Operating an EMD GP-9 (First person view)

A few days ago. My dad came for a visit and he and I went to the Western Pacific railroad museum in Portola California and I did there Run A Locomotive program. I take my phone with me and tried something new. I did a frist person view of my experience driving.
I drive Southern Pacific GP-9 no.2873

[@akamadman203]

For you all that have driven those trains ever driven a steamer those a fun only got to drive a small train park steamer tho still fun

[@tobiasblech1929]

Yes, NKP 765

[@Trains-With-Shane]

I'd love to operate a big EMD like this. I got the chance to operate a GE 80 ton switcher for a few minutes last year. My girlfriend was able to get some of it on video on her cell phone. It was awesome.

[@polandball7482]

I would love to drive a thunder cab aka the sd70ace

[@Petemonster62]

These railroad museums that offer " Throttle Time " should consider having the option of having a participant's ride recorded. The son or daughter of a museum's employee, or an young rail fan from the area could record the run with video equipment, for a part-time job.

[@Trainman3985]

I agree

[@sc0tte1-416]

Or they could just have 2 or 3 different GoPros in various positions 😉

[@rickygarcia7400]

I got to run a BN SD40-2 whin I was 14 loved it still remember the felling.

[@ALL-bj7mj]

sounds like we have something in common....my dads crew put me in the engineers seat, I was around 12-14 years of age....the train was coming up on some railfans, so everyone ducked except me....the engineer was ducking and operating, but it really blew the railfans minds....

[@djhutcherson6761]

When I was 12, I got to ride in the cab of a freight train for about 15 miles in Nashville, Tennessee, and they put it on the news...here's the video of it : kzbin.info/www/bejne/lV66kmWLrLWqhqs

[@TrainFan119]

I have got to ride in the cab of 4 locomotives so far

[@marieakrim4862]

He also sounds like an arrogant prick !

[@marieakrim4862]

A fucking know it all!

[@mitchellwhittington2507]

I got to drive a Southern Pacific GP9 for my 18th birthday!

[@justanotherasian4395]

Holy shit that’s an amazing birthday present.

[@17nhvrailroader]

Awesome! I operated the steam engine in my profile pic for my 18th birthday!

[@adamchancellor9011]

Sweet

[@Trainman3985]

Sweet Happy Birthday or late Birthday or early Birthday.

[@0011clem]

I flew the space shuttle for my 16 th birthday .

[@kevinwillis2878]

I was an engineer for Grand Trunk Western, it was nostalgic in a way using the Geeps but it was a pleasure to finally get the " Wide Cabs " from C.N.

[@JT_8283]

I got to ride in the engine of a conrail when I was a little kid and got to honk the horn that's a big deal to a 6 or 7 year old lol

[@Trainman3985]

Nice back when Railroading as old school, Well almost but you know what I mean.

[@joetylerdale]

These few minutes are like years on a simulator! Very nice!

[@Trainman3985]

True words brother.

[@terrywitkowski6937]

I sure like riding in those old Geeps. When I got off my shift working for Soo. I'd ride with the switch crews just to feel the jerking around and banging of couplers.

[@Trainman3985]

Oh boy

[@marktaylor9975]

Where was this at on the Soo, and time?

[@mainecoastrailfan]

Great video man! Up on the Belfast & Moosehead Lake RR where I live in Maine, we have a GP9, and that classic EMD sound never gets old for me.

[@Trainman3985]

Thank you very much and very cool

[@Trainlover1995]

I ran this locomotive on July 18, 2014. Back then, she still had her factory-installed Nathan M3.

[@Trainman3985]

I bet it made a beautiful sound

[@hunterbidenscrackdealer3753]

Did u also need gloves??

[@Trainman3985]

@@hunterbidenscrackdealer3753 Yes and no, No you can drive the train just bear handed but I chose to where gloves case I've been doing that since my dad and I come to the museum back in I want to say 2006

[@litz13]

@@Trainman3985 do you have a link to those gloves? They're really nice hi-viz ones.

[@makinbacon7070]

Got a once in a lifetime chance to run one of the old Sd40-2 helper sets out of Berdoo and it was life changing. Came down from summit picked me up because nobody else wanted to go or knew where we were going but I did. Got out there and then was told to start cranking that throttle back. Real hogger took the seat back at damn near summit and we did the cut off and proceeded back down and in was dropped off exactly where I was picked up.

[@houseoftrainsgarcia9794]

I have 7 GP9 locomotive in HO scale . Great video I just subscribed .

[@Trainman3985]

Thank you very much

[@shiftintohigh5564]

And a Kodachrome Espee at that! Waaay cool👍👍👍😎

[@kevinseipel5130]

Okay i have to say, that tattoo of Tavia looks awesome.

[@Trainman3985]

Thanks bro ^^

[@waynemiller7382]

I operated that SP Geep 9 at Portola . I was booked to operate the F7 but it broke down (overheatring|) just as it was my turn so I operated the SP Geep ibstead. That was in 2018.

[@WasatchGarandMan]

Classic High Hood GeeP. Love it!

[@domtron8873]

Didn't realize Colorado could be so arid. It threw me off; thought this was in AZ somewhere

[@Randoman35]

This is in California.

[@Manatee693]

Nice Video. I always wanted to see a GP9 being run by a good youtuber.

[@ClassyDeerBoi]

My advice is wait a little before blowing the horn on that one crossing. But thats just me.

[@Trainman3985]

Thanks for the tip, I'll be sure to use it next time i drive one of there engines.

[@tobiasblech1929]

Fra Regulations stipulate whistling for a crossing no less than 15 seconds and not more than 20 seconds in advance of a crossing but 25 seconds is acceptable to account for variation that assumes a speed less than 45 MPH. Above 45 MPH you begin whistling at the whistle post until the lead locomotive reaches the crossing

[@JT_8283]

Yeah I thought he started a little too soon

[@Englishkin]

First long whistle at the Whistle board or when crossing is in view (if no Whistle board) if within Rules or Regulations limits. Evenly space the second and third whistles. Last long whistle through the crossing, starting just before the crossing disappears from the Engineer's view under the front of the engine. Bell ringing the whole time.

[@jameskoskinen6763]

I got to ride in this locomotive a few times when it was on temporary duty at the Quincy railroad back in the 90s

[@GP9railfan]

Been there done that twice on 917, & Lil Lulu. Lots of fun!

[@ClassyDeerBoi]

You is a lucky man. 😂

[@Trainman3985]

It sure was fun

[@renantrevizan6857]

very cool video! Here in Brazil we have two locomotives GP 18 7007 and 7010 that ran until a short time ago doing maneuvers and service train they were from the Araraquara railroad and then were from FEPASA from 1971 to 1998 and belonged to ferroban from 1998 to 2002 then belonged to s ferronorte from 2002 to 2007 and from 2007 to 2015 they belonged to course until today , today 2022 they are stored together with a locomotive g12 7054 the three locomotives are waiting to be transferred to a railway preservation association

[@Stuingtion]

You are so lucky man! I wish I could get to drive an engine one day

[@tracynation239]

Classic Geep. Good video. ♡ T.E.N.

[@wargamz9051]

I operate an updated GP9 at my job, went to a GP16 without the high hood. Weird to see what it used to be vs what it is now. Lots of differences

[@Trainman3985]

That is very interesting

[@skyraiderjet]

@@Trainman3985can you do a video on starting and operating the H12-44?

[@sparky107107]

wow.. that is a opportunity most of us dream of

[@DanteHicks79]

“5 mph is the max” “Ok” Speedometer shows 8 🤣

[@Trainman3985]

I was a little rusty but I did make sure not to over speed.

[@akamadman203]

I know exactly where you are I did the exact same thing it was so much fun I was there like 3 weeks ago

[@kipdon]

How much did they charge you to participate ?

[@WideWorldofTrains]

Thats pretty cool

[@MilePost106]

Put those gloves on so you don't get those pretty hands dirty. I ran a few GP9's Northern Pacific and didn't need gloves.

[@marklierly9381]

Nice Video! I am kinda surprised they are not using the plastic or synthetic RR ties in their track maintenance program. :-)

[@rickeyhall4254]

I Got to run a Southern Pacific sdp45,mp15dc, and five Tunnel Motors on the fuel Rack, in last but least, the Bicentennial #3197,gp40p-2,at bayshore yard in San Francisco back in the late seventies.

[@Trainman3985]

Wow that is amazing

[@rickeyhall5468]

The sdp45 was #3206,The mp15dc was,#2696,sorry didn't get the Numbers of the tunnel motors I was to overwhelm and excited.

[@rickeyhall5468]

I also have a very picture of standing on #3197 which is in not the best of condition a friend of mine took in 1977 at bay shore yard that day on the wash rack right next to it was the Bicentennial Tunnel Motor #9389 ,Talk good timing that t one of the best days of being at that yard.It wasn't that Rare to see 9389 up from Los Angeles occasion in the bay area.

[@aeb1barfo]

I'll bet that was not a CHALLENGE for you to operate. The last time I saw that old steam engine, it was pulling a consist to Frontier Days in WY. I have flattened coins like old days.

[@ricksadler797]

Awesome

[@lelomiliken7598]

About as close as I will be able to operate one.😦👍

[@verykrabbycoyote8280]

It's in portola ca so you could try to go there. It's the Western Pacific railroad museum

[@echo-qe4gw]

I ran many of these in my younger days on the Penn Central. I could still MU one if I had to.

[@PositivelyNegativeOfficial]

Is that an original control stand? We have a GP-9 at my local historical railroad that came from the CNW. It’s got a 26L stand and used to have dynamic brakes but they were unfortunately removed before we got it.

[@rr-buf4164]

I've driven a GE 44 tonner, a 2-6-0, a RS4TC, and a GP40-2L before I'm 16.

[@brianburns7211]

Me too, on just about every type of locomotive from a SW to AC powered freight units, to P42s.

[@Bald_Cat2007]

She's the last of her kind. There are no other kodachrome high hoods or kodachrome locomotives in general left in existence but her. They really should give her a touch up with some paint to make her look more lively

[@tempronproducts]

I would have throw it right into notch 8, f the rules

[@eoinpkav152]

If you can keep it at track speed your fine but you probably aren't that skilled

[@eoinpkav152]

@Avery Grier if its a light move like this and the rails are dry you might be fine

[@Stones309]

Please mind about the diesel generator, instantly move to notch 8 will broke the engine

[@eoinpkav152]

@@Stones309 The generator will be fine

[@BenjaminEsposti]

@@Stones309 I don't know 100%, but I think the generator will be okay. First, the engine governor in these EMD locomotives has an overspeed trip that will shut off fuel injection if it overspeeds (usually occurs when bad wheelslip causes the generator to suddenly unload). Second, the generator (or alternator-generator) output is controlled by a field winding. Because of this, 100% engine speed does not necessarily equal 100% output power. Especially in modern locomotives, the engine speed increases before the alternator-generator's excitation current is increased. I dunno about these old geeps, they have no computer/electronic/emissions control, but I suppose the delay can be introduced with some clever mechanical/electrical engineering!

[@amtrak713productions8]

For my 9th bday i got to drive a Amtrak703 a p32-acdm around the yard great time

[@Trainman3985]

wow your lucky

[@ISU-KV-]

wow

[@ISU-KV-]

ive only been in a p42

[@sc0tte1-416]

I got to shunt a GO train with 6 cars for like 2 minutes once. I think I could have gotten someone fired for having them let me do that. Don't know what type of engine BC I don't know all that much about cars and I also wasn't in the engine but but the car on the front. I stopped too short before I connected to the cars, there is such a big delay when you let off the brakes lol

[@jackhollandthe3800]

I've driven an sw8 before but that doesn't beat a good old gp9.

[@LukeLovesTrains-Mr.RailYard]

Cool Gp-9

[@AlarakTheHighLord]

I would love to take a f3 or f7 out for a cruise

[@dsmith9964]

I always loved the EMD F Series locomotives. Currently the F125 looks pretty neat as well.

[@USCG001]

Princess Marco Turdina same I’d like a fa

[@PlayingwithPawz]

I didn't know you could do this!! It's got to be expensive tho :(

[@MrSpacelyy]

You really need two people to see around corners, I cannot believe it's safe to just stand up and move to the other window.

[@ethanwpope99]

I run a GP9 almost everyday at work switching railcars. Ours hadn't been rebuilt since 1983 and is undergoing some serious maintenance after a crankshaft bearing and rod bearing went out. Our reverser and brake lever set-up is very different than this though. Different year maybe?

[@TrainFan119]

Maybe a it was ordered differently

[@ownerfate]

I would love to operate a locomotive.

[@kirbyellis4337]

I am surprised. I am no fan of high noses because the visibility but they have better vis then I thought they would

[@ksrailfan1008]

When I was 6, I got to operate a short passenger excursion for a day. It was a gp9 as well

[@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606]

Almost had the opportunity to ride in the cab of a SD35 Highhood owned by a coal processing plant unfortunately it didn’t pan out and now the facility is closed down and the SD35 is parked dead under the loadout

[@kipdon]

You should go try to start it up man! (why not -hey?)

[@MurderPete379]

K5hl on a gp9 that's insane

[@Trainman3985]

You be surprised

[@onrr1726]

Used to run Sperry Rail Service cars all over the U.S. and Canada before they became more obsolete in favor of hi-rail trucks. I've had the chance to run FM H-12-44's, GP7/9's and GP30/39, GP35/39 rebuilds (Units rebuilt from GP30 and GP35 to GP39 specs by BN and ATSF) and some Older 4 axle GE's over the years along with a C30-7A.

[@skuula]

Miss that sound too! In Denmark, our EMD 567 engines were called the My : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DSB_Class_MY . Looked quite different (prettier, no?) but basically the same thing.

[@ccarlley]

Great sound on this vid

[@LegoWormNoah101]

No wonder the high nose locomotives were retired. You can't see much of anything out the front

[@waynegriffiths5143]

The reverser is actually the ‘beast mode activator’

[@somecallmeelvis]

I always thought it was similar to a big rigs truck controls with all the cluctch and meters gauges and diesel engine

[@bulletz9280]

It's nothing like it. Diesel locomotives essentially have three major controls: 1. Reverser, which has three positions, forward, neutral, and reverse. 2. Brake, which is divided into two levers: train brake and independant (loco) brake. 3. Throttle, which has 8 power notches and idle. That's it! Everything else controls things like the horn, lights, sander, dynamic brake, etc.

[@TG-cf6qb]

There is a Western Pacific GS-64 Tender there

[@Trainman3985]

Trainguy2929 Productions i do recall seeing that

[@TG-cf6qb]

kool

[@bensmall6548]

Wish it had the locomotive with it. Unfortunately, it was scrapped.

[@luispadilla4722]

Nice K5HL ON THAT GP9

[@brucekwak2420]

That white bucket is that the bathroom 🚽

[@ellisjackson3355]

@trainfan1287 The Roblox Train Fan! Railfanning your nose?

[@centralohiorailfan]

I would have went horn crazy!!!

[@bnsfbandit9807]

Me too

[@finaldraft151]

Speed limit is only 5 MPH...? Bummer. I guess you take what you can get.

[@dosaoedu02]

Thanh you very much

[@militarychevy711]

I ran anything from gp38's to SD70ACE's at union pacific. Fun times until the company became a shit hole.

[@Uno_611]

never got to do one but i wish i did for my 14th birthday

[@interoscitor]

Nice video.

[@bjorne-ekgren1]

Nice video

[@adamtain7627]

3:31 What was that white gauge with the red and black needles?

[@Trainman3985]

I think its the power out out gauge

[@Garylee17]

Very nice video plus High Nose Locomotive and what locomotive number is?

[@Denniss7420]

2873

[@CumminsDriver100]

So how in the world with this kind of visibility would you ever know in the curves if something or someone is there?

[@Trainman3985]

The engineer of the Locomotive was on the fireman side as a look out.

[@MrDgwphotos]

This is why a lot of these engines had the noses chopped down later.

[@SheltonDCruz]

Thanks alot! I like how you had the Notch Setting in the view so we can see how much inertia there is on these things!

[@steveamurray59]

Wow, Gotta do that one day...

[@MicahBoo]

how does one get the opportunity to drive a locomotive like this?

[@Trainman3985]

Just call the Railroad Museum and make a date

[@oregonwesternrailroadprodu5239]

I gotta admit I'm jelous

[@Trainman3985]

Oregon western railroad Productions I'm sorry I didn't mean to.

[@oregonwesternrailroadprodu5239]

Trainman3985 don't worry I've been in the cab of locos just not driven them

[@akamadman203]

Just head to Cali with half a thousand and you can have fun with it all ya want

[@verykrabbycoyote8280]

@@akamadman203 well I live in Cali and you'll probably need more than half a grand

[@akamadman203]

The Poncho Man that’s what it cost to drive it I don’t remember the site to give you it but there is a site for if

[@zachary_train_guy]

awesome! :D

[@bukasb]

I got to run a GP9M and a B23 it was a good time

[@Aldo-zp8wk]

I'm surprised that the view is so limited..you would think that they would have some kind of camera mounted out front to provide a better view of what's going on.

[@MrCulldog]

This locomotive was introduced in 1959. The technology to do what you’re talking about was too expensive at that time and far too large/fragile

[@Aldo-zp8wk]

@@MrCulldog Cully do the modern engine's have a better view of the track?

[@MrCulldog]

@@Aldo-zp8wk Yes! I'd recommend looking up some videos of modern locomotives!

[@Gabethenwr77]

Dang you’re lucky

[@iatif1995]

An SP GP9 With a Narrow Font K5HL?

[@Trainman3985]

Yes I think its original horn was being repaired so they put a K5HL on as a Substitute.

[@roberthenry9319]

Sure cannot see a darn thing that is ahead of you. Was that not a crazy design flaw? Am not knocking the GP 9. She was tough ol' locomotive. But the whole forward vision was a blind spot. That must have made her very difficult to engineer.

[@ernestyeagley512]

“To you railfan foamers out there who seem to be "sticklers" about details and "facts". Take it from a retired locomotive engineer of a major Class 1 US railroad and rules instructor. Here is a fact you need to know and to teach to your fellow "foaming at the mouth" railfans. The locomotive engineer does not "drive" the train as it is often implied. The locomotive engineer "runs" the engine (power plant). It just so happens that the power plant propels the unit by controls the engineer manipulates. The units (locomotives) travel on fixed guide ways and are not driven like a car. Also, inside the railroad business, categorically locomotives are referred to as "units", or power.”

[@zackbobby5550]

I'm pretty sure basically every rail fan knows that.

[@ohboy2592]

Zack Bobby no they don’t. I’ve met plenty

[@zackbobby5550]

@@ohboy2592 There's a difference between somebody who casually likes trains and a railfan. An actual railfan would know those things.

[@SuperBuildsInMC]

Just don't respond to him, he is just an asshole troll trying to start drama.

[@CardboardSliver]

But here in the UK, we call the engine operator the Driver. But you Americans call them Engineers, don't you?

[@burlingtonnorthernfan4216]

i drove a gp40 once..

[@dadathome274]

No Walk around and no brake test or safety appliance test before you move ?

[@zackbobby5550]

Ahh you've never worked on a railroad lmao.

[@ohboy2592]

Probably already done at the beginning of the day. It is FRA mandated

[@desireegrisham3892]

Must check the blue card though.

[@chasbear51]

I was expecting to hear the hand brake being released as they got on, but no!

[@erictucker98]

any reason why you not running with the front lights on?

[@conductorretired7153]

But as it's fun to watch the words used to describe trains........you. were. Running. An engine....piloting .... no steering,or driving. Conductor directs the engineer

[@Trainman3985]

indeed you right

[@Englishkin]

Yeah, trains are "run" in America, "driven" in Britain, etc. Yet, most modern Americans are totally oblivious to any part of railroading. Only "driving" cars and trucks (which both are supposed to be "run" -- if safely -- according to rules of the road that are based on railroading rules) and "piloting" planes registers with them. A railroad "pilot" (like with shipping) only takes over to run through certain limits (territory). Americans do refer to being "sidetracked" or, occasionally, being "asleep at the switch"....

[@st7650]

1. Protect the TWO MAN CREW BILL (HR 1748 Safe Freight Act) It’s about public safety and jobs. 2. Go to SMART-UNION.org/td Click on the Red button support two person crews on the right side of division home page. 2. Enter contact info ( this is needed to direct the email to your member of congress. 3. Click Send. The pre-drafted my essage will be sent directly to your member of congress. 4. This effects railroad retirement, retired railroaders, current railroaders there’s even a spot for the general public to make there voice be heard. Please take action there is 175,000 conductors and 59,000 engineers that need this support not to mention public safety at risk.

[@ValleySubRailfan4643]

I think this had an early k5hl and now had a p3. "I think"

[@Snowlep337]

You have some... interesting tattoos. I see that you like Octavia.

[@Trainman3985]

Thank you very much. Yes I do.

[@Snowlep337]

@@Trainman3985 Do you have a video on your tattoos? It would be interesting to know the story behind why you got your tattoos.

[@Trainman3985]

@@Snowlep337 I haven't really thought of doing a video on my tattoo's maybe that something I can do.

[@jasonk9779]

Okay. How many people were tilting their head as he drove around the corner. Come on, admit it :)

[@alexander1485]

you cannot "drive" a locomotive, you run or operate it.

[@SwindellSteamWorks]

I can sense how "driven" you were in your comment.

[@aarondivel1752]

"yOU cAnnOt DRivE A loCOmOtivE, You RUn Or oPeraTE it." To drive is to operate. (to operate a vehicle // learned to drive at the age of seventeen) - copy and pasted directly from webster. You don't steer your car with the drive shaft. This isn't just you just, damn it Every time someone says that non sense it makes me want to endulge in a fine top shelf bleach.

[@PeterNGloor]

@@aarondivel1752 in England the DRIVER operates the loco, and the fireman is called Stoker.

[@kensingtonchapp4819]

Wrong. It is permissible to refer to it as driving. You are seated at the controls of a moving vehicle. At no time does the definition require there to be a steering wheel. Oh, and I'm a locomotive engineer for BNSF Railway (before you start questioning my knowledge). That being said, the vast majority of us do refer to it as running, and the rulebooks all refer to it as operating haha. But in conversation it is fine to say driving.

[@richrenwick3123]

what camera are you using

[@Trainman3985]

I used my phones camera Samsung 8

[@richrenwick3123]

@@Trainman3985 I like the camera, really adds depth into the shot

[@zyglo9826]

How old is that GP9? It definitely has a few miles on it.

[@Trainman3985]

As of 2021 65 years old.

[@markcinque4586]

Alright Nice!, 0:32

[@Moaigaming698]

that has a very fast bell

[@thepickn]

I have always loved to be in that chair.

[@donotwantahandle1111]

...ever done this before..ahem..brmm brmm!

[@trainman264]

howd you record first person?

[@Trainman3985]

I glued a mouth guard to a clip that holds phones and I held in my mouth. If I do it agina I'm going to used a head banned mount.