Locomotive Controls EMD SD 40-2

Take a tour of the inside the cab of our locomotive #3098, an EMD SD 40-2.
This locomotive was built in May of 1966 for Southern Pacific as #8477.
It was built as an SD 40 then after SP and UP merged this locomotive
was retired and sold to Boise Locomotive Works which gave it the Dash 2 upgrade.
#EMDSD40-2#LocomotiveControls

[@kirklawrence4326]

it's so cool to see a "GM" stamp on this. Most of my family worked for GM in Flint back in the day and I recall seeing so much activity in the train yards as a kid. Thanks for showing us these beautiful machines. Fantastic!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you very much Kirk for the nice comment. We really appreciate your taking the time to pay us a visit and write in my friend.

[@thomaskraus834]

Great video. I was amazed at the similarities the cab has to a Swiss locomotive. I drove Swiss locomotives for 33 years. Now I am binge watching your other videos. Thanks for the work you put into it.

[@ccrx6700]

Thomas, wow how awesome, great comment, bet you coukd tell us a lot of neat stories, thanks for watching and for your years of service on the rr

[@jimsamois9979]

In the USA on Amtrak we had/ ran AEM engines I understand they were built in Switzerland..that was over 20 years ago. The AEM engines were short wheel based and very rough riding thru interlocking.

[@ccrx6700]

@@jimsamois9979 Thanks Jim, i understand rough riding short wherl base, our track machines are like that, not a pleasant ride, specially on all our jointed track

[@deancole4559]

29yr's train service in the US👍

[@yrunaked4]

possibly the greatest locomotive ever built. Dependable and powerful and the numbers built reflect that. Still going strong with good shop people in the mix. Cheers Rob

[@ccrx6700]

There sure is a lot of them still active and working out there for sure. Very much appreciate your stopping by today and taking in the video my friend.

[@billmorris2613]

The EMD SD series from the 40s to the 90s was my favorite locomotives to run.

[@ccrx6700]

@@billmorris2613 😊👍

[@Hyrev1]

Just ran across this one Dave. Awesome tour! Huge thanks! Very cool!..and that link you left another guy asking the difference between freight & passenger brake setting, was very informative. Thanks again!

[@ccrx6700]

Glad you enjoyed Jim.

[@vrmntthb]

I was always wondering about isolating traction motors and you sir are the first to show me that on this medium. Plus didn’t know that only one traction motor gives you that amp reading and not all engaged with a computer sampling an average to that gauge. And they don’t take the reverser handle out anymore so us laymen can’t run it at all if we tried without that handle present. Must be a trusting shop on that front …and thanks for all you’ve offered up so far for us fans here on your channel. Long live the remaining SD40s!

[@NiceMuslimLady]

I would guess that you would have to first get INTO the shop to have a chance of gaining access to the locomotive. Then you would also have to know how to actually START that locomotive up, providing that you are able to get into the locomotive. So, probably 1. Climb fence(s), 2. Jimmy a door open to get into shop, 3. Find a door key or break a door lock or a window on the locomotive to get into it, 4. Figure out how to start up the locomotive (the starter button may not even be in the cab, so you would have to search for it).

[@ccrx6700]

Todd, not all locos read off only 1 motor, new ones are not like that, they take an average of all of them. I'm sure many other RR's require that handle to be removed, some of our guys do it and some don't. Thanks for watching sir

[@hawghead4596]

A reason for the reverser to be removed on the trailing units is to keep it from accidentally getting hit and pushed to the foreword or reverse position. You can imagine what would happen if it was in the forward position and you had to make a reverse move. Another thing is the MU cable would not work for the unit if the reverser was not centered. If the reverser is not centered you cannot get the handle out.

[@hawghead4596]

Notice that the handle for the dynamic brakes is vertical and for power the handle is horizontal. Also, dynamic brakes will not work with a traction motor cut out. How was the amp gauge showing pulling 300 amps and the engine not running?

[@chemistryinstruments7156]

This is one of the best You Tube channels, this guy does everything on the Cumberlans Mine Railroad and has good video and narrating skills. It's something like Agent Jay Z, which is a big complement.

[@ccrx6700]

Golly, gee, thank you for the really kind words. There are only 2 of us that work track maintenance and I been out here over 40 years, so i guess i oughta know a little bit bout what going on, lol. But im still learn new things and that pretty neat, thanks for watching

[@alainaarrhodge5413]

@Chemistry Instruments - I couldn't agree more!! CCRX does a great job with these videos! Very thorough and extremely informative. Thank you Sir for sharing your wealth of information with us!!

[@ccrx6700]

@@alainaarrhodge5413 Thank you Alaina, that was nice of you. I do appreciate your watching

[@johndanaher6371]

That is the same EMD unit type one of my brothers worked on @ CSX down in Jacksonville. Pretty cool. Glad I found this one. Thanks for giving me a tour.

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome John. Glad you are enjoying the times with us here. We do appreciate your tuning in and checking things out my friend.

[@peterthomas2139]

Fairly new subscriber. I love the inside information and how you explain things. So much to know with a railroad. Keep up the great videos! We all enjoy them.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Peter, got lots of vids on the channel if you sometime care to watch them. Appreciate your being on board with our group here!

[@russelltrupia4479]

Came across this outstanding videos it is right up my alley.GREAT JOB DAVE !!!!!!!

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome Russell, nice that you liked it 😊

[@russelltrupia4479]

@@ccrx6700 Thanks again

[@ccrx6700]

@@russelltrupia4479 👍

[@rodneymcgiveron7494]

Great vid.....Huge fan of the SD40-2....We've had them run here in Australia....sweet locomotive...Thanks so much..

[@ccrx6700]

Appreciate the nice comment Rodney, we do like ours. Thank you very much for taking the time to visit with us and check out the video my friend.

[@jeffreykupetz4930]

So if you have traction motor number 2 cutout will the amp gauge/power needle not work?

[@GrandadsLetters]

Thanks for the cab/control tour. Very interesting how controls have evolved! I started out on the 26L brake, but also got some time on the vintage 6L steam engine brake. Great memories. Thanks!

[@ccrx6700]

Awesome Larry! was the steam brake system similar to this? My the stories I bet you could share with us, hope you'll keep sharing as we go along sir

[@Eddy63]

Excellent tour Dave ... I love them old SD 40-2's ...We'll get engine tour next time ... Thx ...

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Eddy, so glad you enjoyed this one. We really appreciate your dropping by and watching my friend.

[@fredeisen7401]

Very cool Dave!!! Learned a bunch about the SD40-2 controls. Wow!! Thanks!!

[@ccrx6700]

That's great to hear Fred, now you can drive that locomotive sitting in your backyard and know how to do it! :-) Thank you very much for taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a very good day my friend.

[@chrisbailey9331]

Thank you, that’s a very comprehensive tour of the cab, interesting to see how accurate the Train Sim World 2 SD40-2 compares with the real deal, I’m a new subscriber and thoroughly enjoying your videos 👍🏻😁

[@ccrx6700]

Welcome Chris and great to hear you are enjoying. Really pleased to have you with us and hope you will continue to enjoy them. Got a bunch of behind the scenes RR videos on my channel if you sometime would care to watch. Your always welcome to write in.

[@lewistodd9242]

Thanks Dave. I had never seen inside of one of these cabs.

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome Lewis, sure wish I could get into a new loco and see that cab, it sure is a different ball game there, no computers on these old gals

[@artweseman5249]

Very interesting video, I've always wondered what it looks like inside the engine. Thank you very much.

[@ccrx6700]

Your very welcome Art, so glad you enjoyed. We really appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

[@delmaracer]

This video is really cool. After watching it for about 6 times, I feel like I can go and engineer a train, lol ;)

[@MrMeme122]

Thanks man, this was my first time driving an SD40-2 all though it’s slightly different, the power fuses and stuff behind the drivers seat where different, this video helped me a lot, thanks so much for the video

[@ccrx6700]

Your very welcome MLG. Very glad to hear you enjoyed. EMD a pretty simple loco to run, at least the old ones like this, I've never been in a loco newer than one built in 1976. Very much appreciate your visiting with us taking the time to write in my good man.

[@robertreeves-su1qb]

At VMV in Paducah Ky, I built several SD-40 -2 cabinets brand new. Card racks are a pain on spacing . They weighed 2 tons and had 5 miles of wiring in them. A 5 ton fork truck would pick it up and take it to the main machine shop floor and over head crane would set it in the locomotive .

[@ccrx6700]

Wow 5 miles of wiring, Wow! No wonder so many things go wrong with our old locos..... :-) Thank you very much Robert for taking the time to visit with us and may you have a very good day my friend.

[@I_SuperHiro_I]

Have you ever been to the Chicago rail yards? It’s really quite a sight. 30 tracks wide, shipping container loading, ethanol, coal, steel, you name it. I have a lot of clients in the area, many of which are right up against the tracks. Rail folk are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Always happy to chat.

[@ccrx6700]

No I have not Super Hiro. Sounds like it would be an awesome place to visit tho. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video and write in my friend.

[@P61guy61]

I enjoyed the tour. Thank you for posting

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome William glad you had good time

[@Nethanel773]

Thanks for putting this up.

[@ccrx6700]

Your very welcome Nethanel, glad you enjoyed. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch my friend.

[@petezapadka]

Hi Dave! Just got around to watching this -- it's fascinating, of course! I should have learned something about this when I rode with Rodney, but I was too mesmerized!

[@ccrx6700]

Understand mesmoreirzed! Glad you enjoyed the show. Was just talkin to rodney tonight, he doing well Pete, he was asking bout you

[@petezapadka]

@@ccrx6700 Great to hear about Rodney! He was a fabulous guest host! I think of him from time to time, and I wish I could have visited him at his cabin. And whenever I get back home, I truly would like to shake your hand. Your videos and rail work are much appreciated!

[@intotheabyss5528]

This is a really cool video, Happy New Year!!

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks and glad to hear you enjoyed

[@doubleutubefan5]

Im a new engineer on a plant crew that we switch out. We run EMD GP40-3 locomotives with the same brake stand. I always thought that the OUT/FRT/PASS knob was cut out/front/pass as in by-pass. Now I know. Thanks!

[@ccrx6700]

Very glad I could be of assistance. I'm always here if you need anything else. Not a lot of difference between the GP and SD models, biggest is the 2 and 3 axle trucks. My engineer friend from NS has ran every loco out there and he always said the GP's were his favorite. Thanks so much for watching the video today my good man.

[@barefooboy17]

Great video, thank you for posting!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed watching

[@charlesferebee263]

Great Video. ! 👍 One day. Hanging around a SuzieQ SD40-2. I learned how to change all the brake shoes on the whole unit. Guessing that was the easiest part of Railroadin. LMAO. 😊😎

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks Charles and glad you enjoyed the video, I hated changing brake shoes on the loco and cars, filthy dirty and what was worse laying on the ground in the rain and snow. Appreciate your watching the show today my friend.

[@jimmyhuesandthehouserocker1069]

When I was a young boy, I used to say when I grew up, I was going to be a locomotive engineer. My dad scoffed and said I was going to go to college. I never made it there

[@BossSpringsteen69]

Where's the rest of the story? Well, are you my engineer?

[@anomalyyTV]

I wanted to be an engineer too back in the days i used to watch train movies and I said all sorts of things. We all have change of plans once we grow up

[@EastBayFlipper]

So the alerter has replaced the deadman from the steam locomotive days. Thanks for the really interesting video as I grew up in a coal town in the same province as another Cumberland mine that was famous for all the wrong reasons.

[@ccrx6700]

Well in this loco yes, in our 2 sd 38-2 locos we still have a dead man. Thank you John for watching

[@Boilermaker-Rick]

Thanks for the tour of the engine.

[@ccrx6700]

👍😊

[@jlo13800]

Heck now I want to buy a skidoo with an 850 Etec turbo R engine and install drain Vicks on it and mount an air starter

[@jasonplatco7881]

First time I ever saw the inside of a locomotive I was 2 years old. My family went all the way across the country to see my grandparents for a vacation at their home. I was too young to now remember all the details but I had a relative who ran a switcher locomotive. He took me to see it, started it up, sat me on his lap, and let me run it for something like a quarter mile on the yard. Aside from that all I remember is it was flat Grey and might have been an EMD SW7

[@ccrx6700]

Jason, that's pretty neat story! Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed reading it. Trains and kids = great memories

[@Survivor1547]

Nice the sd40 has a old Pull valve train horn gotta loved those.

[@ccrx6700]

👍 yep and it blows a Nathan 3 chime. Thanks for watching

[@MuradBeybalaev]

Just finished reading through the entire EMD GP38-2 Operator's Manual and since SD40-2 is pretty similar, sharing the 26L air brake controller and all, here's a couple of extra nuggets: The throttle handle's "STOP" position is supposed to shut down all engines in the entire consist. The automatic brake's "EMERGENCY" position also acts on the whole consist (and thus train), regardless of the MU-2(A) switch positions - yes, even from a trailing locomotive, which makes sense for an emergency, but I wonder if it would overrule a "SUPPRESSION" position in the lead locomotive…

[@ccrx6700]

Very interesting Murad. I looked in my SD 40-2 operators manual and it doesn't say anything about the throttle stop shutting down multiple units in an MU'd lash up. Since we never MU our locos, I have no way to test it out either. I would also assume that it works the same way in the SD as it does in GP's. Cool to find out. Not much difference in SD and GP except for the trucks. Really appreciate your watching and writing in my friend.

[@alainacollom1348]

Cool to see the inside.

[@ccrx6700]

Glad you liked it Alaina, appreciate your coming along with me today.

[@kangitankaska]

Could a locomotive be outfitted to change track switches ahead of itself?

[@ccrx6700]

We have 4 switches that can be thrown from inside the loco cab. They are radio controlled. Go to a certain channel on the radio, then key in a certain code and viola the switch throws. Each of our 4 switches have a different code to throw them. pretty cool stuff isn't it. Thanks for watching and writing in my friend.

[@SumSouuthernSugar]

Very good. Thank you!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed watching, we do appreciate that

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Thank you

[@ccrx6700]

Your quite welcome Ivory and glad you found it interesting. Really appreciate your taking the time to check out the video and may you have a very good day my friend.

[@claytonkribs9262]

Thanks Dave.

[@ccrx6700]

Your certainly welcome Clayton. Appreciate very much your taking the time to visit with us and may you have a very good day my friend.

[@cheerdiver]

5:46 Who is John Galt?

[@thomasdupee1440]

Air gauges: main reservoir - shows pressure in #2 main air reservoir. Normal pressure = 130-140 psi. At 150 psi. the safety valve should lift. Equalizing reservoir - shows pressure of the feed valve setting and responds to changes in the position of the brake valve handle (in this case schedule 26L) Most modern trains carry a 90 psi. feed valve setting. Brake pipe - shows the brake pipe pressure at the locomotive. The rear end of the train could be quite a bit lower but by law cannot be more than 15psi. difference. This pressure will respond to changes in the equalizing reservoir, but at a slower rate depending on brake pipe volume. (Bigger train = slower application rate) Brake cylinder - reflects the amount of air in the locomotive brakes only, as controlled by the independent brake valve. Depending on the locomotive brake set-up, relay valve piping, etc., the maximum pressure may be as low as 36 and as high as 72.

[@ccrx6700]

Thomas, Excellent explanation there sir! Thank you for adding that. I love your comments

[@mshum538]

👍Mr Dupee, how’s things in Willard?

[@thomasdupee1440]

@@mshum538 I hear that it's not so good. Humps have been idle since Harrison came in. A few Chicago pool jobs but not much else.

[@mshum538]

@@thomasdupee1440 All for a stock that pays ahhhh .10 a share, is that right? Take care Tom….

[@billmorris2613]

The main reservoirs on modern EMD / GE Locomotives are interconnected. So they will all have the same pressure. There may be a momentarily difference between tanks when pumping them up or drawing air out of them. But I doubt that it could be detected using a standard railroad air gauge.

[@rodneydaub3812]

4:35 when you moved your finger, the gauge moved a couple notches, how'd you do that?

[@ccrx6700]

I also stop watches Rodney, haven't been able to wear a watch for over 30 years! I'm serious about that but have no clue why that needle moved, maybe vibration from me moving around?

[@hifijohn]

My guess its electrostatic charge, In the old days before digital meters, we were always very careful in cleaning any meter faceplate because it would create a charge causeing the meter to give a false reading.

[@ve2mrxB]

​@@ccrx6700Wow, that's a nice mystery to resolve! Maybe it has something to do with your magnetic personality ;-)

[@ccrx6700]

@@ve2mrxB 👍😊

[@VincentTrainsAndGaming]

Very very interesting! But can u do a video of turning on the bell? I didn’t hear it at all and would be appreciated

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you for taking the time to watch the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend. I will do a short video of that at some point later this winter or next spring, appreciate the suggestion.

[@railworksaustriamedia]

Very interesting, thank you! Now I understand a few things better. Some things are very similar to ours in Austria. 😀

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you railwayaustria for the nice comment. Appreciate your taking the time to visit and check out the video my friend.

[@donolbers9446]

Somewhat like a diesel-electric DC drilling rig, except it has a rheostat for speed control, and the gen sets load themselves according to power needed. They also have a regenerative brake connected to the drum, typically called a Dyna-Matic.

[@ccrx6700]

Awesome Don, i had no idea how a rig worked, thank you for sharing that

[@donolbers9446]

I love mechanical things, and the bigger they are, the better I like them. There are three basic types of drilling rigs, mechanical (dinosaurs, nowadays), hydraulic (uncommon), and electric, the newer AC versions, and the good old DC ones. If an electric rig is fortunate enough to sit on one location long enough, it can be directly connected to line power, with the gen sets used for backup. I also worked at Carborundum Grinding Wheel Co. in Logan, Ohio for a couple of years before I moved here to Wyoming, and one of the products we made there were track grinders (grinding wheels) for Loram. I live about a hundred yards from the Oregon Short Line branch of the UP here, and I always go take a look at Loram's equipment when it sits here every few years, and all of the other equipment the UP has. Good videos, the first one to catch my eye was one detailing damage to rails.

[@PlanetMojo]

Alright, I'm ready to drive the train. Now where was the steering wheel again? 😉

[@chemistryinstruments7156]

That would be too much of a distraction, so they leave it off.

[@unity3596]

i think a country uses a steering wheel for the throttle

[@BossSpringsteen69]

Next to the clutch.

[@pootispiker2866]

You only need that for going off road, otherwise don't install it

[@johnnycee5179]

Right next to the tire pressure warning light

[@peterbennett4754]

Dave, can you give us a rundown on your experience with trains, thanks 👍

[@ccrx6700]

I've been here at the mine since 1977 Peter, saw the very first train load of coal come down the tracks in October of that year. Been part time track maintenance for all those years, but then 18 years ago got the full time track maintenance job. For a very brief stint I ran the train, but that was a very long time ago and while it was a really cool job for a short time it quickly got boring, same routine over and over. You may enjoy this video where I give more history of my self and this place. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYDYmGOwaJlkZ5o

[@derrickanderson4932]

Nice Video.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Derrick, not something a lot of folks get to see how to run an old loco. I would be lost in the new computer controlled locos tho. Appreciate your watching sir

[@epicdriver4g]

Next time, more in depth about the Pnuematic Switch.....what is it for and what doe's it do?

[@house21758]

What pneumatic switch the one on the abv?

[@edlrailfanproductions3984]

So with that trailing locomotive box by the radio does that only work with 1 trailing loco or can it work with multiple. say 3 engines tied together would setting the trailing dynamic dial set both trailing locos or just the one directly behind the engine?

[@ccrx6700]

Yes it could Edlrailfanproductions. However we only have 1 loco on the end of train and never do we have more than 1, but we could put more than 1 and it would work. It works by radio communication. So yes also that one box setting the dynamics on it would set the dynamics on however many locos would be in the end of train. Thank you very much for taking the time to check out the locomotive controls video and write in my friend.

[@jeanunderwood61]

How does the locomotive know which way is forward and reverse. Have seen engines pointing both ways running together. Do you have to flip a switch or does it automatically know.

[@ccrx6700]

If there are two locos hooked together, there is a switch in the second loco you flip telling that loco it is a trailing unit Jean. The electronics in that loco take care of the rest. The reverser handle in the second loco will be in the neutral position. Thank you very much for taking the time to visit with us and may you have a very good day my friend.

[@Maniacguy2777]

Sir do freight trains carry train engines and train cars kept over trailer and transported? Like road cars on trailer trucks transported?

[@ccrx6700]

No they do not Maniac Guy. If a loco or a car needs moved, they just pull it in the train and don't put it on a flat car. Although there have been specialty moves such as moving 1309 the old steam engine from B&O museum to the Western Maryland Scenic RR. which was put on a flat car to move it. Really appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and may you have a very good day my friend.

[@Maniacguy2777]

@@ccrx6700 thank you sir for giving me the knowledge on this. I wish to visit 1 day but I'm from India. Sir and one more question to ask. What if the train met an accident like everything broken into pieces? How are they transported for recovery?

[@ccrx6700]

@@Maniacguy2777 then they would be put on flat cars for transport sir.

[@Maniacguy2777]

@@ccrx6700 ok

[@RYNT1157]

A lot of the controls are familiar but we don't have amp meters or dynamic brake control , it was on our 201 class but it was isolated.

[@ccrx6700]

Tom, dynamic brake was an option on a lot of these older locos like we have. Wow no amp meters, seriously ? what kind of locos did you run? Musta been some early stuff?

[@RYNT1157]

@@ccrx6700 The locos we have now are only two types built in 1976 and 1995.

[@ccrx6700]

@@RYNT1157 👍thanks Tom

[@jet6581]

I'm just curious, but do you have energize that knife switch that's next to that 400 amp breaker? Is that all DC? Thanks for sharing.

[@ccrx6700]

DC current goes thru the knife switch, also called a blade switch MS. That switch is what supplies or kills power to the entire loco. Like the main breaker in your house electrical panel. These old locos, have DC and AC current. The main generator on the loco produces AC power, that is fed to a power rectifier which converts it to DC which then feeds the traction motors. Nominal voltage is 600 volts. Appreciate your stopping by and checking out the video today my friend.

[@wildandwackywade]

How does dynamic brakes work with application air brakes? Is one used over the other?

[@ccrx6700]

On locos there are 3 separate braking systems. 1. Independent brake which only controls the brakes on the loco. 2 Car brakes 3. Dynamic brakes. They all operate independent of each other and do not interfere with each other Wade. It takes a lot of braking to stop a train as you well know and most often dynamic brakes and car brakes are used in conjunction with each other. We use neither of those two when loading or dumping the train but use the locos independent brake for stopping then. Really appreciate your taking the time to check out the video and may you have a very good day my friend.

[@billmorris2613]

Good morning to all from SE Louisiana 29 Sep 22.

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks so much Bill for dropping in and checking out the video today my good man. Hope you enjoyed the show.

[@randomtransitadventures]

wow thanks i was trying to get out of Uceta Yard

[@ccrx6700]

I think now you'll make it out FocusriteScarlett.....:-) Thank you very much for taking the time to check out the locomotive controls video and write in my friend.

[@philhoward4466]

i still don't understand how the air brakes on the freight cars work, particularly the air pressure from the engine vs. the position of the brake wheel on each car. i can understand loss of pressure engages the brakes on a car. how do they roll cars off a hump when the car is not (yet) coupled to any other?

[@ccrx6700]

When there is a reduction in air pressure on the train brake line, the control valve on the car senses that. Moving the brake handle in the loco cab cause a reduction or drop in air pressure, the further you apply the handle the more the air pressure in the train brake line drops. When the car brake control valve senses that reduction it takes air from the air cylinder on the car and applies air pressure to the brake beams on the car Phil. Cars in a hump yard pass thru hydraulic retarders that press against the car wheel flanges which slows the cars down. Really appreciate your watching the video and happy rails to you my friend. And, if you haven't already done so, check out my second channel with more cool railroad videos and other stuff we get into on it. Your the kind of person I would love to have as a subscriber to it. www.youtube.com/@ThatsDavesOtherDoings

[@philhoward4466]

@@ccrx6700 when the car is totally uncoupled on a track that may have a slight slant, i assume you put the brakes on to keep it in place. isn't the lack of air pressure enough to do that?

[@ccrx6700]

@philhoward4466 yes if the brake pipe angle cock is open, let air escape, car brakes willcome on

[@fatlarry1184]

Had to watch it about 10 times just to try and understand the brakes! Dynamic brakes? On the tractor trailer we had parking brakes for tractor or trailer (knobs), foot pedal for service brakes on both units or (steering column mounted) "trolley" brake handle for trailer-only. I do believe you have to be an octopus to do what you're doin'!

[@jimsamois9979]

Dynamic braking is simply reversing the polarity in the traction motors.. it turns the motor to a generator and the electricity is sent to a dynamic brake grid and is dissipated as heat

[@thomasdupee1440]

@@jimsamois9979 Hello Jim. DB does not reverse the polarity at all. Doing so would be very detrimental to the entire circuitry. You are correct, though, stating that DB reconnects the motor circuits as generators. Moving the DB handle changes the resistance so the engineer has control over how much braking effort is used.

[@jimsamois9979]

@@thomasdupee1440 are you a qualified locomotive engineer??

[@jimsamois9979]

@@thomasdupee1440 when the engine is in dynamic braking mode the armature of the motor is excited within the field windings thus making it a generator... In power mode the traction motor fields are excited and thus the armature turns and turns the rpinion gear of the motor turning the ring gear that's connected to the axle thus making the wheels turn.. I was in engine service for over 30 years and every book I've read says this.. Go to wikipedia if you dont believe me.. How many years have you been a locomotive engineer ??

[@thomasdupee1440]

@@jimsamois9979 Your description is completely correct. I was an engineer 38 years. But to say that the polarity is reversed is incorrect. If Wikipedia states that the polarity is reversed, they're using faulty terminology. Reversing polarity would run the motors in the opposite direction.

[@michaelstone3093]

Good video! It would have good if you explained the dynamic brake system

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Michael, I will do that sometime in the future, appreciate your suggestion, I like it when folks write in with what they would like to see

[@billmorris2613]

The dynamic brake system turns the traction motors into generators. Loading them creates electricity that is connected to the grids that are cooled by a second set of fans. The more the Engineer opens the DB throttle the more amps the generators are creating. The loaded generators puts a retarding force on the axles slowing the train down. A simple example would be to open the hood on a car and have some one turn on the bright headlights and other electrical equipment and you should be able to tell from the sound of the idling engine it is being labored as the load on the alternator is increased.

[@stansaju4392]

Amazing awesome super Demo

[@julianp2868]

Awe great stuff

[@ccrx6700]

Julian, thank you glad you enjoyed the show

[@julianp2868]

@@ccrx6700 Its great to see and hear the differences in terms (speech) and mechanical parts. I find it fascinating.

[@ccrx6700]

@@julianp2868 👍

[@Tremolux59]

No comments on the dynamic brake?

[@MikeHalk100]

6:29: Gotta fire up *Train Sim World 2* after work -- I don't think the _independent_ in the sim's SD 40 lets you _bail off_ in whatever position it's in -- I think it has to be fully released (all the way to the left) before I can bail-off.

[@ccrx6700]

Yes this one has to be fully released to bail off also, been a long time since I made that video so hope I didn't confuse anyone

[@new_comment]

Wow, see how sensitive the amperage gauge was?

[@ccrx6700]

Sensitive or worn out... LOL it probably been in there since 1966 when the loco was built. Do thank you for checking out the video today my friend.

[@kaycarpentre28]

Very informative. My husband and I a new to model railroading. I want to learn all about the real railroads so that when we set up our layout we can follow the same rules real trains do. Do you have a similar video for Steam Engines?

[@ccrx6700]

Very glad you enjoyed Kay. Best of luck on your new adventure. No I do not have a video on steam locomotive controls, hopefully someday I can do that. Really appreciate your watching the video today my friend.

[@Easton13Easton13]

I wished I could get a cab tour of a train in person:(

[@ccrx6700]

Some of the scenic railroads do allow cab rides, although they cost more than riding a coach Easton. Most railroads will not allow anyone in the cab unless they are safety trained for that particular operation. Really appreciate your taking the time to check out the video and may you have a very good day my friend.

[@spankyharland9845]

how do you actually start the machine ? is there a key ignition ?

[@ccrx6700]

There is no actual key but if you put the reverser handle in neutral and take it out, it acts sorta like a key and it won't start. Here is a video I made of how to start this loco. Thanks for watching and may you have a very good day my friend. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWa0eJWPns1oZ6c

[@ocsrc]

How many channels are on the radio ? It looks like you have the road frequency and then there are other pairs of frequencies I would guess for in the mine, for loading, and for the barge operation Do you have a marine radio ? Do you have channel 16 for talking on the river ?

[@ccrx6700]

Barge loading is on a marine band so they can communicate with the river boats ocsrc. I cannot remember what channel they are on, it's been 18 years since I was on the river. Our RR radio has channels 1 thru 6. 1 & 2 are for the prep plant. 3 is the RR channel, 4 & 5 are not used at all and 6 is for us throwing the switches.

[@sparkplug1018]

Great video. Do these locomotives have a dead mans switch in them as well?

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed and yes they do have a foot pedal for a dead man. Appreciate your watching sparkplug

[@donaldwittmuss6079]

Was this video shot while frame being repaired... No engine running...

[@ccrx6700]

Yes sir it was

[@thomasabramson100]

When you say "trailing locomotive" do you mean a DPU since multiple uits can be hooked up with MU cables

[@ccrx6700]

A trailing unit is typically considered a unit hooked behind the lead loco, and yes you are right, a unit back further in the train would be called a DPU (can't remember what I said in the video) Hope that clarifies.We never have 2 locos MU'd, they are always one in lead and 1 on end of train

[@c.northway8061]

How long did this take to put together? Please respond ASAP

[@ccrx6700]

If you are referring to taping the video, it took about a half hour Christopher.

[@Kanjo16]

What is the difference between the freight setting and passenger setting?

[@ccrx6700]

Very good question! Here's a link to a Trains Mag discussion on the graduated release of the brakes controlled by the freight/passenger valve cs.trains.com/trn/f/111/t/186389.aspx

[@LetsGoChaseThatTrain]

Liked and subscribed.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed watching

[@NiceMuslimLady]

I saw an old locomotive being started. The first thing that had to be done when cold starting was loosening the cylinder cocks and run the starter for a certain number of turns to blow any water out, close the cylinder cocks, then you could actually start the locomotive up. Does this step still need to be done on the newer locomotives, or does it happen automatically when you start up?

[@ccrx6700]

I have no clue on newer locos, but thats what we do with ours, thanks for watching 👍

[@ohboy2592]

It does not need to be done on locomotives built in the last 20-30 years

[@NiceMuslimLady]

@@ohboy2592 Oh, ok. Good to know.

[@jlo13800]

Good question I open those Vicks on the tugboat I work on. If the engine is ran frequently not always nesessary but it’s a good thing. Im supprized Rotax don’t do this on the 850 Etec Turbo new skidoos. If I get an 850 skidoo I might try an air starter!

[@michaelpass2176]

Morning Dave, how RR going?

[@ccrx6700]

Morning Michael, trains ran good yesterday. Day before and today no trains, they having problems at the prep plant.... sigh Thanks for asking my friend.

[@andrewthacker114]

Good clip thanks. How old is this locomotive ?

[@ccrx6700]

this loco was made in 1966, it seen a lot of service all over US and Canada in it's lifetime. It was originally built for Southern Pacific as an SD 40 road number 8477. It came to us in Sept. 2013. Read the history of this loco in the description on this video I made. thanks for watching Andrew kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHm9qGd6mdx0l5I

[@andrewthacker114]

@@ccrx6700 wow ,that’s a lot older than I thought it would be. I can just imagine the technology in the newer ones. Thanks.

[@ccrx6700]

@@andrewthacker114 have afriend who is engineer for NS. He tells me everything on new ones are computer monitered or controlled

[@ferdinandfrancis9673]

Do they still make dual control loco anymore.

[@ccrx6700]

Ferdinand, I'm sorry sir, but I have no clue, perhaps someone else can answer this, but thank you for watching

[@billmoran3812]

Some locomotives were built with two control stands so the engineer would be on the right side when running either direction, long hood or short hood forward. None are built like that anymore.

[@billmorris2613]

What is your job at the railroad?

[@ccrx6700]

I am track maintenance here at the mine Bill. Have worked here since 1977 and did part time track maintenance, then 18 years ago became full time track. Get around a lot and do a lot of different things over the years. Jack of all trades, master of none.... :-)

[@billmorris2613]

@@ccrx6700 Thanks

[@thepubliceye]

Has anyone commented about all the clutter in the main disconnect box?

[@ccrx6700]

No sir, you are the first one, guess that's why you carry the username you do.... :-) Appreciate your watching the show my friend.

[@BNSF1571RailfanProductions]

4:40 how is that showing a load with the engine shutdown? That shouldn't be possible

[@ccrx6700]

It is impossible Chris, however this loco was built in 1966 and that amp gauge is worn out and that's why the needle is off. Lot's of adventures we have here with these old locos! Appreciate your writing in and for watching, and you are a very observant person!

[@dennisb-trains23]

Let's roll. !!!

[@hlcx2330]

Great video! Are you able to fence the DPU with these SD40s?

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you and glad you enjoyed the show. I have no clue what you mean by fence dpu? Sometimes this unit is in service as distributed power, sometimes it is used as a single loco,

[@hlcx2330]

@@ccrx6700 Fencing means you can have the DPU in a different throttle/dynamic position from the lead locomotive. For example, you could have a long heavy train going down a hill, and to keep the coupler slack in, you could leave your lead locomotive in dynamic breaking mode while the DPUs could be in notch 1. Was curious if that were possible with these older style of locomotives, I’m used to handling ES44s.

[@ccrx6700]

@@hlcx2330 Thanks! Yep its the remote control system that does that on ours. When this derailed lead was in throttle 5 and rear in 3. Appreciate your getting back to me 🌝

[@ccrx6700]

@@hlcx2330 re read your post, i do not know if 1 loco can be throttle and the other dynamic for these, we dont have any situation that it would be used on, so guess nobody ever tried doing it!

[@rickenbacker315]

@@ccrx6700 I tried the "fence" once just to see if I could tell any difference. I was on fairly flat terrain so, not much difference on the headend. It would be handy in mountain territory, I imagine. You really have to be careful with it.

[@chillylizerd]

Is there a fridge in the cab?

[@ccrx6700]

Yes there is in this one our other 2 locos do not have a frig

[@annexfennec]

How do people say this is easy ...... I mean training is but wow. So many engine and break controls.

[@ccrx6700]

Learning the controls is really not that difficult, if I had you in the cab your would pick up on it pretty quickly AnnexFennec. What does take time is learning operating with a full train behind you. Really appreciate your taking the time to watch and may you have a very good day my friend.

[@rcstl8815]

Where's the steering wheel?

[@ccrx6700]

LOL steering wheel is the high rail, we sometimes call the high rail in a curve the steering rail rcstl. Very much appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video my friend.

[@ScorpioxA1]

Lots of things to do before starting a locomotive

[@ccrx6700]

Yep, gotta be in a certain sequence, these are old locos, I wonder how the newest all computer controlled locos are to start? Never been in one newer than made in 1976!

[@jlo13800]

Sounds like it’s got an electric starter?

[@ScorpioxA1]

@@ccrx6700 take a look at train world simulator 2 rather realistic one can get it in steam for pc even for the playstation 4. I are 24 years on the railway refurbishing draw gears couplers and bogies or trucks (only on bogies now) like you americans calls it butt i still like playing train sim would have love to be a locomotive driver so i play on trainsim world 2 .

[@steelem422]

Neat

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you, appreciate your watching the show

[@jamielacourse7578]

Mucho gracias. Now THIS is meat & potatoes rather than the usual bloody boring KZbin fare.

[@ccrx6700]

Well golly gee, thank you Jamie. really glad you enjoyed the show my friend, do so appreciate your tuning in tonight.

[@tom99790]

So, having just watched this, if something should happen to the driver, I could step in and take over the controls! ( Just to be safe, I’ll watch it again.) …😁…

[@ccrx6700]

Well Tom very glad you enjoyed the tour today. We do appreciate your visiting with us and taking the video my friend.

[@Stefan_Boerjesson]

Knowing, by experience, the first thing to learn is about the brakes. They don't show up at stand still! The power thing does..... Imagine the feeling, when running, that You need to stop, but You don't find the brake control and "the wall" is coming closer..... I shorten how.... The "usual" trucks had "hanging" pedals, for the brakes and the clutch. A more modern truck had air brakes and the brake pedal was a flat little thing, the size of ladies hand bag mirror, down on the floor. Desperately kicking down somewhere where the brakes should sit the "adventure" ended well.... Being 17, no car driving license...

[@ccrx6700]

Really appreciate your taking the time to watch the video and share your story Stefan. I'd love to see what the inside of locos look like there. Always is a pleasure to hear from you my friend.

[@Stefan_Boerjesson]

@@ccrx6700 It was a 12 ton truck on 10 wheels.... The locos have the loco brakes and the train brakes. Sometimes in the same handle. Applying brakes to the train but not the loco forces the driver to quickly sweep pass the loco brake in order to reach the train brakes. After lowering the air pressure in the train a rapid move back to neutral is needed in order to avoid applying the loco break. Okey, there is a separate loco break pressure release valve if needed.

[@deancole4559]

The 26 brake system is the best in my book.....mechanical not fly by wire like the 30CDW.

[@ccrx6700]

It's been around for a long, long time Dean because it is reliable. There have been many upgrades and changes made over the years but it's still the basic system that is in use on the newer EMD locos. Very grateful my friend for your taking the time to visit with us and check out the locomotive controls video.

[@deancole4559]

My pleasure!

[@ccrx6700]

@@deancole4559 👍😊

[@MA-naconitor]

That Smart Start module looks so out of place in that panel!

[@ccrx6700]

It must have been an add on sometime when the loco was with CP, not really sure of the exact time when it was put in.

[@vtjmproductionsusa2390]

Starting and driving a locomotive

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit with us and may you have a very good day my friend.

[@nikkilee7553]

Holy crap ... you are speaking English and I still don't understand a word of that ...😮

[@ccrx6700]

Sorry Nikki Lee, next time I'll try talking in Swahili.... :-) If I had you in the cab with hands on, it would be much easier for you to understand it. Really appreciate your taking the time to watch the video my friend and may you have a very good day.

[@darrylwmurphy738]

That would be your Supply Gauge Second is your Application Gauge

[@user-pc8tb7hg1lHandlesRDumb]

When he touched the amp guage it went up.

[@ccrx6700]

Yep, that gauge probably been in there since loco was built in 1966. Some things don't function they way they should after being used for 56 years... LOL Thank you so much Nate for checking out the video today and writing in my good man.

[@nurlatifahmohdnor8939]

Page 323 Loco means "crazy" in Spanish.

[@nurlatifahmohdnor8939]

In the western part of the United States some animals develop a taste for locoweeds.

[@nurlatifahmohdnor8939]

The weeds were given this name because affected animals run off wildly at sudden disturbances, misjudging distances and sizes of objects in their path.

[@ccrx6700]

Sounds like some of our locos here, crazy would be a good adjective for them at times....LOL Thanks so much for watching the locomotive controls video my friend.

[@shirleyharrington-moore9657]

Do you miss being an engineer?

[@ccrx6700]

Not at all Shirley. Track work is so much more interesting and challenging here and you get to do so many different things. But if nothing else at least now you could get in the cab and operate one of these locos!