In depth look at the DDA40X

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  • Опубликовано: 4 ноя 2019
  • Enjoy this in depth look at the DDA40X. This locomotive is a engineering marvel, and I ended up going back to North Platte 5 more times for additional filming. In the end I had several hundred scenes which took a long time to edit. But I think it turned out pretty good and it's a rare look at nearly every aspect of the DDA40X.
    These locomotives were built by the Electro Motive Division of General motors from 1969-1971. There was 47 locomotives produced. Eleven locomotives have survived and are in museums. One locomotive is operational (Union Pacific #6936 currently in overhaul), and another locomotive is used for spare parts. The DDA40X weighs 545,000 lb (247,000 kg), is 98 ft 5 in (30.00 m) long, and can produce 113,940 lbs of tractive effort. It has two 654E3 16 cylinder diesel engines, built by General Motors that produce 3,300 horsepower each.
    These locomotives were some of the most successful, most loved, and most reliable locomotives Union Pacific ever owned. Union Pacific used these locomotives non stop racking up millions of miles over the years. In just 10 short years these locomotives were totally worn out from years of hard use.
    This locomotive is open to the public during the Summer months including the cab. Check this website for information for hours of the Cody Railroad Park in North Platte, Nebraska visitnorthplatte.com/director...
    More information can be found here about the history of this locomotive en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMD_DDA40X
    For a video on the removal of a engine power pack • Video
    Many thanks to the kind people at the Cody Railroad Park who allowed me to film this locomotive. Any questions about this locomotive leave them in the comments and I will try to answer them.
  • Авто/МотоАвто/Мото

Комментарии • 1,7 тыс.

  • @mrl-dd6sm
    @mrl-dd6sm Месяц назад +3

    I can still remember being a child and wanting to work on the railroad. An explanation pros can appreciate but basic enough rookies like me can understand. Thank you, excellent work Sir.

  • @fhowland
    @fhowland 4 года назад +335

    Just thinking of the thousands of smart people who must’ve worked so many hours to design such an impressive piece of engineering is humbling.

    • @663rainmaker
      @663rainmaker 4 года назад +2

      Fred Flintstone US Railway history! WhoootWhooooot Transcontinental Rail History!! 4004 come on Fred?

    • @sandyt4343
      @sandyt4343 4 года назад +13

      What an incredible video. That’s what comes from really knowing your job. That is such an impressive rundown on the workings of an amazingly complex machine.

    • @rashidminhasbhatti9618
      @rashidminhasbhatti9618 3 года назад +4

      Beautiful

    • @TheBandit7613
      @TheBandit7613 3 года назад +7

      My Dad and uncle was an electrical engineer at EMD. Yeah, they were smart as hell.

    • @fhowland
      @fhowland 3 года назад +4

      @@TheBandit7613 Wow, that's so cool! Hats off to them.

  • @scottbtraveling1444
    @scottbtraveling1444 3 года назад +29

    I never imagined that a locomotive's systems and controls were so complicated. I watched the entire video and found it to be very interesting. Perhaps just as impressive is the fact that you have all this knowledge and details of how everything works. Thank you very much for making this video Tom.

  • @hunterbidenscrackdealer3753
    @hunterbidenscrackdealer3753 4 месяца назад +7

    Best video on RUclips. No stupid music. No BS.
    Just info from a guy who knows what he’s talking about.

  • @RobertWilliams-mk8pl
    @RobertWilliams-mk8pl 4 года назад +262

    Thank you. This has been the most thorough description of just about anything I've ever seen. Bravo

    • @travelingtom923
      @travelingtom923  4 года назад +12

      Thank you.

    • @travelingtom923
      @travelingtom923  4 года назад +16

      @Bill Williams Thank you that is a nice compliment. Will try to make some future videos of other locomotives as well as telling some more stories.

    • @Pamudder
      @Pamudder 4 года назад +5

      @Bill Williams I second Bill Williams's comment. You explain things clearly and make it interesting.

    • @Alex_blankspacehere
      @Alex_blankspacehere 4 года назад +4

      cool video always wanted to see what the hell was in those things always going by my house lol

    • @patricknoveski6409
      @patricknoveski6409 4 года назад +4

      I like the story you told about the yellow signal. More stories Please.

  • @lewispond9876
    @lewispond9876 4 года назад +64

    One of the most interesting behind-the-doors videos I've seen. In depth, thorough, and complete. A big thanks for good, steady camera work.

    • @jayrichards3672
      @jayrichards3672 Год назад

      Wish audio was as clear☹

    • @richard75013U
      @richard75013U Год назад +3

      Lol, if it’s not clear then return your cheap phone bc it’s crystal clear

    • @indridcold8433
      @indridcold8433 Год назад

      ​@@richard75013U What phone? I am watching this on a i9 computer with a total of 35 terabytes of storage space. My phone is stuck to the wall in the kitchen. There is another one in the living room on a telephone stand.

    • @TheSilverShadow17
      @TheSilverShadow17 4 месяца назад +1

      At least he used a calm and mellow tone of voice unlike most RUclipsrs who raise their voice or yell into the mic/camera all the time. Gave the DDA40X respect like it was a building.

  • @KM3W
    @KM3W 4 года назад +4

    Thank you for taking the time to teach us railfans the basic mechanics of locomotive operation!!! You did a great job!

  • @AlainHubert
    @AlainHubert 4 года назад +26

    This one hour and forty minutes video felt like 30 minutes. I've learned so much in that time about many things I've always wondered about a diesel locomotive ! I knew a few things already, but many other things surprised me. I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience in this video. Now, finally I can perhaps (try to) impress my 80 year old father, who is a long time miniature train HO scale hobbyist, with a few unknown (to him) details about his models. I had the opportunity, and the chance, to ride on the biggest diesel locomotive in Canada back in 1978, which was the experimental Canadian Pacific 4744 (MLW M-640). I was 13 years old at the time (my father knew some people at C.P.). But this 6922 is much bigger than that !

  • @SamM-oh2cx
    @SamM-oh2cx 4 года назад +158

    Quite possibly the best video I have watched in ages! Your such an interesting guy to listen to and learn from. Would never tire listening to you. Thanks for making and sharing!

    • @travelingtom923
      @travelingtom923  4 года назад +8

      You are welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video.

    • @sleeptyper
      @sleeptyper 4 года назад +6

      @@travelingtom923 This was truly amazing. Really.

  • @budburr66
    @budburr66 4 года назад +15

    The absolute best engineering tour of an EMD I have EVER seen. Thankyou.

  • @12beemer34
    @12beemer34 4 года назад +57

    By far the best 1 1/2 hours I have ever spent on RUclips. So much knowledge presented in a clear manner. Simply fantastic. Thank you for sharing this. :)

    • @general5104
      @general5104 Год назад

      You know, until you said how long it was, I was enjoy-joying it so much, I didn't realize it was that long!

  • @take942
    @take942 4 года назад +12

    Your knowledge of all those systems on the EMD DDA40X is amazing!!! Thank you for the tour. I found it fascinating.

  • @willymccabe6602
    @willymccabe6602 4 года назад +5

    I love diesel locomotives, but I'm not mechanically inclined whatsoever, and this video was a real treat. To have a experienced tour guide for this beautiful machine was just fantastic!

  • @timothyarcadipani2589
    @timothyarcadipani2589 4 года назад +6

    Been a mechanic for 32 years. Loved everything. Especially the engine. Thanks

  • @chriswelch9786
    @chriswelch9786 4 года назад +23

    First time viewing your channel. I literally just learned like 40 things I didn't know before watching. Much appreciated 👍

  • @steveh9481
    @steveh9481 4 года назад +8

    Probably the best video I've watched in some time. You explain things in a way that the technical people will enjoy (me) but also the average person can understand. Thank you for taking the time to make this.

  • @JawTooth
    @JawTooth 4 года назад +99

    You have a great background to be the one to explain this to us.. Awesome video!

    • @doubleutubefan5
      @doubleutubefan5 4 года назад +6

      Hey! Surprised to see you in the comments here

    • @doubleutubefan5
      @doubleutubefan5 4 года назад +2

      @@mrblue2011 😂😂

    • @Xander_Zimmermann
      @Xander_Zimmermann 4 года назад +2

      Hi Jaw Tooth, I'm one of your subscribers! 😀😀😀😀😀

    • @BillSchlichting
      @BillSchlichting 4 года назад

      But wait there's more, but not much more. I think Travelling Tom just about covered it. OK, back to you Jawtooth.

  • @stokerboiler
    @stokerboiler 4 года назад +49

    I worked at EMD in 1969 when these things were built. Being 103 feet long, they could not be carried directly down the erection bay, which was only 100 feet column-to-column. They moved them on third shif with two 250 ton bridge cranes, shuffling the frame through the columns.

    • @travelingtom923
      @travelingtom923  4 года назад +7

      Locomotive is a monster that is for sure.

    • @lbbradley55
      @lbbradley55 4 года назад +2

      Toxic Tommy who built the Engines & are they 2 Strokes like many of them.

    • @stokerboiler
      @stokerboiler 4 года назад +4

      @@lbbradley55 EMD built the engines and yes they are two-stroke engines. 16-645 E3s rated at 3300 HP each.

    • @lbbradley55
      @lbbradley55 4 года назад +3

      @@stokerboiler
      THANKS... interesting
      I drove Trucks 31 yrs starting 1980 Detroit's 2 Strokes were still everywhere until 1988
      EPA emission restrictions Detroit bought John-Deer
      & Started building 4 stroke.
      60 series. I put 1-1/2 million on one before the Co. Sold it. Wish I knew how many miles I have on me. Lol

    • @hoghogwild
      @hoghogwild 4 года назад +3

      @@stokerboiler Up rated to run at 950 rpm instead of 900 or 904rpm.

  • @kevinenger8623
    @kevinenger8623 4 года назад +9

    Never in my life did I think I would sit and watch a video like this. Let alone the whole thing start to finish!! I must say,,, that was one of the most informative, and interesting videos I've ever watched! Great Job Tom!! I now have a new perspective of watching a train drive buy me while stopped at the crossing. Thanks for the vid!!

  • @davecheck3214
    @davecheck3214 4 года назад +8

    Terrific in depth tour! Thank you for taking the time to do this!

  • @ubb262s
    @ubb262s 4 года назад +101

    You know when you look at this engineering Marvel, it's a Diesel Big Boy , two drive motors in one locomotive

    • @BigBoy-zp1gv
      @BigBoy-zp1gv 4 года назад

      Peter Cunha the engines don't directly drive the loco but I'd say your about accurate they just simply put replaced a driveshaft with a circuit

    • @ohboy2592
      @ohboy2592 4 года назад +3

      Old E units and F units had two engines in them as well.

    • @roycefaggotter6860
      @roycefaggotter6860 4 года назад +5

      @@BigBoy-zp1gv Correct the engines don't directly drive the locomotive, the engines primary task is to turn the main generator and compressor, through electrical relays, the generators output power is taken to the traction motors via those big thick cables you see, which by a reduction gear, turn the wheels on the bogie, I am an ex Australian locomotive driver of 24 years, Americans call their drivers Engineers, and yes these are huge locomotives.

    • @hoghogwild
      @hoghogwild 4 года назад +4

      I find it hard to believe that Big Boy 4140 could outpull one of these 6600hp beasts. 138,240 lbf (614.9 kN) for 4040 and starting: 113,940 lbf (506.8 kN) @25% continuous: 103,000 lbf (460 kN) @12 mph for the DDA40X.

    • @gravelydon7072
      @gravelydon7072 4 года назад +1

      @@ohboy2592 E units had two. F units had one. Could not even stuff 2 8 cylinder 567s in them.

  • @JeffMunson
    @JeffMunson 4 года назад +9

    This was a fascinating journey through an iconic piece of railroad history. It was also an amazingly detailed and well-organized look at the function of any EMD two-stroke locomotive.
    Huge thanks for putting this together!

  • @corystansbury
    @corystansbury 4 года назад +9

    This was wonderful. I watched it with far more attention than I give a typical movie these days. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

  • @Lee-qp6gf
    @Lee-qp6gf 4 года назад +6

    Wow, I'm going to look at locomotives in an all different light now. This has been so good to see.
    Thanks for your time,
    Lee

  • @316minister
    @316minister 4 года назад +15

    Tom. Thanks so very much for this in-depth tour of this amazing piece of retired UP equipment. Literally everything an enthusiast would want to know about a diesel-electric (EMD) locomotive.

  • @fletcher3913
    @fletcher3913 4 года назад +11

    I stayed up waaay past bedtime to finish the video, it was that good. And I'm not really a train guy. But I do like to see how a thing works whatever it is and you did an excellent presentation. I just wanted you to know I appreciate the time and effort you put into making the video and say thank you.

    • @travelingtom923
      @travelingtom923  4 года назад

      Thank you for watching. Glad you enjoyed the video.

  • @drewwcm8850
    @drewwcm8850 4 года назад +2

    Wow. This was by far the most amazing video I've watched, finally I actually know something about those legendary locomotives! Thank you so much for making this video!!

  • @trainmansorrell
    @trainmansorrell 4 года назад +6

    That is one of the best You Tube videos I've ever seen. Extremely detailed. Thank you for taking the time to put this together for us.

  • @dennisgood2108
    @dennisgood2108 4 года назад +43

    That was the greatest Train explanation i have ever seen.My uncle use to work for the trains in Saint Louis and while he was in the Army also.Thanks very much

    • @travelingtom923
      @travelingtom923  4 года назад +3

      You are welcome.

    • @jlucasound
      @jlucasound 4 года назад +2

      Thank you for your service, Uncle of dennis good.

    • @663rainmaker
      @663rainmaker 4 года назад

      Traveling Tom your Awesome Sir! Catch a Rail ? Ya never know where? Owen Wister?? He visited the Virginian Motel .. i would always play around outside the Virginian on our way to Hanna Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 for our Winter ❄️ coal .. SE Wyo gets Colder than ... well

  • @jamesunderwood6053
    @jamesunderwood6053 4 года назад +8

    Thank you for the tour, Traveling Tom. Very well done!

  • @lewiemcneely9143
    @lewiemcneely9143 3 года назад +2

    This sure was in depth and a LOT of thought went into the making of this unit. And Thanks, Tom! You did your job well!

  • @txyakangler65
    @txyakangler65 4 года назад +14

    That was the fastest 1:40:15. Thank you for sharing your knowledge for us.

  • @john6217
    @john6217 4 года назад +4

    Can't thank you enough, I enjoyed this tour SOOOO much!

  • @mickb6285
    @mickb6285 4 года назад +6

    Thats how you explain a master piece of engineering in simple terms, from the exhaust stack to the interface with the rail, an excellent video. Thanks.

  • @onestopfabshop3224
    @onestopfabshop3224 3 года назад +7

    I know this is an older video, but thanks. I learned some things I didn't even realize about trains. I appreciate the time and effort you put into making this video!

  • @lindseyjones4290
    @lindseyjones4290 2 года назад +1

    Thank you Tom for giving us such an in-depth explanation of this locomotive. Honestly, the best explanation of any subject I have ever viewed on the internet. Also, thank you for backing me up on "never changing the oil" at 1hr 13min (video time) as oil never looses it's slipperiness, only becomes contaminated.

  • @mikeslife6140
    @mikeslife6140 4 года назад +3

    Thanks for your effort put into making this video. My grandfather worked for Illinois Central RR and my father for L&N RR, and I was mechanic on heavy trucks /equipment (dozers, excavators, etc), so I knew some about locomotives already but I learned a lot here. Will be looking for more content from you in the future.

  • @barefooboy17
    @barefooboy17 4 года назад +11

    Hi Tom, I watched your whole video is one sitting! Very informative and had my eye glued the whole time! Pretty amazing machine and thank you for taking the time to do this video!

  • @ralfoide
    @ralfoide 4 года назад +2

    Such a massive and detailed description, thanks for taking the time to go through all the engine in minute details. Awesome explanations!

  • @martinrandall5436
    @martinrandall5436 4 года назад +5

    Such a great video, every question I have ever wondered about was answered thoroughly. Plus your personal experiences really made it easy to understand. Cheers! Subscribed!

  • @vingotaq777
    @vingotaq777 4 года назад +5

    Thank you for such a clear and comprehensive explanation of the workings of these amazing big diesels.

  • @williamjackson8512
    @williamjackson8512 4 года назад +5

    Most INFORMATIVE Video I'm seen on a Locomotive.

  • @MusicByWinston
    @MusicByWinston 4 года назад

    THANK YOU! This was fascinating. I have loved trains since I was a tiny child. I never knew quite how the locomotives worked, had some information generally pieced together, but this had so much detail. I really really appreciate you taking the time to show everyone. Have a great day, Sir!

  • @plethoraofinformation6612
    @plethoraofinformation6612 4 года назад +17

    You've answered basically all of my questions on technical aspects of the diesel electric locomotive. Appreciative of the hard work. Thanks!

    • @pooorman-diy1104
      @pooorman-diy1104 4 года назад +1

      one thing very important is missing here ....where is the spare tyre ??

  • @marklierly9381
    @marklierly9381 4 года назад +4

    Great Video Tom! I had a friend that worked at the old UP Shops in Omaha in the 1970's and had lots of questions you just answered! Thank you sir! :-)

  • @fhowland
    @fhowland 4 года назад +8

    Great video!! So educational. Loved the anecdote about the conductor applying the emergency brakes.

  • @xLeon-vr4kj
    @xLeon-vr4kj 4 года назад +4

    Tom, excellent video. Thanx for sharing your vast knowledge. I am looking forward to seeing more of your videos. Thanx again for your hard work and great effort. Keep them coming!

  • @CJOlin
    @CJOlin 4 года назад +2

    Tom- Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. My son and I really enjoyed watching this together. Probably one of our favorite videos.

  • @KPearce57
    @KPearce57 4 года назад +4

    Now that was an informative video, you can only watch them going bye for a while, I could watch this all day long.

  • @JFinnerud
    @JFinnerud 4 года назад +4

    Many thanks for the informative, in-depth tour of this legendary locomotive! 👍👍

  • @brucethecurmudgeon8538
    @brucethecurmudgeon8538 4 года назад +3

    This is one of the best "explain it all" videos I have ever seen, bar none. You have a vast amount of knowledge that make a layman on trains, like me, actually understand how the infernal contraption functions. It is a shame this engine was not rebuilt and kept in service. America needs trains and keeping the past alive in a profitable manner is vitally important. THANK YOU SIR!!!

  • @DK-nv9zu
    @DK-nv9zu 3 года назад

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences Tom! Coming from the automotive world, this was one of the most interesting train videos I've watched on youtube!

  • @hearthstonehealing2161
    @hearthstonehealing2161 Год назад +3

    Thanks Tom, this show was amazing and so well done! Makes me appreciate every train I see even more.

  • @rivercityboatworks
    @rivercityboatworks 4 года назад +3

    Thank you for sharing your knowlegde on the locomotive systems. Its neat to see the similarities and differences between our EMD 645's in the tugboats. Keep up these great in depth videos! You know your stuff.

  • @weebercorey
    @weebercorey 3 года назад +1

    I loved this walkthrough along with your stories based on experience. Lots of great anecdotes I would have never known. Thank you for sharing!

  • @MartyJM01
    @MartyJM01 2 года назад

    Tom that was awesome! Just finished watching it and I am exhausted, I have learned so much. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

  • @madflyer1093
    @madflyer1093 4 года назад +6

    Starts video, 1:40 long. No way I'll finish. Yet here we are. Top notch video sir. Many thanks

  • @fullraph
    @fullraph 4 года назад +7

    Good work man, that was very interesting! Thanks for sharing!

  • @porkrinds9572
    @porkrinds9572 4 года назад +1

    Absolutely awesome! Finally an in-depth & highly detailed explanation of EVERYTHING involved in operating these behemoths!
    Thanks a million!

  • @sammylw7694
    @sammylw7694 4 года назад +1

    Awesome video!!! Best explanation of a diesel locomotive I’ve seen. Thanks for going over EVERYTHING!!

  • @jasongreene303
    @jasongreene303 4 года назад +13

    I was hoping it simply wasn't a fan boy flapping his lips for an hour forty, and boy I wasn't disappointed! You have done a fine job ,sir!

  • @Trackside1
    @Trackside1 4 года назад +56

    That has to be the most informative railroad video I have ever watched!
    Thank you very much! I’ll probably watch this a dozen times!
    👍👍👍👍👍👍

    • @travelingtom923
      @travelingtom923  4 года назад +5

      Thank you. This design with the cooling system, oil system, engine, generator, etc is identical to nearly every EMD locomotive made since the 60's. If you lift the carbody off the majority of their locomotives (SD40-2, SD70, SD60, etc) you will see the same thing you are seeing with the Centennial.

    • @Trackside1
      @Trackside1 4 года назад

      Traveling Tom It was fantastic. I could have watched it for another hour!
      The only question I have is; who controls the train if the engineer has to use the facilities?

    • @travelingtom923
      @travelingtom923  4 года назад +4

      @@Trackside1 Nobody, and it isn't like the engineer is going to stop the train to use the bathroom. I have been on a few trains where the engineer left for a bit and it was very nerve racking. I would like to say they put the Conductor in the seat to watch the speed but they never did that.

    • @Trackside1
      @Trackside1 4 года назад +1

      Traveling Tom That’s a bit more than frightening. No wonder they don’t wanna go down in that tomb. Not that peeing over the rail at 70mph is any less scary.

    • @travelingtom923
      @travelingtom923  4 года назад +5

      @@Trackside1 Yes and many railroads want one person crews in locomotives. I think that's crazy.

  • @chucklang1355
    @chucklang1355 3 года назад +1

    What a thorough description!! Thanks so much for posting, your knowledge is impressive.

  • @briansmith1042
    @briansmith1042 4 года назад +2

    You have answered every question I had about train engines. Great job man.

  • @claytonrowe8103
    @claytonrowe8103 4 года назад +8

    Yes, Traveling Tom, a wonderful presentation that has kept the interest of a retired locomotive engineer who operated the still operational (to this day) Centennial UP 6936 at 75 MPH just a few years ago on a UP passenger special over the Amtrak Texas Eagle route. Have also run the E9s. Let me say, the Centennial is a HOTROD, just like a pair of EMD Amtrak F40PHs used to be. I really loved it when they added the rooftop Air Conditioner to it. Did NOT like the addition of the UP Wings to the nose. Liked it better original.

    • @travelingtom923
      @travelingtom923  4 года назад +4

      Thank you for that compliment and I am glad you enjoyed the video. I was really hoping a former engineer would have came along when I was filming the video and I could interview him. Maybe you can make a video of your own one day talking about what it was like operating a Centennial. Very little information is out there about what is was like to be a engineer on a Centennial.

  • @alaskarailroad3996
    @alaskarailroad3996 4 года назад +4

    Awesome job. Thank you, i always wanted to see the insides of this loco. Good job explaining things.

    • @JawTooth
      @JawTooth 4 года назад

      Hey we have a couple GP49s on the shortline that I film in my town that came from the Alaska Railroad. The CCET had three of them and now have two

  • @chrisnordstrom6652
    @chrisnordstrom6652 3 года назад +1

    Wow, what a great tour, showing every aspect. Loved it!

  • @wolfguardian8312
    @wolfguardian8312 3 года назад

    Thank you Tom for your in depth look at these amazing workhorses.....I grew up on a farm and was exposed to all kinds of heavy machinery......nothing like this.....
    These locos are a truly magnificent piece of engineering, I still marvel at them to this day....
    Love the sound of the EMD engines......they're like a lullabye that'll put 'ya to sleep....I love this big stuff.....

  • @idbuythatfora4223
    @idbuythatfora4223 4 года назад +4

    Good walk around. Just the right level of detail and commentary.

  • @PreservationEnthusiast
    @PreservationEnthusiast 4 года назад +4

    What a great video, Tom. Even though I am more into locomotive recycling, I am fan of rail traction on the side, and I thought this was very informative.

  • @Vdubkillertodd
    @Vdubkillertodd 4 года назад +1

    The knowledge is equally as impressive as the locomotive, defiantly captured my interest. Thank you for taking the time to break everything down.

  • @ralphaverill2001
    @ralphaverill2001 3 года назад

    Well done! This is the best, most detailed, most understandable description of how these incredible machines work.
    Thank you.

  • @elektrosmokes1911
    @elektrosmokes1911 4 года назад +4

    Great video, Tom. Much appreciated.

  • @randalhuffman8827
    @randalhuffman8827 4 года назад +3

    Thank you, sir, for that awesome tour of that magnificent piece of engineering wonder.

  • @gordonmckerracher6852
    @gordonmckerracher6852 4 года назад +2

    That was awesome, thanks for taking the time to do it! So much information. I went to Disneyworld on holiday from here in the UK in the late 80s and brought home an HO model of one of these, still have it in it's box somewhere!

  • @Guspech750
    @Guspech750 4 года назад +2

    What an awesome video! So much info. I was glued to the screen!!

  • @robertdblack7179
    @robertdblack7179 4 года назад +4

    Brilliant film, fantasic information. Thank you for sharing such amazing machines.

  • @alexrobison19
    @alexrobison19 4 года назад +18

    13:20 is the exact reason why I love the sticks instead of the buttons. I try not wake up the whole damn city at night when I run. Great video

  • @BerraLJ
    @BerraLJ 4 года назад +2

    Love it in trainsim, the sound when you open the throttle is amazing :) 98ft long if i remember correctly, it is a beast.
    Thanks for the really good video, very informative and interesting, and you sure know your stuff.

  • @mt.rushmore7916
    @mt.rushmore7916 4 года назад +1

    Tom, I ran coal and freight for Burlington Northern out of Edgemont, SD beginning in 1976. In '78 or so, we were receiving 5-day-old SD 40-2's in our consists. We were also getting brand-new GE loco's as well. The paint in the cabs was still soft! These 645's still "arouse" me when I hear them run. They were and still are such BEAUTIFUL works of art. I could tell you all sorts of stories in my years out there. Anyway, thank you so much for your work here...I am very proud of your effort in this presentation. At that point in my life, I was actually LIVING on these....as I was never home....always on the road. It was so good to crawl up into one of these when it was 15 or 20 below out in Wyoming during the miserable winters. But, they were equally as miserable in the summer months during relentless heat.

    • @travelingtom923
      @travelingtom923  4 года назад

      I always considered the SD40-2 the greatest diesel locomotive of all time and I still do. I once met the designer for the locomotive and he said it was the perfect weight to horsepower locomotive. A engineer once told me "if you absolutely need to get a train somewhere on time put five SD40-2's on it".

  • @sesra5076
    @sesra5076 4 года назад +8

    An amazing amount of information here! Thank you!

  • @77thTrombone
    @77thTrombone 4 года назад +4

    Outstanding presentation, sir!
    Very well done.

  • @P61guy61
    @P61guy61 4 года назад +2

    This is a video I’ve been waiting for. Detailed information on my favorite diesel. Thank you!

  • @RocktCityTim
    @RocktCityTim 4 года назад +2

    I now feel qualified to drive one of these beasts! Thanks for the excellent history and walk- through.

  • @danielramsey1959
    @danielramsey1959 4 года назад +5

    Awesome! Locomotive reminds me of the tech involved with a Saturn V rocket.

  • @wernerdanler2742
    @wernerdanler2742 4 года назад +40

    I thought no way was I going to set through an hour and 40 minutes of probably shear boredom. I can't believe I sat through the whole thing glued to my screen and never bored!
    You said the air tanks would rust and have to be replaced which I get. But with no antifreeze in the engine cooling system that's all going to rust and clog up. You explained about the "dynamic braking system" but I still did not get it. Does turning the traction motors into generators like you said create enough drag on the wheels to slow the train down or even stop it? Those things on top where you said that juice goes, do they just turn that into heat like a resistor? Can't that be captured in batteries for later use?
    I can't believe these diesels are started by electric starters. I always thought they were started by compressed air.
    I worked aboard a ship in the navy in the 60s as a machinist mate and have always been fascinated by mechanical things like engines and things.

    • @railtrolley
      @railtrolley 4 года назад +4

      Dynamic brakes work very well. Most of the time they create an equivalent of more horsepower as a retarding force than the main engine makes for propulsion. And smooth control down a descent. This saves applying and releasing the air brakes, which would be hard to regulate speed, as the slack in the couplers could take up and release - creating a pushing and pulling action in the train. All that resistance does create alot of heat. Some electric only trains do send the electricity generated by their version of dynamic braking
      (regenerative braking) back into the overhead wires. Not really practical trying to capture and store the power in a diesel electric, which could be many miles and days away, from the yard. The starter motors mentioned in the video, I'm going to have to ask about. Might be to do with the DD having an AC alternator, and I'm thinking of a DC generator. I'm only familiar with the earlier Rootes-blown 567 series engines. The main DC generator was the starter motor, receiving power from the starting batteries to crank the engine over, then the generator reverted to powering the traction motors. AFAIK EMD loco engines never used compressed air starting.

    • @wernerdanler2742
      @wernerdanler2742 4 года назад +3

      @@railtrolley thanks my friend. I would love to crawl around this thing till I knew it inside and out. Electrical stuff is not my cup of tea just mechanical. Were there sleaves missing from the cylinders? When he showed the top of the deisel there was only a short wall and then a big open area or was that the extent of the piston travel?

    • @railtrolley
      @railtrolley 4 года назад +7

      @@wernerdanler2742 Same here. I would like to look at a loco which is 4 times the size of what I have worked on. The sleeves / piston units are missing on the DD, so he was showing us a complete engine on another loco with a 645 engine. Took me a while to understand the design EMD 2 stroke. It uses ports to receive the intake air. The exhaust is controlled via poppet valves - like a 4 stroke engine. And it uses a sump of lubricating oil and pump, instead of a total loss 2 stroke oil and fuel mixture - like most 2 strokes use. About the piston travel, on the video at about 45:30, you can see inside the lower side of the air box. The cylinder bore has slots in the side. These are air intake ports. The piston travels below these to open the port, and receive the charge of air. This is how far the pistons travel down. The piston then travels back past, to close the ports on the way up to firing the fuel/air mixture. The cylinders can be removed one at a time for servicing or repair. Each sleeve has the piston bore housing, piston, connecting rod, cylinder head, exhaust valves and injector as one unit. This is unlike most engines, where the one cylinder head covers all the cylinders on one bank, and has to be removed regardless of whether one cylinder, or all of them need repairing. The engine block is unusual too. Most blocks are cast as one piece, including the cylinder bore, and galleries to allow lubricating oil, and coolant. The EMD is fabricated from steel pieces, and does not have any cylinder bores, or oil, or water galleries. All these are separate add-ons, which can be replaced one at a time. The design is intended to be able to run the engine for a very long time. The "leg out of bed" - connecting rod punched out of the block, is usually fatal to a cast engine block. The EMD can be repaired if this happens.

    • @wernerdanler2742
      @wernerdanler2742 4 года назад +2

      @@railtrolley Thanks. This is similar to a large ship deisel engine I saw a video on a while back. They showed them replacing one of the separate cylinder heads. It was so large they had to use a crane in the engine room to move it. Took several hours to do it.
      I still wonder about the rusting in the cooling system.
      You were an engineer on one of these trains? As I said before, I was a machinist mate aboard a steam turbine naval vessel. That is the equivalent of an engineer in the merchant marine. I ran snd repaired steam turbines, steam powered generators and all auxiliary pumps. That was hot and dirty work.

    • @travelingtom923
      @travelingtom923  4 года назад +4

      Glad you enjoyed the video. Yes in dynamic braking the traction motors are turned into generators. I didn't go too much into it as this video was just getting longer and longer. Once they are turned into generators they take a considerable amount of force to move especially at higher speeds. This slows the train down. The energy from dynamic braking is put into a heat sink where it is cooled by fans. See this video ruclips.net/video/Gy4DCQoFYDI/видео.html
      Dynamic braking isn't very effective at about 12mph and under since the wheels are turning so slow. In the past electric locomotives would pump the electricity from the traction motors during dynamic braking back into the electrical system. The Milwaukee Road was famous for that. They claimed the locomotives coming down the hill are powering the locomotives going up the hill.

  • @spicyneuron
    @spicyneuron 3 года назад

    Most excellent overview of this beast. I'll be watching again in order to grasp the complexity of this locomotive. Thanks for doing this.

  • @Fleetwoodjohn
    @Fleetwoodjohn 4 года назад +1

    I never knew listening to a dude talking about a locomotive could be so interesting! You literally know everything about everything on there. Sharing that knowledge is very cool. Thanks!

  • @hance1976
    @hance1976 4 года назад +6

    This is the best most in depth look at a locomotive I have ever seen. THANK YOU !!!!!

  • @MrMopar413
    @MrMopar413 4 года назад +4

    Awesome video thanks, I learned a lot. As a retired heavy duty diesel mechanic I used to work on the river and we had one towboat with twin 649 EMD’s 12 cylinder engines a lot of the basics are the same. When it came in for a service job it took 6 mechanics to service both mains plus we had two Detroit Diesel engines for generators. I can’t remember how many 55 gallon drums of oil we used. We had remote oil filters containers that had double stack cartridges as you said a messy job. One thing if we dropped something into the bilge - tools etc we’d have to go fishing ; many a time I had oil up to my arm pits. Cleaning out those air box’s yucky and we had pre lube pumps that we ran to bring the engine up to a minimum oil pressure before the engine would roll over. Also we used similar temperatures sensors in our applications. This brought back a lot of memories. I was kind of weird being in the engine room of another towboat when the Western transportation Comet pulled up next to you it sounded like a diesel train locomotive but you where on water. The Western Comet could do a 20 barge tow without braking a sweat.

    • @travelingtom923
      @travelingtom923  4 года назад

      Would sure love to hear those twins when they were working hard. I worked in the shipyards in Seattle. We had a ferry with four EMD 645's (two on each end).

  • @ajloricco693
    @ajloricco693 4 года назад

    Thanks Tom, this was excellent. Top notch public service you are providing with all this info- and it’s very appreciated.

  • @robertdavis6708
    @robertdavis6708 Год назад

    One of the best explanations on a road engine I 've listened to. Thank you Sir for taking the time to educate us on this engine. WOW! I loved every minute of this video.

  • @lelandrogers1078
    @lelandrogers1078 4 года назад +9

    What a great video! I learned so much from it. Thank you for taking so much of your time.

  • @Fleetwoodjohn
    @Fleetwoodjohn 3 года назад +11

    Before the days of touchscreens. Actual levers, buttons and analog Guages!

  • @Davefromwisconsin
    @Davefromwisconsin 4 года назад +2

    The best damn locomotive tour ever. Up close and personal. 👍

  • @onemorething100
    @onemorething100 3 года назад +1

    Massive amount of Knowledge Explained in Easy to understand format. Thank You. Your love for your profession shows.

  • @dinopulizzi8481
    @dinopulizzi8481 4 года назад +3

    Informative Video , Thank You !

  • @gaius_enceladus
    @gaius_enceladus 4 года назад +3

    A masterpiece of engineering.

  • @blueherc
    @blueherc 4 года назад

    GREAT VIDEO! Thanks Tom! Now I know that when I see a locomotive coming down the tracks that there is so much more to it than what meets the eye! Great manually controlled machines like when I was an engineer on cargo ships a long time ago. The main marine diesel engines were also two stroke but they had one exhaust valve and not four and the valves were exposed at all times and manually lubricated by the Oiler every one hour. Now they are hydraulically controlled and computers control the engines. (I'm 74) From electromechanical to electronic.
    Thanks again for the video because I enjoyed it very much (I love trains) and I also learned a few things I did not know!