You wonder why we care so much? It boils down to some of these things: #1. We love trains and we hate seeing rail lines close. And you are reopening one! #2. Everyone loves the American entrepreneur spirit. #3. We love friendly small businesses. They are the backbone of this nation. And we want to see a new one succeed! #4. And most importantly. You are bringing us along for the adventure! We all hope that you can get some business and maybe extend your line further and have a shortline industrial park!
About drinking hot beverages on a hot day ... my Dad served in New Guinea during WWII and told me that while Americans would drink cold water (or cold beer when available) the Aussies would drink hot tea during hottest part of the day, telling the 'Yanks' that the hot tea would cause even more sweating which would cool the body as it evaporated. I don't know that it works but he thought it did. Love the sound of that prime mover, and no smoke ... WOW!
Studies have shown that those who exercise are able to do so longer without feeling exhausted after drinking cold water to even lukewarm water. This applies to people running, cycling or lifting weights. So I suppose it depends on what you're doing outside to gain the best benefits for.
Warm liquids while working in hot weather, energy is not redirected internally to warm the liquid to body temperature while also sweating to cool the body which is also where most of your blood flow is going... your skin is your radiator. When you are finished work and in a cooler place then a cool drink (not freezing cold) can hit the spot. Some of us remember drinking from hoses on hot days, the water in the hose was warm and filled our needs.
Having spent 40 years in Heavy Industrial Maintenance as a Journeyman Electrician (in a 7 unit 2400 Megawatt coal fired power plant) one safety item I see constantly missing is a good pair of gloves. All are maintenance employees were required to wear Leather or Cotton gloves to prevent hand injuries on the job. If you suffered a hand injury because of a lack of gloves you could be written up for a safety violation. On Electrical jobs we had to wear low voltage or high voltage gloves when dealing with maintenance on Electrical Equipment, plus we had to wear fire resistance clothing, company supplied. We worked all voltages from low voltage to 15,000 volts AC plus all DC Plant voltages. Remember “Safety First, Last, and Always”. Injuries cost the company money. Just Passing on my maintenance experience. Gary
Hi Gary, I am also a retired industrial electrician and hi-power radio transmitter technician. One advantage with the locomotive is that when the prime movers are not running it is dead safe (unless there are capacitors I don't know about). Very valid point about the gloves and I would add that di-electric mats would be a good thing to have in the cab if the engineer/owner is tempted to explore the electrical cabinet while the thing is alive. Nice to meet you as it were. Dan
Modern 3-phase AC drive locos have some absolute whopper sized capacitors paralleled with the phase modules. But you are correct, when the engine is off, it’s pretty safe. Unless you are a moron around the knife switch of course.
Notes from premiere: Nothing wrong with crying mate, just shows you're human. Pretty sure it's in the safety rules to have coffee before driving a rail vehicle. That wiring's in really good nick! Brake pressure lockouts are fantastic. Save accidents, save lives. Great work fixing that derailment too. Great to see everything moving! Wish I could come take a drive... and poke at all the wiring :P
“I FOUND THESE SPRINGS… I said I was going to be quiet.” LOL. I’ve been following you guys since episode one. Still enjoying all the content. Thanks for taking us along on the journey!
That little shunter deserves some tlc in the form of needlegunning, cab welding and then a fresh coat of paint ! ( take a look at JR's livery schemes for world class train paint jobs ! ) Beautiful quiet engines - even queter than the road/railer truck ! i wish you well with this project - it's more than just playing trains, it's a challenge that i'm certain you and your family will rise to, and make something really to be proud of. Best wishes from this ex railman. Dorset county, England.
Problems on the railroad? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a railroad that doesn’t have lots of problems. To quote another YT creator: “That’s railroadin !” I might plan a trip up from Louisville one of these days to say hello. In addition to being an engineer and conductor, I spent a lot of time working on locomotives, so I’m very familiar with both the GE 50T and EMD locomotives. Working on Class III railroads , you wear a lot of hats. The reason your locomotive brake was reapplying was because you had the train brake in full application. Check the meter shunt to see if it’s connected. Obviously the traction generator was producing voltage because you could move. Looks like a shunt problem.
Agree, looks like the automatic brake valve is in full service or continuous service, causing the independent to set up, that is why you are actuating the brake cylinder pressure off to move it. So put the automatic in release and you should be able to get a full release.
Maybe I'm in the minority, but to me, the revenue side of the business is what I'm looking forward to! I know that's what you are working toward, and I'm sure you are impatient for, too. I will breathe a lot easier when I see the cars comin' & goin' :-)
As a former business owner myself, he is OK there because he has a commercial business on the side that is generating revenue to cover any costs of the railroad. Also he is being careful with the railroad expenses and not getting carried away. For example the locomotive was purchased vs leased. He does have to worry about property taxes but the railroad is short enough the property taxes are probably not greater than having a second home. The Business Development part is tough. Depending on how you qualify the prospects and leads which is key. It is a big time time consumption item to land a sale.
You might wanna consider getting the rear wheels of the truck off the ground and check for play in those bushings. And you're right. 2021 is really quiet.
Can't wait for 3rd gear! I'm much more interested in the business aspect of railroading - the strategy of it all - than the mechanical side (that side is very cool too!). You should contact Rush Loving Jr., he was a journalist for Forbes Magazine covering railroads for many years. He also wrote two masterpieces: "the men who loved trains: and "the well-dressed hobo," which everyone should read. I think he would be interested in your story.
RJ corman, Genesee and Wyoming and Watco companies apparently are making money at shortline railroading because they're the three biggest owners of shortline railroads in the US. Watco bought 92 miles of track back in 2014 I believe it was from Norfolk southern in the area I live in and they've taken over all the Short line operations from Norfolk southern in this area.
Brain, I'm so hooked on your videos that I'm even reading all the comments. Ya got me addicted. As we say in the submarine service, Bravo Zulu (BZ), meaning "Well Done."
I owned many trucks with walking beams. Off tracking is the nature of the beast, especially if you have long beams, which it looks like you have. They off track even with new bushings. We found on logging trucks, it worked well to install cables with turnbuckles diagonally from the beam ends.
I've seen Hendrickson walking beams where the inside tires on one axle followed the outside tires on the other. Until you made the next turn. Just how they were.
Thank You for letting us live the dream with you! I really enjoy the ETR and it is my favorite form of entertainment. Keep up the good work. The viewers show their support and wish you success in every way possible. There are so many interesting aspects in all the tasks that must be done. Can't wait for the day when private cars begin to arrive. Expect there may be some tie replacement before that time?
Sometimes you have to let out the "magic smoke" to find the problem. Having been an industrial electrician for over 30 years, I know that you hate to fire up an unknown sometimes, but if the risk is low, then you can find the issue quicker. You may have a bad load meter [Ammeter] Do you have a clamp on meter that you can use to verify the load current?
The meter looks like it is well below zero, maybe stuck on the limit stop or broken. I know we've had problems with machines and the only way to see what is causing the problem is stick another set of fuses in and watch what does or doesn't move and probably blow some more.
You have 100% of our support I can't wait for you one day to do Public tours of your facility I will definitely take the 10 hour drive and spend a weekend out there just to be able to meet you in person it would truly be an honor and a privilege!
Same thing here, I checked every day and thought maybe I missed them. Good to see you out there today. Hey if you didn't have some issues that wouldn't be real life! Lots of Supporting family out here, I think, and pretty much shows from others too. You'll make the journey as keep improving the ETR. Wishing you and your family a Blessed Sunday.
I am not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination, but I have found your videos quite interesting. I am a retired track inspector and general rail nut, but not a foamer. So I am very interested in the track condition. One of my questions is did you check the hi-rail gear before you commented on the axles or just didn't video it? My inclination is to determine if one climbed the point or split the switch. Another question is how do you plan to use the locomotive when cars arrive, I don't see a passing track for a run around. Two last questions, what size of rail and when are you going to replace ties.
"Look at the lines, look at the curves, oh yah that's my girl!" 👍 🚂 Couldn't have said it any better and goona get me one of these for the HO layout in the basement.
I was looking to see if anyone commented on his "Look at the lines..." - one thing the human eye is very adept at and finds very appeasing is bilateral symmetry, which, as humans, we have that and look for it when looking at others when looking for beauty. Well, he's got it right there as well :)
Your automatic brake valve handle is in the "emergency" position, this causes the independent brakes to keep applying, and on some diesels, keeps the locomotive from developing power. you need to move the automatic brake valve handle to the running position (second position from the left).
I wish I had the ability to join your little venture. I'm a 100% disabled Vet who has dreamed of trains since day 1. My Dad and Uncles worked for Western R/R at the center in Montgomery AL after WWII. Some of them also worked for Southern R/R. I Cubbed for L&N before joining the military. It's still a beautiful dream. THANKS for the Videos. :)
If a business can survive and thrive on the enthusiasm of it's people alone then the ETR cannot fail. I'm from the UK and even from over here i want this to succeed. Keep up the good work guys.
Great job on the engine and the video! Your humility and genuine appreciation for your followers are what set you and your business apart. Have you had any contact yet with the railroad that will be servicing your line? Best wishes and keep these wonderful videos coming!
Every video is an education, we are learning so much about railroading. And when you become CEO of the class 3 ETR, your employees will walk through walls for you.
You guys had me hooked from the first video! Down to earth hard working and going out on a limb to start the ETR! Another great video!! I knew if anybody could figure it out it would b you Sir!! Can't wait for next video!! We are behind you 110%........ We need some ETR shirts and stickers!! Lol. Ill b the first in line to buy!!
She does have fine lines Brian. I had to laugh. I have a second cousin about 160 miles away, east of Ashtabula. My dad grew up there and my grandpa was a prosecutor and judge. They created my interest in trains by taking us to the tracks, control towers, and yards when i was young. My wife would call my second cousin occasionally if she couldn't get through on my phone. The phone service is really spotty on the lake and around there. Joe would jokingly tell her that she'd never have anything to worry about -- he's out watching trains or the tugs and ships at the harbor -- he has zero interest in other women. Do you have an ammeter? I've done institutional and industrial work since the late 70's. Check the integrity of the connections. You have a reading on the voltmeter and she's moving so you must have draw. Check it with your amprobe or pick up another gauge. You've got this! Love hearing about your prospective clientele. It will all come together. Lamentations 3:25.
Hi there guys!! Just sat here in Lincolnshire UK, and so enjoying watching what you are doing, and wish I could be there with you and being on site!! Keep going! Well done!! John P
thanks for the behind the scenes of how things work in a locomotive! As one of those electricians, I would say that load gauge isnt working properly. By the way, i usually ring things out, but sometimes just put it back and go for the gusto
I'm in agreement, she sure does Purr like a Kitten. Back in the day when I would/could work on my Autos, or any naturally aspirated Gas/Electric Engines, I would listen to them to see how they sounded, to me that was key to diagnosis for a lot of issues. I still do it today, strange sounds may be there is trouble a brewing, keep your ears to the ground.
i can see serious arcing that has happened on the left contactor. Both sides of the contacts have bad oxidation which is making large sparks as seen on the inside of the safety covers, I have worked on many older drawbridge control systems and have seen this happen often. The oxidation creates a high resistance resulting in more current being drawn from the generator and less voltage and current going to the motor. Clean the contacts with emery cloth until the flat plates are shiny.
One of the arc shields is lifted out of position that can cause more wear from arcs. When I was younger I used to sit for hours on crane cab floors removing and cleaning drum controller tips.
@@pinky5011 If pitted you need some abrasive to clean them up, we used fine emery or if really bad a small file, if too thin they would be replaced, or with drum finger contacts sometime you could turn them around.
Contact or tips are really easy to change. When I worked for EMD they didn’t want us touching them unless they were worn very thin. They didn’t care about the pitting as long as the connection point was decent.
Have to admit that I have been enthralled by your entire concept from a business standpoint. Perhaps you could investigate a relationship with the University of Dayton ( I’m a Flyer) or University of Cinn. to have them create a review of your program. That review could be potential for publication. Live your entire concept. Keep it going!!
Another excellent video. The load(amp) meter, just might be bad-it happens. The walking beams on your high railer, the rubber bushings can be replaced with polyurethane bushings, and should outlive all of us. Get the red ones....they look cooler, lol. Coffee, I drink black coffee, I don't care if I'm sitting on the sun-gotta have my coffee ;}>
You guys are awesome! I love every bit of content you create, it's genuine, it's real, and you are obviously a nice, hard working man. I wish you all the best. Btw, ever thought of wiring the left load meter to the right, to see if it's showing a load? Maybe the other gauge is faulty. Cheers
I’ve been on a run down and abandoned GE 80 Ton Center Cab locomotive, and it’s a pretty neat locomotive. Used to have front and rear whistles, which were either removed upon abandonment or stolen. The locomotive itself sits in White Deer, PA at the abandoned passenger terminal.
Seeing this center cab engine brings back memories from my youth, the local shortline running through my hometown used a locomotive very much like this in revenue service. Sadly it was hit by a cement truck and was taken out of service to end up being sold to another railroad. The B&H railroad then bought two ALCO S1 locomotives and those were used right up to the sale of the railroad in the early 2000s. I believe one of the two are still functioning for the current owners Livonia Avon and Lakeville RR.
@@ernestpassaro9663 The S1 is close to 50000 according to WIKI never really checked. I do know that a fully loaded 12 car train would bring those right to their knees. They were crawling slow enough I could ride my bicycle past them. The current owners run the ALCO Century series Locomotives. There is still a few ALCOs rolling coal in the 21 century.
I am curious what ever became of the center cab. I believe it went to the Dansville and Mount Morris RR but where it went from there who knows. If anybody is interested check out the Arcade and Attica RR. Really neat little RR that runs freight and passenger excursions. Up to recently were running steam, that loco is down for federal mandated inspections and repair but will hopefully be back soon. All their work now gets done with GE Center Cabs.
I've been watching your videos from the very beginning, but this is the first time I've commented. I just wanted to share with you why I am such a railroad fan, and big fan of the ETR. I got my first cab ride in Hialeah, Fl about the age of 5. It was in the cab of a EMD E6 or E7 of the Seaboard Air Line about 1952. My father was a locomotive machinist, and had just finished a job on the loco. I don't know why we (mom & I) had gone to the shop, but anyway, dad was getting ready to pull the locomotive to the wash rack, and up in the cab I went. I was hooked from then on. I haven't had many opportunities for cab rides since then, but I have put down many miles in passenger cars since then. I would have had a career with the railroad myself if not for the fact that I failed the physical when I was 18. Fast forward .... I got real excited when you announced the purchase of your GE locomotive. I couldn't wait to find out what engines were under the hoods, and when you unveiled them and I found out they were Cummins, my heart skipped a beat. You see, I spent 40 years with Cummins, retiring Jan 2016. 16 years as a technician, 24 years as training manager in Tampa, FL. I couldn't tell you how many of those engines I rebuilt during my 16 years in the shop. I also spent a good amount of time in the fuel room rebuilding & calibrating PT fuel pumps and injectors. Anyway, mostly due to my love of railroading, I am really enjoying your video series. Thanks, and keep up the good work.
John Wow ! What a career, think of the improvement in our economy and standard of living by all the rebuilds you did and the people you trained! You are an example of our country's unsung heroes! Brian
Problems are just an opportunity for solutions! Nice work on these. Since you were able to get that other traction motor working I wonder if the gauge itself might be either disconnected or possibly faulty which is why you weren't showing a load on it. I didn't smell anything burning so seems to be functional. Some of those other contacts look like they could use a little once over with a scotch brite pad or something. Working on Saturdays has never been a problem for me. lol I even work Saturdays at my "normal" job. I'd be there helping out if I were anywhere near there but I'm afraid the best I can offer for now is continued RU-vid support. -Shane
I have just discovered your channel. Very cool that you and your partners are trying to start a business as a small line railway. I will start watching and following the saga. Congrats on getting a few more things fixed in this video. I am sure you have many more issues to work towards satisfactory resolution.
Ok where's this railroad at? I'm in Texas... and.. it was algorithmic suggested... What's the history/story on this railroad... How much mileage is purchased, and judging by the condition of the track, it would take an army of workers to 'flip-restore' the entire line! (Depending on how many miles!?) I'm 49 going on 50..
i would call those items of interest, rather than problems. so, me being me, my next move would be swap the load meters and see if you show draw then. if the side that's been working doesn't and the side that hasn't been does, boom! bad meter. 'course, you might wanna start at the meter that isn't showing any draw and follow the wires to see where they go. could be a loose connection or bad spot in the wire etc. kudos to the dude that sent you the care package. i suggest some kind of not too expensive shed of a thing to get the loco in out of the sun, (and soon, rain and snow). just a roof over it for now, walls etc, later. in other words, don't break the bank on a shed. one of these days i'll have time to come help. keep on keepin' on my friend.
The company I worked for years ago sold the shunts and meters for the locomotives. Either the meter is not connected or the meter is defective. Someone must still have the meters. I used to repair the meters or replace the components that were bad. I love to watch your railway and please be careful if you are alone.
I co-own a railroad contractor and short line holding company. I applaud your efforts you guys have started much the same way you guys have. Wish you all the best of you ever need any contract work or help let us know we’re located in Florida but travel to all the lower 48. Best wishes
Keep plugging away! Little bits and pieces keep popping up and will no doubt continue to do so but overall I can't help but feel that 2021's most apparent issues are really only cosmetic, the guts are still there and she wants to work. As for 3rd gear, can't wait. I have followed the workings of a number of regenerated lines here in OZ and I have come to appreciate that a line needs a REASON to be. Be it a revenue earner, tourist or heritage line it is an essential part of its existence. And to Robert F, we mad Aussies still drink a hot cuppa on a hot day!!
Great video, when do you get time to sleep? Your the CEO, mechanic, engineer, truck driver,etc. you have to be dead tired each nite. No days off, too much to do. I wish you nothing but the best. Enjoy your videos a lot, hope things work out to your benefit. Thank you.
If anybody can pull this off, it's you. I have full confidence in your ability to make this little railroad "a license to print money" . It has all kinds of potential. Just keep thinking outside the box.
Tony You win free tickets to the spring nationals!! It is possibly from a Holly, I don't know! the spring was in a drawer and I said " lookie there!" B.
The world runs on coffee - in fact I won free coffee for a year back in 2010 from one of the truck stop brands. Drank so much free coffee that I didn't feel sleepy until sometime in 2012.
Arkansas? I have family in the railroad business, but retired. Grampa worked for rock island and then went to UP till he retired and my uncles drove for UP till retirement.
Love your little loco. I have spent most of a lifetime restoring railway locos of one kind or an other, steam and diesel in a number of gauges and would dearly like to get my hands on your loco. She would look really well with a de-rust and a nice repaint. I would like to come and sort her out myself but I live in England and its too far to come for the weekend , so I can only give you my support from a far. Good luck and treat the old girl well as she wants to work for you by the way she started so easily. Old engines like old grannies get personalities, some become grumps and some everyone's favourite granny, you have one of the latter. keep her safe
G,day Brian l always learning more about Railways /train Locos , the Cummins sound cool , l drink hot white strong tea in the Summer time,l worked in country and thats what they drink ... cheers Mate from Australia.....