SP Fairbanks Morse Train Masters

Fairbanks Morse Train Masters were the backbone of SP's Peninsula Commute service for almost two decades. These scenes are from 8mm film shot in 1972, when SDP45's were just beginning to get bumped from their long distance runs after Amtrak. Most of the soundtrack was derived from original contemporary recordings from Arkay records, blended with sounds from my library for variety. The intro music is entitled "Racing to Extinction" from the Gears of War 2 soundtrack.

[@tommyhunter1817]

It was so nice when everything didn’t look the same and made by the same company. Glad I got to experience some of it.

[@TexasRailfan21-RailfanRyan]

A Fairbanks Morse trainmaster, sounds like a vacuum cleaner. We came close to preserve in one of the SP trainmaster locomotives.

[@mikek8089]

Who needs Streamliners when you have Trainmasters! Man those things could scoot! And sound good doing it too!

[@agrady7216]

I wish more Trainmasters were preserved.

[@fmnut]

Don't we all....

[@agrady7216]

@@fmnut Is FM not making anymore locomotives?

[@fmnut]

@@agrady7216 not since 1963.

[@williamgunter6801]

Mighty machines of superior engineering. These moved along the San Francisco Peninsula down to San Jose.

[@prsearls]

I love the distinctive sound of the opposed Fairbanks Morse diesel. Not the prettiest body but it had real muscle for that generation of SP diesels. A very good all-around unit for either freight or passenger trains. The Trainmaster's rapid acceleration made them ideal for commuter service where there were many stops. I think SP's maximum track speed was 79 mph (because of signaling) and some of these trains look to be traveling that fast.

[@BruceBoschek]

The sound of those opposed piston 2-strokes is unique!

[@phuturephunk]

Sounds like an airplane prop.

[@mow4ncry]

I run one quite often however it's a H-12-44 six cylinder not a train master same sounding engine though

[@lindawall6279]

Takes me back to the 60's in San Jose. Used to ride up to San Francisco behind those trainmasters. When they took off you'd get knocked on your ass if you were standing up - they were quick. One of the "Harriman" coaches is here at OCSR - I probably rode in it back then. Also worked with an engineer here that used to run the trainmasters on the peninsula. Small world.

[@jagc1969]

My favorite railroad company and my favorite locomotives. What else can you ask from life? A wonderful video. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@Sano_Kiyoshiro]

Out of all diesel locomotive this takes the cake! I love these trainmasters!

[@joeystrains.9316]

Agree; They are beasts.

[@Sano_Kiyoshiro]

@@joeystrains.9316 my main favorite diesel locomotive is the fm trainmaster. Also inspired my account name

[@joeystrains.9316]

@@Sano_Kiyoshiro Subbed, train bro.

[@Sano_Kiyoshiro]

@@joeystrains.9316 I always there was something fasicinating with the loud roar of a FM diesel engine

[@miltonsmith6044]

Excellent presentation. The sound dubbing from the Arkay Records was nothing short of spectacular. My friend (RIP) worked on the SP Commutes as a Conductor, and had some great stories to tell. This presentation showing the FM Trainmaster deserves 5 gold stars.

[@PennCentral-jn2ow]

Excellent compilation. They were really hauling ass! Huge high hood fan

[@chuckabbate5924]

They were the bizz.

[@DFWRailVideos]

Who knew these unorthodox locomotives would see such amazing service! They sound amazing!

[@trekkeruss]

As a child in the 60's, I loved trains. Growing up in the Bay Area, my mom would treat me every once in awhile by taking me on the train into San Francisco from our home in San Mateo. Being a child, I always wanted to be up on top in the gallery cars. Now, I wish I appreciated the old Pullman Suburban cars more.

[@espeescotty]

I'm glad you caught them after they had the big white "SP" added to their noses and to the others too. The Train Masters weren't around very long after the lettering was applied. And I'm surprised no one yet has mentioned the classic old Greyhound Scenicruiser bus that goes zipping by at :45-:49. Also, I love the dual wings on the dual control stand GP9's too. That was a nice touch on the Espee's part. And then how about that GP35 doing commute duty!? Holy cow, you brought the goods in this video for sure!

[@fmnut]

Well, they weren't exactly my catches. I bought this film on ebay. I'll be working on more scenes from the film as I get time.

[@espeescotty]

Well, really nice catches and good work on your part to edit them and add the great sounds. I'll be watching for more.

[@mikeneary4638]

This brings back happy memories, as a kid paid to ride behind them.

[@Inactive3T]

Probably my favorite train video ever.

[@gashousegorillas1]

AWESOME

[@southernpacific2548]

My mom used take us kids for train rides from Palo Alto to Redwood city to see Grandma. Thanks for memories

[@spcabforward]

Great video fmnut! Extremely rare catch of that GP35 working commute service at 9:50.

[@FelicianaDelacruz]

Very awesome video. As a side note, the GP9 3005 still exists and was restored back to its original number of 5623. It served on the Del Monte all the way to Monterey and Pacific Grove before that service ended and wound up in the commute pool until the end of SP's involvement in commuter service. The locomotive today can be found at the Niles Canyon Railway.

[@derrickwong5337]

A memory of Southern Pacific Fairbanks Morse train Masters is wonderful!

[@michaelburt412]

Hung out on the weekend at the San Carlos station during the 60 and 70. Good tim s.

[@tracynation239]

I love the H-24-66. An excellent video. Good to see some old school passenger trains with "torpedo" Geeps and SDP units also. ♡ T.E.N.

[@tracynation239]

P.S. Even an F unit! ♡ T.E.N.

[@kiwitrainguy]

Tracy - an F unit, not sure in between and another F unit at the back of the lash-up at 3:45.

[@ryandavis7593]

Here I thought I was the only one to notice that rare gem. Awesome. I got video of one a few years ago on the U.P. Of course not what it used to be.

[@tombarnes7196]

Nice... a real treat of Train Master action!!!

[@hartmutlorentzen9659]

Great video, thanks for presentation, from Germany

[@richardgerlach5156]

San Francisco, before it went insane. Looks like you got a couple shots of the Coast Daylight there too! Very enjoyable!

[@johnw6168]

Wow, great video/ Thanks for making. It looks like SP ran a classy commuter service in the late 60s even if they did not want to.

[@synthfreakify]

Thanks for the great recordings. Wish I could have been there to experience it in person.

[@normansilver905]

On the weekends SP would use them in freight service to San Luis Obispo. They cam through Salinas and would pickup a Dynamic brake loco at Santa Margarita for the Cuesta Grade descent.

[@lydmik]

great video...this brings me back to when it was actually affordable & enjoyable living in California

[@melperry3576]

definitely were haulers, 9.cars, nothing except the 4300's & 4400's could touch that, especially at speed

[@SoPacStudios]

Amazing! This is the local mainline for me and it’s very cool to see what it was like decades ago. Like college Park with a Crossing and a Tower!

[@ShoresRailfan]

I commuted on SP between San Carlos and San Francisco for most of the 1970's. This video brought back a lot of memories about the motive power they used.

[@markandlinda2886]

SP 3032 at 1:02 with solid scarlet wing - no "feather" stripes. Never saw that on a Train Master before.

[@fmnut]

The gray stripes are there, the process I used to smooth out the grain in the film bled the red together into a solid mass. It didn't affect the closer shots but the loco in that shot was farther away.

[@mackpines]

Thanks for putting together this slice of history. Amazing how none of these units survive. The SP continued the Peninsula Commute until 1985. The Trainmaster is my go to locomotive in the Trainz Simulator.

[@barefooboy17]

Awesome video! I remember these locos and the SP Communters as a kid. I lived in San Bruno at the time. The single level Harriman cars were terrible especially in the summer sincde those cars had no A/C and the windows opened at least

[@grumbeast]

Great footage, thanks for the upload

[@kennethmccann6402]

At the beginning the year was 1968 by going to school hoping from Belmont to Burlingame station by train for 5 years then Beyond for the last 52 years on the train and traveling on Amtrak too. I wish SP or someone could save one Fairbanks Morse Trainmaster H-24-66 to museum because it was a beauty!

[@joeystrains.9316]

My father worked in the Houston, TX Southern Pacific shops as a boiler maker(welder). In the early 70s, he'd show me the locomotives. FM's everywhere along with geeps and switchers. Most had the bloody nose. Great video 👌

[@lloydgrisham8821]

Really neat to see old trains. The groundwork was Great! Thanks!

[@railfanbryan7225]

Wow, cool stuff! Great quality too!

[@arthurkallansrud1950]

I remember seeing these when I visited SF in 68 and 70

[@kimmiller8841]

Very good!!....enjoyed it very much. Thanks for posting it!! Cheers 🥂

[@FreihEitner]

Wow! Just wow. Thank you for collecting and for sharing these great, historic moments the likes of which will never come again. Lovely to see Train Masters (and high nose Geeps) in action in their prime (before my day).

[@kittymuffins6484]

Excellent back info, editing and great compilation. I'll be watching more.

[@EmpireBeltRR]

Thanks for posting!!! Excellent video of a bygone era with FM engines handling the daily commute.

[@johnpetrovitz935]

Thanks so much for sharing this history. With so many things changing (3rd & Townsend torn down, track realignments and electrification by CalTrain) this preserves a great era of of railroading that won’t be seen again! FM’s long gone now... there was nothing like their throaty sound nor their five chimes! Thank you! This is a true treasure!

[@alcopower5710]

Outstanding video

[@andyharman3022]

I've never heard Trainmasters before. They have a unique growl, a little like a Deltic, but not as busy. 12-cylinder Inline Opposed-piston versus 18-cylinder Delta Opposed-piston.

[@peterhanahoe4913]

You've one an amazing job on this, excellent.

[@scpiedmontvideoproductions878]

Thank you for putting together this amazing compilation! Now we know what Fairbanks Morse Trainmasters sounded like and boy could they haul 9 cars like nothing!!

[@mp165]

Man EXCELELNT VIDEO !!! i have LOVED the SP COmmutes since i was a kid with SDP45 units and GP40P-2 units etc. you really did yourself PROUD. Too bad ia just Barely MISSED the SP trainmaster era of H-24-66 units as that was a GRAND legendary era indeed..

[@azrailfan2717]

Excellent video 🤠👍. I actually didn’t know what a train master sounds like until now thanks

[@mikeflynn1629]

Absolutely engulfed with your videos that you're putting up I love the SP to thank you so much again for sharing your video.

[@fmnut]

My pleasure!

[@amtraklover]

Thanks for posting this, really helps as a source for referencing SP commute trains and what consist arrangements they used. Also good choice with the gears soundtrack

[@kenkemzura903]

Delightful to watch. Thank you for uploading! So sorry I missed the Train Masters. My first experience with the S.P. commute was in March 1976. Could not believe they were still using 1920s era Harriman coaches and still did up to 1984. CalTrain is now in the process of electrifying the line.

[@JuhaVnt]

Great footage! Thumbs up and lots of greetings from Finland, Juha

[@MrBsHiawathalandRails]

Nice footage!

[@kevinlilly7406]

Love the Trainmaster.

[@coasternamegenerator5611]

The m5 on that train master is pretty good ngl

[@jw4620]

Exxcellent video!

[@ernestimken5846]

One pass-by was a GP9. The Trainmasters had diesel power from the submarines of WWII. Two crankshafts and no cylinder heads.

[@toomasrett3931]

Thank you. I grew in San Mateo, so Hillsdale was my station. 😁

[@grahamsawyer831]

really into this one!! those submarine engines sound awesome

[@LotusbandicootRR]

From what I can tell, they sounded somewhere between a 567 and a classic V8... but closer to the V8, actually

[@winstonbeech3418]

The Train Masters were and advanced 2400-hp freight locomotive by design, but ahead of its time and was outperformed and outsold by multiple unit sets of EMD units at 1500-2000 hp. But the SP figured out what they were born to do - hustle those commutes up to track speed with haste and without prejudice, and back to zero for the next stop. IMO they could still be doing it 50 years later had the desire been there to keep them going. They had a few difficulties in terms of maintenance, but they were reliable. And I'm betting nothing accelerated off the line as quickly outside of east coast big electric toasters.

[@STHSIndustries2K6]

Private owner railroads operated passenger services in the United States until Amtrak took over in 1971

[@SirWinstonBeech]

Most of the sound clips are from the old Arkay LP. Still available on ebay probably. Very high quality recordings. The GP9s at least sound like GP9s. I haven't watched the whole thing. The clip at 4:50 was actually recorded from a bridge for the startup. Nicely synced but... the sounds have been added to silent films for the most part. The one doppler run by effect is used multiple times. For those who never heard the 12 cylinder, 24-piston FM, like me before I got the record - it's a beautiful and unique sound.

[@fmnut]

You are correct in everything you said. I did doctor some of the audio with other FM sounds, but the Arkay recordings are the only source for Train Masters working at speed.

[@allegheny48]

An excellent compilation of Espee passenger trains, Train Masters and other early diesel models. You did a fine job with the added sound effects. FM Train Masters were ruggedly handsome and powerful locomotives. I believe they were originally configured to run long hood first. Thanks for all your hard work in putting this together.

[@tommachut7167]

The S.P. Train Masters were always configured to run short hood first .

[@kiwitrainguy]

allegheny48 - you're probably thinking of other railroads. I have pictures of PRR Fairbanks-Morse diesels and they have the "F" (meaning front) at the long hood end.

[@MilePost106]

This is what railroading was about years ago. Do I miss those days!

[@Leveractionjake]

Fairbanks & Morse Trainmasters traction motors sound like old WWII fighter planes roaring by.

[@fmnut]

That's the opposed piston diesels, not the traction motors.

[@Leveractionjake]

@@fmnut Thanks for correcting me on my lack of knowledge on these magnificent locomotives. I need to learn about these.

[@AndreiTupolev]

Wow! That's excellent quality. Soundtrack's very well edited. A fascinating variety of old and new rolling stock.

[@fmnut]

Thanks for noticing the soundtrack. Many hours went into it.

[@jacobwilson3294]

@@fmnut Did you know that Southern Pacific made their H-24-66s haul freight trains to Roseville or Watsonville on the weekends?

[@fmnut]

@@jacobwilson3294 yes, that's been well documented.

[@user-tr4bk6js4q]

the ancestor of our 10d100 is felt by the sound

[@fmnut]

Yes. I actually used some 2TE10 sounds to make the soundtrack. Thanks for watching.

[@RashidHussain007]

great video

[@JermaniBurroughs]

52 years later The Peninsula Commute/Caltrain is Electrified

[@AlfTrains]

Great vídeo

[@RenaissancePeopleNYC]

well done!

[@SPNGLovato18]

Dang! Those trains are fast compared to Today!

[@Creeperboy099]

Western pacific railroad Productions regulations n shit That’s why

[@michlo3393]

Not really. The main difference was that guys were drunk and they all ran hot because engines didn't have event recorders, cameras, PTC, and other things that would tattle. Railroading back then was easy because trains were tiny, crews were huge, you could break the rules and nobody cared.

[@scotteakins7203]

those FM trainmasters were some mules!

[@TrainFan119]

More like race horse

[@trussell8510]

Beautiful, powerful engines. Maybe a bit ahead of their time!

[@mrsurfliner149]

back when the railroads where alive

[@davestrains6816]

Very enjoyable video. Those were great looking locomotives. Thanks for sharing. Dave

[@rockguitarist931]

The train master is such a bad-ass locomotive. They were very innovative for their era and it's strange such a powerful unit was put into commuter service. They had a lot of power compared to the other engines produced in the 50's.

[@fmnut]

SP originally assigned the TMs to hotshot freights on the Sunset route out of El Paso, TX. The desert heat and sand were not kind to their innards, so in 1956 they were reassigned to the SF commute pool, partially because they were steam generator equipped. Their higher horsepower enabled quick acceleration away from the frequent station stops, and allowed unit reduction on heavier trains. They were kept together as a group to simplify maintenance and parts inventory. They were often still used in freight service on weekends.

[@rockguitarist931]

@@fmnut That's interesting. It makes sense why they'd use locos with steam generators . Thanks for the reply!

[@winstonbeech3418]

@@fmnut I've been told by locals in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area that for a time the Southern Railway used Train Masters as pushers southbound out of Cincinnati up Erlanger Hill. In sets of THREE. Said they had F units on the head end passing the depot at Erlanger but you could already hear the Train Masters at the back end of the train. Three of them going full blast. The coolest thing I ever saw push the hill was a pair of MP15s, before they put exhaust silencers on them. I was watching 143 depart and the pushers just exploded out of the yard. Later on, NS just used a single SD60 to push the hill. Pretty boring. They're probably using Vaders or Top Hats now, they're over 25 years old. I never saw a Train Master in real life. N&W cut up ex-Virginian 173 into a slug because railfans couldn't cough up scrap price to save it. The only one left is in Quebec, reportedly without a prime mover.

[@mow4ncry]

I saw a lot of the geeps except our 3001 now 3194 at the Golden gate railroad Museum

[@auricom8472]

Wow they're really booking it

[@robertswickard1262]

Those FM opposed piston , double crank shaft prime movers were and still a fixture in marine power plants . The problem arose putting that motor on a flexing , rocking , twisting frame ::: was just to much for the frame to handle ,,, and over a period of time , throw out the timing of the opposite piston design ,, but DAMN , WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SOUNDING PULLING BEAST !!!! AS GOOD AS ANYTHING A 1000 HP MORE !!!!

[@RICARDOGARCIA-wr9hx]

So awesome seeing those geeps and fm train masters speeding down the track.

[@patricknoveski6409]

Dude! How do you keep coming up with this vintage stuff? This is classic S.P. the railroad I grew up with in Ca. Mind blower !

[@fmnut]

Ebay and good friends willing to let me use their footage.

[@ironhorsethrottlemaster5202]

Wow what a badass video I've never seen so many Fairbanks Morrison's haul ass like that they're fast what decade is this filmed in like the 60s just curious thank you for the film peace out have a great day FM. Nut

[@fmnut]

If you read the title slide and/or the description, you will note this was filmed in 1972. And it's Morse, not Morrison. Thanks for your comment.

[@Petemonster62]

Williams also offered a reproduction of Lionel's O Gauge Trainmaster.

[@jackhollandcsxnsandawvrfan3800]

I just love that grumbley roar these things could do! More of them should have been saved in my opinion.

[@fmnut]

Unfortunately, the Train Masters mostly were retired and scrapped before the diesel preservation movement caught on. They were too big to migrate to shortlines/industrials the way some smaller units did, thus extending their lives. N&W had one set aside for preservation, but it got converted to a slug anyway.

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

@@fmnut Isn’t there one in Canada that’s intact?

[@fmnut]

@@blackbirdgaming8147 The only remaining H24-66 is at the museum in Delson, QC but it is not intact, the traction motors were removed prior to its inclusion in the collection.

[@jackhollandcsxnsandawvrfan3800]

Also, it's Canadian built. It wasn't made by FM.

[@scoobycarr5558]

Just as Chicago & North Western had the push-pull scoot in Chicago, Southern Pacific had the Peninsula in San Francisco.

[@imacgra1]

nice shots of unusual locos. Just wondering, though, if that's the steam generator (did the trainmasters have them?) or sticking brakes or something else making all that smoke?

[@fmnut]

At 2:44 there is white smoke coming from under the engine by the fuel tank. I assume this is what you're referring to. That's the crankcase breather. When an FM gets really hot from being worked hard, a small amount of lube oil vaporizes and comes out that tube. And yes, rhe Train Masters had steam generators.

[@daveboydell2896]

Only one Train Master survives today. It's Canadian Pacific # 8905!

[@needlenosekw]

Tennessee valley authority has theirs still working. It's at a power plant

[@ssweeps]

Thank you

[@jessestarks3128]

@@needlenosekw Awesome!

[@tommachut7167]

@@needlenosekw The TVA FM is a H-16-66 . The TM's were H-24-66. The TVA H-16-66 is no longer in service ,but is still stored at the power plant.

[@UnknownIdaho]

So familiar to my memories, I was 8 when this was filmed. I don’t recognize the fluted stainless train at @8:45 though....

[@robertlopez7988]

These cute little babies pulled lots of tonnage with no sweat. Excellent Bay Area footage. [ Why don't they sell these at the hobby shops ? ]

[@camsmith7651]

I'm surprised at some of the speeds these trains are travelling at.

[@richierich2048]

Maximum speed on that territory was 70 MPH.

[@mow4ncry]

We have three of the subs and three of the bi-levels at the Golden gate railroad Museum I'm surprised to see some of them still in the two-tone gray also

[@NeverForgottenFortOrd]

1972 when Amtrak came and abandoned a lot of local lines

[@fmnut]

Amtrak came in 1971. They took over long distance passenger service, not local lines. The routes that were abandoned were all long distance, not local.