WHAT IS THE BEST LOCOMOTIVE FOR YARDS & LOCALS? Engineer answers!

Basically, this is part 2 of my favorite engines series!
See part 1: • RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVES! ...
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🕺🏻ABOUT DJ: DJ is a locomotive engineer for CSX Railroad since 1999. He has built dozens of layouts, gave presentations for model railroaders, is a KZbinr, licensed drone pilot, and a great father.

[@SleeTheSloth]

Love DJ's engineers perspective! " What is my fav loco? One with a good toilet and air-condition ". Your right on DJ!

[@djstrains]

HAHAHA YES!

[@squinkys]

Gotta give those Canadian Cobra Chickens a wide berth...

[@gcorriveau6864]

Especially while flying an Airbus over the Hudson river!

[@andyknott8148]

You are an engineer, you are the man, if you say they are engines, that's what they are.

[@kevinharris1392]

Geep 40-2 with a road slug was my favorite power. We had two paper mills,both east and west to switch out. You were guaranteed not to have to run long hood forward. Plus the slug had a nice less noisy cab.

[@brandonrichardson6750]

We use SW1500, MP15AC or a GP15-2 on the SQSC. We get the big CSXT wide body cabs. For local Switching I would rather run MP15. You can see much better then in anything with a high long hood. Better on small rail and you can get into tighter curves on industry track.

[@haroldalexis4200]

I like your style how you do your videos DJ. Don't worry you have my support will keep viewing of course. 😃👍

[@aloner245]

Love that intro! That’s cool DJ!

[@djstrains]

Appreciated!!!

[@pogojoe7967]

Thanks for shout out as Patreon! Joe Michel! Look forward to our call!

[@geofffernow]

here’s a good tip for the geese. My son figured this one out. Get yourself one of those little key fob lasers, the red dot laser that people use to play with the cat. You don’t have to shine it in the geese’ eyes just play it around on the ground in front of them where they see it. They’ll back away from you like you’re Gandalf in the Mines, shouting at the Orc swarms. Try it, you’ll like it!

[@39djscottie]

Very cool opening! I’m a big James Bond fan. At first I thought the tux was a throwback to your wedding DJ days. I’m looking forward to seeing you in Greeley and maybe we can swap some DJing story’s. LOL

[@djstrains]

awesome

[@matthewgaines10]

Nice production values!

[@B-and-O-Operator-Fairmont]

You will get no complaint from me for using the term "engine." As the rulebook defines, an engine is a "unit propelled by a form of energy." I always like to see a GP unit on a train - and I can remember when these were new and replacing GP9s! And the James Bond into was pretty cool too!

[@benjlar1902]

We still use GP9RMs at CN. absolute work horses. I find the 38s and 40s to be slower loading but great breaking

[@shortliner68]

I remember when B&O/Chessie was first getting their GP-40-2 units. They had two on display back in 1972 at the B&O Museum in Baltimore - one was in the yellow and blue Chessie colors (can't recall the number) and the other one was GM50 in gold with blue Chessie graphics. The one in regular Chessie colors was open to the public. I got the chance to see the view from the engineer's seat. The rails looked like thin slivers of steel from up there! I believe the engines toured different cities on Chessie's System. Hard to believe it's been over 50 years since then.

[@acrranscaleandlifejourney4330]

The intro was funnily awesome. As to the Geese, I just think Alpha Wolf thoughts and how I would eat them. I love my GP’s for yard switching. Big SD’s are for main line riding. Thanks for the info in this video.

[@ViewFromAfar]

May the fourth be with you! I was half hoping that you were about to zoom in to the Millennium Falcon. Another great video from you. Thanks

[@djstrains]

lol, next year

[@luke_atthat]

Nice video ! Like the intro ! Nice sense of humour ! Would like to see video of yard work with RCO and your very interesting comments ! And I did share this video on my FB !

[@stevenwaller192]

Hey hello DJ. I’m not an engineer but a rail fan / model railroader . I like seeing older locomotives in use . Sad to see the GP 30 went away at the yard in Cleveland w130 th near the Chevrolet plant! It might be 10 years ago that it left!

[@43loudman]

Nice production, I really enjoyed this video, but I enjoy all of your vids, thank you so much,...

[@djstrains]

Glad you like them! Big smile!!

[@chrisrabbitt]

Worth the wait mate! Go the mighty Geeps, may they last for many years to come

[@RonMontagueSWRR]

Great video intro. As always very interesting material.

[@byronbrownfield1041]

My favorite combo was an SD40-2 and either a GP40 or GP38. Really didn't have the need for more than 10 axles for most of our switching and yard jobs. I agree, I disliked running long hood forward for a long distance. We had a turntable nearby in one yard and a wye in the other. You gotta know I used them to run short hood forward. Great video my friend.

[@djstrains]

we have neither wye or turntables in our area. Sucks.

[@ScottRails]

Love the drone footage, like a model railroad for giants, or gods, lol.

[@Lander484]

Well that intro was unexpected, but it was amazing lol. I loved the menacing geese appearance too. Thanks DJ!

[@Vector_QF8]

Excellent film noir intro J.B., I mean D.J.! 😊

[@intermodalman123]

I remember when I started I was stuck in a yard job using a gevo as my switcher. It was a PITA but the yard as a whole learned to love it, they gave us a single GEEP and we all got pissed. They tried a slug set next, personally I liked it in the yard but when the night guys took it for their locals the process of swapping ends slowed them down too much. We're on a single SD40 for each yard now and whatever other spare 4 axles we can get our hands on. It works fairly well

[@conecuhvalleyttrak]

Good information, DJ. Thanks for sharing!

[@4everdc302]

Cool, DJ. My diesel fleet is primarily GMD/EMD Geeps. Just look the part.🚂🇨🇦🇺🇲🙋

[@mikesimmons8762]

DJ. Yes, fun opening. Real fun.......When I first hired out I was a switchman Remote Control Operator (RCO) wearing a belt pack linked to EMD GP40's equipted with RCL . Had a (RCO license), good for a switchman or conductor. Moving up to conductor (certified conductor) then promotion to engineer (engineer license) was a great step up to six axle EMD and best GE main line road "engines".

[@BadlandNP]

Up here in Punkin Land, the crews refer to the Power when talking about the consist or set. Which is made up of individual units. Occasionally a newby from elsewhere will call them engines. Nice video and explanation, we finally have a trio of 40-2's here again, making the crews happier. Switching with the older MAC's gets loud and noisy, due to the slower to respond air, for some reason.

[@jeffreyhunt1727]

Great video! I have a question that maybe you can answer. Why do so many railroads use GPs for yard switching these days instead of "switching" locomotives like the SW1500 etc?

[@djstrains]

mp15 are only 1500 hp vs gp40 which lists as 3000hp

[@richarddrum9970]

I've noticed lately in the Huntington, wv yard and over by the engine house a CSX GP40 and a SD40-2 waiting to go out. I've seen them working the yard a few times. Great locomotives.

[@richgreene7043]

DJ, Fun theme. You are talented with the KZbin videos. Keep up the good work. Rich

[@stacylloyd3575]

Lol! Nice thanks for sharing! The boys love watching trains! Good luck ……………………………….

[@MidnightVisions]

The Canada goose, guaranteed to stop an aircraft,, in flight.

[@sarbog1]

Really appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Thanks.

[@1shARyn3]

cute intro ... (Robert Culp would be proud)

[@1shARyn3]

Geese are excellent watch dogs

[@norbertdx]

Have you done a cab tour, specifically the luxurious restroom?

[@djstrains]

LMAO!!! Favorite comment this week!

[@RWSBaden]

Hi DJ, did I laugh, yes you are a funny guy 🤣😂🤣 The one woman in your photo kind of looks like Mary Ours one of the KDKA meteorologist. The important part is you had fun. Loved the drone footage, now a technical question because you know I'm a locomotive electrician so I'm interested in this kind of stuff, I know you're saying Oh boy.... but on the CSX Dash 3's have the dash 2 modules (you know those red cards behind the drop down cabinet door behind you) been replaced with a EM2000 computer system? Also long hood lead is not so good on a low short hood lead locomotive. On a high short hood locomotive setup for long hood lead, the visibility is still limited, but at least you can see the signals as the control stand is on the other side of the cab. Thanks again for the video DJ, some neat footage and tell your conductor I believe it's now against the law to feed Canadian geese, too many of them stopped migrating. Cheers, Rich S.

[@adriengadson3544]

Yep I have these locomotives checked on my layout for switching. Also I have been Salsa dancing before...you right incredible women!!!

[@djstrains]

my goodness! You aint kidding

[@adriengadson3544]

@@djstrains also everyone super nice and friendly and will show you how to dance.

[@philliplee980]

Love the intro and awesome video bud be safe out there and have fun

[@jordandegraaff]

2:28 awww, but that was great stuff.

[@aloner245]

The MNA here where I live uses sd40-2s and GE dash 9s for their locals and road trains. It’s basically all 6 axles on this regional but they haul lots of grain, sand, rocks and chemicals so 4 axle power in the ozark hills is just not powerful enough for the tonnage. UP used all 4 axles on the locals on this line before MNA took over- gp38-2s, GP15-1s, and B23-7s- that was over 30 years ago. The original MNA owner, Railtex, used GP40s until G&W took over and it became all 6 axle power. They had lots of old tunnel motors. Now they have to replace lots of SD40-2s with Dash 9s due to losing a lawsuit with the EPA.

[@CSXOhioRailFanPlus752]

Nice Video

[@schadowolf]

Great video and totally agree with the Canadian Geese issue. They are protected so we can't shoot them, they make a mess of neighborhoods and will totally shut down a 4 lane road when they decide to waddle across. GRRRRR. Oh you looked debonaire in a tux!

[@scottericcatalano596]

Give me a GP or an MP any day....RCO or in the cab...I've done both....and I enjoy both

[@pogojoe7967]

Lookin’ good!!

[@erwinpeters5809]

I believe you can tell people who call an engine a locomotive that locomotives were steam engines, with the cylinders that drove the linkage were called engines. A diesel electric is an engine, or as Union Pacific calls them motors.

[@gusshadleythelunaticfromar7125]

I was going to comment, but you took words right out of my mouth, yea we call them motors too. A throw back to the old electrics, motors. The old NW electrics. Had a giant motor hooked to a big gear. And a flywheel and drive rods like a 2 6 6 2 arrangement, they would hum and clank going down the track, two speeds, 14 28 mph. Sadly all of the men that ran these are dead, clyde barr was the last one died 2 years ago at 98.

[@brianrooney2970]

Cool, like a 40s film noir, but in color, great opening.

[@gcorriveau6864]

Speaking of "Start Me Up!" ... do you have to start the engines each time you come to work? I.e. Are they left idling between jobs like 'back in the day?' Is there some sort of "Periodic / Daily" inspection procedure you might have to do before starting a day's work? ... Love the style and fun in your videos. Thanks!

[@djstrains]

we only shut them down if its really hot outside and not going to be used until next day.

[@timhamilton5699]

Nice intro DJ! keep up the good work.

[@HumancityJunction]

That seems like a lot of power for yard switching. do they no longer use actual switchers for yard switching? Is everything now big power?

[@djstrains]

the three unit lash up was probably because they were moving big cuts in connellsville which has a pretty good grade.

[@kenneth748]

Lol as a bond fan 💘 the introduction

[@tylerg7567]

This is great!!! Tyler G. Syracuse NY

[@djstrains]

Thanks Tyler

[@fredpryde8555]

thank you for the info it is really helpful

[@cn.trainbuff3352]

Great stuff

[@tomstevenson7940]

Your intro was good.

[@djstrains]

Thanks!

[@randydobson1863]

hello dj its is randy and i like yours video is cool thanks friends randy

[@jackmahle8680]

love the drone..pic. how long did school take too be a engineer✌😇

[@djstrains]

5 weeks class, 26 weeks on the job.

[@realwildman]

Live the intro. It also good to try new things. The loce yard here uses a combos of SD40s & GP38s. Ivw also seem then use those same locos for local switching. The run through power is all bigger stuff. I know that you aren't allowed personal electronics when you're operating, but are you allowed to take things, like your drone, so you can use them during your down time away from home?

[@djstrains]

luckily I am no longer staying in hotels away from home. I film on off days or after work usually.

[@colnagocowboy]

My local power varies either an SW7 or an RS2

[@GMTransportation]

Nice DJ!

[@dholton11]

Love this video!

[@djstrains]

more to come

[@johnbutler1323]

Actual engineer. "We call them engines." Rail fan. "Um, acktualy..."

[@djstrains]

hahaha

[@kinnywolf2862]

Great video

[@HuntOfficial1776]

So in the case of an runaway locomotive like the crazy 8s incident, would it be possible to set it up for remote control without being on it?

[@djstrains]

No, you can only switch it from the inside

[@Crookedriverandeasternrr]

Great video buddy

[@djstrains]

Thanks Dave

[@michaelengland4793]

I really want to be a conductor for CSX or Norfolk southern after high school but I'm nervous about the training

[@djstrains]

Training is easy. The lifestyle and culture is difficult. Being on call 24 hours a day is mentally exhausting. You will soon know more than your boss but the will Never listen to you. Learn stoicism, and emotional intelligence. It’s the two things that have helped me in recent years. Trust me.

[@michaelengland4793]

Thanks for the info and I just don't get why people are always trying discourage me on social media and it can get very irritating I've always wanted to work for the railroad every since I was like 2 years old

[@djstrains]

Lots of pros and cons. I covered it in a bunch of videos. Live your life with no regrets.

[@davidpaul8289]

Loved the opening. ROFLMAO. Go get 'em 007

[@JustAGamerA]

Anytime your working on the local to the shell yard in the rocks, say hi sometime.

[@djstrains]

Would love to. Do you work for Shell?

[@JustAGamerA]

@@djstrains nope. They contracted out the rail operations to psc group

[@cp368productions2]

I hit a Canadian goose with my temporary car a couple weeks ago, one less in the world. I miss when the RSR was all GP40/GP40-3 power, now they only have 1 GP40-2 and 2 GP40-3s all but the 2 GP40-3s are transfers after when I was growing up. Now they mostly use 3 SD40-3s and an SD40-2 two of which are former SD45Rs.

[@djstrains]

bwahaha

[@techtexkalender643]

So the cab of the GP40-3 is quite new something compared to the ADMIRALS CAB?

[@25mfd]

the BEST loco i ever switched with was what the chicago and northwestern called a SD18 good switching unit. 6 axles. decent hp, 1800. was heavy so it had great tractive effort, really dug in when they were pulling. loaded quickly for good kicking and it had brake shoes on BOTH sides of EVERY WHEEL for excellent stopping next best switching unit... ANY end cab switcher. SW1500, MP15DC, MP15 AC. good units. especially for industry switching. GREAT visibility. decent tractive effort, brake shoes on both sides of every wheel. short wheelbase for operating on tight curve rail and for easier coupling (nothing more irritating or DANGEROUS than coupling to cars on a bad curve) worst switching unit... those tired old GP7s... we had a BUNCH of those on the old chicago and northwestern... and i get it, it's a classic engine and all but man... if you wanna switch with those things, watch your yard productivity DROP... like a ROCK

[@djstrains]

VALUABLE INSIGHT!!! Feel free to leave more comments with your experience on my other videos!

[@25mfd]

@@djstrains thanks DJ... will do.

[@JM-kr1tj]

All the stuff on the cab roof of 2789 at 2:30 is air conditioning, right? Also, do you still use slugs? As an engineer, how does running with a geep and a slug compare to running with a pair of geeps? Thanks a lot for all your videos: loving the drone footage!

[@djstrains]

Running from the slug feels weird because you are used to the noise of an engine behind you, but now it's just an electrical whirl.

[@johnandrus3901]

EMD's over GE's any day. They load faster and don't drop their load when you notch down or off. Switching with GE units is a chore and you can't kick with them at all. EMD's over GE's for me, no matter what. Just better running locomotives.

[@keithmoore5306]

hey DJ you brought up the toilets, what do you do if you're going down the line and need to use it? swap with the conductor and go or what?

[@djstrains]

off record "yes". on the record "Oh no, we stop, inform dispatcher of delay and then proceed"

[@keithmoore5306]

@@djstrains actually i couldn't think of how to put that question and i figured the off the record part was what happened but the official policy/procedure was what i was wondering about.

[@dewanes3180]

Would it not be worth the money to have cabs on both ends of the engine? You would never have to turn an engine around not to mention for safety reasons.

[@JustAGamerA]

You can just look out the window

[@dewanes3180]

@@JustAGamerA But isn't there a large blind spot by looking all the way down the length of the engine?

[@JustAGamerA]

@@dewanes3180 your conductor can look out their window. Running short nose forward is ideal, but longhood forward isnt anywhere near awkward enough to have two cabs

[@KutWrite]

I believe CSX has (or had) a lower speed limit for an occupied engine long-hood forward. I think too, NS has different setups for their engines which are (or were) normally run long-hood forward. I've been away from the RR longer than I was there

[@nickelplate79]

Ya better toilets, but load like GE’s “our” railroad put all the good 4 axles in storage at Waycross and Cincinnati! Genius, just pure genius!

[@djstrains]

Rectal cranium inversion

[@UP5491]

Great informative video again DJ! Quick question about RCO’s, do they have to be certified Locomotive Engineers to be a RCO or can just a conductor be one?

[@djstrains]

most RCO conductors have never been trained as engineers. Different certification.

[@25mfd]

@@djstrains yea the UTU/SMART-TD beat the BLE to the punch on that one

[@ivovanzon164]

What is the reason that center cab locomotives like for example the Voith Gravita never became a thing in the US? As those have way better visibility for this kind of jobs

[@djstrains]

great question. I think they are neat looking.

[@B-and-O-Operator-Fairmont]

Other than some big Baldwins circa 1950 and one Alco model, center cab diesels never caught on here except for those small General Electric industrial engines. I suspect it is because prime movers got so big there was no choice but to put the cab on the end or near the end. Centercabs usually utilized two small prime movers and the electrical generating gear also got more complicated.

[@NVx_Cobra]

Was that o Scale in the first clip. Also have you ever ran the o scale or is it just decoration

[@djstrains]

yes, a special MTH run. It has dialogue where the conductor asks the engineer "did you throw that kid a pack of gum, and he replies, yeah, he got it". That is a tribute to me as a kid who watched the Union RR and that inspired me to be an engineer.

[@rogersmith6872]

Cool

[@Cripleclarence_1948]

What's a Salsa Event? 🤔

[@djstrains]

There is a DJ who hosted an event at a hotel black tie, salsa bands, salsa DJs and live drummers. It was fantastic!!

[@davidschick6951]

Epic

[@kellyorr8031]

Hi DJ, You look cool in your black tie. My wife thinks you look fantastic. Bond, DJ Bond . . . where's Money Penny?

[@djstrains]

Thanks for the compliment. I hated having to return it, lol.

[@kellyorr8031]

@@djstrains I get that. I own one, but only get to where it once or twice a year.

[@KutWrite]

Great opening! Hope you connect(ed) with one of those gorgeous women!

[@djstrains]

it was never an intention. You dance with a different woman each song. Sadly, they dont seem to be looking for anything but dance partners.

[@KutWrite]

@@djstrains That IS sad. The attitude gets worse with age. I'm 75 and planning a trip to the Philippines. Their culture raises happy women who actually like men.

[@djstrains]

If I had a nickel for every time I have been GHOSTED, I'd retire.

[@KutWrite]

@@djstrains Awww.... Well, it's better than a bum date.

[@terrywallace8922]

WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT THIS LOCOMOTIVE?!SIMPLE!THE EMD LOCOMOTIVES HAS A REPUTATION FOR BEING THE MOST POPULAR AND MOST RELIABLE LOCOMOTIVES IN THE WORLD! THEY ARE WELL KNOWN FOR THEIR ABILITY TO GET THE JOB DONE RELIABLY, EFFICIENTLY, AND DEPENDABLE, GOOD LOCOMOTIVES TO OPERATE. AND THEY ARE QUICK TO RESPOND TO THE ENGINEER WHEN THEY THROTTLE UP THE EMD LOCOMOTIVES WILL GIVE YOU DECADES OF RELIABLE SERVICE, EASE OF MAINTENANCE, DEPENDABILITY , EFFICIENCY. WHENEVER YOU START ONE OF THEM UP, YOU CAN BE SURE THAT THE EMD LOCOMOTIVES WILL NOT FAIL YOU. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS GIVE THEM PROPER MAINTENANCE AND CARE, AND YOU CAN RUN THEM FOR DECADES!THATS WHY MOST RAIL DEPEND ON EMD LOCOMOTIVES FOR YARD, FREIGHT, AND SWITCHING SERVICE!

[@PrenticeBoy1688]

I really hate the way you say 'engine'. You should pronounce the final E and use a hard G sound. I'm an entitled millennial, appease me or I'll have a Twitter tantrum!

[@djstrains]

dont get me started, lol.

[@terrywallace8922]

YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT YOU DONT KNOW WHAT KIND OF ENGINES THESE ARE?!THEY ARE GP 38-2S BUILT FOR THE CHESSIE SYSTEM C&O.

[@djstrains]

Wow. You are way better than me. I love the way you come across. I’ll bet you have a lot of friends!

[@djstrains]

Awe man, I just went on your KZbin channel to see all the informative videos you make, but it says “this channel doesn’t have any content “ Why is that? Why don’t you make informative videos?

[@HuntOfficial1776]

Yeah he must be fun at parties

[@berkshiredave9766]

Obviously you were not paying attention.

[@jasonminier6782]

Great hilarious intro. Canada geese are the worst. 🪿

[@notlisted-cl5ls]

dj= not just a foamer, but an employee too!

[@djstrains]

Minimal foam. I’m a history and scenery guy

[@notlisted-cl5ls]

pushbutton start=BS too. get up there and work that layshaft lever.

[@djstrains]

Hahhahaha

[@notlisted-cl5ls]

all you need is MU'd sw1500s with flexicoils. everything else is BS

[@djstrains]

Hahhaha

[@edwardgray154]

i would never trust a remote control locomotive.

[@djstrains]

There has been issues