the rails if you pay close enough attention. Thanks for posting this, definitely will help some amateurs out who are confused.

[@Zebrails]

I've probably said it most recently... The SD40-2 is 50 years old this year... granted many are rebuilt (as '40-3's) and SD30ECO's, of which look like modified SD45's of the mid/late 1960's. SD45's had the flared tail hood sections... The SD30ECO's seem to mimic that... the exception being that squared cab and notched nose lights. Love your videos. John BC, Canada (where in the past week was -30C and now +10C above freezing.) nee Bellingham WA, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. (and five years in Tulsa OK.)

[@bigB6flyer]

Danny calling yourself an amateur in this field is an insult to us amateurs. Always enjoy the videos.

[@mikefleming8352]

For me, if your sitting at a siding it’s the fuel and compressor tank difference. I worked at the London EMD shop for 25yrs. until Cat bought the whole works.

[@NorthernBandit1]

Funny thing Trains and Automobiles...I have been an automobile nut for a very long time and Trains well since I was a kid but never really got into the nominclature untill the last few years. My grandfather who was born in 1879 was a fireman on a line in ohio when he was a young man and his father was a brakeman on a B and O line pre Civil War in Pennsylvaina. i am almost 71 now still work in the automotive business in parts as a professional and play with model trains as a hobby. I currently running a 4884, two EMD SD70ACe's , an SW9/1200 yard Switcher and a Norfolk Western c420 ps2 road switcher. sounds impressive...I am still learning building a N-Scale layout 44x80 and it is coming along nicely. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Much appreciated!

[@roelofvenema6500]

I will make a studie of all locomotives types before i and my girlfriend visit the U.S.A. They so many types. Happy New Year. Greet from Zandvoort the Netherlands 🇾🇪🇺🇸

[@carollinegrace1006]

The way I've always identified GE from EMD is the fuel tanks. So far it seems that almost all GE's have at least one flat angle on the fuel tank (sometimes all flat angles, no rounding), whereas EMD fuel tanks are always rounded. I can usually tell by the trucks too. But THANK YOU for this video, it has made telling them apart much easier.

[@randallfawc7501]

You have absolutely the best train videos on youtube. Keep em coming Danny! :

[@TRAIN_MASTER_X-844]

Danny: "There are experts who do and I'm certainly glad of It, it makes it much easier on us amateurs" Every person watching: "Danny you make such educational and useful videos! You know so much about so many great railroading topics!" Danny: Proceeds to make more videos with way more information than most people know.

[@DonReynolds-p7o]

Dan you do a good job with your vids. I learned something with your explanation of the difference between the two major engines used today. The radiators are a big give away and easy to spot. Thanks for the info and the video. 👍

[@BigSmokeRailfanning]

Here’s a tip for if you ever encounter an alco unit: it has a smooth rounded roof above the cab. Alcos don’t typically have flared radiators but sometimes they might.

[@Aussie_Transport5371]

Hi Danny! Just stumbled across this Chanel and love it! I’ve subbed liked & commented (That’s this one!) Much encouragement to your channel from Australia!

[@Omovalley914]

Finally a down to earth video with great information and easy to understand!! Thanks for not being some hyperactive teenager thinking they are soooo very smart that the run all their sentences together to trying to impress!!.

[@davidcarroll8735]

WOW! I can’t imagine how much time this took you to put together, but THANK YOU! I am a rail fan, or more specifically a Distant Signal fan, so I needed this really basic/intro! Also a great opportunity to see how beautiful and consistent your footage and drone work is!

[@distantsignal]

Thank you David! Those are kind compliments indeed! Much appreciated and glad you found the channel.

[@nationalcapitalrails2088]

I am locomotive nerd so it's easy for me to tell the difference between makes and models (and even phases of some models). GE has certainly come a long way and has become the number one builder for over 30 years now. But having come up in the 80's and 90's, I miss the variety of power we used to see back then.

[@arshooter1]

Glad to see your videos again, very informative.

[@dbottita]

DH, your railfan content is excellent, I’m always excited when I see a new post from you! Thanks for all the effort you put into the videos!

[@GBULL_ADV_1982]

10:11 I was on the other side of the tracks by the three cabins for that train!

[@andrewburt1899]

I didn't get an A-plus, but I give a solid "A" for satisfaction of getting some idea of what the experts look for!

[@georgemiksch4379]

Your videos are always informative.

[@fredeisen7401]

Thanks Danny!! Another give away is the trucks. GE's are flat on the bottom a very distinctive feature.

[@charlesmaxim4493]

Hey Danny, great video, well explained. Just one note. One of the greatest locomotive rivet counters I ever met was the late Don Dover, who explained there is no such thing as a wide-cab, all cabs are the same width, there are however wide-nose locomotives. A lot of railfans still make that mistake today.

[@distantsignal]

Oh yes. I still have that argument today. Wide Cab vs Wide Nose. Both convey it properly.

[@edd17sp74]

Thank you for this, I never had a clue how to tell any Diesel locomotive apart from any other. I least now I know how to tell apart the two brands. Very cool.

[@ADIX2400]

One of the ways I tell them apart is by the engine noise. EMD locomotives have more of a high pitched whine while GE locomotives have more of an alco sounding gurgle

[@bluegrassman3040]

The higher pitched sound is made from the planetary gear set of the turbo on the EMD, I believe.

[@beeble2003]

Doesn't help much if you have a consist with both manufacturers in it, though.

[@markreno2252]

Thank you for this video, Danny. I could never tell one locomotive manufacturer from another until now.

[@johnd4101]

Thanks, Danny. You're the best. A great educational video.

[@Whiskey2shots]

Your videos are always so interesting. I'm from the UK and I started watching you a few years ago. I'm very glad I did because your videos are part of why I got back into the hobby!

[@RailRider9571]

Ok i love the exam at the end, i want more train exams from you!!

[@alex-Mainline]

Definitely the sound between EMD and GE is a good way to tell them apart too. The sound of EMD is personally my favourite. I was always glad to get an EMD for my lead unit 😀

[@TrainsAreReallyCool]

Definitely. I love how bassy EMD's are. It's their signature, and is a good way to determine that you have an EMD leading your train. However, the modern GE designs Like the ES44AH are also very bassy, so it could confuse someone who isn't very good with locomotives. A good way to differentiate between them is to listen to the sound of their horns. The horns of an ES44AC and an SD70ACe sound very different usually. Another good way to identify an EMD is the sound of their two stroke engines. They sound much different than GE's four stroke system.

[@noahater5785]

Not sure if this is a characteristic of GE units, but I’ve been told they apparently make a “whoosh” sound if you’re standing near one running past you at high speeds, not sure if EMD locomotives do that too or it’s just GEs.

[@TrainsAreReallyCool]

I'm not sure I've heard that. Unless you mean the very loud whining that GE traction motors make.

[@noahater5785]

@@TrainsAreReallyCool Yeah, I think. From what I’ve been told that whooshing sound could also come from the locomotive’s air dryer kicking in and forcing accumulated condensation out of the air brake system to keep it dry and functional, or that could be the air compressor unloader valve kicking in.

[@albertvieira6635]

Real fan Danny I want your biggest Fan Cannot wait to meet you And that cannot happen quick enough as soon as I get money I'm coming to Florida To see you You keep up the good work I enjoy everything on your videos Please keep up the good work I look forward to seeing your new videos Soon

[@kennyb1472]

Its a great day when Danny uploads

[@MrGoodnplenty1957]

BAD MAN DAN... As always, very knowledgeable information. Still think CSX should be offering you a Cab Ride. You do more for them than their own PR section. Happy New Year's Danny.

[@CarsSimplified]

I like videos with simplified answers and basics! Great stuff! This is probably the edge of what I'll be able to retain about train information.

[@Army_Outdoors_88N]

Great video and explanation Sir

[@jeffthanson]

Thanks Danny - I got an A+ on the test but failed the extra credit. Pretty fun, thanks for sharing!

[@unclejoe5541]

good video Danny. One small correction and a comment. The train with the 2 UP SD70Ms was probably Q605 , as it was heading west (RR South, depending on the year) from the west end of the siding at Douglas City, MP SP 826.4, not too far from my home. Two spotting features I always looked for were the radiators (and/or fans) and the fuel tanks (squared on GEs and rounded on EMDs). Keep up the good work and Happy New Year.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Uncle Joe!! I never noticed that about the fuel tanks. Lots of folks have made that same comment, though. Hope all is well with you.

[@stevelang3171]

thanks for this! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. good to see you again.

[@youareafailure8899]

Also EMDs have a distinct humming sound when idling

[@keiter751]

Thanks Danny. While I've been a railfan for quite some time, I honestly never understood the basic differences between these locomotives brands. You've provided a very good, and simple to understand explanation. Well done!

[@mikephfl]

As always, another great video! Love your work.

[@Brandon-wf8ew]

Merry Christmas Danny!

[@BeyondtheRailz]

Happy Holidays to everyone. Especially to you Danny. I think you should win an award for being the #1 railfan in the country. You got my vote. See ya next year on the Tube.

[@MrBonehead561]

Another very informative video. Happy New Year Danny!

[@Runt3132]

Danny is back out with another video! As a amateur model railroader and videographer from the Midwest, it's cool to see the scope of things from Florida.

[@jacquesblaque7728]

Loco air-brake reservoirs and truck frames are also give-aways.

[@jananderson672]

Thanks for the info. It really helped me know what I hear in other train videos.

[@billmorris2613]

I use the dynamic brake bump out on the EMDs. But to me the whole locomotive looks different. Kinda like the difference between a Ford and a Chevy. As a retired engineer I always preferred to run EMDs. .

[@donsharp17]

Thanks for putting this together. I haven't been paying attention. They don't look the same anymore

[@kenmelrac]

Location of exhaust is easiest for older motors. Up front a 2 cycle EMD, at toward the rear a 4 cycle GE