John Bull: Riding the Rails

In 1981, for the John Bull's 150th birthday, the Museum took the John Bull steam locomotive out to run on nearby train tracks. Take a look at this video to see the John Bull locomotive in action.
Find more transportation history in "America on the Move": americanhistory.si.edu/onthemove/
Also see the Museum's "All Aboard the Train!" activity for kids: americanhistory.si.edu/ourstor...

[@SmithsonianAmHistory]

For the 150th anniversary of John Bull, we did extensive research and decided it would be safe to operate the locomotive one last time. Since then, we don't have plans to run it again. But we really appreciate your enthusiasm for this key artifact!

[@jesseusgrantcanales]

Would be cool if you could run the replica again instead, since it is more modern built.

[@xTheBOISx]

Glad you guys ran it one last time. Amazing video.

[@TheSudrianTerrier653]

How about on compressed air for the 200th, it won’t damage the boiler and would still count as running

[@Aaron-uf3sl]

@@TheSudrianTerrier653even with compressed air you’re still pressuring the boiler, which puts it under strain and at risk of damage

[@rickzitarosa]

Sincerely hope that an "exemption" can be granted for 2031. It has been done for other artifacts. Either way, JOHN BULL is a remarkable piece of American History.

[@RockyRailroadProductions_B0SS]

rickzitarosa At least a run on compressed air! Won't damage the boiler and it'd still count as working.

[@Nx553]

?

[@dieselteen0770]

It would be cool to see such American history running again! Even though I’m canadian

[@PowerTrain611]

So let me get this straight... 150 years old, and the boiler could still handle pressure (reduced as it may have been) and run under its own power? Jeez, never have I ever seen a finer example of the embodiment of the phrase, "They don't make 'em like they used to!"

[@user-cr5nh4mv5j]

Not necessarily, many times locomotives will have their boilers replaced after a set time frame. A boilers is easy to build (I'm not saying I could do it please keep in mind) and as the other parts wear out they can be swapped out as well. In fact there likely comes a point in time when the locomotive may only have a few if any original pieces by the end of it's life.

[@colindhowell]

Actually, although John Bull wasn't originally shipped with a spark arrester, it had one added very early in its career, as did other similar engines on the same railroad. The working replica in the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania has a similar arrester. In 1876 John Bull's smokestack was replaced to make it look more "antique", but this old-style stack looks rather like Locomotion's, built in 1825. John Bull's original stack probably looked more like that on Planet, built in 1830.

[@brettcheeseman1154]

the spark arrester was ugly anyway. was her boiler cladding painted green as well or was always left as stained wood?

[@sooline3854]

I wonder if the Smithsonian will do this for her 200th anniversary. However, I'd love to see the big Pacific running again, too!

[@NJPurling]

It looks like the cowcatcher and it's independant axle was an 'after-market' additive to make it better suited to American conditions.

[@NCE1994]

I remember seeing the John Bull as a child. It was one of my favorite trains. Years back I bought an HO scale version of It. its a neat little set.

[@mmandmcb14]

Seen On The Shining Time Station Episode "Show and Yell".

[@HolyKhaaaaan]

Glad I'm not the only one who remembers seeing this engine there!

[@stratagama]

glad i came across the video. I've seen two photographs from this run but they weren't great quality and the fog was very dense, this gave a much clearer image of the event.

[@tycotrain]

I'd love to see her run again, maybe for the 200th anniversary. I also have another question about the other locomotive in your collection. On my many visits to the museum I have seen the large green locomotive, it seems to be in working order. Will the Smithsonian every try to bring that one into operation for special events (It would really boost income for the Smithsonian institution).

[@War1109]

That would be Southern 1401 and as great as it would be to see it run it won't happen mainly due to its position in the museum

[@hartjdr.agustin9745]

0:47 well kid, this is how it looks like when a wood burner lack the spark arrestor in its funnel.

[@nkloudon]

To anyone who picks up this thread, I'm sorry to say that recently enacted regulations regarding steam locomotives would probably make it impossible for the John Bull to run again. Required changes would destroy its authenticity.

[@johnerikson7094]

Kent Loudon well, I read the FRA regulations regarding the operation of steam locomotives, and there is a work around. The rule only applies if "the locomotive is operating FRA exercises jurisdiction over tourist, scenic, and excursion railroad operations whether or not they are conducted on the general railroad system of transportation. There are two exceptions: (1) operations of less than 24-inch gage (which, historically, have never been considered railroads under the Federal railroad safety laws); and (2) operations that are off the general system and "insular."" And a tourist railroad is considered non insular if one or more exists on its line: • A public highway-rail crossing that is in use; • An at-grade rail crossing that is in use; • A bridge over a public road or waters used for commercial navigation; or • A common corridor with a railroad, i.e., its operations are within 30 feet of those of any railroad. So since parks like Disney and Six flags are insular, they have the ability to run their steam trains 365 days a year! And with the facts in mind, there's most likely no work needed to be done to the engine since it's still in running condition (unless some problems are found that is) and it could run at a museum that is insular like the Nevada state railroad museum or the Stone Mountain scenic railroad since they are a standard gauge amusement park railroad and probably insular!

[@raymondleggs5508]

There is a much safer to run replica built in 1927!

[@algrayson8965]

All it would take is one burst boiler to bring on stiffer regulations. Live steam clubs are very picky about boiler safety. Generally boilers of 7-1/4" gage and up must be boiler steel welded by certified boiler welders, then hydrostatically tested (completely filled with water). Two safety pop-off valves are required. Only very small gage live steam locomotives can have silver brazed copper boilers. Boiler explosions are extremely dangerous and destructive. One Virginian Railway articulated locomotive had a crown sheet (top of the firebox inside the boiler) failure. Large sections of the boiler were found over a mile away. The front engine rolled on down the track where the main mass of the boiler landed on top of it. Antique boilers are often recertified at reduced pressure. Many really old steam locos had new boilers made back when they were in regular service.

[@theOlLineRebel]

So cool. I wish we had even KNOWN about this at that time. My dad loves trains and even at 10+ I already knew about this loco. Not fair because we live closer to Baltimore, not far from this.

[@dutchmansmine9053]

A real beauty, she has a very sleek design despite being the oldest operational engine in the world, and it gives her a strangely futuristic look.

[@BlaxlandRidge3]

Happy, Late, Late Birthday John Bull!

[@brettcheeseman1154]

hate to say, but i agree that it should be left un steamed, running a loco with that old of a boiler is a bit risky, also given that it had to run at reduced pressure. she also is built on a original (as far as i know) wooden frame, and is full of old components that can risk damage on the rails. she is better off being left as she is with her original parts that have been outstandingly preserved. however i would love to see her go on tours now and then. i would also love to see the replica back in service. thank you @National Museum of American History for taking such good care of her!

[@bruceraykiewicz6274]

Not mentioned; assembled by a man named Isac Drips. For , the Camden and Amboy Railroad. 1831-1832.

[@PoetryETrain]

Thank you, this has been added to a playlist...

[@SmithsonianAmHistory]

The real thing.

[@nickthompson9697]

I had this on vhs.

[@Knexpert1000]

I have checked out many books from the library, my favourite engine i know of now would be the Best Friend of Charleston. It had another first for america as well as being built here. A boiler explosion. I bet that fireman today thinks that he played the fool.

[@gcm100x]

I was there for the running. I chased it by bicycle along the canal tow path. I did not have video, however.

[@marty6779]

Holy cow these sparks sure could cause some trouble

[@eltonjohnfan100]

WOW this is GREAT!!!!...

[@user-vu8in1ns7g]

The only SURVIVING Stephenson's planet type that has not been replicated.

[@thomaswellington7860]

There's a exact copy of it in the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum. Built by the Pennsylvania Railroad.

[@kennarajora6532]

2031 is just 9 years away.

[@captainryusugi1128]

I volunteer for runs in 2031.

[@nineoneoh]

This is great, I found out about this by a postcard someone sent to me that came from the Smithsonian institution

[@tycotrain]

long live the steamers! :D

[@CaptBubble]

If John BulI can longer run, regardless of the reason, then I think the Fairy Queen is now the oldest locomotive still running, built in Leeds, England in 1855 for Indian Railways, and still being used over there.

[@otakurailfan]

long live the John bull! happy birthbay to the oldest engine in The USA.

[@rlewis1946]

The John Bull runs on present day railroad gauge tracks! I checked Wikipedia and the current standard is 4 feet, 8 1/2 inches, measured between the inside dimensions of the two rails and dates to the standard gauge agreed upon for the Liverpool and Manchester R.R. in 1830, also according to Wikipedia. Apparently, they built these engines to last!! Roy Lewis Atlanta, Georgia USA

[@Rebel9668]

I bet the original track was crap though. Probably iron ribbons laid on wood rails.

[@algrayson8965]

@@Rebel9668 - The first tracks of many American railways had wooden rails having iron strips spiked to carry the wheels. At first rolled iron rail came from England and was very expensive. As a railroad made money they would gradually replace the wood rails with wrought iron and later steel rails. The untreated ties would rot in just a few years so were replaced with creosoted hardwood ties. Sidings and spur tracks were relaid later as money allowed.

[@microbusss]

do these tracks still exist now? the loco was originally a 0-4-0 the front was added later cause it kept derailing

[@pondcat5135]

Wow.

[@rrntrains]

The nearby train tracks are now gone

[@tycotrain]

also I've been wanting to get in contact with you about possibly saving a historic site. It is known as cades cove in the smokey mountains, the national park service has not been able to prevent large amount of damage done by vandals. And the current condition of the historic structures is heartbreaking, is it possible for the smithsonian institution to restore the site and protect a piece of American history?

[@mmandmcb14]

Do you have that film in 1.43 fullscreen?

[@koroshbaradaran]

I agree. I want to see her run again in 2031, if by that time, society hasn't collapsed. :)

[@filipkren6710]

Maybe can run, but not by her power. The boiler could not handle it.

[@johnsmith-sn6hg]

why this video? no info

[@transportationproductions1794]

Listen to the chuffing sound of history.

[@Knexpert1000]

@pennyf9 the DeWitt clinton is older.

[@theKEB42]

finally

[@CGTGofficial]

0:19 Nahh, really?

[@theOlLineRebel]

I think you mean the Southern Crescent?

[@CABurton159]

2:05 What are the handles for?

[@raymondleggs5508]

Valve gear

[@Hendo56]

What kind of regulations? I know that the B&O Train Museum can't run the #25 4-4-0 with passengers anymore because it doesn't have air brakes. Luckily I got to ride it before that rule. What other rules do they have?

[@johnerikson7094]

Hendo56 well that seems odd that the #25 can't pull passengers anymore because she doesn't have air brakes because the Nevada state railroad museum runs the inyo with a single car with passengers, and she doesn't have air brakes (actually more like she has air brakes, they just either can't get the pump working or choose to run it without air brakes).

[@caseyjonesfan]

so is the john bull the Smithsonian has the original tom bull or is this one a modle?

[@jake2001c]

caseyjonesfan I know this is a few years late but it's the real one

[@algrayson8965]

It's the real thing, the original built in England, plus the leading "pilot" (guide) wheels and cowcatcher. In England the tracks were smooth with easy curves. In America tracks were laid quickly before rivals could obtain injunctions to stop them. They were rough and the Bull as a 0-4-0 tended to derail. As a 2-4-0 it stayed on the track much better. Certain wearing parts have been replaced.

[@nikerailfanningttm9046]

built by the same company that built the Rocket. John Bull is two years younger than the famous "Rocket" in Britain. However, unlike Rocket, the original John Bull is operable, unlike Rocket.

[@kevwebb2637]

Yet the General ran longer from 1962 to the early 70's under the ownership of the L&N.

[@hyzercreek]

@trainboy94 ..... 1831 + 175 = 2006

[@keithm5224]

irish89055 Yah, I didn't understand the horn, either, or the seemingly unprofessional speaker.

[@DeathValleyLumberCompany]

any plans to bring her back to life?

[@lordsnivyofnottingham2948]

They should steam her up for her 200th birthday in 2031.

[@trainsbangsandautomobiles824]

This video about American technology and history has 27k views. A recent rappers video has over 5 million. Think about that...

[@Kacer99281]

British technology, built in Newcastle UK

[@algrayson8965]

I've never watched a (c)rap video.

[@SmithsonianAmHistory]

Sorry! We wish we could re-live the experience, too.

[@tycotrain]

it still is capable of running but the Smithsonian chooses not to run it (Also getting it scheduled for track time is a nightmare)

[@johnerikson7094]

tycotrain well what about taking it to a museum the Illinois railway museum where they have plenty of track and would probably be happy to have her run on their track? Or is there an issue of money with that?

[@FutureRailProductions]

john erikson it's not just transport it's also the fact that she's a very old piece of equipment. The museum certainly hasn't maintained her operating capabilities. They probably just take her out of the exhibit every so often and make sure she looks good before putting her back on display. I bet they don't even grease the joints, the axles, and God knows what else needs to be greased on the engine. Not to mention her boiler is made of wood I believe. I think the FRA would have something to say about that.

[@algrayson8965]

Much of the locomotive is cast iron, which becomes more brittle with age. Later castings were of malleable iron and cast steel. Today auto and truck engine crankshafts and connecting rods are cast nodular iron and cast steel.

[@irish89055]

i could have done without the modern horn and docent talking to the third graders.. otherwise great stuff..

[@garryferrington811]

Get rid of that soundtrack!

[@alexandersigworth9333]

you gonna cry?

[@maxmoritz5065]

Only video of it is filmed with a potato. Take this mashine back to the rails and make some good fotage of it