When a Submarine ‘Sank’ a Train

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Could it be that a US Submarine was so successful during the Second World War that a submarine crew sank a Japanese train? Well, yes... It’s not like the submarine blew the train from the water…. But what happened is an incredible story of how the crew of the USS Barb, the most successful American submarine of the war, landed men behind enemy lines and completed a textbook act of sabotage, and revolutionized submarine warfare twice in one patrol.
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[@Yarnhub]

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[@Keegan_Carter]

Hey yarnhub! I love the animations and to see how far you have come!

[@yeoldeseawitch]

@@Keegan_Carter Im sorry but the animation for the train is so awfully done, the drive rods are clipping through the cylinders, the tender isn't where it should be, the models are not accurate at all to what was used on japanese rail lines, just...so many issues and inaccuracies....none of these history channels ever manage to get trains right. tanks, ships, and aircraft yes, but trains? for some reason they're considered an afterthought...

[@thomasawl]

Yarnhub your train looks awful like what in gods name is that supposed to be

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

Was that a Snatch style intro? Hahaha. I’ve done it myself. Did it on several TV shows. Your only missing the ramp speed snap zooms before and after the stills.

[@tombstone9420]

Can you see about doing a vid on fort drum in the Philippines during WWII aka "USS NO GO"

[@apaullo1387]

I love the “oceans style” assembly of the motley crew. I think it’s hilarious that the strike force is made up of submarine operators and not traditional soldiers.

[@alvarocardinale8910]

it was awesome!!!

[@brandonferretti9907]

Including a cook! I laughed at that

[@jhorn64]

the landing party was chosen one person from each section of the boat so that in the event they were all killed or captured it would not negatively impact the performance of any of the sections

[@Mika-ph6ku]

@@brandonferretti9907lol yeah sending the cook in to guard the op was hilarious and badass.

[@northwoods988]

There’s a whole book about the Barb by Fluckey himself called, “Thunder Below”. A passage is read from it for most submariners when they qualify for submarine warfare

[@spitfire5257]

That ttiittllee broke my brain slightly when I first saw it (for all the people who couldn't handle me spelling title wrong I hope this is better)

[@bouncyindignation2987]

@Yarnhub I’m a massive fan

[@USS_Grey_Ghost]

Well Lucky Flucky/The Galloping Ghost of the China coast and his crew were both lucky and good

[@Engel-officialYT]

X2 my british plane camrade

[@IceBreakei]

same

[@matiasnoguera461]

Well they could shoot a torp to a bridge un a river

[@exudeku]

Literally went from "Sorties done boys, lets go home" to "me and the boys casually invading Japan"

[@caravanlifenz]

I love it how back in WW2, the Japanese used to write "subscribe, like, comment and share" across their trains in English 🥰

[@PancakeBoi]

they wanted to make americans " *subscribe* to the ideals of fascism" " *like* the imperial army" and " *share* the glory of the emperor with the rest of the world"

[@TheOfficial007]

Psyops were the real deal back then.

[@_ichsanni8294]

no that's the american propaganda. they probably wrote it like "ライク、コメント、アンド　サブスクライブ"

[@TheOfficial007]

@@_ichsanni8294 yeah but how were the submarine crews supposed to read that. Gotta remember it was a target audience.

[@shanedoesyoutube8001]

​@@PancakeBoiI'm pretty sure even in an alliance with Fascismo Italy and Nazi Germany, Japan didn't copy them, I heard there was a Japanese fascist party attempting to influence Tokyo but then they couldn't If anything, the kind of government Imperial Japan at the time was one that would royally piss off Emperor Meiji bcuz his restoration got disrespected real hard

[@TheUnitedAlliance724]

Fun fact: There’s a book titled “USS Mudskipper: The Submarine That Wrecked a Train” that was based on and inspired by this event.

[@user-nn9qg7or2y]

Oh that book i recently read!

[@Allstar67676]

USS Mudskipper does not seem to appear outside of this comment and a 50 Dollar book? The story of this video is about USS Barb. If you want to read abouth the story of the actual submarine that carried out hte attack look up the book "Thunder Below: The USS Barb Revolutionizes Submarine Warfare in World War II"

[@cludecat7072]

@@Allstar67676 written by her commander.

[@iwantmynametobeaslongaspos7194]

@@Allstar67676The comment explicitly says “based on and inspired” which means it’s not real

[@aluminumfalcon552]

The actual story from the real commander is “Thunder Below! The USS Barb revolutionizes submarine warfare” by Eugene B. Fluckey I’ve read it 3 or 4 times now HIGHLY recommend it.

[@fsxd29]

Its amazing how the story telling and the animations have improved over the years. Great job Yarnhub

[@santtukesti4134]

truly

[@ProjektMemphis]

Truly

[@callumwatson6685]

Will always support these guys. Such an awesome team they have

[@MusketeerTed]

Omg I remember when they where like a cartoon now they are on Hollywood level!

[@Rorywizz]

truly

[@kaijudirector5336]

She may not be the tonnage queen but the fact her crew invaded Japan and blew up the train makes her my favorite US submarine.

[@cludecat7072]

i would say the same. If my great grandfather didn't command the ill-fated Uss Shark ss-174. First submarine to be the flagship of the Asiatic Fleet when she ferried Admiral Thomas C Hart off of Manila . Shark is officially recognized as the first U.S. Submarine lost to enemy action in WWII. later in the war Shark 314 was commissioned and sunk making those two the only two submarines in ww2 to both sink with the same name

[@zacharynunley9677]

I don’t know, the submarine alone may not be the biggest by tonnage but the weight of their balls certainly beat out the carriers for tonnage.

[@sitheakewinphlong6579]

Saunders: "Want to invade Japan?" You then feel the lightheartedness in the animations after this, it's amazing!

[@scottuehlinger7887]

I met Eugene Fluckey at the USNA bookstore in 2001. I bought his book (Thunder Below), which he autographed for me - writing an extended dedication. I later read a biography of this Great Man. In person, all those years later - he was EXACTLY how he was portrayed in both books....you can see why his crew was Absolutely Dedicated to this Man. He told me HIMSELF of the Sunken Train - describing the Train Cars being blown Sky High! As you can imagine, it was one of the greatest personal encounters of my life. I am Honored to have met this LEGEND! Scott Uehlinger CDR, USNR ret, USMMA '86

[@LeviAnimator]

Wait...how long did he live?

[@guyrotshtein5446]

Fun fact: During his time as skipper of the submarine USS Barb, Lt. Commander Eugene Fluckey would reward his crew after a successful attack with a large cake that usually depicted their target sinking into a sea of frosting. On at least one instance, a Japanese sailor rescued from one of Barb’s victims was offered the first slice and allowed to cut the cake.

[@leadontaste7261]

he did a little trolling on that sailor

[@9foxgrl15]

There was also the superstition that they had to put some beer in the cooler or they wouldn't have a 'lucky' day hitting targets.

[@AtlSouthProductions]

@@9foxgrl15 this 5th patrol sure made em believe that superstition 😂

[@mephrangbharani9795]

" If only we can stop those damn trains" Big smoke: "Say no more"

[@pruts3323]

7:39 i saw what you did there, "yeah everybody should get a SUB".😆

[@nathanahrens4280]

You guys could spend another 30 minutes telling all of his stories. Great job as usual though

[@cludecat7072]

the bird on the periscope is my favourite

[@jaysonpirang9827]

@@cludecat7072whatever floats your train

[@aluminumfalcon552]

Agree completely, both that entire war patrol for the Barb and the one before it deserve to have full videos. Also, Richard O’Kane and the USS Tang need Yarnhub videos.

[@AtlSouthProductions]

They should do Fluckeys MOH patrol into Nam Quan harbor.

[@Historical-mi8hd]

I love how the made it like a comic book for showing the men. There animations are getting better and better

[@stefanmckinstray3995]

This just combined four things I’m into, World war 2 in the pacific, trains, subs, and sabotage of military trains

[@MariusFirmin-hg9dv]

The animation is truly incredible, you feel right in the middle of the action and the storytelling is also amazing. Honestly in a few years Yarnhub is going to be a movie studio if you keep improving like that

[@SteelCommanderCat]

I dont about a movie Studio, but they Are making A movie with Sabaton as we speak!!!!!

[@imyourdad2458]

I'm an old man, why do I have to satisfyingly watch all your cartoon videos in 4k every time it comes up? My kids laughs at me but it doesn't matter, it purely satisfies me.

[@FinleyLengel-rp2bm]

You got yourself way too far with this one. This one was a great man. Congrats to you and your crew. They really did outdo them self with this one more content like this.

[@5.56man2]

This was such an amazing animation, kept me on edge wanting to see and hear more. Absolutely love it. A masterpiece

[@JotapeRR]

Big Smoke was proud that you stopped the damn train. AHAHAHAHA

[@jimmartin2548]

Who would have known the Japanese would have been so far sighted to write like comment subscribe share on the side of the train 😂 just brilliant

[@philtkaswahl2124]

That intro with that background music is just perfect. They seriously need to make a movie about this crew.

[@brandongaines1731]

Why do I get the feeling that this video is a spoof of just about every heist movie ever made? Well done, lads! Also noticed the fully 3D cat ;-)

[@Teoras]

At this rate Yarnhub will be making world-class movies in a years time. Love seeing you guys improve over the years, you can tell that you guys have fun making these:)

[@ferallion3546]

"See that train?" "Ya." "Let's sink it." LOVING the dynamic damage you guys included in those rocket scenes. Keep up the great work.

[@BlackWater_49]

1:30 I really like that approach, nice subversion of expectations, well done. 👍🏻

[@houseowner9228]

Destruction animation is some of the best I’ve ever seen, especially the train derailing. Easily the best history channel on YT

[@Alex_Guy1011]

The first most impressive submarine video from you guys i've ever watched. Now i'll wait for Ramage's Rampage, when USS Parche single-handedly BFG Divisioned an entire convoy.

[@troglodyte280]

Having the little title cards say the time and place is a very convenient feature

[@Butter_Warrior99]

A true trail blazer for Submarines and how they’re used.

[@oliverhughes610]

Love the heist movie vibe of this one! The humour adds a lot.

[@KyoOnTheInternet]

I've read Fluckey's book "Thunder Below!" and I know the story very well, glad to see it told here!

[@KorbinX]

Agreed

[@iluvyummywaffles]

Splice the mainbrace. A truly great book.

[@KyoOnTheInternet]

@@iluvyummywaffles Be sure to put 4 cases of beer in the cooler

[@iluvyummywaffles]

@@KyoOnTheInternet I was trying to remember how many cases. Thanks

[@poodleupbeat5677]

I like the comedic spin you guys put on the video

[@dong7474]

Just started the video and already have to say, the ships blowing up into pieces was a very nice touch! I see the models are still getting even better!

[@squrrelinice]

the animation keeps getting better and better

[@Random_YouTuber2008]

This animation was amazing! This is one of my favorite stories and I'm happy it was turned into an animation!

[@user-lu7qd6wv2w]

I actually met Admiral Fluckey nearly 30 years ago, and my copy of Thunder Below is signed by him to me. Of all the books I own, it is the one I consider unreplaceable. I highly recommend the book to anyone who hasn't read it. I was pleased to see the inclusion in the video of a rocket attack by the Barb, as the rocket launcher was added to the sub only for it's final wartime deployment, and is another unique piece of the history of the Barb.

[@Paladin1873]

Last Christmas my wife's cousin gave us several books on WWII US Navy actions that had belonged to her father who had been a PT boat gunner in the South Pacific. One of these books was THUNDER BELOW, written by Admiral Flukey. The book recounts the many amazing adventures of the USS Barb and is an incredible read. Your recreation of the train incident closely follows the book's narrative. I highly recommend this nonfiction work to anyone. You won't be bored.

[@steamroddsroundhouse2080]

0:51 Why is the traction rods no clipping through the cylinders? I love the story, but please do make sure these small details are dealt with, Im glad it only happened the first time we see it.

[@generaloofoffical]

I really like this new style of introduction of the subs members I'd like to see this in the future

[@howardamey7228]

One of the most daring and audacious acts of WW2. Flucky was almost held back on the BARBS last war patrol. He and the Admiral came to an understanding. What amazing foresight and daring. Thank-you Yarnhub! I've read the story of BARB, and you nailed it. Spot on.

[@Ser_Redshirt]

I'd love to hear about this incident from the Japanese perspective. Did they think it was home-grown sabotage, or did they gather Americans had been there?

[@skepticalmagos_101]

or if that guard survived and what kind of hell did he have to face after ? 🤣

[@flitsertheo]

​@@skepticalmagos_101 According to the animation he didn't survive. His tower was destroyed by the train wreckage, starting at 8:07 .

[@berryrijnbeek5938]

'or did they gather Americans had been there?' Well, maybe the rocket's and torpedoes gave it away....??????

[@robertoroberto9798]

@@berryrijnbeek5938eah, but that’s only a submarine and in water, not actual attacks on land by ground troops.

[@user-et2dx5du7e]

japanese citizen here, i completely think that imperial japan was wrong and that those americans were right to do what they did,it angers me to see people saying lies like we're not teaching kids about pearl harbor or unit731

[@imdabiggestbird_]

3:22 this part was the most funniest part of the video 😂

[@ScottTice1971]

Best Yarnhub video to date by far. Absolutely amazing animation, music, storytelling, everything. Bravo.

[@abitofapickle6255]

My grandfather was an Electricians Mate on the USS Bugara. Submarines are awesome. Video suggestion: The F-105 MOH mission involving Leo Thorsness.

[@russelljohnson6267]

One correction I would like to mention is that Cmdr fluckey already had the medal of honor as he led Barb on the last 5 out of 12 war patrols during the war receiving the medal of honor for taking the sub into and back out of a Japanese controlled harbor on the Chinese coast on the 4th while this event took place on the last patrol of the war.

[@Vuk_Stajic]

This video is insane, the story is incredible, I want a full length movie. Is there one?

[@ducklife2978]

Video idea, have you heard about sub USS archerfish that sunk the mega carrier Shinano. The shinana was supposed to be another Yamato class but was switched due to the lacking support of Japanese carries

[@BattleshipOrion]

She was still Yamato class, she just dropped the "battleship" part due to the conversion, the only of the supposed 5 battleships to be a Yamato class Aircraft carrier, and the last of the 5 built, with hull 4 being scrapped and used convert to the Ise class into hybrids.

[@ducklife2978]

Ok, thanks

[@maxbennett5412]

What about Ramage's Rampage? 1 American submarine sank 5 Japanese ships in just 5 minutes.

[@cludecat7072]

@@BattleshipOrion there was no yamato class aircraft carrier. the Shinano was a unique class of ship being a carrier based on a Yamato hull. that doesn't make her a Yamato class

[@bkjeong4302]

That wasn’t why Shinano was converted to a carrier. In December 1941 the Japanese revamped their naval construction plans to put all further battleship construction on hold for now (this was shortly after Force Z); Yamato was already fully operational and Musashi had been launched at this point, but Shinano was still a very long way off from completion, so it was decided that they’d build her only to the point she could be launched so the dock she was in could be used for something else, and then decide what to do with her later. And then Midway happened. Now, Japan actually had a surprising number of carriers (including their two best carriers) in the field and a number of carriers under construction or planned ahead of time even before Midway, so Midway wasn’t actually this complete destruction of Japanese carrier power that people sometimes think it was (they didn’t even get rid of that many pilots-that was during Guadalcanal later on). But they still figured that this was as good an excuse as any to turn Shinano into a carrier.

[@therailfanman2078]

I never thought I'd see submarine, sunk, and train in the same sentence

[@trailblazer8380]

The animations, the panning and camera angles and background music are on another level! Definitely top notch 😮

[@josephd.5524]

I just started learning about the Barb and every new story is a knee-slapper.

[@meshuggahshirt]

You know it's serious when the ship's cook has to get in on the action

[@americanhat3766]

Oh shit, yall did this video, I always wanted to see an animated rendition of it ever since I watched it on TheFatElectrician's video on this. Do yall think you could do a video on the SeaBee's train robbery during the Korean war next?

[@OLDMANWAFFLES]

It’s always been so crazy to me to think about how many different things/battles/skirmishes took place everyday, all over the world, over the course of the Second World War. I have learned so much history regarding World War II and I still did not know about this story! It’s one hell of a tale

[@dixieduffy7]

If you think this is nuts read his book "Thunder Below." This man is a legendary sailor and absolutely mad lad.

[@tigershark4469]

As a train enthusiast, i need to mention that the main rod of the steam locomotive was glitched at the first scene 0:50

[@aslanzavrumov]

Sorry for that(

[@legionx4046]

Sorry about them destroying a train 😅

[@user-cf4kt7bk6s]

this is epic, love the attention to detail, especially in the faces, keep up the good work!

[@johns9652]

I knew of this story already from another channel I like, The Fat Electrician. Yarnhub went into far greater detail though, I only knew the sub and the commander's name before this, not the men of the ground expedition or the details like finding a sleeping guard. Also, the animations continue to get better and better, love the intro which reminded me of the Oceans franchise, or a Tarantino movie.

[@Kratos0n]

I love how they build on top of each other. Fat electrician gives you that introductory course with the “this kick ass thing happened” and yarn hub comes in and goes “now that I don’t have to explain the who, I’ll explain the how” I love it

[@andrewarnold3982]

This is like the most 00’s action show on KZbin. I love it

[@georgeviney9360]

Another yarn hub video, another story of badass people doing bad ass things

[@drakez2332]

Wow just wow i can remember how your quality was 2.years ago its a day and night different i am amazed keep improving and dont stop making theese Legendary videos❤

[@williamhalsted4]

That was an awesome little-known story. One of my favorite of your videos. Makes me proud of my country.

[@UFOBobTV]

That little piece of humor at 7:40 truly caught me off guard. 😂😂😂

[@destroyerofgalaxys]

Me: "Let's go to bed" KZbin causally recommending the most interesting videos known to date on this platform, that's gonna keep me up for an extra 7 hours:

[@jrob8931]

Great video style! Made me laugh when the soldier called the Japanese guard a "Dude." I don't think that was what he actually called him, but demonetization....

[@brahmse1677]

Always excited to watch new videos from Yarnhub🙌🏻

[@cachalotreal]

Why does this feel like a whole ass show, i wanna watch this submarine crew

[@arandomboot598]

I’ve red Flucky’s memoir “Thunder Bellow” and this was by far the most entertaining part. I’m glad to see barb and Flucky getting the recognition they deserve

[@jacobnugent8159]

Lucky Flucky

[@arandomboot598]

@@jacobnugent8159 hell yea!

[@mikejunior80]

Those were some courageous men.

[@shipsability]

NO WAY! It’s here.. I’ve been waiting for a submarine video for a while. Thanks yarnhub team!!!!!!

[@rssixteen1639]

I can't believe this video is free on KZbin. Beautiful.

[@funfactor4528]

I could seriously watch your videos all day long, they're truly incredible

[@imsomewhatcertain1024]

Das Boot ain’t got nothing on this submarine story.

[@RandomTrinidadian]

One of my favorite stories of WW2. The sub that sank a train

[@Weird_kid09]

This is animated so well. Once again another Yarnhub classic and glad to here this story

[@LancelotChan]

Man! The team assembled editing is so classic mission impossible / team A like!

[@legomill1068]

This is quite a impressive film of yours! Well done!

[@CGRCOOL]

Yarn hub never disappointed us. This is called "The ultimate content creation" Respect you guys 🙏

[@AirborneLegend89]

This is one of the funniest yarnhub video ever😂😂

[@PartyAlliance]

Really loving this style of editing you all at Yarnhub are experimenting with!

[@Kermt602]

He did an amazing job and it’s just a train that has nothing to do with the story so it’s about the people in it and how it happened so He did a great job modeling everything your the best KZbinr and I watch every video you post and try to comment nice things so have a good day😊

[@Kermt602]

Thanks for pinning me I really appreciate it man just don’t mind the haters

[@tubby921]

The editing style of this video is amazing 😂

[@brandonferretti9907]

Great video as always Yarnhub! Video suggestion: years ago i read about a convoy heading to the soviet union that was attacked. One of the cargo ships unloaded it's Sherman tanks and used them as deck guns. I can't remember the convoy designation or ships name unfortunately. Maybe you could. The merchant marines were and are amazing people. First US casualties of WW2 before we were officially involved after all

[@bkjeong4302]

PQ17? Aka the convoy that ended in disaster?

[@JonSkinner1944]

That was an amazing video, and the Ocean Eleven theme was a brilliant added touch. The train video should the Great Train Robbery in 1963 with £2,3 million looted (£38M $4.9M USD today) in Buckhamshire?

[@christophertownsend3820]

Very good. The Ocean's 11 meets Kelly's Heroes vibes in this episode were really amazing! The info graphic style like used in your Blitz videos was a nice touc as well.

[@zippytrippy3041]

1:17 I got that TV series vibe when the music started playing

[@emilioi.valdez6680]

Train models could use some work but I love this story because it's so damn insane.

[@Thespectaro]

Chief :What to invade Japan Cap: Sure why the fuck not Makes a the most hiest intensive plan and it works Love you guys yarnhub keep up the work

[@johnlemon9021]

These guys did what the SBS were doing in North Africa. So technically, they were the precursor to today's Navy SEALS

[@MetalRodent]

Yeah while this is still a great story people forget that numerous British subs blew up/shot trains in the Med, so Barb is hardly the only one (but definitely unique for it being on Japan)

[@johnlemon9021]

​​@@MetalRodenteah and they do get the exclusive honour of being the only Allied forces to invade the Japanese home islands

[@Kroenen02]

Gotta love the TF2-ish introduction of the crew. Great Job! ❤️👍

[@zypex247]

damn this level of story telling and animations is truly astonishing

[@MaliqIbrahim-1306]

Could this be the first actual submarine vid from Yarnhub? I think so other than the mini-sub vs Tirpitz, another great video! I wonder what next week's about? More subs? Air battles? Maybe even the ground battles I've been wanting to see. Oh well, we'll just have to wait

[@jackcabadas3976]

I always loved this story, I never thought you guys would get to it though!!!

[@PhantomLover007]

Awesome story. I had never known that Americans an actually set foot on the Home islands and caused havoc there. Outstanding actions for the crew of the Barb and the silent service.

[@videre8884]

Informative,Entertaining,Well Animated......It's always a pleasure to watch your videos. Thanks and all the best.

[@connormceachron9460]

I love this story, glad y'all made a video!

[@intulix4857]

You guys should do more stories involving submarines

[@renejeremiahmanansala2361]

Yarnhub really outdid themselves with this one, from what I’ve seen this is the first time they have animated a locomotive and it’s accurate. It would have been really fitting if the locomotive was a D51 type because it would be in service during the war (service life: 1936 - 1951) but despite this is the first train animation I’ve seen, it’s very well done.

[@D6.android_tv.phoneconnect]

your animation becomes more awesome every time