@asteinmann That tunnel is much older than that, it opened in 1853, Franklin Pierce was president, Lincoln had not been elected yet, slavery was still in practice, The Gadsden purchase took place to create what we know as the states of Arizona and New Mexico, bought from Mexico. That tunnel is old.
These folks work so hard, doing a dangerous and nerve racking job. They move the products that keep food on our tables and our cars moving down the road. Thank you to all our Rail Road workers for the many hours spent away from their family's, to make our lives easier. :~)
+jim B No sir. That tunnel is near Burnside Island on Lake Cumberland. This tunnel is about 95 miles to the south of there. This tunnel goes under the mountain from Tennessee into Kentucky, or vice versa.
Throughout the tunnel's entire history, I wonder how many FOOLS have tried walking through to get to the other side, but didn't get out of there fast enough? You would think there would be shelter holes built into the tunnel's ribs just like you'llsee in any rail haulage coal mine... that way workers who might be doing some kind of repair work inside can take cover upon an approaching train
Both videos pretty cool. Amazing to think this was dug basically by hand (blast & carry) and tall enough to get coal-fired steam locomotives through. Obviously had a lot of shoring to keep in use.
One day two drunks were seen crawling on their hands and knees between the rails. The first one said, "This is the longest stair case I ever had to climb." The second drunk said. " I don't mind the length but the handrails are two dang low."
I would like to see a vid from the outside of the train possibly from the walkway in the front looking back at the cab. Another cool shot would be to run ahead and show the train emerging from the opening.
What?...At first I thought maybe the railroad company was just doing a routine inspection of this tunnel. Until I saw at the end of the video there were freight cars being pulled thru there. It's amazing to see that this tunnel is still being used. So...is it too expensive or is it too dangerous to make the tunnel bigger?
what you seen was water droplets on the windscreen from when the train first entered the tunnel, it does look like someone crossing though, it played with my eyes a couple times.
Of course, this could only remind me of Henry Clay. When he was first elected to Congress, he had to travel all the way from Kentucky to Washington DC on horseback, primarily on dirt roads and forest trails. At that time, he dared to dream that the day would come when a real road, one perhaps resembling a Roman road, would allow him to make the trip more easily and quickly. Little did he realize at the time that by the time he retired, he would be able to make the trip on a train.
Why don't they widen the bore? That has to an operations headache; I'm surprised that hasn't been addressed. nice work on the video, and God bless you for what you do!
Got to agree my FARTHER was a trucker drove all over Europe from UK until 79 we moved down under he drove across Australia 4x would of been much more but MS got him had to give it up it Dam well killed the man died 2 yes ago 65 that's Dam young in my family way to young I've got discs out in my back and Dam pain killer have already taken toll shit im 49 best part I see my dad soon at least I pray to, so to all in the transport industry truck bus plain boat car train and anyone I've missed may God be your guide tonight and always see you home to family and friends bless you all even if your don't belive take my blessing as it's ment.......
Wow, awesome. There sure was no extra room if the train rocked, even a little. From the get go, you could "see the light at the end of the tunnel"... but it didn't seem to get any closer until very end of the video.
There was an eerie intimidation factor associated with that tunnel. But seemed like it was a pretty standard operating procedure....and not so much scary if you are in the business. Just another day? That tunnel has been around since 1897..I wonder if it will be around another 100 plus year or more...??? Great video for sure..
And Michael, for good reason was your uncle and the train crew nervous...Working the rail and tunnels has its own perils for sure. In addition the ventilation factor for the men to breath to ensure the crew's safety? Was there even a ventilation in that tunnel? Thanks for the quick response...All the best. Yes the light of day at the end!!!!...a sigh of relief...wow!!!
Those were great videos but I would never do that. It felt you were never going to hit daylight. How do they manage the trains as you said that goods trains do use them. When I was at Whittier Alaska, they had a system where trains could travel only at a certain number of hours one way and then the next set of hours you could travel in the other direction. Is that how this system works? Thank you
cctn2012 if you like stuff like this then I HIGHLY recommend a channel called Exploring Abandoned Mines. It's this group of people who go down into mines similar to this and explore.
I just read that the line tops its grade in the middle of the tunnel. Consequently, the exhaust fumes collect in the middle of the tunnel at the high point.
Was that a climb? How bad were the exhaust fumes? At that speed and small space it would seem like the exhaust could start getting pushed forwards into the cab.
If this is the tunnel.i think it is then you can see it from atop the breaks of the mountain in ky,the train looks so dam tiny from being up so high! Its a beautiful view of the land tho!
I guess I missed it "hitting the wall" on both videos (the day and the night one). I expected to hear a "bump" or a screeching as it dragged or something---where in the video did it "hit"?
First video at 3:39 the rock to the right hit the upper right side rain cover for the walk way. It bangs, but the train is way to heavy to really notice.
So how would NS respond to say a knuckle break or a train going into emergency while in the tunnel? In the case of a knuckle break, it doesn't look like there's any room to maneuver to replace a knuckle (and why would you want to in a tunnel anyways). Not a very likely scenario I know, but curiosity has gotten the better of me. Would they say get the engines out of the tunnel and in to fresh air, then send up a helper unit to push the cars out of the tunnel or is that not even possible?
The train crew would have to get back to the break, close the angle cock on the air line, pump up the train line to release the brakes, move the front part of the train out of the tunnel, replace the broken knuckle, move the front part of the train back to the rest and couple the couplings and air lines, open the angle cock, pump up the train line to release the train brakes, then move the train to continue the trip.
Ok I think I get it... so only the back engines are running in the tunnel or is this for the health of the engineer? (I can't tell as in the video both shown sound like they are running but I understand the point anyway so thanks!) Were there ever diesel's that had to run at low revs at low speeds like that? One way or another... Yik!
That depends on the type of steam engines used on the line, if it was articulated engines maybe even something as big as a Berkshire, I'd image they'd hit the walls on occasion, but that depends on the engines used.
Hi, where exactly is this tunnel located at?? I'm just curious as I used to work for a company that designed and manufactured track geometry equipment for RR companies, and I helped to install one of their systems in Maryville, Tenn. The company I now work for (Ansaldo-STS but it was formerly Union Switch & Signal) designs and manufactures switches, crossing guards, LED signals, and a whole lotta other equipment used by RR companies. Btw. my mom grew up in Monterrey, Tenn.and her dad worked for a RR company in that area, just don't know which one. I don't know the time frame he worked there either, but she's 86 now and it would have been sometime in the early 1930's or 1940's though. Thanks for the video's!
Being diagnosed as a claustrophobic, there is no way I would ever do this unless the railroad company provided you with a cyanide capsule in the event the tunnel should collapse and you are trapped inside. No way at all. If shit goes down you're a dead man. Better to go quickly then to have your mind explode in a claustrophobic fit. Amen
In a previous video, it's identified as the Cumberland Gap tunnel in Tennessee. That video describes the history of the tunnel. It is titled: "Train Passing Through Tight Tunnel Hits Wall. Scary Tunnel"
More probably is the answer to your questions. From the first part it was said rock falls are common so going slow will allow time to stop before hitting the rocks when seen.
It was filmed to show what the experience was like on board the train. A view only a few train employees would ever get to see. It scrapes the wall several times as it passes through. It bangs its way through the tunnel every time it passes through.
not a bad bit of driving on the drivers part how often do thy go throw the tunnel it would take skill & courage on the drivers part but like most things do it often enough & you get good at it
This is NS just South of Middlesboro, KY. About 10 years ago they were running to Bell County Coal, Apollo Coal, Blue Diamond Pipe(?) and maybe loading some coal cars at the Middlesboro yard. Not sure what is still loading these days.
Наука
Perhaps this is how they widen the tunnel - just keep putting slightly bigger trains through
Reaming out the tunnel... I suppose that would work if you had your trains coated in tungsten carbide.
lsbrother twss
MrBonners nope, trains nowadays are pretty strong.
lsbrother )
that would cost over a million sooo na the damage is worth i would say 1000 soo
my grandfather was a miner for 40 years in Pikeville, KY. He would have considered this an amusement ride
no doubt, Trebor. I'm sure he'd've used some saltier language than that, too.
i agree with you, i too am a coal miner from pike county ky. now live in tennessee
@@billman501 my grandfather was John D Shook - mined in Jenkins KY his whole life
This second video is much less claustrophobic than the first one.
Maybe because of the light coming from the end of the tunnel.
I didn't realize that I had claustrophobia until I watched the first one!
Is that light at the end of the tunnel or the headlight of the oncoming train🤣
imagine going through that in a steam engine fully loaded.
@asteinmann That tunnel is much older than that, it opened in 1853, Franklin Pierce was president, Lincoln had not been elected yet, slavery was still in practice, The Gadsden purchase took place to create what we know as the states of Arizona and New Mexico, bought from Mexico. That tunnel is old.
I was thinking about that too. You better move as quickly as possible, or you will suffocate for sure.
4501 pass-thru in the 70s. No problem
Got a sneaking suspicion you wouldn't be able to take any double-stack intermodal cars thru there.....
lvsluggo007 unfortunately it for coal only. I go there regularly and there’s coal alongside the tracks everywhere.
It would be a single stack by the time it comes out the other side...
Only coal runs outta middlesboro
These folks work so hard, doing a dangerous and nerve racking job. They move the products that keep food on our tables and our cars moving down the road. Thank you to all our Rail Road workers for the many hours spent away from their family's, to make our lives easier. :~)
The world need a few more Tina Smiths in it. Thanks again.
That's what you say until you're running late for work and get stuck behind one🤣🤣🤣
E.K. King fair point
This is easier to watch than the night one. The light at the end of the tunnel makes a HUGE DIFFERENCE
The end of the tunnel couldn't come fast enough. what a relief to come into daylight!
Yeah, it's definitely not a place to be if you happen to suffer from claustrophobia!
Those walking at the end was just amazing
The first time I walked this tunnel I was scared shitless. On the trip back it wasn't bad as I had a good beer buzz going. Lol
Brian Gentry Is this the same tunnel that I rode a Bayliner boat Thur when the water comes up at Burnside KY
+jim B No sir. That tunnel is near Burnside Island on Lake Cumberland. This tunnel is about 95 miles to the south of there. This tunnel goes under the mountain from Tennessee into Kentucky, or vice versa.
Brian Gentry where is this tunnel?
+Brian Gentry Ok. Have you been through tunnels 8 and 9 near East Bernstadt? Those are super creepy. Watch out for Old Caleb if you do go!
OK gotta hear it--who/what is "Old Caleb"?
Throughout the tunnel's entire history, I wonder how many FOOLS have tried walking through to get to the other side, but didn't get out of there fast enough? You would think there would be shelter holes built into the tunnel's ribs just like you'llsee in any rail haulage coal mine... that way workers who might be doing some kind of repair work inside can take cover upon an approaching train
That’s what the spikes areas are for…
They’re just barely wider than the flat walls with a slightly lower risk of being smeared!
Glad you posted a daytime video of this tunnel. Makes all the difference. IN A TUNNEL.
It gave perspective to the tunnels length, but your sarcasm is appreciated.
Both videos pretty cool.
Amazing to think this was dug basically by hand (blast & carry) and tall enough to get coal-fired steam locomotives through.
Obviously had a lot of shoring to keep in use.
Must have missed the Collison with the wall!😕
Imagine a rockslide from both ends.
Great video. Thank you for posting.
Where exactly does the train impact the tunnel wall? Yes, it does feel a little claustrophobic on the first video. Very cool to see. Thanks.
it maybe the crappy GE locomotive spewing engine parts out the exhaust.
Tell that to the GE engineers today, working on high power turbofan and turbojet engines. They'll laugh.
I believe they are laughing all the way to the bank!! as an EMD fan, i'm poking fun at those GE locomotives,famous for catching fire.
BORING
If it got stuck it would be something to worry about very boring.
NSA cannot spy on you there.
safe from FLIR too..........
thanks for the video dont think i could ride that one out lol.u have balls my friend.those ge sound amazing as well
that was intense and satisfying all in one
One day two drunks were seen crawling on their hands and knees between the rails. The first one said, "This is the longest stair case I ever had to climb." The second drunk said. " I don't mind the length but the handrails are two dang low."
Good one Geezer.
Wonderful training. Cheers!
I would like to see a vid from the outside of the train possibly from the walkway in the front looking back at the cab. Another cool shot would be to run ahead and show the train emerging from the opening.
that's one place you'd hate to derail.
just like the Howard street tunnel in Baltimore,Maryland,in 2001.
Not my idea of a pleasant Sunday afternoon drive! 69 years ago I went through a tight tunnel and don't want to do it again! Thanks for the video.
Thank you for watching and for leaving a kind comment. Not to many of those being posted.
what happened did u scrape the wall?
69 with tight huh?
Jeffry Blackmon you know you love those tight tunnels.....
What?...At first I thought maybe the railroad company was just doing a routine inspection of this tunnel. Until I saw at the end of the video there were freight cars being pulled thru there. It's amazing to see that this tunnel is still being used. So...is it too expensive or is it too dangerous to make the tunnel bigger?
DF?? Am I the only one who sees what looks like the ghostly figure of a man crossing the track @ 1:02 ??
mistofoles I thinks it's a smear on the windscreen
possibly a reflection on the windscreen?
The tunnel is said to be haunted.
what you seen was water droplets on the windscreen from when the train first entered the tunnel, it does look like someone crossing though, it played with my eyes a couple times.
That was the engineer masturbating at the front of the train. His jizz flew up into the air.
This could be an interesting salvageoperation when a train derails in such a tight spot
imagine meeting another train coming from the other direction!!
Of course, this could only remind me of Henry Clay. When he was first elected to Congress, he had to travel all the way from Kentucky to Washington DC on horseback, primarily on dirt roads and forest trails. At that time, he dared to dream that the day would come when a real road, one perhaps resembling a Roman road, would allow him to make the trip more easily and quickly. Little did he realize at the time that by the time he retired, he would be able to make the trip on a train.
Reminds me of that MRI I had done. Nice vid!
Reminds me of my colonoscopy a few years ago.😯
Damn, that's scary as hell! Can you imagine derailing in that sucker? If you can't make it out the front access door, your screwed!
awsome video. Makes me pucker up just watching.
When did it hit the wall
Why don't they widen the bore? That has to an operations headache; I'm surprised that hasn't been addressed. nice work on the video, and God bless you for what you do!
Got to agree my FARTHER was a trucker drove all over Europe from UK until 79 we moved down under he drove across Australia 4x would of been much more but MS got him had to give it up it Dam well killed the man died 2 yes ago 65 that's Dam young in my family way to young I've got discs out in my back and Dam pain killer have already taken toll shit im 49 best part I see my dad soon at least I pray to, so to all in the transport industry truck bus plain boat car train and anyone I've missed may God be your guide tonight and always see you home to family and friends bless you all even if your don't belive take my blessing as it's ment.......
When she tells you to go in gently
Man on CN when taking trains to Sarnia, ON, our tunnel is good for up to about 60 mph going down at a 2% grade down underneath the St. Clair River
cool video I will have to hike it when I am down in that area
Wow, awesome. There sure was no extra room if the train rocked, even a little. From the get go, you could "see the light at the end of the tunnel"... but it didn't seem to get any closer until very end of the video.
I went through several tunnels riding Amtrak from Sacramento to Elko, Nevada. It didn't bother me at all.
There was an eerie intimidation factor associated with that tunnel. But seemed like it was a pretty standard operating procedure....and not so much scary if you are in the business. Just another day? That tunnel has been around since 1897..I wonder if it will be around another 100 plus year or more...??? Great video for sure..
Thanks Lynn. This tunnel always made my brother nervous. When that engine comes out the other side everyone on board would have a sigh of relief.
And Michael, for good reason was your uncle and the train crew nervous...Working the rail and tunnels has its own perils for sure. In addition the ventilation factor for the men to breath to ensure the crew's safety? Was there even a ventilation in that tunnel? Thanks for the quick response...All the best. Yes the light of day at the end!!!!...a sigh of relief...wow!!!
At least there's a light at the end of this tunnel, although it never seems to get any closer.
Nice video
Thanks Cody
Those were great videos but I would never do that. It felt you were never going to hit daylight. How do they manage the trains as you said that goods trains do use them. When I was at Whittier Alaska, they had a system where trains could travel only at a certain number of hours one way and then the next set of hours you could travel in the other direction. Is that how this system works? Thank you
Man i would love to go through that tunnel cool video thanks!
cctn2012 if you like stuff like this then I HIGHLY recommend a channel called Exploring Abandoned Mines. It's this group of people who go down into mines similar to this and explore.
will do man thanks!
and they find gold too.
Less scary than at night! At least you can literally see the light at the end of the tunnel...
When was this filmed?
I just read that the line tops its grade in the middle of the tunnel. Consequently, the exhaust fumes collect in the middle of the tunnel at the high point.
Sounds like a tunnel that will force crews to carry touch-up paint onboard when they get out the other side.
so at what minute/second did the train actually make contact with the wall? I'd like to go back and watch
Engineer: Cumberland Gap? You mean there's a gap . Then why the hell are we going thru this tunnel ?
I never knew locomotive chairs looked like office chairs
Is this the line that goes to Middlesboro, KY?
I'll take my day job... respect!
Looks as narrow as the ex-CofG Oak Mountain and Leeds tunnels in Alabama on the NS P Line.
Scary but so much fun. Thank you
Thanks Bette for watching and leaving a kind comment.
so where exactly doe it hit the tunnel?
Was that a climb? How bad were the exhaust fumes? At that speed and small space it would seem like the exhaust could start getting pushed forwards into the cab.
where do we see the train hitting anything?
I like that NFS has black disels. To me, it's like a throwback to the old days.
How long is that tunnel?
Cool video! You don’t see this everyday rail fanning!
Why don't they build a new wider tunnel?
how long is that tunnel?
If this is the tunnel.i think it is then you can see it from atop the breaks of the mountain in ky,the train looks so dam tiny from being up so high! Its a beautiful view of the land tho!
Just wow!
DAMN!!! you took you're hand off of the steering wheel for at least 1 full minute at the end of the video lol
Thug life. lol
Since when have trains had steering wheels?! lol!
--there's an app for that!
-----there's an app for that too!!!---------
Trains have steering wheels now? Do they also look like big buses? Do they also go on the road? Am I asking too many questions??
...and where was the "hits wall" part?
It's like Alice looking through the looking glass! Looks like the tunnels kept getting smaller! Do they still use this old tunnel?
It is still used to this day.
I guess I missed it "hitting the wall" on both videos (the day and the night one). I expected to hear a "bump" or a screeching as it dragged or something---where in the video did it "hit"?
First video at 3:39 the rock to the right hit the upper right side rain cover for the walk way. It bangs, but the train is way to heavy to really notice.
@@mca0824 thanks!! Watching these in 2021 lol
So how would NS respond to say a knuckle break or a train going into emergency while in the tunnel? In the case of a knuckle break, it doesn't look like there's any room to maneuver to replace a knuckle (and why would you want to in a tunnel anyways). Not a very likely scenario I know, but curiosity has gotten the better of me. Would they say get the engines out of the tunnel and in to fresh air, then send up a helper unit to push the cars out of the tunnel or is that not even possible?
The train crew would have to get back to the break, close the angle cock on the air line, pump up the train line to release the brakes, move the front part of the train out of the tunnel, replace the broken knuckle, move the front part of the train back to the rest and couple the couplings and air lines, open the angle cock, pump up the train line to release the train brakes, then move the train to continue the trip.
Guess the parts of the tunnel that aren't wide enough will be one way or another! Checking for damage at the end? Great video!
wdavem, he was switching engines because the back engines will take in fumes while in a tunnel.
Ok I think I get it... so only the back engines are running in the tunnel or is this for the health of the engineer? (I can't tell as in the video both shown sound like they are running but I understand the point anyway so thanks!) Were there ever diesel's that had to run at low revs at low speeds like that? One way or another... Yik!
What was it like when the steam trains went through?
The steam engines were a lot smaller and could go through the tunnel at a greater speed than these giant engines they use now.
That depends on the type of steam engines used on the line, if it was articulated engines maybe even something as big as a Berkshire, I'd image they'd hit the walls on occasion, but that depends on the engines used.
That was the reason Southern Pacific built the AC series cab forwards for then tunnels crossing (through) the Sierra Nevada mountains.
and i thought someone built those locomotives backwards by accident!!
Peppa woods
Hi, where exactly is this tunnel located at?? I'm just curious as I used to work for a company that designed and manufactured track geometry equipment for RR companies, and I helped to install one of their systems in Maryville, Tenn. The company I now work for (Ansaldo-STS but it was formerly Union Switch & Signal) designs and manufactures switches, crossing guards, LED signals, and a whole lotta other equipment used by RR companies.
Btw. my mom grew up in Monterrey, Tenn.and her dad worked for a RR company in that area, just don't know which one. I don't know the time frame he worked there either, but she's 86 now and it would have been sometime in the early 1930's or 1940's though. Thanks for the video's!
This is Cumberland Gap tunnel, it is located at the corner of Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia.
mca0824 more like "Cumbersome in the Gap" tunnel
this is why airplanes got popular!
People use to drive wagons through this tunnel. Can you imagine that ?
yes turn those headlights on so you can see where the train is taking you the train might go over a cliff if you dont turn those train lights on.
I know it's the original tunnel but they desperately need to widen and raise it.
and have the Mexicans pay for it LOL
Being diagnosed as a claustrophobic, there is no way I would ever do this unless the railroad company provided you with a cyanide capsule in the event the tunnel should collapse and you are trapped inside. No way at all. If shit goes down you're a dead man. Better to go quickly then to have your mind explode in a claustrophobic fit. Amen
Should have been shoving the UP-Exp101 Tunnel Stretcher ahead of the train . . .
Did I miss the "hitting the wall" part? Also, try turning the auto-focus off next time.
Whereabouts is this tunnel, is it in the UK or elsewhere ?
In a previous video, it's identified as the Cumberland Gap tunnel in Tennessee. That video describes the history of the tunnel. It is titled: "Train Passing Through Tight Tunnel Hits Wall. Scary Tunnel"
Why would going too fast cause derailment? Is it because there's side to side rocking with higher speed?
More probably is the answer to your questions. From the first part it was said rock falls are common so going slow will allow time to stop before hitting the rocks when seen.
Does trainmaster Bill know you're playing with yer phone whilst on duty?
lol
the NSA didn't see them...
I see there's no adits in the tunnel walls. If you're in there and a train comes - you're dead.
I've been more scared in a traffic hold up. BTW when did the train hit wall?
Misleading title.
Its almost hitting the wall not completely hitting the wall of the train hit the wall completely the train will get stuck
does anyone else find it hard to breathe while watching this?
4:53 hour welcome
definitely earn your money on this run
wow that's spooky
looks the same as going thru at night. lol
Why is this being filmed in the first place. Secondly, where/when did the train hit the wall? I never saw it.
It was filmed to show what the experience was like on board the train. A view only a few train employees would ever get to see. It scrapes the wall several times as it passes through. It bangs its way through the tunnel every time it passes through.
what happens if you go too fast through the tunnel?
The train will derail.
not a bad bit of driving on the drivers part
how often do thy go throw the tunnel
it would take skill & courage on the drivers part
but like most things do it often enough & you get good at it
Fits the description of death.
3:39 did you see that ghost light proof that it’s haunted at the right top
I must have missed it.
The light at the end of the tunnel just light at the end of the tunnel.
Cumberland gap Virginia???
bridgehunter.com/tn/claiborne/bh42570/
are you the conductor, or the engineer?
Conductor for this trip. Depends on the day and who is on the board.
Didn't see any air vents, along the tunnel.
What is the purpose for using this "super dangerous" tunnel? freight trains? public trains or both? Also is this Norfolk USA or UK?
This track goes from Kentucky to Tennessee and is used to haul coal and logs. I do not believe any passenger trains use this tunnel.
Is this NS or CSX?
This is NS just South of Middlesboro, KY. About 10 years ago they were running to Bell County Coal, Apollo Coal, Blue Diamond Pipe(?) and maybe loading some coal cars at the Middlesboro yard. Not sure what is still loading these days.
When you make just a 2x1 tunnel in Minecraft