Engines of New York Central - Niagara

The New York Central's "Niagara" steam locomotive has been described as the "ultimate steam locomotive". It's been touted as one of the most efficient and successful steam locomotives in North America. It was a 4-8-4 built with some of the most modern technology of the time. With power and speed on its side, the Niagara's were set to be a master class of steam locomotive design. However, being built just after the second World War would already mark their demise, and set in stone their short service life. In this episode, I talk about why the Niagara's were built, their brief yet successful service life, and their eventual fate.
Music Used:
Super Mario RPG - Super Pipe House
Treasure Island - To Bristol, Chaps!
Undertale - sans.
Team Fortress 2 - Red Bread
Kirby Star Allies - Gallery
Kirby's Return to Dream Land - Over the Hills
Kirby Star Allies - Rockabilly and Blues (Moonlight Capital)
Kirby Star Allies - Friends' Curtain Call
Super Mario 64 - Title
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[@DC4260Productions]

It's absolutely criminal that none of these things were preserved; they're amongst my favourite American steamers (alongside the PRR S1 and UP Challenger).

[@railfanlynx]

Americans in a nutshell

[@unionpacific8448]

Well the central's check engineer by the 50s didn't want ANY steamers preserved, yet 4 are preserved: the two mohawks, a 0-6-0 I forgot the number of, and 999. Also just because a class wasn't preserved doesn't mean we're ruthless steam scrappers.

[@TailsFan369no2]

@@unionpacific8448 srsly?

[@TailsFan369no2]

Same goes for the Hudsons

[@fumetsuno5022]

not normaly a fan of american trains myself, but the NYC stuff is always cool especially the streamlined stuff

[@nathancorcoran5347]

Awesome video. The New York Central Niagara is another wonderful steam locomotive. It’s no wonder that they were all scrapped, they could’ve been preserved along with the famous NYC Hudson’s. They look similar to the Union Pacific FEF-class 4-8-4’s like 844.

[@eliisdead8407]

well tbh the nyc s class up fef class and milw s class were all built by alco.

[@b3j8]

Unlike the UP, the New York Central was heavily in the red, mostly from lost passenger train revenue. Scrap money was still money, so off they all went to the scrap yard. There were online cities interested in a donated locomotive. Not to be.

[@SidTheAmazingTrainKid]

Great video! So happy we have "one Niagara preserved"! So sad that the actual ones never came to the 21st century... no matter! Can't wait for the S-Motor video! - Sid

[@Kanefan701]

To be honest the New York Central's "Niagara" engines will always hold a special place in my heart as the No. 1 NYC steam engines.

[@TomedysTrains]

Shame that none of the original New York Central Niagaras were preserved, not even one. They were such dependable steam locomotives. But it's very cool that a miniature live steam railway in England has a "Mini Niagara" in their collection. Nice video you put together of their history. By the way, passenger steam operations on the New York Central's Water Level Route went from Chicago to CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY, not New York City. Croton-on-Hudson, NY to New York's Grand Central Terminal on the Water Level Route was handled by electrics at the time the Niagaras existed.

[@marcleslac2413]

Legend has it, the scrappers that were due to scrap 6015, the last one to go, it is claimed thet heard one night, chaisaw noises and mad laughter, one even claimed he heard: I WANT THAT STEAM ENGINE, seconds befor the noises began, from where they stored her. The next day, they found her obliterated, crushed, in peices, CHAINSAWED!

[@brendenoneill3068]

Who could do this with a chainsaw. And yell wanting the steam engine?

[@marcleslac2413]

@@brendenoneill3068 hmmmm, let's see, aha maybe that mowhawk there set for pre, wait what is Alfred E perlman do.. I WANT THAT STEAM ENGINE BRRRRRRZZZZZTTTTT

[@shmagojirafan5607]

A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one

[@ronalddevine9587]

The epitome of steam locomotives. What a shame that none were preserved. But, as you stated, dieselization started in the East and moved west. I am very grateful to Union Pacific for preserving what they have preserved.

[@jacobg130productions]

Mark my words, if I EVER come into an absolutely disgusting amount of wealth in the future, I will create a Niagara Engine Trust and I WILL build a new Niagara locomotive.

[@dangerboyproductions1223]

Also the j3a Dreyfuss Hudson

[@jacobg130productions]

@@dangerboyproductions1223 look guy it takes a while to do a lot of things, let’s try and be realistic here.

[@dangerboyproductions1223]

Ok

[@dangerboyproductions1223]

Also i'm a 14 year old ok

[@jacobg130productions]

@@dangerboyproductions1223 noted

[@rippersix293]

Love the thumbnail pic of the Niagara with the Michigan Central Station in the background! I grew up walking distance from there, at one time it was a center of activity in the neighborhood.

[@krismangila1594]

You know that station building is now owned by Ford, which is ironic, right?

[@rippersix293]

@@krismangila1594 yep it’s going to be their Innovation and Mobility Campus along with housing leased office space.

[@Ale08pew]

I'm loving this serie, can't wait for more episodes!

[@NixCrossing]

There’s a Niagara at the New Hope and Ivyland yard (scenic railroad). It’s from a Mexican railway. I included it in my video of the New Hope on my channel. Awesome video!

[@Alcofoamer]

Those are "Niagras" in name only. The only thing an NdeM QR-1 Niagra has in common with an NYC S-1 or S-2 Niagara is the wheel arrangement. The Mexican "Niagras"were named in honor of the NYC "Niagaras."

[@NixCrossing]

@@Alcofoamer ahh okay that’s very interesting. I thought it was crazy how they still built them at Alco and shipped them all to the boarder.

[@DOTD7382]

Amazing video! The Niagaras are easily one of my favorite steam locomotives, as they were exactly what the railroad needed. Too bad they were made kinda late into the steam era, if created earlier one may be in preservation.

[@iron1349]

Probably would've either had to be hidden under crates or sold to another railroad like thr two mohawks

[@blockstacker5614]

seems like everyone had it out for them back then

[@b3j8]

Well the Hudsons were around since the 1930's and they were all scrapped too.

[@wernysantizo2506]

I really the ndem niagaras is made from preservation in mexico

[@AndrewTheRocketCityRailfan4014]

Way more New York Central Steam Locomotives would have been preserved if either Alfred E Pearlman would just chill and let them get preserved, or if the NYC hired somebody for president who liked preserving steam locomotives.

[@coldwar1952]

More ignorance by people pre-disposed to a certain opinion having zero basis in fact

[@RandomRetroTrainGuy82]

Nice history video! 👍🏿

[@trainrailfan2028]

New ENGINES OF NEW YORK CENTRAL nice like Niagara Falls ( or just me)

[@EJsRailfan1955]

Can you do something about New York Central passenger train series? For the 20th century limited Empire State Express Knickerbocker New England states and others?

[@harrisonallen651]

Never knew the New York Central had a miniature model built for England

[@nathancorcoran5347]

This is the Sonoma Traintown Railroad’s Miniature Model that is similar to the New York Central Hudson’s. Which is 5212.

[@PivotBoi.]

Omg your back :D

[@TTisIH]

Question. What were the, as my grandfather called them, "elephant ears", on the front of the engine for? I'm guessing streamlining of some kind or just style points?

[@thomasmcginley7944]

Elephant ears is just a nickname for smoke deflectors. As the name implies, they prevent smoke from obscuring the engineer & fireman's vision as well as preventing cinders from flying into their faces.

[@centralpacificrailroadfan5679]

dam man i don't know how you do it

[@eirinym]

Here's hoping for a new build. I'd pay gladly to be on the first run, such a beautiful design. Maybe one day in the future we can get a T1, 844, and a Niagara together for an event.

[@krismangila1594]

A Niagara newbuild would be nice, but a Dreyfus Hudson would be better.

[@mozeskertesz6398]

FINALLY! My favourite series on youtube! Continue, please, continue!

[@catapultking8861]

We’re getting the S Motors?! The T Motors must be on this series at some point then too!!! Let’s hope it get everyone aware of 278 and we can possibly eventually drag that poor thing out of those woods!!!

[@petrejack]

In 1955 my mother did take me to Louisiana on the L&N Hummingbird, behind a diesel, to visit her family! Don't recall much at 4 years old, but loved being on the train!

[@petrejack]

I agree! I loved the steam engines but was born in 1951- I saw and rode behind a few like the 611 and 765 because my mother in law wanted to ride them in the 1980s! But most were gone by the late50s/early 60s when I was old enough to remember!

[@1981deloreanfan]

NIAGARA FALLS! Slowly I turned, step by step, inch by inch

[@darthtitteous1215]

I love the subtle use of TF2 music so much. You’re easily my favorite KZbinr

[@davidstrawn9272]

I love the Niagaras. I wish the New Build Niagara would happen, I know most of train fans want the New Build NYC Hudson to happen first, and I don't blame them either, I blame Al Pearlman for not preserving one or few of NYC Niagaras and Hudsons! I would like a New Build Niagara to happen, We have Daylight 4449 and J class 611 preserved since they're both streamlined 4-8-4's, while a NYC Niagara and Union Pacific's never retired FEF-3 844 were very similar! I wish NYC have a chairman like the one Southern Pacific (that preserved 4449), Norfolk and Western (that saved 611), or the Union Pacific (that not only saved four FEF's, but kept running 844) have.

[@F40M07]

Thanks Jared!!!!

[@maozilla9149]

good show

[@ShinGhidorah17]

I hope one day, someone will make a replica/new example of a NYC Niagara. They were truly awesome locomotives.

[@SteamKing2160]

I absolutely love the Niagara's so much that I got Lionel's VisionLine Legacy model of one the 6019 which was a LCCA exclusive and I have all of Herron Rail's NYC dvd's which a few of em feature Niagara's in northern Ohio between Cleveland and Toledo and there's a feature in one of em where it has the Niagara racing the Pennsy.

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

4-8-4 is my favorite steam locomotive wheel arrangement

[@09JDCTrainMan]

Same

[@yeoldeseawitch]

4-6-4 for me

[@imfunniguy3744]

A Chad of steam locomotives.

[@Robloxity_News]

It's time again guys! Sit down on the circle carpet!

[@FanRailer]

Nice video, but the Niagara’s, as did most other late eta NYC steam power, used a Nathan 6 chime whistle.

[@daniko4447]

There's a video with a recording of the Niagara's horn. They were a bit more high pitched than the GG1's horn, and the whistle had deep minor triad chords with musical notes A-C-E

[@BnuuyBoi2005]

4-8-4s are my favorite type of steam locomotives

[@HNHHRR2006]

hey jared i have a cool idea ! you should complete engines of new york central part 5!!!

[@northpennvalleysteamrailroad]

An absolutely beautiful engine that was never saved for preservation unfortunately.

[@AndrewTheRocketCityRailfan4014]

I do get why the Hudson’s and Niagaras went extinct. NYC was in bad financial shape because of that stupid overregulation and non rail competition. On top of that Alfred E Perlman couldn’t be lenient on preservation because his railroad needed to get as much scrap value from their steam locomotives as possible. Either you buy that locomotive at scrap value(such as 3001), or you watch it get scrapped. It was a sacrifice that was needed to help keep the railroad afloat in the long run, eventually getting the railroad back in shape before 1962. That was what ultimately led to Perlman allowing his railroad to give 2933 to the NMOT.

[@allegheny48]

The Niagaras did not have a 3 chime Hancock long bell whistle. They came from ALCO with a 6 chamber chime whistle (probably manufactured by Nathan). The WABCO (Westinghouse Air Brake Company) Pneuphonic air horn was added to the Niagaras between 1946 and 1947 in response to engineers stating that they could not hear the 6 chime whistle when running at track speed in bad weather with the cab windows closed. It was mounted on the boiler in front of the engineer's side of the cab. The New York Central Standards book specified the use of a 3 chamber "long bell" whistle for all locomotives operating on the Putnam and Harlem divisions and all K-11 Pacifics running on the River division. This information was taken from the book Know Thy Niagaras by author Thomas Gerbracht.

[@daniko4447]

Isn't the Hancock 3 chimes the only whistle that could take over 250 PSI? Because the Niagara had high boiler pressure

[@allegheny48]

@@daniko4447 No it is not. The production Niagaras had a boiler pressure of 275 psi and the Nathan 6 chime whistle was more than capable of handling that pressure. If you can obtain a copy of Know Thy Niagaras by Thomas Gerbracht you can read all about it. If you want to hear how that 6 chime sounds check out the You Tube video "Western Maryland 1309: Articulated in an Allegheny Autumn.

[@planebois]

LETS FREAKING GOOOOOOOOO NEW EONYC

[@tacticalcalebgaming7264]

If you guys run those on trainz from K&L They can run very hard

[@newobanproductions999]

Oh my giddy aunt. The NYC's extreme high pressure 4-8-4 featured at 0:44-1:00. They have should have learnt from the LMS's own 'Fury' fiasco in 1930 when a pipe burst... and killed someone.

[@trainrailfan2028]

Nvm there called that.

[@ronanvave560]

#NYCS1bTrust We need this to happen.

[@cjfauxx6266]

I have a Broadway Limited Imports HO model of number 6004. These engines are simply beautiful and a shame none were saved. also couldnt help but notice the Team Fortress 2 background music XD

[@JohnGeorgeBauerBuis]

By the way, the National Railway of Mexico (NdeM) also called their 4-8-4a ‘Niagras’ inspired by the New York Central. Several are preserved, and one is (slowly) being restored to operating condition at the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad.

[@SuperFoxyRailwayProduction6702]

I hope the engine will return to mexico because i from México

[@amtrakp4242]

I wish the Niagara’s where preserved

[@SuperFoxyRailwayProduction6702]

Yeah, but atleats we got the Niagaras of mexico

[@nathancorcoran5347]

@@SuperFoxyRailwayProduction6702 I know. The NYC Niagara’s are amazing. They are similar to the Union Pacific FEF-class locomotives, like Union Pacific 844.

[@amtrakp4242]

@@nathancorcoran5347 your kinda Right

[@nathancorcoran5347]

@@amtrakp4242 It’s quite true, the New York Central Niagara’s are similar to the Union Pacific FEF-class locomotives and Union Pacific 844 is one of them. To be honest. We all know that.

[@nicholasspisak7600]

Can you do a NYC 2-8-4

[@GreatGlynndon]

you and High Iron are my go to for american rail history

[@davefrompa5334]

The Niagaras handled 1000-ton trains at speeds up to 100mph, at least on tests, and before 1948. It was about that time that the Interstate Commerce Commision limited trains without cab signals to around 80 mph

[@alexandarvoncarsteinzarovi3723]

Why is it that beautiful machinery cannot be preserved

[@rushs11]

This video is approved by Rodney Kantowski.

[@DillianTrainzStudios]

Great video! Kinda sad that no Niagara’s got preserved.

[@SuperFoxyRailwayProduction6702]

At least we have the ones of mexico

[@KCSM_1200]

@@SuperFoxyRailwayProduction6702cierto

[@thenostalgiaman]

The vid in 3:33: They are equipped with roller bearings, so they are easy to move. Tomy, Ltd: *took note for a future line of toys*

[@kyleclark4449]

It's impressive, but the PRR Class M1 'Mountain' was more powerful, not to mention mixed traffic. It's a pity that more weren't ordered, and a shame that none were streamlined.

[@sangheiliwarrior86]

So the PRR M1 was arguably better than the NYC mohawk then?

[@kyleclark4449]

@@sangheiliwarrior86 I would say so. The M1 had a heavier tractive effort, and comparable speed. She was designed as an express mixed traffic engine, meant to haul heavy trains at high speed. The only reason why it wasn't employed much as an express engine was the electrification of the Eastern region of PRR. With the mighty GG-1 electric engines taking over top-line expresses east of the Appalachians, most of PRR's passenger locomotives were relegated to Central and Western regions. With so many surplus K4s and E-series engines at the ready, there was no perceived reason to use the M1A for anything other than express freight service. They did see limited use from time to time, but nowhere near as much time as was expected of it, and far less than it deserved. Toe to toe against a Mohawk, the M1 would at the very least keep up, and could handle steeper gradients much easier.

[@09JDCTrainMan]

@@kyleclark4449 Yeah, but that's just a given. The NYC didn't have as many grades to attend to like the PRR did, which is why most PRR steam locomotives make better mountain climbers. The NYC wanted their steam locomotives to be flatland racehorses, not mountain climbers. Don't get me wrong tho, I'm both a Mohawk and M1 fan.

[@kyleclark4449]

@@09JDCTrainMan I agree. I like both engines, and each has its own pros and cons. The Niagara is built for speed, able to fly along the Water Level Route like a racehorse. It's also more glamorous. The M1 is a better hill climber, because it had to be to allow it to tackle the Appalachians. It's more powerful, and more versatile. But, the PRR rarely used it for passenger trains, because it had no perceivable need for it. The Niagara was a top of the line express passenger engine that could also handle fast freights. The M1 was an express mixed traffic engine that had the potential to be a great passenger hauler, but never had to. Both are impressive machines, and it's a shame that NYC never thought to preserve one.

[@patrickmcarter6244]

R.I.P. NYC Niagaras.😢🚂

[@adamkornacki606]

from were you got the 3d models ? great video

[@Ohiotrucker1]

The Niagara model is payware at K&L Trainz

[@adamkornacki606]

@@Ohiotrucker1 thanks

[@jimmyhook4852]

@@Ohiotrucker1 Gotta love K&L Trainz. :)

[@Ohiotrucker1]

@@jimmyhook4852they're top quality, I am waiting for the EM-1 to be made

[@jimmyhook4852]

@@Ohiotrucker1 For sure =3 Heh for me.... guess what I'm waiting to be made? :3 (You have to say what so that I can provide the answer. ;3)

[@troyglazathefurry]

In the intro I see a very familiar station in my homestate of Michigan and btw I live in st.clair shores mi

[@krismangila1594]

After watching the History in the Dark video in which Alfred Perlman was depicted as a chainsaw-wielding tyrant, this was nice video.

[@SethMarcell]

Good vid!

[@kylestrasbourg4885]

Who else wants to time travel to save one of the NYC Niagaras?

[@WesternOhioInterurbanHistory]

For those who want to hear a Niagara: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXy9fneknMlohaM You can hear the air horn and chugging, so I recommend hearing this.

[@dangerboyproductions1223]

also by the way it's sad to see something that my favorite stream liners to be scrapped because of some diesel's but you know what they are what they say modernization is coming this way but the niagara will always be my favorite streamliner no matter it was scrapped and turn it to a miniature one it was always still be my favorite niagara the niagara road to the future

[@09JDCTrainMan]

The Niagara was no streamliner, the Dreyfuss Hudson is an example of a streamliner.

[@Manuelolivares239]

En mi ciudad en el centro de México aún tenemos una locomotora Niágara de nacionales de México, no está operativa pero se encuentra en un estado aceptable

[@Locomotion_Commotion]

Can you talk about the Rio Grande 4-8-4’s

[@russellgxy2905]

Funny thing about the S-2a. Its tender was actually slightly different than the rest of the Niagara’s too, a PT-6. Same wheel layout, same 9ft+ overhang, but it held a ton more coal and I think 2,000 gallons less water. Why they thought water capacity needed to be lower when the Niagara boilers already had high steam rates and added a ton more coal when the 5500 actually burned _less_ coal than its older siblings, I have no clue. It also had pitfall as the PRR T1 in being a bit too powerful for its motion. Franklin-Caprotti probably would’ve been fine, and NYC 5500 could’ve been the most powerful dual-service steam locomotive outside of articulateds and duplexes. Problem was the poppet valves, Type A, couldn’t accommodate the engine’s steaming rate. Had it been given Type B valves with rotary cams (as on PRR’s 5500), then it would probably be a much better performer. Definitely would’ve been a bit easier to maintain since Type A’s valves sit between the cylinders. It’s also why 5500 has its air pumps on the side instead of in front of the smokebox

[@regularguy7266]

Yeah, thank the T1 Trust that they're fitting PRR 5550 with Type B2 Rotary-Cam Poppet Valves.

[@russellgxy2905]

@@regularguy7266 Definitely. While Niagara's made too much steam for the Type A valves, the T1's simply ran too fast for them.

[@joshroller9449]

This is the next engine that needs to have a trust behind it to build a replica

[@gltkin2962]

Would these have ever been used on the Buffalo to Detroit Canada Southern Route that the NY Central ran?

[@TheTransportationFanfromCA]

Is it me if does the Niagara looked similar to up 844

[@NicholasMarion-pl9bm]

Wait a minute, I thought the New York Central had 5 chimes and 6 chimes.

[@jamesmccarthy4777]

The NYC truly had lovely steamers and just scrapped most of them...personally that's why I prefer the PRR since more of the PRR steamers survived.

[@JayTheTrainFan]

5:49 If Only NYC 6019 was Preserved like Hudson(NYC 5344)in My Headcannon

[@sernajrlouis]

Great video. I have a big favor to ask. Can you do one on the Sunset Limited (San Antonio area) and Texas Eagle ( also in San Antonio area)? Those 2 routes are close to my home but I know nothing about Amtrak, except for what I see on your videos. I know I can research all this stuff but it's more enjoyable and interesting while you narrate the history.

[@jordanplays-transitandgame1690]

New Yorkers choosing which technological and architectural marvel to destroy next:

[@garrettsubproductions8705]

I wonder what steam engines there would have been of steam engines were around for another 10years, instead of thing be gone by the 50’s what if it was the 60’s or maybe even early 70’s

[@somax1259]

im dissapointed how little there is of the NYC's fleet preseved

[@railnaeroproduction6264]

My favorite locomotives

[@alphakiller2269]

I would love steam locomotives make a come back to

[@spamcan9208]

Automatic like because Mio and Yuuko made cameos.

[@Steamies2011-braydenthefef-1]

Can you do the 2-8-0 s of nyc?

[@gwrstudios5181]

I’m pretty sure one has survived at least maybe a tender of one has in Pennsy territory

[@whispofwords2590]

Wait. They used a 4-8-4 as a fucking switcher? Wha.

[@OfficialTrainzGod]

As some people of memes call them: Baby Nags

[@amtrakp4242]

🫢😅😂🤣🤣😂🤣🤣😂😂😅😂🤣🤣

[@TheLuckyJ11]

Well in México i think there is some Niágara and acualy one of them was sent to united states to be recontructed to a NYC Niágara but they didn't do that and the engine just siting on a siding here very rusty waiting ti his fait .I think his number is 3028

[@SuperFoxyRailwayProduction6702]

Your right is #3028 but i that engine need to return to mexico

[@Mauscmkwk]

Someone should try to make a full scale replica of that

[@LegacyIvyTerascale]

none survived 😥

[@Sleeper____1472]

Heh, never knew Selkirk had its own high-pressure switcher.

[@Labojzacian46750]

I love it

[@ashleyjiscool]

Hey was this made in 2018😂

[@evanperdue7222]

Cool

[@eoj2495]

Very good and informative video!

[@johnuhelski8613]

The top speed was way faster than 85 MPH , they topped 100 MPH n service !!

[@as-gf9pc]

The stated "6680" horsepower are a bit on the high side.The boiler of the Niagara was not big enough to generate 6680 horsepower. 5000 horsepower would be more realistic.

[@09JDCTrainMan]

That number was indicated horsepower. The 5,000 HP number is more accurate since it's drawbar horsepower, which was stated to be 5,070 at 62.5 mph.

[@mamarussellthepie3995]

No mention of the mexican copies? Of which theres one around being rebuikt xD

[@coldwar1952]

Your video has errors in detail too numerous to mention - Where do you get your information? Let me guess THE INTERNET. One sticking in my craw - NYC did not turn to Alco for the design, it originated and was developed to what ultimately was realized by Paul Kiefer and staff, top to bottom. The drawings, data and later books which exist document well the genesis and history of one of the best designs ever by any maker. Finally your assertion of Al Pearlman's supposed edict on scrapping is not just wholly inaccurate it typifies modern misinformation offered by poorly vetted sources such as yours. 👎👎👎

[@Hammerandhearth]

They are impressive locomotives but I don't like how they visually deviated from the Hudsons and Mohawks, which were just all around better looking engines.