HOW RAILROADS WORK Ep. 1: Freight Yards

[@davidbarnett9312]

Thought I'd stop by for a revisit. Back in the day, I hired on with the SP. After two weeks of OJT, another newbie and I were assigned as part of a road crew to work in Englewood Yard in Houston for three months. Some kind of deal had been worked out by SP and the union that required the road crew off the Houston & Texas Central [SP]. That was an experience. We, the newbies, worked with an old head engineer and conductor. Our job was to walk the 'completed' track and couple cars and then pull them out and spot them elsewhere. After completing said task one night, I gave the engineer the sign with my lantern, climbed the ladder and sat on the edge of a gondola with one leg on the ladder and the other inside with no support. Stupid I know. Now the tracks were supposed to be collared for our safety, yet another car rolls in while we are pulling out and slams into the gondola. That's when my back issues began, but we won't go into that. The switches in the yard had to have been installed in the 19th century because it took a PHD in switches to make sure you had them aligned correctly. The funniest event I witnessed, if you want to call it funny, was an autopak car, which in those days was wide open, come off the hump and slam into a line of cars. New Pontiac Firebirds went everywhere. I'm sure all responsible got fired, or at least I would think so.

[@Trains21]

I'm speechless.

[@BossSpringsteen69]

Funny you mention you need a PHD to throw switches. I wonder if the "switch" practices from the SP transferred to the UP during the merger. Iv'e put hard to throw switch issues several times into the safety hotline and one month later still the same switches did not get oiled. Often when i bring trains to foreign RR yards i joke with the crews there and say, "Your switches throw so easily, were going to steal your switches and put them in our rail yard".

[@dennistrump]

BossSpringsteen69 .

[@alcopower5710]

David Barnett ....thanks for the stories.....very interesting

[@john1653]

@Djkh1 TheBrainstopper You won't understand this, but others will: You and your many friends are one factor--a small one to be sure---but one factor in the gradual destruction of this nation as we have known it. The founding fathers set forth in writing the concept of "private property," and indeed made it sacred, and an important part of our Constitution. It forbade the government from entering or seizing a man's property without due process. But the individual was constrained by his or her own conscience, It worked back then because they were better people than those of this generation. When you enter "private property" with the intent to damage, destroy, or desecrate, you are breaking the Law, yes...but the long-term effects are very destructive to this nation. But You say that your have a "right" to express yourself in your so-called "art." You are saying that your right trumps another person's private property rights. So, we can't ONLY blame the politicians, or the people who don't vote...we can blame YOU, and all of your comrades, who are like termites eating away at a tall tree. The effects aren't seen today or tomorrow, but your grandchildren will live in a poorer world, Brainstopper. One day the tree will topple. I'll bet you are proud, aren't you? I thought so...

[@dallas_red904]

I married a retired engineer and really didn't understand how much work was involved until seeing this. He began sending me videos of trains and I enjoyed them so much told him more...almost 8 yrs married and didn't realize all of this, now off to part two. TY so much for this, really am enjoying it!

[@lawrencejones1517]

Very interesting and informative! And I would like to hear about the locomotive fire on train 37T!

[@railroad9000]

Great video. I have a hard time understanding why anyone would give a thumbs down. Not just to this but lots of other videos. If it's not to your liking, simply stop watching it.

[@Trains21]

Amen to that, brother.. That's EXACTLY how I feel.. And thank you for the kind words. :-)

[@glennso47]

I can think of people giving thumbs down to some political or music videos when they don't like the videos fro some reason.

[@loudmouth3389]

I could watch this all day

[@Trains21]

Thanks Loudmouth.

[@dlwatib]

I'm amazed at how wavy and worn some of the tracks look. And the sound of metal scraping against metal...!

[@rubenvillanueva622]

Excellent photography, and excellent narrative captions. A primer introduction to the operations in a yard. Thank you!

[@Trains21]

Thank you Ruben.. Glad you liked.

[@teadyconnolly9590]

Thank you very much for this perfect Intermodal Taylor Yard video quite a lot of movement and a very busy with the coming and going of Switchers, Locos, Trucks with load loaders, and the Tractor units with Containers, I have to watch part 2 to get the latest follow up thanks again for your wonderful videos and what a fantastic website you have well done

[@Trains21]

Thank you for the kind and encouraging words, Teady.. Part 2 deals less with Taylor and more with Northeastern PA itself.. Part 5 has more of Taylor Yard in it if that's where your interest lies :-)

[@teadyconnolly9590]

I am going to watch every part I am getting quite a lot of ideas just after part 1 off how many just looking forward to seeing all parts is Fantastic videos so far from you Trains 21

[@Trains21]

Thanks, Teady.. :-)

[@maryillinski3487]

Just found you. What a pleasant discovery. My one granddad worked on the Southern Pacific and other granddad worked on the Pennsylvania RR. Trains are in my blood. Nothing in the world like the sound of the whistle in the night. So glad I can hear them still. Thank you for all these great videos.

[@donmcgimpsey1706]

I am mildly impressed that the graffiti artists don't paint over any of the freight car lettering (tonnage, etc)

[@Trains21]

They do, just not all of the time.

[@tannerVBHC]

Most graff writers tend to go around the numbers just as a courtesy to the workers so they can still read them and also so they’re stuff won’t get buffed

[@MrDeerhunter46]

They probably can reach so high

[@scottsmith7051]

I'm having difficulty associating the defacing of private property with artistry.

[@Izik7777]

@@scottsmith7051 you’re really telling me you don’t see beautiful colors and words often with cool designs and characters and styles as artistic? That’s sad man, you gotta look at it with more of an open mind!

[@robertstonebreaker8394]

Great video thanks for sharing lot of different stuff going on got to stay alert dangerous jobs

[@davidbarnett9312]

As a kid, I recall the yard in my hometown of Hearne, Texas. The SP lines came through Hearne from East St. Louis. Trains would either take the line to San Antonio and on out west to LA, or they could continue south towards Houston on the old Houston and Texas Central, for which I was assigned as a brakeman back in the day. The yard had 12 tracks, a car shed for repairs, a working turntable, an icing rack for reefer trains, a switch engine, which we called the Dinkie, as well as yardmen who bled off the air for trains to be switched, as well as oiling 'boxes'. The Mop crossed the interlock system on the north edge of town. They did some switching, mostly cotton gin mills, or position cars for unloading at this very large covered shed. About five miles west of Hearne was Valley Junction, where east/west MoP trains could either continue or wye north/south. The MoP did their switching at Valley Junction. At the interlock with the MoP was the depot, where the Sunbeam, complete with yellow steam engine, would stop to take on and drop off passengers. The MoP Eagle would cross the interlock and stop at their depot about a half mile from said interlock. From steam engines of the SP with those round tenders, or MoP steam engines with that flat tender, to F units and on to the Alco's and early GP's, I guess I was very fortunate to have grown up in a railroad town. Today, it's all owned by the UP and the Hearne yard is deader than a doornail. No switching is done at Valley Junction, either.

[@Trains21]

Timeless.

[@shootisttx15]

David Barnett, hello from Navasota, TX. Did you see or hear about the derailment in Hearne back in February? It happened on the curve going from the north/south UP to the east/west line. While the yard may not see much switching any more (and your account of the past glory was great), there is still a lot of traffic moving through the old Hearne yard.

[@davidbarnett9312]

Steve from Texas - No, I did not hear about it. I live in the Temple - Killeen - Ft. Hood area now. I occasionally visit Hearne and I've noticed the switching aspect is almost non-existent, and that there are perhaps one or two trains in the old yard. I was over in Franklin, Texas the 6th of May this year, and I did notice the traffic heading east on the former Missouri Pacific line. Navasota brings back a few memories in my day as a brakeman. One of our south bound SP rock trains had 'misjudged' and hit a Santa Fe eastbound to Houston going through the interlock system in Navasota at the old depot. I worked the special work train after that accident. Then there was the time one of our engines would not start. I had gone back to the second engine in the lashup and tried getting it to start, but to no avail, so the engineer says hey, sit down, blow the whistle, and keep your eyes open and let me go back and try to start said engine. Needless to say I was blowing the hell out of the whistle and hoping no one tried to beat the train to the crossings while we were passing through Navasota on our way to Bryan-College Station and Hearne.

[@mnfrench7603]

David Barnett z

[@mnfrench7603]

At least there is a Dairy Queen. Dang it gets hot in Hearne.

[@wayneshook6968]

I really enjoyed watching some train switching, I used to work for BNSF inTulsa OK as yard foreman and hostler and road brakeman now and then

[@Trains21]

Cool.. I'm glad you liked it.

[@TheSkunk1996]

My kind of fun watching this vid. Thanks for posting and the description.

[@holycroc20]

Every time I drove over the ACCA Yard here in Richmond, VA I'm always looking and wondering how it all goes down, that and the seaports. Looking at a Satellite image of the Port of Norfolk, VA, just wow at the scope of things. So I'm checking out all your videos, very informative.

[@Trains21]

Thanks Brian.. I'm glad that you enjoy them.. They'll be even more informative in the days to come.

[@donwilliams9759]

Good job I'm proud to have work for the R.R. 42yr and 19day !!!!!!!!

[@Trains21]

I'm proud to have you watching our videos.. A railroad man of your caliber.. Congratulations on a long and proud career in railroading!

[@thomasbarashukis6819]

If you're a train lover like me you'll love this video. It's super.

[@Trains21]

Thanks Thomas

[@leedavis5958]

I Have just found your stuff and find it there good. As we have nothing like the same as you do here in the uk.

[@Trains21]

Thanks, Lee.. From what I've seen, the U.K. has a lot a passenger trains but shy on freight.. Am I right about this?

[@leedavis5958]

Hi There. Yes you are so right about this, We have some freight And container yard's. But nothing like we should have. All the best to you. And your family.

[@leedavis5958]

Hi There. Yes you are so right. We do have some freight On the railway's But not as much as we should all the best to you and your family. from the uk.

[@bethanybarrow8403]

I will never get tired of this one! Thanks AC.

[@Trains21]

Thanks, Bethany.. In the future I'll have better videos of bigger, more active yards.. Stay tuned..

[@dolnick7]

Thanks for posting this informative and well-crafted video. Double thanks for omitting the seemingly obligatory railroad bluegrass music. The natural sound commands our attention.

[@Greasley8765]

Thanx 4 the video. Always interesting to see a few of the many things that need to be done to move goods from A to B.

[@sd90mac61]

Nice clip. Theirs quiet a bit of rockn action at 11:00, and at 25:00 that go to hell Ford wouldn't start hu?? So they called a wrecker. Nice catch 👍 thanks for sharing this👍👍

[@J.L.P]

Greetings from the UK....great video, very informative keep them coming.

[@Trains21]

Hello Jeremy, and greetings from the USA.... Thank you for the compliment, it's much appreciated and don't worry, there's plenty more where these came from so check in daily.... AC

[@patricecarriere]

Just found this video. Nice! I'm surprised the tow truck didn't damage the rail at 25:04 given the force he hit it with!

[@Trains21]

Thanks, Patrice.. Yeah right.

[@josephkrizauskas1052]

Those rails handle 200 + ton engines. I'm surprised the tow truck didn't snap a tie rod.

[@shaunchisholm11]

And awesome video, would love to see more like this as Railyards as you said are sure a busy place lol!

[@Trains21]

Thank you, and yes, I plan to have many more videos like this, including yards, in miles ahead!

[@midnyte6195]

Like where do you keep the rest rooms at?

[@johnmaloney265]

my dad was a yardmaster for the DL&W in Croxton Yard, secaucus nj, i remember it was a very busy place

[@Trains21]

I'll bet.. Is that where Croxton is, Secaucus??

[@MrPatt1983]

Trains21 Croxton is in Jersey City, NJ. Secaucus actually borders Croxton.

[@MrPatt1983]

Trains21 Do you work for NS?

[@royhoco5748]

worked for Southern Railway and then NS Railway for over 25 years as a switch man/foreman in a freight classifying yard that operated 24/7 365 days a year. When I started we wore tennis shoes and shorts in the summer, made all switching moves with hand signals or flashlight signals, no radios, no safety gear. we would climb trees and power poles to relay signals around curves or over hills. We ran on the tops of cars (cars that were moving and sitting still) and jumped from one car to another to get better signaling positions. It was common for both switch men and the foreman to be on top of rail cars spread out over a 1/4 mile or more relaying signals. Switching on the hump end of the yard was fast and furious with 5 or 6 cars rolling into tracks at one time. One man kicked the cars up the lead while the foreman kept the switches lined and the third man kept the cars from rolling out of the tracks. On the hump job there was 2 speeds wide open or stopped. It was a dangerous job and we classified a lot of cars in a shift. 12 hr shifts were common and 7 day work weeks were normal. I remember once working 54 straight 12 hr days. I made a lot of money but was exhausted, totally exhausted. Then the railroads got safety conscious and we had to stop doing some of the wild crazy things we were doing. With all the rule changes and supervised enforcement and the new safety rules daily switching slowed to a crawl and became tedious and boring. The railroad went through a lot of changes in my career and for grizzled, tough, hard headed old switch men change came hard. The job lost most of it's fun and excitement and because I felt "too old change" I said "screw this" and just resigned.

[@patkelly6349]

Thanks Roy I like that story. Can you tell me are they mainly dash 9s and what gauge track in the USA does it vary like Australia

[@patkelly6349]

Roy I'm like you man. I.was a paramedic in Australia 38 years. Initially the job was great had so much fun then it all changed the fun police came in and screwed up everything. In the end I couldn't stand all the crap and the young ones dobbing everyone in so like you I resigned . Live on great memories now

[@royhoco5748]

@@patkelly6349 track gauge in the US is 4 ft 8.5 inches and it does not vary on major railroads. locomotive types are numerous and vary from railroad to railroad. you can find info on the internet using a search for types of diesel locomotives used in the US

[@patkelly6349]

Thank you roy

[@Karlfed1]

Awesome 359 Pete at 17:10

[@jashton8710]

I didn't realize how rough yard tracks could be. Looks like a rollercoaster.

[@evangiles17]

Thats the difference between the old fishplate and bolt and fully welded rail - You dont get that bumpiness because the welded rail doesn't come lose - what surprises me is why it isn't all welded rail - You can see the mainline is why not the yard

[@davidmcdavidson999]

Watching this is soothing

[@johnnycarson67]

It is indeed. I'm not sure why.

[@linkfan95]

20:13 I couldn't entirely understand the person on the radio but his reaction was awesome.

[@BNforever2009]

Nice video, loved it.

[@Trains21]

Thanks BN

[@ronbelnap8370]

That track crew was frightening. No lookout, no PPE, shorts, no shirts, no hard hats. Accident waiting to happen. They were definitely not NS people.

[@tommytruth7595]

Don't let OSHA see that.

[@ronellis4952]

They were probably taught to be totally aware of there surroundings just like in the old days. Also might have had the line switched to direct any traffic away from the working area. Old school thinking ahead. Nice lowboy.

[@RiverLineProductions]

Yeah I'd like to hear that story! Great Video!

[@Trains21]

Thanks! Check out the very first comment (on the bottom), it's all there.

[@RiverLineProductions]

Wow! Just one word to the Allentown workers.... Genius....

[@Trains21]

How bout' idiots....

[@WideWorldofTrains]

Very nice video about trains

[@Trains21]

Thanks.

[@delmerroyster599]

I remember when I used to have more time to railfan..me and some other ole school guys shot mostly the power on the point..but I couldn't figure out what some of the younger guys were doing..Now I know..they were waiting for rolling stock with their tags on them..

[@robertcampbelljr.3195]

I'd love to find out😸

[@Trains21]

So, if you've been following this channel for the past month or so then you know that heavy trains, specifically, coal and rock trains have a bad reputation north of milepost 672 (the infamous grade to Clark's Summit). BTW - As I'm writing this there's another coal train about an hour out!... Anyhoots, the #8367 was the leader of 3 units on Train 37T out of Allentown on Thursday.... Don't ask me how or why but the train left Allentown with 1 unit (no fuel), another unit (no water) and the leader.... Coming through Taylor the crew reported 13 miles an hour and told dispatch that they weren't going to make the grade to Clark's Summit.... They were told to do the best they could (dumb). The train stalled (any surprise?) and the crew said over the radio, "And I think we're on fire, too!" That was the big joke for all of us listening!... So, the power of 11Z had to cut from their train at Dalton, go down and drag 37T up the hill, new power and crew had to be sent from Binghamton to retrieve the dead units and the train. The original crew outlawed and In the end you had a train with 3 dead units sitting on the hill. A lot of us think that someone should've been fired at Allentown as that's a major yard on NS.

[@jjxtwo1]

Very enjoyable! I thought that hi-rail being towed was going to be torn in two for a second there.😉

[@Trains21]

LOL!!

[@montanamornings8526]

I’m watching this in my bunk on the southbound #11 Amtrak. My sleeper car is first car behind the set of P42s in the lead. Can’t tell if horn blowing is this locomotive or the ones in this video. I’m feeling the rail as well.

[@joeyweinstock2272]

It is currently 2 am and this is just interesting to me

[@johnnycarson67]

Ikr?

[@burnuts007]

Great video lots of action

[@Trains21]

Thanks, man.. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@burnuts007]

+Trains21 *update to my comment* your whole channel is great!

[@Trains21]

Thanks, dude.. I really do appreciate that!

[@burnuts007]

+Trains21 your welcome!

[@Trains21]

:-)

[@jimfennell429]

I could be wrong, but it looks to me that most of the tracks need to be replaced, given the swaying of the locos and the dips in the steel rails.

[@Trains21]

Maybe, but they are yard tracks, not mainline tracks.

[@thairatcatcher]

I would say that the yard tracks here are in far worse condition than a major freight yard. Very uneven.

[@Trains21]

Maybe.. It depends on the yard that you're companring it too.. Whether true or not, you must consider that these were "Canadian Pacific" tracks up until just over a year ago and CP was not interested in maintenance which is one reason (only one) that NS bought the line.. In the defense of NS.. They've made (and continue to make) grand improvements to this and the A&S Freight Line between Binghamton and Schenectady, NY.

[@UPES44ACno2010]

@18:22 he's not realigning the yard switch. He's replacing the derail protecting the yard.

[@Trains21]

Maybe.. I not sure what he's doing

[@UPES44ACno2010]

@@Trains21 I know he's replacing the derail. You can see the orange device moving as he resets it...

[@twizz420]

That yard is in desperate need of some track maintenance... Looks like they're riding a sine wave

[@mysticwine]

So how do railroads work?

[@glennso47]

Where I grew up in Carroll County, Illinois, The Milwaukee Railroad and the CB&Q both had freight yards in Savanna, Illinois. It was interesting watching the freight trains in the yards making the trains up. There was an overpass that you drove over the yards and you could look down and see the work being done.

[@Trains21]

Cool.. Thanks for sharing the memories.

[@seanpepple6110]

very nice

[@Trains21]

Thanks Sean, glad you enjoyed.

[@arlandzawilson537]

Love 🚂 videos I watch them all the time since I've been little love watching 🚂 now 43 still love watching 🚂 and the videos 💯💯👊👊

[@lawrencewheeler8868]

not used to seeing mixed intermodal/manifest. UP used to run straight TOFC, or double stack. Would cut/spot at ea. intermodal ramp.

[@Trains21]

Interesting.. UP runs mixed IM/Manifest trains in Washington State.. I've seen it on others videos.

[@lawrencewheeler8868]

+Trains21 when I ran Railshuttle in the 90's here in SLC,UT, in was all TOFC or Doublestack, no mixed. So yes, interesting.Didn't think UP went CSX on us!Lol

[@KutWrite]

Mixed freights have a purpose, as do unit trains. Depends on what's going where and with what kind of priority. This looks like a backwater yard, so I doubt they see much unit-train doublestack zipping through here... especially with all that ripply jointed rail! The speed limit on the main track is probably 35 mph through there.

[@jamielacourse7578]

I see the spraypaint industry is still doing well............

[@lettersdoingtricks8780]

Actually those guys don’t pay for paint.

[@shaunchisholm11]

I would like to hear about #8367 catching fire! What happened?

[@Trains21]

So, if you've been following this channel for the past month or so then you know that heavy trains, specifically, coal and rock trains have a bad reputation north of milepost 672 (the infamous grade to Clark's Summit). BTW - As I'm writing this there's another coal train about an hour out!... Anyhoots, the #8367 was the leader of 3 units on Train 37T out of Allentown on Thursday.... Don't ask me how or why but the train left Allentown with 1 unit (no fuel), another unit (no water) and the leader.... Coming through Taylor the crew reported 13 miles an hour and told dispatch that they weren't going to make the grade to Clark's Summit.... They were told to do the best they could (dumb). The train stalled (any surprise?) and the crew said over the radio, "And I think we're on fire, too!" That was the big joke for all of us listening!... So, the power of 11Z had to cut from their train at Dalton, go down and drag 37T up the hill, new power and crew had to be sent from Binghamton to retrieve the dead units and the train. The original crew outlawed and In the end you had a train with 3 dead units sitting on the hill. A lot of us think that someone should've been fired at Allentown as that's a major yard on NS.

[@shaunchisholm11]

Wow! Thanks for the story, that is really weird they left with 1 unit!

[@Trains21]

1 good unit anyway!

[@shaunchisholm11]

I hear ya!

[@nsmapaul]

Two reasons why this engine burned up. First off, had nothing to to with "Stupid Allentown Crews". All service to power(fuel, water, lube oil, sand) in Allentown is brought to you by contractors, Savage Inc, to be exact. Secondly, the NS system management feels that their 'Horsepower per ton' rules are saving fuel, all the while burning up locomotives.

[@MichaelMiller-od6pu]

yes, I would like to hear that story ! Thanks

[@Trains21]

Check out some of the comments.. It's mentioned quite a few times.. Thanks.

[@KutWrite]

@@Trains21: Might be worth a copy & paste into your "read more" at the top. I've been scrolling for 20 min. just to get here & haven't found it I give up.

[@dorothyfishbaugh4728]

Would love to hear about 8567 's fire issue....

[@Trains21]

Scroll down in the comments.. I've told it several times.

[@brian.7966]

It amazes me how those trains stay on those crapy tracks.

[@martypoulsen1840]

25:05 Ayers driver attempts to realign the track lol ? I've pulled plenty of motor vehicles off NS tracks, and I wouldnt dare do that in a light duty wrecker lol.

[@Trains21]

Me neither!

[@kennethsmith9956]

Show some new ones you give me great ideas for my Layouts

[@kens.3729]

Great Narrative in the Video. 👍

[@mrmrlee]

20:15 love the trainmaster's reaction...what was that about?

[@Trains21]

Was wondering that myself

[@stevenadams8218]

Based on my days of working for trainmasters, someone probably pulled out their union rule book on him. That usually pissed off the trainmasters when I did it.

[@JOINTBAW]

hope the is a long series this is good how many other industrys does the yard service ?

[@Trains21]

Absolutely, this is a permanent series.... About 1-3 episodes per week.

[@JOINTBAW]

thats cool how many trains come into the yard on a daily

[@Trains21]

It depends on the day.... There are 8 NS trains that come through as well as 1 or 2 RBMN. The D-L comes in 1-3 times a week and then there are the coal trains, rock trains, work trains, re-routes, specials and extras.

[@Trains21]

You asked about how many industries the yard services.... Several dozen, but not are all on the NS tracks.... Remember, Taylor serves 4 different railroads and each serves a cluster of industries along their lines.... I'll be doing a video or two analyzing the breakdown of K82 and some of the industries served by it.

[@seaningram4434]

Love that horn on that RBMN @ 21:46 :)

[@carlwentline8805]

Great video!

[@Trains21]

Thanks Carl, it's much appreciated.... I'll be doing one of these a week (every Monday). Episode 2 is being completed as I type this reply and will be posted on Monday morning.

[@carlwentline8805]

Can't wait.

[@Trains21]

I hope you enjoy.

[@ericthered1140]

No better sound in the world than the railroad......GoUP....

[@Trains21]

Indeed

[@MarkInLA]

You are, I assume, referring to the steam era. No ?

[@bretmuldner]

only thing better is the sound of a satisfied woman (silence)

[@vincentmckiernan1528]

GREAT VIDEO!

[@Trains21]

Thanks, Vincent

[@jim-uu2db]

Looks like a quality work crew.

[@kennethfuller8347]

What road name does RBMN denote? .. good videos. Obviously I'm a railfan.

[@michaelpfister1283]

RBMN - Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad

[@raytylicki6023]

8:15 young man does not know how to dig a hole until the old hand teaches him.

[@Trains21]

That's right!

[@glennso47]

Just like cashiers in stores when the power goes out. The young cashiers don't often know how to make change or manually ring up a sale until some old-timers come and take over.

[@Trains21]

@@glennso47 Sad but true.

[@gtc1961]

Nice but it would've been 1000 times better if it were narrated.

[@lxdesign1]

Those dudes at 8:01 are commiting so many railway violations - no high-vis shirts, no safety glasses, hard-hats, and wearing shorts.... WTF!

[@Trains21]

Your guess is as good as mine..

[@moonbeamskies3346]

It all depends on how strict the boss is on that crew.

[@sharkheadism]

Who cares, shut up

[@josephwoehlerii2855]

Love to know how they got 8367 back up and running so fast.

[@Trains21]

It was dead in tow in this video.

[@josephwoehlerii2855]

OK,I'd love to hear the rest of that story too. Excellent Videos!

[@Trains21]

So, if you've been following this channel for the past month or so then you know that heavy trains, specifically, coal and rock trains have a bad reputation north of milepost 672 (the infamous grade to Clark's Summit). BTW - As I'm writing this there's another coal train about an hour out!... Anyhoots, the #8367 was the leader of 3 units on Train 37T out of Allentown on Thursday.... Don't ask me how or why but the train left Allentown with 1 unit (no fuel), another unit (no water) and the leader.... Coming through Taylor the crew reported 13 miles an hour and told dispatch that they weren't going to make the grade to Clark's Summit.... They were told to do the best they could (dumb). The train stalled (any surprise?) and the crew said over the radio, "And I think we're on fire, too!" That was the big joke for all of us listening!... So, the power of 11Z had to cut from their train at Dalton, go down and drag 37T up the hill, new power and crew had to be sent from Binghamton to retrieve the dead units and the train. The original crew outlawed and In the end you had a train with 3 dead units sitting on the hill. A lot of us think that someone should've been fired at Allentown as that's a major yard on NS.

[@josephwoehlerii2855]

This is my second day and first video. I spend most of my time modeling HO models but you can't model without the whole moral boosting influences. Merry Christmas!

[@Trains21]

And a very Merry Christmas to you too sir!

[@TigerDominic-uh1dv]

Very Interesting, For Me It's Mind Bodeling But You Learn ❤.

[@Trains21]

Yes, thanks

[@juanmatos6796]

WOW COOL what a magnificent Army of trains working together to get the job right thanks for sharing this video with us Trains21

[@Trains21]

No problem Juan, thanks for watching.

[@juanmatos6796]

@@Trains21 you're very welcome keep those videos coming

[@Trains21]

@@juanmatos6796 I'll certainly try

[@juanmatos6796]

@@Trains21 okay take your time

[@SantaFe19484]

Awesome video! Tell me about the locomotive that caught on fire?

[@Trains21]

Check the comments further down.. I've told it at least five times.. LOL

[@odonnaghan]

Thank you.

[@Trains21]

You're welcome.

[@ohgary]

Love those long focal length lenses. Obviously not shot with a folking lPhone.

[@Trains21]

Exactly right.

[@spaceghost8995]

Spell much?

[@douglaskirk2543]

INTERESTING. Thanks

[@Trains21]

Thanks, Douglas.

[@KutWrite]

Story of the 8367 loco on fire... since I happened to find it pretty far down: "Anyhoots, the #8367 was the leader of 3 units on Train 37T out of Allentown on Thursday.... Don't ask me how or why but the train left Allentown with 1 unit (no fuel), another unit (no water) and the leader.... Coming through Taylor the crew reported 13 miles an hour and told dispatch that they weren't going to make the grade to Clark's Summit.... They were told to do the best they could (dumb). The train stalled (any surprise?) and the crew said over the radio, "And I think we're on fire, too!" That was the big joke for all of us listening!... So, the power of 11Z had to cut from their train at Dalton, go down and drag 37T up the hill, new power and crew had to be sent from Binghamton to retrieve the dead units and the train. The original crew outlawed and In the end you had a train with 3 dead units sitting on the hill. A lot of us think that someone should've been fired at Allentown as that's a major yard on NS."

[@Trains21]

Sad, isn't it.. Thanks for reposting!!

[@bobsandone3108]

would like to hear more on the engine that caught fire !!

[@Trains21]

Read down in the comments, I've told it several times.

[@bruceenlow8480]

I see the RBMN will offer a Steam excursion train from Reading PA to Jim Thorp PA

[@goattalkonly9037]

That rail gang crew looks like they just came in from town 🤣

[@tommytruth7595]

More like the beach.

[@traintripsnow1]

Great job this video is done very well!

[@Trains21]

Thanks, Jason.. I'm glad you liked it

[@robertcraig296]

EXCELLENT

[@Garylee17]

Very nice video!!

[@Trains21]

Thanks Gary!

[@Garylee17]

@@Trains21 your welcome

[@TheCreativeMind]

Track gang doesnt use PPE? OSHA would have a field day

[@Trains21]

Prbobably

[@yardlimit8695]

what is PPE

[@MsFred58]

@@yardlimit8695 Personnel Protection Equipment.

[@richkeeshan9757]

They needed a huge wrecker to tow that pickup?

[@gravelydon7072]

Hey, its a Ford dually with added toolboxes and rail wheels. It could be over 5 tons without any problem.

[@southjerseysound7340]

@@gravelydon7072 exactly, they're very heavy with just the hirail or whatever the rail set up is called. I tried to hook one with my medium duty wrecker and it was floating the front end and I can tow a single daycab no problem.

[@gravelydon7072]

@@southjerseysound7340 I know, I own a Chevy Dually extended cab. Factory GVWR is 11,400 lbs.

[@norbertdx]

A easy $400 just putting the hook on it!

[@southjerseysound7340]

@@norbertdx it'd be nice if we could get that where I'm at. People here are stuck in the 80's when it comes to towing prices. Hell new years I went to do a lockout for some people down the street at around 1am and the lady cried that I was robbing her for charging her$65...... It should've been more but I cut her a break because she was related to neighbors down the street. She was in a safe place so I told her to have a good night and good luck finding someone to do it for less. The next day I saw a locksmith there and it cost her close to. $200 by the time he was done. Anyway after she left my neighbor came over and apologized for his sister in-law and said that she couldn't get another company to come for under$150 that night and when he offered to call me back she refused because I was a asshole 😂

[@saintswillwin1013]

The NS SD40-2 3475 was originally built for Burlington Northern in 6-80 and was numbered 7227; it went to locomotive dealer FURX and became the FURX 7227 before being acquired by NS.

[@rafaelfernandez8311]

Mucho trabajo. Las vías en no buen estado. El trabajo interesante. Gracias por el vídeo

[@w.rustylane5650]

Since I'm not familiar with modern diesel electrics, Norfolk Southern is the only railroad that puts the model type on the cabs. If you could, do a quick zoom on the engine type. I appreciate all the work you do in shooting these railroads. This video really taught me a few things about freight trains. Keep up the good work as there are those of us who really enjoy these videos. Thank you for your post production work as well with the explanations of what's going on. And yes, please share the fire story. W Rusty Lane in eastern Tennessee (Witherington Place Railroad)

[@Trains21]

So, if you've been following this channel for the past month or so then you know that heavy trains, specifically, coal and rock trains have a bad reputation north of milepost 672 (the infamous grade to Clark's Summit). BTW - As I'm writing this there's another coal train about an hour out!... Anyhoots, the #8367 was the leader of 3 units on Train 37T out of Allentown on Thursday.... Don't ask me how or why but the train left Allentown with 1 unit (no fuel), another unit (no water) and the leader.... Coming through Taylor the crew reported 13 miles an hour and told dispatch that they weren't going to make the grade to Clark's Summit.... They were told to do the best they could (dumb). The train stalled (any surprise?) and the crew said over the radio, "And I think we're on fire, too!" That was the big joke for all of us listening!... So, the power of 11Z had to cut from their train at Dalton, go down and drag 37T up the hill, new power and crew had to be sent from Binghamton to retrieve the dead units and the train. The original crew outlawed and In the end you had a train with 3 dead units sitting on the hill. A lot of us think that someone should've been fired at Allentown as that's a major yard on NS.

[@w.rustylane5650]

Trains21, Thank you for sharing that story. I cannot fathom how the crew must have felt! When you speak of Allentown, is that Allentown, PA? I served in the 2nd Marine Air Wing with an officer who was from Allentown, PA, and he gave me permission to write his sister when I was in the Nam. W Rusty Lane in eastern Tennessee (Witherington Place Railroad)

[@cp368productions2]

All the Class 1s put the engine type on the power. CN only puts their designations on but NS, CSX, UP, BNSF, KCS all have it on their power.

[@VisionsofEd]

Awesome video AC thanks for sharing

[@rodcre8s]

Fire Story!!!!!! Tell It!!!!

[@Trains21]

Check the comments, told it several times.

[@patricknoveski6409]

A lot of work. Back and forth. Am I seeing less S D 40-2's? Are they getting rid of them? I just thought they were such a good alll around, engine.

[@patricknoveski6409]

Why do they carry the white poles?

[@williamsquires3070]

Yes, please post a short video about engine #8367! :0

[@Trains21]

Check the comments (if you haven't already).. There should be an explanation about it there.

[@norbertdx]

Nice to see the snoot still running

[@grecco_buckliano]

At 23:40 (the tow truck) what are the sign standards collected in the background? Green, red, yellow, & yellow w/red stripe. I get they probably mean stop, go, caution, & stop & proceed with caution, but how are they used and why are the portable, is the question.

[@gravelydon7072]

Those are placed out on the right of way. Green means resume track speed. Red means stop. Used where track work is being done and you have to get permission to enter the work area from the person in charge of the track work. If permission is obtained before entering work area, you do not have to stop. Yellow means reduced speed. Yellow with red stripe means prepare to reduce speed or stop.

[@BossSpringsteen69]

For us, yellow with the red strip means men and equipment. That is how they word it for us. I know it means the same for other RR's. I don't feel like pulling my guide to see the exact wording for NS.

[@gravelydon7072]

@@BossSpringsteen69 signals.jovet.net/rules/CSX%20Signal%20Rules.pdf for CSX and former Conrail lines.

[@derrickodyes1934]

in freight car sorting yards use gravity to build trains but how do cars roll if when air pressure is cut brakes are automatically applied?

[@Trains21]

Never thought about that.. I'll have to see if I can find an answer.

[@derrickodyes1934]

they use the retarders to slow them but if there single with no air pressure they should apply emergency braking almost instantly

[@Trains21]

That was my impression too.

[@derrickodyes1934]

thought like with trucks once air pressure was lost the spring brakes apply hence when a air leak occurs on a moving train they go in emergency stop

[@thairatcatcher]

When a train off the road or a transfer is yarded, the power is cut off and a utility man' bleeds off the air in the cars by pulling on a 'bleed rod located on either side of a car. This releases the brake shoes and cars are then free to roll whether being flat switched by a yard engine or humped.

[@AviationNut]

At 1:41 why did the engineer turn off the lights?. Was it just a good gesture, because he seen you filming and didn't want to glare your film, or is there another reason?.

[@Trains21]

He's a friend of mine and does that as a good gesture.

[@AviationNut]

@@Trains21 That's awesome, cool guy.

[@johncarlson6198]

Informative yet DREADFULLY slow paced .. coma-inducing

[@Trains21]

Freight yard movements typically are.

[@davidbarnett9312]

Same can be said re working the 'local'. Tedious, tiring, setting in sidings awaiting through freights, leaving the home terminal often 12 hours behind schedule, working at night with only lanterns and NO communications like today, getting caught by the 'hog' law in those days and tying up in a siding waiting for a through freight going your way to pick up the local and take it to the turn-around or terminal, etc., but someone had to do it. lol

[@charleselfmann]

This is amazing footage but WHY is there no voice over???? I love the images and the trains but it needs someone to explain....!!!

[@AimlessRyan]

Exactly. This is a perfect of a example of a video that should have voiceovers instead of titles. Since my eyes don’t work together (double vision), it’s very difficult for me to read. Also, every time I read something, I don’t see what you’re showing me in the video. Makes me wonder if I should start doing voiceovers in my own videos.

[@JA17SBLVIIIMVP]

Hey Trains21, give me your top 5 largest railyards in the United States and Canada combined. Thinking Bailey, Argentine, Roseville, and Queensgate. Not sure of the fifth.

[@Izik7777]

Bnsf

[@bhproductions1061]

Awesome job buddy

[@Trains21]

Thanks 👍