The Krauss-Maffei ML-4000 Diesel Hydraulic Locomotive from 3rd Rail

It's the 3rd Rail Krauss-Maffei ML-4000 Diesel Hydraulic! For those looking for distinctive looking motive power, the search is over!
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Chapter List:
0:00 - Intro & Unboxing
3:35 - Pilot Trouble
6:41 - Pilot Swap
9:32 - History
13:44 - Model Info, Stats & Facts
18:14 - Close-up Details
24:15 - Inside the locmotive
25:07 - BFIMO
25:29 - Startup and Demo
27:25 - Running Session
33:01 - Conclusion
34:03 - End Credits

[@catnipleaf8680]

The difference between a diesel-hydraulic and a more conventional diesel-electric (which the overwhelming majority of diesel locomotives are) is how power is transmitted from the prime mover to the wheels: -in a diesel-electric locomotive, the prime mover runs an electrical generator, which sends power to a set of traction motors in the trucks, which turn the wheels. -in a diesel-hydraulic locomotive, the prime mover is connected to a torque converter (a type of fluid coupling, hence the "hydraulic"), which is connected to a driveshaft that runs to each truck and connects to the axles (and thus the wheels) through a series of gears. Thought I'd just offer a bit of a clarification and explanation here.

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks 🙏

[@generalprincecodyhedgewolf2944]

I have some info in my very recent conment

[@anthonyxuereb792]

And yes the torque converter is similar to that employed in car automatic transmissions, enabling power to be passed onto the transmission with a fluid coupling to absorb shocks between the two, something like that.

[@roberttrains]

The Reason Sunset models use the football pickups is for switches to allow for little hop when it hits a switch. What we have found is some Ross and Atlas switches that have a lot of center rails in them some of the older sunset models had small chance of derailing this solved this problem. From what I remember we have been using them for about 10 years now.

[@Ericstrains]

Cool thanks for the info

[@BledsoeTrainsRC]

I've been purchasing far more from 3rd Rail/Golden Gate Depot in recent years than I have Lionel. Their passenger cars are second to none. If 3rd rail ever got a hold of Legacy it would sure put a pinch on Lionel. Awesome locomotive and review!

[@bearowen5480]

I recently received my D&RG (luckily undamaged by UPS) version, and it is spectacular! I called Scott to congratulate him on yet another outstanding model. I've been too busy to fire it up yet, and it's been sitting on my mantle just begging to get on the layout. Your video is going to accelerate that. Also thanks, Eric, for your helpful tutorial on how to easily replace the front coupler and install the correct scale pilot. I don't anticipate ever using the front electrocoupler. After all, this ain't no switch engine, and it would be a shame to run such a gorgeous engine with the toy-like pilot spoiling the otherwise perfect appearance of its fascinating prototype.

[@CommanderOmegaTau]

Fun Fact: New York Central also test run the Krauss-Maffei ML-4000 during the winter of 1962/ 63. They used two of the engines from D&RGW. #4002, #4003, and the Dynamometer car #10. Trains Magazine issue June 1976 details all the information. The article is titled "When Rio Grande went to Syracuse" on pages 40-44. NYC used them for testing for 19 days. The crews loved being seated above the railcars to see, but NYC decided not to order their own due to the lack of weight on the drivers for heavy grades and maintenance. They did however find that they did perform as well as four GP9's. The ML-4000's could have done well in open flat grades and gentle grades here in the US, but most likely they still would not have been ordered.

[@chugwaterjack4458]

I appreciate that while talking about background and history, you have shots of the locomotives moving, showing lights, etc. Makes a much more interesting video.

[@doublenickelbob]

Great vid Eric keep em coming I'll keep watching

[@RCTanksTrucks247]

Looks awesome!

[@mamanbear1]

Excellent video and description of the locomotive.

[@dannycox3818]

Nice to see a "old school review" from you again!!! Awesome looking locomotive! Really like the unique ones!

[@robertmullen2083]

Don't have any 3rd Rail, but wish I did. Beautiful and detailed. Wow.

[@jamesaustin2836]

I got to see the Rio Grand units as the made their way west. They were most impressive.

[@henryszubielski8601]

Eric, You picked another unique item. That's an excellent addition to your collection!

[@danieljaime22]

Beautiful Model indeed Eric. Thank you for the history of this Engine ❤️

[@JP-wv8tc]

Liked to see you dim the exterior lighting to get a more pronounced view of cab lighting during run by but that was very entertaining Thanks Eric Jeff

[@sunnysiderails397]

Awesome looking engine, great video!!!

[@Prewarpostwaramdmore]

I love that caboose and those pipe load cars. Great consist! I wanted this model so bad. I've been following the 9010 restoration on Facebook for years. I'll have to pray they offer them again some time in the future.

[@BOBXFILES2374a]

Those Maybach diesels are tough! 40 years - so vot? In my younger days, I had an A-A set of HO D & RG Krauss-es. Sold them at a train show, and years later, found 1 at an antique store! I didn't know SP had so many! Thanks!

[@chetanlikhar4064]

Wow.. thanks for this beautiful locomotive video..I was waiting for this diesel hydraulic locomotive..I always like hydraulic locomotives.

[@ScottJohnson4449]

That is boss! I remember reading about them in TRAINS. I know one has been restored. So cool, thank you.I model the SP south of Portland in the 70s to the 90s. I have subbed. Scott

[@edwardvincentbriones5062]

@Eric’sTrains Good high speed running session!

[@Chessie1985]

Awesome engine Eric!!!

[@northpennvalleysteamrailroad]

Awesome video friend

[@dennisfly1]

Looks Cool!

[@davidkoehler136]

Beautiful model!

[@marcyounker6379]

I am astonished by the depth of information that you possess with model railroad s and trains thanks you're channel has best entertainment value well beyond the television thanks for you're videos

[@Ericstrains]

Wow thanks!

[@TrainsForever]

When you talked about how Lionel keeps the advantage with the sound packs and stuff that was very interesting to me. That’s smart. And for 3rd rail to make unusual models is so cool. Oh and btw that knife was awesome too I’ve never seen one like that before 😎

[@anthonyxuereb792]

The British also tried the German Diesel hydraulic system except they used some German components (engines and torque converters) fitted onto British made frame and body etc. They had a reasonable run with them but wasn't enough to win the day over diesel electrics. When will the day come when traction motors are mounted in the trucks just like the real thing? With so much going on with micro motors and electronics it shouldn't be difficult.

[@zachwheeler9846]

Very unusual and cool engine, I love strange, odd looking engines like this, and this definitely is one. Great review

[@zaklex3165]

FYI - the lights on the nose from the top down are Mars(red rotating), Gyralite(2 side by side) and Headlight.

[@modelrailpreservation]

With all those cab windows, having all that cab detailing really shows. 3rd Rail was really on the ball there. I'm impressed.

[@mitchcornacchia968]

Nice engine Eric great review

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks 👍

[@Trainmaster909]

Good video, but I really wish you hadn’t asked for that extra pilot if you weren’t gonna end up using it.

[@nicholasbulgarino567]

Honestly, I was going to say something, but I'm glad you said it first. Scott runs a great operation; very honorable and has great customer service. I am curious why you (Eric) asked for the replacement and then said you weren't gonna use it in the video. What if someone really needed a replacement and now you have it, for FREE no less (because Scott cares about his customers), and they reach out to you for it? Are you gonna sell it? That's low, especially since you got it for free. I understand parts arriving damaged is not acceptable, and I would want a replacement part too. The difference is I would use the part. Asking for the replacement, then broadcasting to a large audience that you don't intend to use it, especially when Sunset/3rd Rail has a limited supply of spares (trust me, I'm a 2-Railer who needs spares to repair secondary market engines), is a low class move. That ruined the video for me.

[@traviscurlutu7723]

One locomotive I'd like to see made is Muskingum Electric Railroad E50. Similar to an E44. Check it out sometime. If so.eone would make you'd have to have the coal hoppers to match.Also unique to the train set.

[@rick1716]

Rick’s Trains & Materials Great and video Eric. I really like 3rd rail and sunset models. They seem to be the best detailed models on the market.

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@danieldoesdumbstuff]

Okay this is my favorite model now

[@LIMowersAndMore]

Wow das is good, what a good looking model!

[@chriswalls4226]

Excellent video. I hope 3rd rail and golden gate depot can make an illinois central passenger set.

[@James-Railyard]

Great video! I was looking at getting one in HO scale but using an EMD decoder from Soundtraxx as a way of saying my railroad just put a prime mover in that was cheap to maintain. The scale coupler also definitely pretties up the front, I’d weather up the damaged pilot and have it near the diesel shops in a scrap parts pile. That’s also interesting on why other companies have the TMCC electronics, I would’ve went Protosound 3 but that’s just preference.

[@Gdayhomie]

Amazing Eric. This is probably one of the most interesting locomotives every constructed. BTW I think the name is pronounced Cross Ma-Fee

[@bearowen5480]

"Crouse Mahf'-eye". In German, the "e-i" diphthong is almost always pronounced as "eye" is in English. I took three years of German, and I know of no exceptions. So Eric probably got it right except I think the accent should be on the first syllable. Are there any native German speakers here to confirm that? I have the D&RG version, and I want to get it right when my train buddies ask me, "What the heck IS that thing?!"

[@mikeblatzheim2797]

@@bearowen5480 A bit late, but native German speaker here. His pronunciation was pretty accurate (I've heard far worse). If we're being picky, the 'r' in 'Kraus' is pronounced slightly differently (the other letters were spot-on), with the same being true for the 'e' in Maffei (as you pointed out correctly). There the emphasis should be on the 'a' and not the 'e'. Altogether though his pronunciation was pretty good, and perfectly understandable to German speakers.

[@Gdayhomie]

​@@mikeblatzheim2797I don't speak German so I'm not certified in any way for the right pronunciation. I greatly appreciate the help

[@wrangler70jkujeep74]

Wow that's very cool .

[@andypants97]

Holy cow that is a beautiful engine

[@andrewcrane2786]

Nice locomotive thanks for sharing this video I really appreciate it I never seen this model in the real one. You have nice collection of locomotives alot of them. You probably have more locomotives then cars. I have Ho scale

[@amadigidigaula771]

As a Bavarian, I can say you are pronouncing it correctly, Eric.

[@westernpacificrr]

Thanks for doing the review Eric! I remember commenting on one of your videos asking if you would review this locomotive. I believe that Krauss Maffei is pronounced “house” Maffei.

[@tonyarsenault4256]

It’s odd they would have the Marker light just decorative for such a beautiful and expensive Engine. Still a beautiful model and another great review.

[@ICanSellYou]

That thing is sweet!!

[@IansTrains]

That’s a really cool and odd locomotive but it looks really interesting!

[@johnbeck3270]

I wonder if those two “blisters” could be housings for cooling the hydraulic, and engine oils? Surely the hydraulic oil would require cooling to prevent damage to the torque converters.

[@johnlamprecht7523]

Nice loco

[@will2926]

Totally enjoyed the spaceballs bit!!🤣🤣🤣

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@tonygould9027]

Love that loco!! I've never heard of it till now. I don't have any 3rd Rail locos. Eastside Trains in Kirkland WA. doesn't deal in 3rd Rail. If they did I would have for sure gotten one. I love all the oddities of locos. I have the M-1 Chessy Steam Turbine set when they first offered it a few years ago. I have the Coal Turbine UP loco. I would love to here the Jawn Henry Steam Turbine. I believe 3rd Rail or Atlas (can't remember) made one a while back. But just waiting for Lionel or someone to offer it. It would sure be very cool as a Vision Line and Dicast front to back. Anyway awesome loco! I want one!

[@F40M07]

6:40 love the ASMR!!

[@miguelangelgarrido7233]

Hola buen dia excelente video muy bueno el modelo te mando un abrazo grande

[@keithneal3253]

Thanks Eric. Great to see reviews of some different manufacturers stuff. Enjoyed the the vid and also a few different camera angles thrown in. Is that a second wind turbine that has been added?

[@Ericstrains]

it's been there for a while. Thanks!

[@davevan8864]

I wanted one of these so bad!!! (I have 4 of the AHM HO scale versions) But budget, lack of, did not allow. Hope you enjoy yours! Thanks

[@davidstrainsandlego]

Nice that he sent you that replacement pilot

[@robbern2150]

Eric, Great review, I prefer this older style of review where you cover close details of the model from end to end.

[@Ericstrains]

Cool, thanks!

[@charlesmcclure5994]

That's great looking engine a really nice addition to your collection 👍👍

[@F40M07]

Ever heard of Golden Gate Depot? Their models are really expensive but they are hyper realistic and nice! (I don’t have any GGD models myself).

[@Ericstrains]

I think GGD is run by the same guy who runs 3rd Rail.

[@F40M07]

Oh wow!

[@patricksommerville463]

Hey Eric just a quick correction most diesel locomotives are diesel electric locomotives, the diesel powers a generator which powers motors on the axles

[@robertkelly8106]

It is my understanding that the red light on the front of SP diesels came on when the train was in emergency braking.

[@SunnyJohn45]

Standard diesel-electric locomotives do not transmit power to the rails via a mechanical connection. They power an electrical generator that provides DC or an alternator that gives AC to traction motors on the trucks, or bogies as much of the world calls them. They are electric locomotives powered by onboard diesel motors.

[@QuadMochaMatti]

The second vowel takes precedence in pronunciation, such as in "ei" or "ai" combinations.

[@theprivyline484]

Got to love the odd balls

[@patrickwamsley3284]

I've always been kinda curious as to why there isn't a three rail equivalent to dcc sound decoders. I'm an HO guy and noticed the lack of support for modifications to the sound systems and options within the sound systems for customization to fit the model best, say changing the prime mover sound, bells and so forth. Bells on lionel sound systems just seem to change the pitch of the same sound file instead of for say, go from an EMD bronze bell to a GE steel bell or in this case, go from an EMD prime mover to a GE or ALCo but I don't know whether these had two or four stroke engines and would've most likely sounded nothing like an F unit.

[@Toaster844]

Southern Pacific had some of the strangest looking diesel locomotives in their fleet.

[@NW-gi1cp]

Beautiful now you just need me

[@TheCobraCommander]

The SP 9010 is also running under a Maybach engine, believe it or not. Albeit only one. Nonetheless, it seems sufficient for what those people have in mind for the 9010.

[@cato12]

I do like how 3rd rail does esu dcc.

[@jamesgeorge960]

i love your videos and i love model trains i would like advice if i started on model railroading collecting

[@Ericstrains]

Go for it!

[@Shipwright1918]

Have a good job and start setting some hobby money back.

[@edwardvincentbriones5062]

X9001. Reminds me of the old UP 4-12-2.

[@dustinainsley8792]

Great looking model. I wish that there was a way to improve on the sounds. I’d probably run it silent if it was mine.

[@warriorstar2517]

Those ventillated sections seems to be an extension of the cooling system.

[@prrhorseshoecurve]

More like dynamic brake grills..similar to American diesel locomotives positioning of their dynamic brake grids of that time period.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

The handrails on Sonos of the locomotive you can also see how they are bent

[@40belowful]

I have that same tops knife:)

[@amadigidigaula771]

Great Model and interesting prototype showing both typical German and US characteristics of the time - but so typically German in that it attempted a US style but missed all the beauty. I would have thought that sound file is not accurate though - a diesel hydraulic sounds quite different. A deeper lower rpm kinda sound that doesn’t notch up as high as a diesel electric. Yeah loco and coach (ie Car) interiors are the biggest let down when I compare US to German and UK o scale models. This one looks better, I’d love to have ordered one, nice one Eric.

[@thetrainboard2772]

Compared to mth engines, are 3rd rail brass engines noticeably more delicate and must be handled more carefully. Do they need noticeably more maintenance ater running 20 to 30 hours?

[@WilliamCreator57]

It's not from Lionel, but it's really cool!

[@frankierailfan4014]

That horn definitely screams get out of my way!! Are those locomotives diesel electric in real life?

[@prrhorseshoecurve]

No. They sre diesel hydraulic. The difference is the transmission of power. Diesel hydraulics uses a direct transmission driveshaft to all wheels. The disel elecyric uses electricity to power traction motors. The diesel electric will win over all high torque power applications. They even use diesel electric transmissions in those huge mining dump trucks.

[@DH2906PRODUCTIONS]

May the shworts be with the crew. 😆

[@rexremedy1733]

Do they make them as non third rail O scale version as well?

[@d.cthehobbyist2252]

Another great video. 👍 like the new subscribe banner nice touch

[@Ericstrains]

You think 2 of them is enough?

[@d.cthehobbyist2252]

@@Ericstrains I think 3 is a good number. But 3 is my favorite number.

[@d.cthehobbyist2252]

Hey I'm starting to get quite the collection myself. I was wondering do you know of any insurance places where you can insure a collection? I have some pieces that are up there in price.

[@Ericstrains]

I use my homeowners insurance to cover mine. They were able to add coverage for my collection.

[@Orangeshirt_Railfan]

I thought I was the only one that noticed that lol looks great Eric!

[@peterwhite9546]

a diesel hydraulic engine works like any piece of heavy machinery made in the last 20 years or so.

[@thatsimulatorguy]

Is this HO or O? And how big is that layout?

[@prrhorseshoecurve]

Thanks Eric S for the reminder to all 3 rail 3rd Locomotive purchasers to remove the "duracell knockoff" battery BEFORE storing the loco-wether it be in a case or in the box.NEVER EVER STORE TRAINS WITH BATTERIES INSIDE. THEY ALL EVENTUALLY LEAK!

[@Ericstrains]

It's actually a real Duracell, oddly enough.

[@fulviosantangeletta5838]

Super video Eric One of the coolest engines I've ever seen I just tried to use the smoking unit on M L 4 000 The 1st time yesterday. 5 drops of Mega steam fluid Using the funnel I have the top button on TMCC as suppose to the off or conv setting.. Am I doing the correct settings as far as you know with your engine? I appreciate your help If you get a chance to see this comment..

[@Ericstrains]

I'm not sure what you mean by "top button"

[@fulviosantangeletta5838]

@@Ericstrains Eric many thanks for the response that button with the 3 options conventional Off Or TMCC I have it on TMCC I was actually able to hear the mechanism work but The smoke wasn't coming out but the fan was powerful is it the kind of thing that if you open up the shell would be potentially easier to fix to fix? If In your opinion?I ask you cause in your really nice video great idea to show you opening up the shell

[@gloria6229]

​@Ericstrains I call it Krauss-Maffei. 😂😅

[@TheRoyalScotsman6100]

Alright, this question's been on my mind and I can’t hold it in anymore: how are you able to afford O Scale?

[@Ericstrains]

Yeah, how does he afford all those trains? I wanna know too!

[@daveallen9893]

Beautiful engine I did order one of the Erics train's I do have a question I got a Lionel Berkshire Disney steam engine when I programmed engine the whistle only works when I hit 0 I can't understand what happened the bell works fine when I hit the bell button any advice

[@Ericstrains]

The 0 key is the reset function, which causes the whistle to sound. If you can't hear the whistle otherwise, you might want to try running the engine with the LionChief app on you phone...from there you can turn up the volume of the whistle.

[@daveallen9893]

@@Ericstrains thank you sir

[@kenasar]

Beautiful locomotive! Maffei is an italian surname and the italian pronunciation is the right one. German pronunciation is wrong.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

A diesel hydraulic can run through water that would short out a traction motor on a diesel electric locomotive.

[@lifewithroscoe6513]

Into S gauge. But I like your video

[@brianlitherland8722]

Fabulous looking detailed model. Three rail is so naff and looks ancient, like a tinplate railway from the 1940s, why do you put up with it?

[@illinoiscentralrailroadfan6015]

Those are the engine radiators

[@dannyh.s.1936]

I wish that they made this in ho scale. Edit: PIKO USA IS MAKING THEM!!!!

[@anthonyj.adventures9736]

Oh no he used the Swartz.

[@CoalChrome]

the enginesounds sound like a 567

[@matthewjachtorowycz2455]

Me want

[@Trainboy11]

Yooooooo

[@ColtonRMagby]

Lionel and 3rd Rail need to merge together and combine their tooling to have great detailing with the other features.