I DROVE THIS TRAIN (and you can too!)

[@Drewster327]

I was a locomotive engineer for 15 years, everyone thinks operating a train is so easy because you dont steer, but there is so much more to it than that, just operating one locomotive like you did seemed complicated, try handling 100+ cars with 10,000+ tons behind you at 50mph and still stopping and starting up hills and down hills. I appreciate the shoutout to all us railroaders, its nice to be appreciated sometimes

[@thunderbird1921]

Now add into that the fact that sometimes that 10,000 tons of freight can include industrial chemicals or even millions of gallons of crude oil from America's pump fields. No room for an error. You guys have probably one of the trickiest jobs out there, honestly.

[@rateyesmertz3785]

13,000feet 13,000 tons Remote 1978 SPRR Glidden Tx west.

[@SilkyTrains]

do we care

[@JustinEdge-i3i]

No

[@interstate1335]

Yeah! I would love to go into that field, even if it doesn’t roll in the money, because I’ve been fascinated in trains forever. Would love to learn from a professional just to operate these steel giants!

[@hoof2001]

With Suzanne’s engineering background, it would be great if she led videos focussing on the engineering you guys encounter like airports, this and all aspects. It would be good to hear that from an engineer’s view

[@Originalman144]

Is she an aerospace or locomotive engineer? That's pretty cool.

[@Cal90208]

@@Originalman144 I think she’s an engineer of some sort of aviation field. It was mentioned in the Kansas City terminal video

[@gosikh]

Yeeeeeees.

[@CDRiley]

I think she’s camera shy. You don’t see Jeb focusing on her on any of trips.

[@Originalman144]

@@Cal90208 I would hope so. The guy saying she should be leading the video that happens to feature an old diesel locomotive, just because she’s an engineer, but may be a software or biomedical engineer makes absolutely no sense. If she’s not an aviation engineer then the original comment is just weird.

[@silvanostagni]

You have lived the dream of anybody who ever played with a model train. Thank you for taking us along!!!

[@PetePaulIII]

Mr. bill kills it, what a treat having him on... Fanclub started mate, let’s hear the cheers for Bill

[@connorgagel5711]

As a railroad worker for the past 11 years I wanted to thank you for the subtle shoutout in your video. Running trains is as easy as driving a car anymore, but you brought back that awesome feeling of throwing the reverser forward for the first time. As always I always love watching you and Suzanne’s videos! Keep up the awesome content!

[@ryandavis7593]

I second this thought. I work for a short line railroad in Sunray Texas as a composite locomotive mechanic. Operating these machines in close quarters and in conditions that require pinpoint control makes us exceptional engineers. Not intending to brag. When you know what makes it tick it is easier. One of the greatest pucker factors for me was bringing a locomotive in over an open inspection pit for the first time. There’s just something not right about bringing something that big in over a hole in the track. Greetings from the high plains of Texas.

[@bobjennings6673]

"As easy as driving a car", HA! And some of those people who are engineers these days should not be driving a car either.

[@johnchambers8528]

This looks like something any interested Railfan would like to experience. As he noted it takes some skill to learn how to operate it smoothly and in control. It would even be harder with a longer train since you have to also control the cars you are pulling. Add in curves and hills and then you better know what you are doing. There is no way this is as easy as driving a car, even a manual transition one.

[@acelakid94]

@@ryandavis7593 I can relate. I used to bring subway cars into the carhouse from the yard. There's no third rail inside the building so you have to come in with some momentum and brake just right to spot it over the jacks in the floor. Otherwise you'll get stuck somewhere. Spotting was basically placing the leading wheels to line up perfectly with a yellow strip with only 2 inches of allowable error. It was super satisfying to get a perfect spot the first try, but it took a lot of practice. Learning that skill helped me greatly when I went on the mainline making station stops.

[@Survivor1547]

You're not only one i would get Excited about it Being a Train Locomotive Engineer for a day.

[@stompyowl]

Jeb is such a respectful interviewer. It's a joy to watch these!

[@thomasfreeman7770]

One of my greatest adventures as a kid. My uncle was a dispatcher for the New Jersey Central Railroad. In 1967 when I was 12 he arranged a cab ride for me. It started in western NJ near the Pennsylvania border. We had 4 F7 units in an A,B,B,A configuration followed by 106 C&O open hopper’s full of coal. In a desolate section of track the engineer let me take the controls. It certainly would not happen today. I must say though that is the most power I have held in my hands to this day.

[@milwrde70]

Glad you enjoyed a taste of my day job (except moving freight, not passengers)

[@annedewsbury3354]

This made me cry. My Dad would have loved this. He loved trains.

[@jamesrussell6123]

I love trains myself

[@CrabMan2539]

5:48 Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe NS was introduced as a holding company in 1982 but the road names were still Southern and N&W until 1990

[@pmaitrasm]

I rode this locomotive. I hope they have a live steam event there. Thank you for posting.

[@yappytown]

I ask them ALL the time if they will have any operational Steam there soon and they always say if they will just sign up for the newsletter on their website and it would be there. I was told sometimes personal owners will bring their engines there for service sometimes too. They are going to get so sick of me asking them so many things!

[@pmaitrasm]

@@yappytown, They did have that fireless locomotive out once for visitors to operate. Tickets were $100.

[@yappytown]

@@pmaitrasmOh man, I miss all the cool stuff :(

[@laurencemartin2797]

Wow!!!!! Thank you. ! No computers!

[@TonyVRailfanning]

Very cool to be able to operate the F-unit, I just filmed a 1948 F3a unit at the Alberta Railway museum in Canada as they did some switching in the yard. Walking through the engine room to the cab I was amazed how much space was in the cab. Truly an experience I won’t forget.

[@FunAtDisney]

I was able to do this with my family several years ago at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, CA. So much fun! You really appreciate the skill involved in running one of these - All the levers you must constantly be on - and those engineers did it for hours sometime going 100 mph back in the 1950’s and 60’s.

[@tayheelnc1]

Thank you Jeb for highlighting this gem in NC. I cannot wait to take a fun day trip there!

[@shirosenshiesq]

Like a kid in a candy store! Thanks for taking us along the ride, Jeb!

[@carolsmith5531]

Thank you so much for sharing one of our (I’m a Thomasville neighbor) NC’s gems to the world. Also not only is it enjoyed by adults the kids have loads of fun too!!! Another GREAT video Jeb!!!

[@slatesworld518]

I’m proud Jeb brooks

[@davidsmolenski9796]

I drive the steam locomotive at my local amusement park and love it so much! She was built in 1970 and was completely rebuilt this past off season. In 12 short hours I will be back behind the controls for the park’s opening day for the year!

[@joeclaymore]

Love this. Come to Essex CT and put your hand on the throttle of a steam locomotive!

[@charleskirby9190]

My grandfather rode as a conductor between Spencer and Monroe Virginia. As a child we visited the museum and I got to meet some of the volunteers who worked with my grandfather on that route. They let me ride in the cab, told stories and made memories that have lasted 25 years. Glad you got to experience it!

[@blodyholy_]

I can’t believe after all of your travels, hikes, adventures, etc. you’ve never showcased this on your channel, with it so close to your location (Forgive me if you have). This is amazing, thank you Jeb as always!

[@transatlantictom]

As someone who has done a similar experience in the uk, I can relate to how “fast” this slow speed experience can be. It must be an awesome feeling to be at the controls of a beautiful and powerful machine such as this. I will be on lookout for these types of opportunities here thanks to you.

[@thomasbrennan3767]

My wife and I visited that museum in early March 2023. It was amazing. Just when you thought you were done, there was much more to see.

[@vettebecker1]

Out of all the times I’ve been to the museum, I still haven’t done this yet. Since my son and I love the F and E units, this would be a dream come true!!!!!

[@mariovieira838]

That museum is amazing. Also amazing is that 5 chime horn on the FP7. About 501, the purple E3 from Atlantic Coast Line, it used to run very fast between Richmond and Jacksonville; 90/100 Mph, with the Champion and Florida Special trains

[@coryphillips8526]

I got goose bumps after watching this video. The closest I ever got to driving a locomotive was standing in the doorway of an Amtrak EMD locomotive on National Train Day at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia several years ago.

[@Uptownloki47]

That looks like an amazing experience. Fun fact: the Southern Railway was one of the 4 railways that did not initially join Amtrak in 1971, instead opting to continue to offer its own passenger services, most notably the Southern Crescent and the Asheville Special. 6133 was regular motive power for the Asheville special until Southern ended that service in '75 or '76. The Southern Crescent lived on until 1978-79 before it was finally handed over to Amtrak.

[@stevemcclure2879]

You find the most "off the beaten trail" adventures! I LOVE it! :) I'm thinking of a train trip to NC to see this museum :)

[@firstlast1282]

Wow. What an experience! Thanks for sharing!

[@FrogFood8587]

My Dad is currently working as a architect for the North Carolina Transportation Museum, it's a really great place with lots of interesting history to unpack. Me and my family have all learned so much about the history of the site and buildings that they're hoping to renovate in the near future. There are so many interesting and fun facts I wish I could share, but that would bog down this already lengthy comment. Overall it's an amazing place that I'd recommend to anyone if you're in or around the area.

[@carmattvidz4426]

I am Australian, and I am lucky enough to say that I get to drive trains for a living. Driving a modern suburban train is not as hard as some may think. Sure, there are many skills you need to master, but most of them are learned skills. You just need to put in the time and effort. What you do need to know is that operating the train controls and systems is only half the job. The rest is building up your track knowledge, which involves learning where all the signals are located because trains take time to stop. If you only start braking when you sight the signal at stop (red), it may be too late. You will have a SPAD (running a red signal), and that is not a good thing. Track knowledge is what keeps a train safe. Overall, once you learn everything you need to know, it is surprisingly easy to drive a modern suburban train. You just need to remember that this job can go from being very easy to a nightmare within seconds. I have PTSD from this job, but it is still a great job if you are lucky enough to get it.

[@williamralph5442]

I was a conductor at the museum, but never drove 6133. She is a cool machine and a rough rider. Thanks.

[@kensingtonchapp4819]

I've been a locomotive engineer for BNSF out of Los Angeles for 10 years, running the Cajon Pass daily, and I still think it would be fun to check out this museum and run an old F type.

[@verne5024]

Jeb, Thank you for your videos. I especially enjoyed this one, as I once rode in the engine cab of an identical unit, Southern Railway #6137, between Greensboro and High Point,NC in 1975. I got to pull the chord, with that same type of chime horn, as the 6137 roared through Jamestown,NC at 70 mph! I'm still thrilled by that memory today. This was an awesome video - Thanks again! - Verne Brummel, Madison,WI

[@elijahbrasseur7996]

So cool. I haven’t watched it yet, but I know all of your other videos are amazing so this one will be as well.

[@mathewmclean9128]

That's awesome! I will definitely have to do that.

[@andrewmazzarini2742]

Oh Jeb, that's a dream come true for me. I can't begin to imagine the number of times I've contemplated asking MBTA operators if I can drive a T commuter rail train between two stops, or at least see the operations in the cab, which I think I would be decent at considering I've clocked 200 hours in a train simulator. I really wish I was closer to heritage railroads that allowed me to do what you did in this vid

[@KathyPulliam-l5m]

I just wanted to write and say how much I enjoyed this video of the NC Transportation Museum and Site. I live about 15 minutes from it in Salisbury and have been there many times. I even gave my husband for his Birthday several years ago the “At the Throttle” experience driving a steam train there. It was so exciting for both of us! Thank you for showing everyone our wonderful state of NC through your travels. It makes me so proud to be from here. I also appreciate all your world wide travel videos with you and Suzanne. I certainly will not be able to go to all those destinations but I can experience them vicariously through you two. We are going to Italy this summer with family and we are very excited about it. Keep on traveling.

[@JosephLink]

Love your videos Jeb! Thanks for inspiring me to do so many things and you keep adding on to my bucket list. You are one of my top KZbinrs.

[@robertmainerd7145]

It's an amazing experience to be in the cab. My wife and I rode the cab of the Royal Gorge RR and it was an experience I'll never forget.

[@SNOOPY_-]

thanks for the effort of conversion from miles to KM Jeb. if i may speak for all europeans,thanks mate

[@TheWolfHowling]

This is certainly another destination I’ll be adding to the Wishlist next time I’m stateside. Looks like a fantastic place to spend a day

[@yappytown]

I live right down the road from this awesome museum, and had no idea you were right in Greensboro. A friend and myself took our little ones on the Amtrak over to Greensboro and walked to the Children's Museum last week. Fun trip and man I haven't been on a proper train ride since I was like 6 years old and it was a blast. Got me just obsessed and learning everything I can. Glad you got to see that place and sit in the drivers seat! Sadly doesn't look like they are offering it this year but hoping maybe next year. Signed up my daughter and I as members so we go there and hangout and walk around a few times a week lol. Nice video, thanks!

[@saigonexile531]

I had seen that sign many times in the past but never stopped. Someday, when I'm back in the US, I may just stop by and drive a train! Cheers!

[@RichardinNC1]

I’ve been there a few times. I saw the 611 in action and got to ride in a caboose behind it. One time they put the N&W 611 on the turntable. It’s wheelbase was 99’6” and took precision to fit it on!

[@jrwhynot3631]

We are lucky to have such an amazing facility in the center of our state!

[@runningrauster8971]

Definitely the dream of a great many kids (and adults!)

[@donaldmickunas8552]

Fun video, Mr. Sausage Maker. Great to see the preservation of such an important part of our past.

[@deanchapman6425]

It is a fantastic and enjoyable adventure to operate a 70 yr. old locomotive. If you are out west in Northern California around Lake Tahoe just a short drive to Quincy, is the Western Pacific Railroad Museum. You can operate one or more of 8 operational locomotives from the late 40's to early 60's. Growing up in the WP family I first learn at the age of 9 while sitting on the engineers lap. And later as part of a job, a SW1500 all day for several months shuttling car for a copper smelter during labor troubles. I wish you well in your travels and enjoy as many things as you come across.

[@FanRailer]

If the Norfolk and Western No. 611 ever makes it back down to Spencer for another stay at the museum, it’s definitely worth checking out. There’s just something about being behind the throttle of a living, breathing steam locomotive that just blows the diesel experience out of the water.

[@WBDE]

Fun fact: as mentioned by Jeb, the turntable at the Spencer roundhouse has a length of 100 feet. The N&W class J 611 has a wheelbase of 98.5 feet. Spotting the 611 on the turntable is a very precise maneuver

[@wolfgangschrader4645]

You lucky so and so !!! Must have been great. Keep it up, we are enjoying your reports . Thanks !!

[@cleopatrabonz]

Wow Jeb, I bet that was so fun!

[@henryjpridejr]

Nice video I didn't know train museums showed people how to operate a locomotive I did it for a living for 30 plus years great job

[@LeRoyShow47]

My Grandpa drove the locomotive at the Museum of Transportation in St Louis for many years. Seeing this video brought back so many memories of being a kid

[@johnhagan7742]

I think this would be a great addition that more museums could offer. And one locomotive that I think would be great for this is the General Electric "Genesis" locomotives if any of them are preserved in museums after they retire in about 2 and a half years from now.

[@pezzamag0953]

I'm a train driver in England. It's honestly the best job in the world ❤

[@jamesk370]

... and another experience has been added to my bucket list.

[@iamcoreilly]

I love the look on your face as you concentrate on the job at hand.

[@killerqueen9298]

Jeb, your enthusiasm is infectious. Another great video😊

[@davidbeveridge8226]

Living MY dream, Jeb. Thanks for your great videos

[@thomasmccardle725]

I took a vacation there one year and I had a great time filled with great memories!

[@fldpgny]

Thanks Jeb for all your great vlogs. I love train travel as you do. Most of it back and forth from NY Penn Station to Hudson NY on annual trips to the town of Catskill NY. My favorite was 23 years ago on the Shangalolo Express. 16 days from Johnannesburg SOuth Africa to Cape Town. They still run luxury tours through Africa. Keep up the super trips. Doug

[@wesmcgee1648]

I've always been fascinated by trains. When I was a young cop in the 80s I once asked a KCS conductor if I could ride his freight to the next stop some 50 miles away. He said I'd have to fill out paperwork a mile high beforehand, and even then the brass would probably not approve it.

[@waynemacfarland1546]

You know, ever since I was a kid, I've always dreamed of driving a train. Of course, I'm into hot air balloons now, but after watching your video, I think the North Carolina Transportation Museum can help make my boyhood dream come true!

[@joshuatrower1698]

Jeb at Spencer? Now he truly is one of us!

[@randybutler4772]

Thank you for sharing.

[@jqgoldstriker8096]

Nice! Strasburg Railroad in Pennsylvania offers throttle sessions for steam locomotives on select weekends each year. Worth a visit there imo, Jeb! :)

[@pmaitrasm]

They even had a steam locomotive session at this museum. I was there, but could not afford it, because I was a broke college student then.

[@lilsisasu]

One of my great uncle’s used to work there when Southern Railway still owned it. Everyone in the area called it Spencer Shops. During the Christmas parade, the judges sit in one of the cars.

[@ryandavis7593]

I have to admit this video was better than I expected. I do get a lot of enthusiast who start going spastic when discussing this subject. As a locomotive composite locomotive mechanic I often just shake my head and move on. This video was well made and curbed any potential misinformation sticking only to the facts. Thank you. Greetings from the high plains of Texas.

[@TheRareVideosXL]

What a unique experience. Great content as always. Keep up the great work.

[@debbirbodner5358]

Thank you for showing us this video. Very interesting.

[@maclairetx]

Jeb Brooks you live the coolest life! WOW!!!

[@denault3985]

I remember when the museum was actually a closed shop, visited in the 1980's on vacation.

[@kkw2237]

I went there on 2006 and get into the cab for the ride. The experience is great

[@shortylucy]

Ok, I need to make my way to NC! Also, Jen, you look Like a natural conducting that train. 👌

[@jamessmith6402]

Brilliant video what an experience 👍 thanks Jeb

[@wafflesnfalafel1]

super nice vid - love the close with that FP7 prime mover idling away in the back ground.

[@lorimitchell9025]

I am working on getting a membership to there. I haven’t been there in so long. Since I was in the 2nd grade and I loved it. I will definitely keep my eyes open for that event. I live in Kernersville NC.

[@hikingmansteve]

Great video. I am so envious of you getting to do this. That locomotive is a work of art. The restoration and/or maintenance of it is top notch. SR

[@bugbuddy1771]

Thank you for taking us on this amazing experience.

[@howardzhao4685]

Love this one! Never forget those days in history when I waited on the side of track waiting for train to pass……

[@Rikevis10]

Great video. That Atlantic Coast Line locomotive is a beauty. I live in NC, and visited the museum when my daughter was about 12. A lot of fun. And you looked like a kid in a candy store!

[@richardnewman5981]

Jebb. I was always told that you run a train, not drive it. Me and my family got to run one in Portola California. Love your channel.

[@WaynoGur]

The dream if every railfan. Thanks for taking us along.

[@user-tn1vc1xz5d]

I saw a programme once about a guy who bought a train and a few miles of track. He'd trundle up and down most weekends, and hadn't filled it with fuel for over 20 years 🤣🤣🤣. That's living the dream!

[@davidphillips3090]

I live in Salisbury, NC and the Transportation Museum is a great way to entertain out of town guests when they come. Great video! Thank you

[@jackybeck2479]

I live in Australia, I would love to travel to North Carolina to do this!

[@theconceptualist8626]

There is another railroad museum that offers this in Portola, California. The track is a lot shorter, however. The museum however is great, with a huge collection of rolling stock and locomotives. They specialize in the Western Pacific railroad, which used to run through that area, with a lot of locomotives in that collection from the Western Pacific. Great and knowledgeable staff, and I myself drove a train there, a shunter engine (that’s not the only engine they have that you can operate there’s multiple). it’s a great place, and if you live in the western half of the US and don’t want to go all the way to North Carolina, Portola is a good option for you. It’s located across the border from Nevada near Reno along state route 70.

[@markakira8988]

*that was awesome*

[@pamelagordon869]

You looked like you had fun jeb❤❤❤

[@ROLLMEAWAY]

Another great adventure! I went there many years ago with my kids and rode the train.

[@EntertainmentWorldz]

great train video bro

[@SantaFe5811]

My first trip to the US (I’m Australian), I got to operate an incredibly rare locomotive at the Southern California Rail Museum in Perris CA. Lots of fun. Scorching hot day though. A few dehydrating ales in Riverside CA that night.

[@WBDE]

I was very lucky to be able to ride the 3801 steam locomotive on the 'Long Lunch' train out of Sydney when I travelled there to watch my wife compete as a member of the United States Equestrian Team in the 2000 Sydney Games. I hope you appreciate the wonderful trains you have in Australia and I am glad you enjoyed your experience in California.

[@ck4426]

This was so neat to see and gives you such a better perspective of what it’s like. Thank you so much!!!

[@swedishlutheran]

I rode behind 6133 in 1975 in Asheville, NC on the Asheville Special to Old Fort. Frank Clodfetler was our friend and the engineer. We were visiting my Aunt and Uncle in Asheville. 😢

[@Arrman2]

Looks like you've had fun training in every sense of the word

[@SD45-ET44AC]

Great place to visit! Plus for me it’s the place of our local star, N&W 611’s rehabilitation. Also, it used to be for horn toots (at least where I’m from) 1-Stop, 2-Go, 3-Back Up. But as I said “where I’m from”.

[@soniayoung7531]

Hi Jeb interesting video, you did good explaining things, thanks for sharing stay blessed