The Unmistakable Sound of the U34CH!

Old video circa 1994 of the U34CH in Woodcliff Lake, NJ shortly before NJ Transit decommissioned these powerhouse, brutish engines. Train stops at Woodcliff Lake then continues on to Spring Valley. Twenty minutes later, the train deadheads back to Hoboken against a stormy background.

[@chrisdamato6409]

Those GE engines have such a unique 'growl' or 'clatter.' Even the current Genesis locomotives have that similar sound on power-up.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

VERY dramatic with the thnunderstorms in the background! Interesting engines those U34CH's. My only "encounter" with one is from my Lionel Jersey Transit set, but those who remember them first-hand tell me the sound they made was unmistakeable. I've also been told they weren't too popular with Jersey Transit crews who considered them "too much engine" for NJT's purposes. NJT people were all big EMD fans and probably still are. Good video! Thanks! And what a difference in video quality from 1994 and today!

[@christrembath1678]

I think you are right in that they were too much engine, but I recall someone telling me that they were very traveller-friendly in that they would accelerate and decelerate very smoothly.

[@thomasnativo6491]

One of my favorite Path lines from NJ Transit the Pascack Valley line

[@usmale49]

Great video...thank you for creating, uploading and sharing!! 🚅

[@martyharrison8367]

Lot of horsepower to move 3-6 P-S coaches!

[@centredoorplugsthornton4112]

Consist is Pullman Standard built Comet l cars rebuilt by Bombardier with high level platform doors and traps. All 32 cab cars and 45 of the coaches were rebuilt with those doors and traps. Nine bar cars and 61 coaches kept their low platform only sliding doors when rebuilt.

[@amuroray1085]

We even get some MC9B action in this one.

[@bergencountyrailfan]

Nice video I subscribed

[@christrembath1678]

Thank you!!!

[@ellisjackson3355]

Is this the 16 cylinder fdl?

[@christrembath1678]

I believe so!

[@thomasdowling6594]

Was it 96 when these were decommissioned

[@christrembath1678]

Hi Tom, if I'm not mistaken, it was 1997, although the process of decommissioning the engines might have started in '96. I think I have an article about it in Trains Magazine from that year.

[@mclifford34]

1994.

[@stevemccall3383]

1994 was the last run according to the U34CH video here on YT

[@littlestevey4172]

​@@stevemccall3383 Yes, August of 1994. But 4172 now 3372 and restored cosmetically by URHS was in operation on NJT as non revenue until February 1995.

[@centredoorplugsthornton4112]

Three units were lent to SEPTA during season 2 of its Railworks project to rebuild the 4 track mainline between Market East Station and Wayne Junction during the 90s. One for work train use, 2 for rush hour revenue trips with cars from SEPTA'S push pull fleet. Arrived and departed 30th St Station Philadelphia and ran over Conrail to reach SEPTA tracks.