N&W 2156 Y6a Steam Locomotive through Illinois! June 13, 2020

On Saturday, June 13, 2020 the Norfolk Southern towed the N&W 2156 through Illinois on her way back home to the Museum of Transportation in St. Louis. The steam engine had been on loan to a museum in Virginia for the last 5 years. We catch up to the train first in Sidney IL and spend the next 3 hours following the train west to Decatur. 25mph was the max speed for this move, so the chase was an easy one. The N&W Y6a locomotive holds the record for the strongest steam locomotive ever made, having even more traction effort than the Big Boy.
Video scenes are as follows:
Sidney IL, Pacing between Philo and Tolono IL, Crossing the diamond with the CN at Tolono, Pacing outside Sadoris IL, Drone scene between Ivesdale and Bement IL, Drone scene at Bement along with intermodal train 21T right behind on the other track, D36 (Decatur to Bloomington-Normal local) and N&W 2156 at Oakley IL, Going into the yard in Decatur (the steam leak heard on the pipe nearby was a nice touch).
For the drone scenes, I had to dub in some sound from other clips, as the drone only records video, and I didn't have an audio recorder going.
Enjoy! -Caleb

[@HobbiesRfun]

Reading the comments, it seams the Union Pacific has really spoiled railfans, and train buffs by restoring the 4014 Big Boy to operating condition. I understand, and think it would be so cool if all the class one railroads had steam programs like th Union Pacific. While all steam engines are great to see running in person, there's something , unique, majestic, and awe inspiring seeing a massive articulated behenouth running under it's own power, that can never be forgotten. While it will never happen, wouldn't it be awesome to see the Norfolk Southern take the Union Pacific's lead, and commit some of it's money, and resources to get 2156 riding the rails under it's own power.

[@jackhollandthe3800]

Well hey if they can restore the engine like Western Maryland 1309, I'm sure they can restore 2156 or 1218.

[@stiffneck2090]

Never say "Never"

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

@@jackhollandthe3800 It’s never that simple. 1309 actually has a place to run. 1218 and 2156 do not have a place to run, as there really aren’t any Class 1 railroads in North America that currently allow steam. Being such large locomotives, they’d have to be run on mainline trips, and that really prohibits them from being restored.

[@1940limited]

UP never forgot its heritage. 844 was never taken off the roster.

[@robintheslavewr1513]

The penssy q1 had more tractive effort than big boy

[@MOHAWKL4A3124]

I would love to see 2156 and 1218 run again

[@That_Thicc_Cat]

As would I

[@ddteamrc6461]

1218 I love, but either would be GREAT!

[@ralphmiller2620]

Me too but I heard that 1218 would need a new boiler now.

[@ddteamrc6461]

@@ralphmiller2620 it was in good condition when they, took it out of service in the early 90's , though it's probably in the best condition of all of them. However they all have to have their boilers re-done every so often, it's not that big of issue. The reason the took it out of service was because NS disbanded their steam program on account of costs

[@TheAtlantaRailfan]

@@ddteamrc6461 Yes but N.S also took most of its internal parts from it.

[@pieroluciano3272]

Ahhh! The sound of a steam locomotive with electrically converted magnetic super coil pistons!! 😁👍

[@glimpyrimpy6258]

?

[@Railfan105.]

@@glimpyrimpy6258 pretty sure he's joking about how you can still hear the connecting rods clanking like it it was chugging without steam.

[@samuelkamatham5053]

This is the train that helped me make the Walshaert’s valve gear in plane crazy! Thanks Y6a for showing how your valve gear was built on ya!

[@LydeckerFan]

Actually it's Baker Short frame valve gear.

[@Scagguy4014]

@@LydeckerFan I was just about to say

[@jacobduckling8249]

So you play roblox?

[@christinahartley209]

Is a y6b

[@skiiipawbs]

She has a baker valve gear tho

[@fiddlyphuk6414]

Waiting for someone to ask why they didn't take all the side-rods off. Thought about it myself for a second then I was like- D'-Oh !

[@GTgyro]

The side rods and main rods were removed for transport to Roanoke, and installed there. I see the main rods (piston connecting rods) are removed, but not the side rods. Guess they didn't want to bother taking them off. The main concern in transporting it is the piston motion of course, not the axle bearings.

[@fiddlyphuk6414]

@@GTgyro The wheels have counterweights built into them for balance. Think about what would happen balance-wise if they took those side rods off.

[@GTgyro]

Doiy! Yer right, But I was always under the impression that the loco was transported without the siderods as well as the connecting rods. Now that you mention it, doesn't seem likely.

[@EngineerDaylight]

It would end up being impossible trying to fit them back on because the wheels would probably not even be in line

[@9bmichaelcn958]

Sad that the y6b didn't make it into reservations

[@AlexTrain5249]

The thumbnail, where it was paused made it look like 2156 was in steam.

[@Realohiorailroadproductions]

That’s what I thought.

[@GTgyro]

I spent an afternoon hugging, caressing, and photographing this magnificent locomotive while it was in Roanoke shortly after they installed the side rods. It has always been my all-time favorite, even above Big Boy. I scratched and worked and saved up every penny I could until I finally bought the Rivarossi model of the Y6b No 2198 in 1965 when I was just 11 years old. Cost me $43.00, but when I'd forgotten there was tax, pop pitched in the last couple of bucks. The hobby shop was just down the street from grandpa's house in west Detroit. And yes I flew out to Cheyenne from Columbia, SC for Big Boy's live coming out party, too.

[@thesherman2950]

That's amazing and it sucks how nowadays that same model would proabably sell for twice that price.

[@Kuhneesseur]

@@thesherman2950 well, payments have risen over the years so people usually make more money today than back than, but still wouldn't mind getting one for 40!

[@Sparecards]

Please don't caress the steam engine, that's just weird.

[@BaltimoreAndOhioRR]

Nice

[@That_Thicc_Cat]

I wish they could have restored 2156

[@hamiltonsullivan6563]

Still possible

[@carmichaeltrainproductionc9663]

I had so much fun chasing this in 2015!!

[@jefferybobafett3234]

This would be a frame off restoration. New frame cause the old one is cracked.

[@thatoneguy2793]

If u think about it, u can kinda hear the engine chuffing

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

It’s honestly like how a dog runs in its sleep!

[@methacrylatemethyl]

0:57 looks like an internal piston articulated duplex lol

[@michaelmurphy5029]

Wish this would become active again, then it would take Big Boys title most powerful locomotive!!

[@prestonsvideos6133]

It could be possible, it just depends on the condition.

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

Totally impractical. It’s in a weird place where it’s too large to be run on a heritage railway, and too slow to be run on the mainline.

[@markantony3875]

Don't confuse calculated tractive effort with power. Tractive effort is static pull. HP is power at speed. The Y had a very sharp drop off above 25 mph and a very "peaky" power curve. The Big Boy had a much broader power curve that peaked at 38 mph, however was still powerful above and below its peak power. There is no such thing as the world most powerful steam locomotive UNLESS you specify at what speed. There were several 4-8-4s that had higher HP than a PRR T1 4-4-4-4, but the 4-8-4s would peak out at 45-50 mph. At 80 mph, the T1 would run away and hide from any 4-8-4. So again, what speed are you talking about?

[@nicholmansgarage3501]

I feel like the fact that this video is 6 minutes and 11 seconds is no coincidence

[@ZimzicHi]

i live in illinois

[@stuff4alex]

It would be awesome if 2156 was restored along with 1218.

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

Sadly most likely not gonna happen for 1 crucial reason, the frame on the from engine unit has a crack in it.

[@zacharycalgher3978]

Sadly not. But hey, look on the bright side, 3985 and 4014 are being restored.

[@T.G.G.123_shorts]

Well we’ll well, looks like there’s another steam locomotive that’s gonna be restored

[@SouthernRaiIs1186]

It wasn’t going for restoration, it was just being moved

[@NYMR-Pacific-6323]

@@SouthernRaiIs1186 You Have To Admit,It Does Look Like a Good Candidate. I Have My Eyes On 265 Though.

[@theextremeanimator4721]

@@NYMR-Pacific-6323 ...?

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

@@NYMR-Pacific-6323 Oh yeah, MILW 265, the one that’s in piss-poor shape? Yeah, that will get restored 🙄

[@Spud607]

Is the engine ever going to be restored?

[@bladerjefu1728]

might not be since its pretty expensive to restore this beauty in to running condition again but hey atleast it still survived

[@Spud607]

@@bladerjefu1728 thats unfortunate. Its a pretty cool looking locomotive and yet they spend god knows how much on a T1. Huge shame.

[@bladerjefu1728]

@@Spud607 yep but it could be restored Cosmetically though i just reall hope this and the sp Cab forward will be back to operating again :)

[@AndyProper]

It’d be nice to see the Allegheny steam up again, that’d be a real treat !

[@Upguy-tj3gv]

Yeah I think her insides is In that box car that their pulling

[@GTgyro]

Ya know it would only take about $3 million to restore this. If I ever win the lottery...

[@joeyhammertime7983]

Lol yeah only a small loan of 3 million

[@MyBiggerProblems]

I expected it to be more.

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

During my free time I actually calculated the cost of restoring 2156 because I was curious. Keep in mind that I had to research the cost of rebuilding everything, as well as certifying the boiler, creating a brand new front frame to replace the old one since it has a crack in it, converting it to burn oil since running a locomotive that size on coal is economically impossible, and lastly insurance cost. And my total cost is 6,789,565$ and that doesn’t even include the cost for fuel and moving it for restoration

[@larryhall882]

This being the only existing Y6b. and looking to be in restorable condition you'd think some group would step up..Look what UP has done with the Big Boy.

[@markantony3875]

It is a Y6a. All Y6b were scrapped.

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

Well one, it’s a y6a. Two the only major read UP was able to restore 4014 is because it was just well preserved, and less expensive than rebuilding 3985. Three 2156 isn’t actually in as good of condition as you think, she’s got a cracked frame is completely worn out.

[@jameskarg3240]

The big boys are back in business!

[@Remibiggestfan]

Those arent 4000 class locomotives tho

[@xr6lad]

So.......a steam loco being pulled through Illinois. Wow 🤩

[@johnmclaurinmclaurin924]

Them y6 pushers were some low speed heavy duty luggers

[@PowerTrain611]

I can't believe it's already been 5 years...

[@nikitakhrushchev8316]

seeing old footage of these n&w articulated’s and now hearing this, why are the side rods on y6’s and y3’s so noisy?

[@MarcABrown-tt1fp]

Not fastened to the power axles. the rods are making that sound.

[@nikitakhrushchev8316]

Is there any particular reason they make noise? Even in footage of them running under their own steam I can hear the rods popping like that.

[@MarcABrown-tt1fp]

@@nikitakhrushchev8316 Wouldn't doubt its from old age. I'm sure its enough of a non issue if well lubricated.

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

@@nikitakhrushchev8316 Could just be how they’re designed. These were low speed drag locomotives, so they were likely counterbalanced as such.

[@gonebamboo4116]

Cool post Thanks much

[@1829entertainment]

Last 2 locations I seen you 🤣

[@nw-rz1yi]

Thanks

[@Leatherface123.]

Good bye seen you In Missouri

[@Leatherface123.]

Closer to me now

[@ivangenov6782]

Video length is 611? Noice

[@brycenew]

The loco including the tender says Massive Power! And good design; Y6 Class leaves UP’s Challenger & 4000 Class for dead when it comes to aesthetic design (imho).

[@ffjsb]

Seems weird that they put the side rods on top of the tender, when they have a perfectly good boxcar right there...

[@fiddlyphuk6414]

The boxcar is where they keep the beer

[@chocolate4271]

@@fiddlyphuk6414 when the day that diesel breaks down she'll be like hold my beer and put me to the side rods it's my turn to push 😂

[@shroomzed2947]

Rods were placed on the tender when locomotives were being delivered. It’s the normal place

[@EngineerDaylight]

The side rods make it sound like it's actually running under steam

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

Beautiful isn’t it?

[@jerzeydolphins]

WOW this is Awesome, Thank You

[@teddytorrance3269]

How does this locomotive compare to the Erie RR triplex 2-8-8-8-2?

[@markantony3875]

The 2-8-8-2 was a much better all around locomotive. The Erie had such a small boiler, they had a hard time moving at anything past crawl speed. The triplex was a one off design.

[@1940limited]

I don't think there is any comparison! :-)

[@3RTracing]

I don't think that the N&W Y6a locomotive was more powerful than the GN R2's, which were purportedly the most powerful steam locomotives to ever run the US rail system.

[@ilikeguitars3511]

I just did a lil reaserch and the R2 made like 162,000 and the y6a made 166,000.

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

@@ilikeguitars3511 the Y6a could actually generate 170,000 pounds while a Y6b could generate 177,000 pounds

[@laaity]

She is safed!

[@jupiujupi]

I wonder if they will restore this awesome piece of machinery

[@larryhall882]

Hasn't any restoration to running been presented to a group?How about approaching the original owners oh I don't know say the board of director of NW with plans to recover. their costs with excursions.

[@heavywithdrip3458]

Is it me or are railway companies restoring their strongest and biggest steam engines

[@markantony3875]

What is interesting to see is the N&W Y class were not really big locomotives. Basically the boiler of a typical 4-8-4, with more smaller diameter wheels to increase the low speed pull. This explains why their HP curve just drops off after 25 mph. The boiler simply can't produce enough steam for power at speed that you see with the really big boiler simple articulated locomotives. However, this was not a design flaw. They were used for the most part in the 15 mph to 30 mph range by the N&W.

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

Yet they can produce more tractive effort than any big boy would hope to generate

[@markantony3875]

@@overpoweredsteamproduction513 Yes, low speed tractive effort to pull freight at a slow speed, but The Y Class could not match a Big Boy or 2-8-8-4 such as the EM-1 for power at speed. They were designed for two different types of operation.

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

@@markantony3875 I also discovered that surprisingly they could do trains at 60 mph when needed

[@markantony3875]

@@overpoweredsteamproduction513 They had 58" drivers, so 60 mph was possible. However, it is nearly impossible to balance steam driver less the 64" for high speed operation. 64" is the magic number if you want smaller drivers for higher tractive effort, but have the ability to run at 60 to 75 mph if needed. The N&W Ys were very rough riding at higher speed due to the counter balance issues. Plus, there peak power was at 25 mph. So, if needed a Y could move faster, but in everyday use they typically ran around 25 to 30 mph.

[@koa14kn27]

I would love to be in 2156’s cab and hear those pistons

[@markantony3875]

The pistons were disconnected to prevent excess wear.

[@Jaidencharlotte]

tren

[@Upguy-tj3gv]

Wait what?!?!

[@johnpenn74]

I was lucky enough to see 2156, 611, and 1218 all in Roanoke a few years back. Can't understand why they couldn't leave 2156 at the Virginia museum.

[@ThePTBRULES]

It was on loan... They want their locomotive back as some point.

[@boomy776]

@@ThePTBRULES when 2156 was given to Illinois there were bumper stickers all over Roanoke saying “Free the Y6”

[@stuartadamsrailfanningvideos]

Nice to see this video is 6:11 long! A coincidence? I think not!

[@Remibiggestfan]

NORFOLK&WESTERN SPIRIT LETS FUCKING GOOOO

[@brycenew]

Great vid!! Thank you!

[@lukemiller6230]

It sounds a bit out of quarter

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

The rods weren’t installed and it wasn’t under steam, so likely was out of quarter

[@thejdmguru621]

That Y6 looks quite pristine (From a far at least). It sounds like it has compression too.

[@DevonMopiedmont1143]

Notice the video is 6:11 long. How nice

[@steamtechnicolor461]

2156 will be steam up?

[@DVR01]

All we can do is hope 1218 and 2156 will be restored and returned to action.

[@gokuko2436]

@@DVR01 is 1218 in a museum now?

[@DVR01]

Definitely. But at some point one day hopefully, 1218 and 2156 will be back in service. Then 475, 611, 1218, and 2156 will pull the Norfolk and Western and Norfolk Southern express trains in one long passenger to perform a long-distance passenger run between Canada and Florida to promote the Norfolk and Western and join 4014 and every preserved restored still running steam engine on the planet that steam is still king. #Restore1218and2156 #NW47561112182156611 #NorfolkAndWesternTourTrain

[@jackhollandthe3800]

Uhhh

[@DVR01]

Trust me.

[@amtrakpepsiproduct1605]

Pov: you're finally moving at giant pile of dirty laundry out of your room:

[@watchyMCFCwatchy]

That's a nice loco. Is it going to be restored? I hope so.

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

No. Too slow for mainline running, too big for heritage railways.

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

@@blackbirdgaming8147 while you are right about it being too big for heritage railroads, it actually surprisingly has the speed. Although that doesn’t cover the fact that 2156 has a cracked frame.

[@Norfolksouthern8104]

Clanking is annoying

[@infaredxkingz8786]

I hate NS for this now...

[@thesouthernservesthesouth25]

The video is exactly 611 seconds long, nice

[@1940limited]

It must be in real good condition even to be towed at that speed all the bearings and journal boxes. Of course these guys know what they're doing. I think of all the preparation that was needed to move UP's 4014 back to Cheyenne for restoration.

[@Alco16-251F]

What a Beauty! I've always wondered if the 2156 would move again, Glad she's stretching her wheels!

[@NW-gi1cp]

😥

[@southernkansasrailfan3746]

And she is going back the the Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, correct?

[@09JDCTrainMan]

Yes

[@southernkansasrailfan3746]

@@09JDCTrainMan Thank you, I might be heading there this summer so I wanted to see if I might see her😁

[@09JDCTrainMan]

@@southernkansasrailfan3746 You're welcome, and alright, I saw 2156 while she was still in Roanoke in 2019 😊

[@southernkansasrailfan3746]

@@09JDCTrainMan Awww your lucky, I REALLY want to go to Virginia and Pennsylvania, so many cool steamers and railroads! I'd imagine you've seen 611? If you want, name all the steamers you've seen. I'm just curious. I've seen : D&S 482, D&S 481, ATSF 3415, and UP 4014

[@09JDCTrainMan]

@@southernkansasrailfan3746 I indeed saw 611, and took a ride on her and went in her cab :D And you saw 4014!? You are also lucky! I've seen and remember, besides 611 and 2156: UP 4006, AT&SF 5011, NYC 2933, WAB 573, B&A 39, C&IM 551, SL&SF 1621, CN 5529, MKT 311, NKP 170, C&O 2727, DL&W 952, SLSF 1522, Daniel Nason (4-4-0), SP 4460, N&W 1218, N&W 475, GW 90, CN 89, N&W 6, VGN 4, C&O 614, C&O 2705, RDG 1187, PRR 3750, PRR 6755, PRR 7688, PRR 5471, PRR 7002, PRR 1223, PRR 94, PRR 1670, PRR 2846, PRR 520, PRR 1187, V&T 20, PP&L 4094-D, John Bull, BEDT 12, FEC 153, FEC 113, Cummer Sons Cypress 104, SLSF 3749 and Jeddo Coal 85.

[@jtbassgambler2594]

Fix her up

[@TheUmbreonGuy]

Nice to see this big engine up and running again.

[@nwrailfan2465]

Just being transferred back home is all

[@southernpennsyrailfan8579]

What are they doing with it now?

[@infaredxkingz8786]

Putting it in it's final resting place, the queen of the west has finally reached it's end of the tracks...

[@samstewart4807]

does 2156 run? or? s it being permanently returned to St Louis??

[@Remibiggestfan]

Sorry mate, they dont have any plans on restoring her *U N L E S S*

[@brysontherailfan577]

Awsome catch!!!

[@thatconservativetrainguy3864]

Yo uh does anyone know why 2156 went to Roanoke???

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

Was loaned to VMT for display so Roanoke could have its “holy trinity” back.

[@ValleySubRailfan4643]

Thats an A class? I think its a B class since they had 4 wheels on each side and not 3

[@Kuhneesseur]

nope, what your thinking of that has 3 wheels on each side of the drivers is the Class A, this is a y6a, two different things. the y6b, the other thing your thinking of, is the later and more powerful version of the y6a, both of which have a 2-8-8-2 wheelbase.

[@markantony3875]

Class A was 2-6-6-4. Y class 2-8-8-2. The Class A had a much larger boiler and reached top HP around 40-45 mph. The Y class had peak HP around 25 mph, with large HP drop-off above that speed.

[@Train_Tok_Man]

@@markantony3875 A’s had a top speed of 70 MPH and the Y’s top speeds were depending on the version.

[@markantony3875]

@@Train_Tok_Man Correct, but the Class A hit maximum HP around 40 MPH. They could reach 70 MPH, but lost power after 40 MPH. The Class Y horsepower topped out at 25 MPH, but I have read they could travel at 50 mph, but were not happy doing that because their small drivers were not well balanced.

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

Read. The f***ing. Title.

[@christinahartley209]

Uhh that not a y6a that's a y6a y6a in a 2 6 6 4 I think y6b is a 2 8 8 2

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

Y6a and Y6b were both 2-8-8-2 mallets. The A class was a separate class of 2-6-6-4 simple articulateds.

[@christinahartley209]

Can you tell me how the fuckin crank pin moves or some shit

[@Train_Tok_Man]

The entire Y series, from the Y1’s in 1909 to the Y6B’s in 1948, were 2-8-8-2’s. The Class A’s were 2-6-6-4’s.

[@Remibiggestfan]

@@christinahartley209 The crank pin is basically a part of the 3rd driving axle of each wheel bogie

[@nigelslade5276]

What is the difference between Y6A and Y6B?

[@09JDCTrainMan]

Not much, especially since the Y6as were pretty much upgraded to Y6b standards later in their service life.

[@courtneyhirsh2271]

Y6b's had a simpling valve that allowed the engineer to introduce high pressure steam into the front cylinders to give it extra power up to 10mph

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

The only major difference is that the Y6bs had a larger fire box and heating surface

[@RAILRODENUT]

Great Video! I especially like the drone shots. 😎 Also fitting that the length of the video is 611😎

[@Band__geek]

Are they restoring her?

[@animal16365]

No. Just taking her back to the Missouri Transportation Museum. She was on a 5 year lone and she is going back home