ODD Southern Railway Traditions // High Hoods & Longhood Forward

[@inscoredbz]

I grew up watching the old Southerns run long hood forward. I fell in love with the look. That tuxedo paint scheme, an sd7,sd9, sd24, and sd40-2 (perfect engine) and the sd45 was just beautiful 6 axle power.

[@EdwardD.Adkins]

Love the high hoods!! They have proved their worth over the years, they looked so great with the southern railway paint and lettering!!

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

I love your videos so much.

[@v12productions]

Thanks man! Your videos are great too!

[@ThatA-LineRailfanProductions]

2 10k+ KZbinrs are talking 👌

[@jgarrett168]

Legendary

[@trainlover123trainsrock]

@@v12productions FEC's Geeps have this two horn thing as well. Some have a Leslie RS3L on the short hood, and a K3LA on the long hood, or vise versa.

[@Bus285Productions-l1x]

I'm going to the NC transportation museum on the 22nd aka Saturday for the fire truck festival.

[@samueledgarpegram7088]

Southern Railway was one of the top 25 managed companies in 1974, according to a business magazine. The NW was a well run company also. My father was a trainman for the Southern. I miss seeing the SR locomotives.

[@billbaber6653]

My dad too

[@josephsaunders4201]

My grandfather was the general foreman at the maintenance yard in Richmond, VA. He worked for the Southern for more than 30 years and even after he retired, he'd go down to the yard and "help out." Several Southern patents have him listed as inventor or whatever the appropriate term was. Back when I was a kid in the 50's and early 60's, and regulations weren't so strict, he'd take me to the yard and let me ride the engines as they were moved about the yard. I've got his 30 year pin and his pocket watch. I miss that old man; they don't make 'em like they used to.

[@timnewman1172]

I have seen ex Southern locomotives as far as Des Moines Iowa running long hood forward on an ex Wabash industrial spur in the S.E. part of town...

[@variavnath624]

We Indian Railways have all LHF AND SHF DRIVING OPERATION FOR BOTH ALCOS , EMD , GE SOME EMDS AND GEs have dual cab but that has one disadvantage of being extremely hot for engineers in radiators side cab! We always prefer LHF SINGLE CAB WITH BOTH SIDE DRIVING tools!👍👍👍 Nice explanation 👍

[@brianfalzon6739]

Love the High Hoods

[@TheStammzilla]

The PRR opted for long hood forward with the high hoods as well. They also had cabless B units for running up the mountains in western Pennsylvania between Altoona and Pittsburgh.

[@LordCarpenter]

Great video! Another easy-to-miss feature of early Southern units was indication of Locotrol capability, which was an early radio control system for mid-train slave units ca. late 1960s and 70s. Locos without Locotrol had number boards with white numbers on black background, and locos with Locotrol had number boards with black numbers on white background.

[@kgirl4078]

My father in law used to work for Southern RR and retired about 30 years ago. I enjoyed watching your video :-))

[@WVRailroadPapa]

Great video. The second generation power that Southern first ordered such as GP30s, and GP35s were set up for short hood first operation. The bell was on the short hood end. GP38s, SD40s and SD45s were set up for long hood first as you noted. I started with Southern in 1973 and then a year later moved to Atlanta and worked in the Bridge Dept until I retired in 2003 from NS. I enjoyed the drone views around the old Southern office buildings where I worked.

[@stevenfischer452]

We have ex southern high hoods here in southern nj. They run on the conrail shared assets lines

[@gordonvincent731]

Been on a lot of SR engines, and worked with former SR guys. The control stand sat alongside the engineer, not in front at an angle. Short hood forward or long hood out, you moved the seat to where you needed it and operated with either hand. You can have a GP35 long hood forward and you the engineer will be on the left side looking down 30 feet of hood.

[@tomatkinson6996]

I hired for Conrail who had a large variety of locomotives. I was partial by far to the SD40-2s. When the wide cabs started appearing we liked the AIr Conditioning etc but still I like the 40-2s. After 10-11years we became NS. As a railfan I loved the look of the high hood SD40-2 as well. But running their high hoods absolutely sucked. You couldnt see shit because of the high hood and NS wanted to crucify you if you were to "run thru" a switch. And lots of them had that ear busting horn above you that was god awful. So there you have it. I could have the whole terminal attest to what I'm telling you. High hoods, lots photographing them BUT running them...thats another story

[@ericoxner8333]

You forgot their horns they used.No other rail road had that high pitched sound. With me living in n.c. in the town of monroe.Once served by the Seaboard Air line now CSX.I went with my grand parents to a town called Harris burg.This was the first time I heard southern horn blast.You see Seaboard had a deeper tone to their horns.Every now and then you can still hear the older horns.They sometimes have them on the newer locomotives.I really miss the older horns of both the Seaboard and the Southern.

[@sdrailproductions]

Loved the Southern style, the diversity of the railroad is really incredible on doing a different perspective, reminds me of a familiar locomotive in California!!!

[@chrismartin1956]

There were also the walkway lights and narrow strip sunshades that were unique to SOU. The shades were really more rain shields than anything.

[@alcopower5710]

Love the high hoods

[@mylesspear]

Excellent video! I've seen a few old Southern/NS high hoods here in northern Ohio. Most of them have been on the W&LE and they've since shed their Southern or NS paint job. However, I have seen one or two old Southern high hoods on the NS Cleveland line. I definitely cherish those moments when they happen.

[@v12productions]

Thanks!

[@mylesspear]

@@v12productions yep!

[@ICrailroadprod.2007]

I am convinced that Southern/NS/NW high hood units have the best sounding horns in the US.

[@ReadingAreaRailfan]

I think a big reason was that when and if one of the high hoods was being used for switching, you could look directly down behind you and see exactly what you were coupling to.

[@Haya_archive1]

SOU always gives me interest with their locomotives

[@SouthJerseyDachshund]

High hood ex Southern GP38-2 are alive and will running as Conrail on the former PRSL in South Jersey.

[@ScottJohnson4449]

The Southern lives on my layout once in awhile. I just put on a Piedmont from 1976.

[@Cnw8701]

I got lucky and caught two hi-hoods and an Operation Lifesaver unit sitting on a dead line in cold storage at the NS DeButts Yard in Chattanooga back in July. Growing up along the ex-Conrail NS Dayton District in Dayton, Ohio: I used to see various hi-hoods serving local and yard jobs all the time. I have very fond memories of these units, and was always amazed at how loud their P01235 horns were. Today, the SD70ACe has taken the mantle for being one of my favorite units on their roster (besides the Dash 9s and wide-cab rebuilds).

[@amyreynolds3619]

My layout of Southern railway still run high hoods still.

[@ericjohnson3746]

So is mine. Had to convert a few units. Love to look at them. When they slam over a diamond it takes me back to what I remember.

[@the101stdalmatian8]

Goodness, another V12 video I slipped into the background in while at work. You even got my good side. :D One of these days, if I see you out there filming, I'll have to stop by and say hello.

[@v12productions]

That would be great!

This was an especially interesting video! Thanks for posting it! =)

[@pruittiii]

Great video. Southern always strongly believed in tradition.

[@v12productions]

Thanks!

[@BrokenWrenches]

I love the high hoods. I noticed some of chris’s paintings. Ive got quite a few of his as well.

[@christopherchoice645]

Good video I was told that NS changed the long hood to short hood due to smoke coming through the cab and the crew riding behind the fuel tank and better view for signals ill love the high hoods I myself have a few but I like to run them short hood forward

[@scottpool4777]

Yes I’ve always loved hi hood bad that’s about him right off right out of the park. Definitely gp-9!

[@southernkansasrailfan1964]

I just seen my first Highhoods yesterday! They were both ex-Southern and sitting in the service facility at Avondale Yard!

[@v12productions]

Nice!

[@davejfr0]

The white numberboards and extra set of firecracker antennas were for the Locotrol that was used with midtrain helpers and radio cars. Also the horns are Nathan P3 horn's.

[@JLVModels]

Another great video!

[@v12productions]

Thanks!

[@RaisedLetter]

Got to see an NS 45R keeping that tradition alive today.

[@SleeTheSloth]

Few things have made as much controversy as why the long hood forward. The story of the long hood first on the Norfolk And Western and the Southern Railroad. As told to me by an old time train master, the late Mr. W. Hamels, who worked for the Norfolk Southern and the Norfolk and Western railroads. The long hood forward or “first” came from the railroad workers union. The union wanted the locomotives to run long hood first, this they said would require a second set of eyes on the other side of the locomotive. They played the card that it put more metal between the crews and an on coming train. This is what they told the railroads. However the crews where told a different story. The crews where told that it was to prevent the railroad from cutting crew members, because a second set of eyes was needed on the other side of the cab. This made the Railroad workers union look good. They looked as if they where standing up to the railroad and trying to preserve jobs. But the truth of the matter was something altogether different. The truth was the union wanted to keep those union dues rolling in. A lose of crew members would have cut the amount of dues they would receive. And now you know the real story behind the Norfolk and Western and the Southern railroads long hood forward. It is also good to note that old time engineers who knew this like the long hoods forward. Newer engineers hated them because of the lack of view and rail-fans loved them. So now that you know the truth where do you stand? Like Em or hate them? As for the Railroad reporting marks on Norfolk Southern locomotives under the numbers on the cab. This is great for us railfans as we knw where the locomotive came from. However, the railroad did not put it there to please us railfans. This is how the railroads and there banks keep track of where assets came from, from before the merger. There are a few reasons for these. The locomotive may not yet be paid for in full or may have been used as collateral for a lone. However the biggest reason was if the merger was to fail or be nullified by the government, then this would help to know whos assets where whos.

[@randyjones4044]

sounds personal

[@KDubielak]

Tennessee Valley railroad museum has some of these engines too

[@oliviawhatley4865]

I like how they opened up with atlanta which lack being acknowledge by railroad modelers to be modeled and train simulators Inman yard the Howell wye Macon to Atlanta is awesome the old ford plant the no longer there tilford yard so much to do on our central rail system I just love it especially back in the days

[@ElliottWolcott]

That was so awesome.

[@ronniecromer1230]

This is a great video!!!!

[@v12productions]

Thanks!

[@shanecochran1969]

Learned something new today.. Good information, for those like me that don't know alot about trains, but want to learn. Thanks great video... 💯🇺🇸

[@v12productions]

Thanks!

[@piedmontrf81]

I LOVE that thumbnail! Question: should I get an HO scale southern railway high hood?

[@cadenthecadburyengine8198]

Depends on if you’re modeling Southern or not

[@v12productions]

Thanks! I think you should get one.

[@SouthwestRailfanProductions]

Yes

[@dah72007]

Love your videos man, your no1 Australian fan!

[@v12productions]

Thanks!

[@erikmcc804]

wow amazing thanks, i wonder what ever happen to the mid train radio cars (slave Units) i love those care and engine's thanks again :-)

[@v12productions]

That's a really good question. I'll have to look into that. Thanks!

[@davejfr0]

Those were built 1966 by BFF and most made it into the NS era, some repainted with stick lettering and even NS wing lettering. They were discontinued sometime in the early 1990's. I believe all were collected to either Roanoke or Chattanooga and then subsequently scrapped around the early 2000's.

[@steelcityrailfan4808]

Wow, what a fantastic video! I learned a lot and always wondered why the heck Southern ran there units backwards

[@ScottJohnson4449]

Those of you looking here 'cause you love the Southern might like my video, "One day on the Southern Railway, Summer 1976." I enjoyed this V12 video a lot.

[@Inactive3T]

One of my moms cousins or friends had a house next to railroad tracks! It was southern railway.

[@wrangler70jkujeep74]

Interstate rr only 2 with listing on these locomotives. also K, A, list also on side cab number

[@paulkirkmanMYTRAINS]

Great video !!!!!!!

[@v12productions]

Thanks!

[@JonathanBrinker]

I saw a GP7 today, fist I’ve seen since becoming a rail fan.

[@KDubielak]

I seen a couple of norfolk southern gp38,2 locomotives

[@Idkausername1]

Running safe most important with the southern

[@aviatorshen]

Hey man are you live in Atlanta?

[@wildandwackywade]

What is in the front half of the high hood engine the back half has a diesel engine in I know.

[@dennisb-trains23]

Nice video.

[@v12productions]

Thanks!

[@dennisb-trains23]

@@v12productions welcome

[@KDubielak]

Yo what is up my man I haven't hared you in a long time

[@SOU6900]

My research says Southern highhoods were short hood forward before switching to long hood forward with their purchase of 645 powered units.

[@ericjohnson3746]

I agree. Rs3 was short hood forward. So was GP30 and 35. They ran them both ways back then. I think they started it's a policy with the SD45 which they bought before the SD40. My snapshots from the time show what I believe. Of course all my time was watching the NO&NE back then as I grew up in New Orleans.

[@walt1064]

@@ericjohnson3746 I think the SD24 and SD35 was short hood the front.

[@ericjohnson3746]

@@walt1064 close inspection of photos show the"F" sticker on the frame at the short hood end until the SD45. After that the EMD and get locos were long hood forward. When did Graham Clator become pres. Might be a coincidence.

[@ericjohnson3746]

@@walt1064 working on caboose lettering and paint history now. Notice several transitions from steam era lettering to the bold modern lettering. Also seems to be overlap from 4window to two window. Even have a copy of a 1964 photo of a F3 loco still in green in freight service. Lots of transitions in early to mid 60's.

[@thevirginianrailfan7715]

Long hood forward = best

[@curailproductions7636]

Nice 👍

[@v12productions]

Thanks!

[@talon9978]

Where is the museum in this video?

[@v12productions]

It's the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, GA.

[@KDubielak]

I'm a railfan myself

[@kens.3729]

If you ask Engineers from the Past and Present, I have found more Don’t like Longhood Forward.

[@jasonking2943]

I'm a locomotive engineer with NS. I became an engineer in 93 and don't like long hood forward. Your sight is limited and if it's a high hood it's like running with blinders on

[@K-Effect]

All I know is high hoods the best

[@notlisted-cl5ls]

my favorite whiteboy foamer

[@the21stcenturytrolleydodge31]

#longhoodforward

[@samuelbennett227]

Is the use of long hood forward by the Southern Railway the reason that some railfans, like myself, call engines running in that fashion 'Southern Style? '

[@v12productions]

I think so, yes.

[@thatoneguy611]

Yes

[@SurfTrip00]

Good Lord this conversation is so stale. They run both ways. There’s a whole lot more than the same old drivel mentioned.