It’s because EMD overbuilt their locomotives, and the 50yr old SD’s and Geeps are inherently simpler than the Dash-8’s, so there’s less stuff that can fail.
That highway shot was the best. Clouds in the back, pieces of history in front. I think BNSF should paint some heritage locomotives with Santa Fe paint schemes.
@@beeble2003ain’t it the other way around cuz I never see the Santa fe blue or BN green but I always see at least one warbonnet most every time I’m railfanning
@@TheArizonaRailfan Must just be how it is in your area. I'm pretty sure there are a lot more blues and greens on the network as a whole than warbonnets, but they're mostly Geeps and SD40s, so they're not going to travel far from home.
@@beeble2003 I live right along the Phoenix sub and see the occasional Warbonnet tugging along behind an H2 or H3, but never a Freightbonnet, or H1/H4 for that matter. I did see a pair of BN green SD40-2s once in Glendale, that's about it.
Up here in Minnesota, there are two warbonnet that have been coupled together for over a year now working various different locals and road freights in the Twin Cities area. BNSF 558 and 542
Fyi, BNSF Chicago division conductor here, engine 554 is currently being used as yard power in Eola/Aurora yard. I was on it a couple of times last week.
Gotta whole bunch of BNSF standards cab dash 8, atsf dash 8, 9. Every locomotive you think is rare is sitting on storage tracks in bulk down here in Galveston TX.
Love the Santa Fe content... However being from central Massachusetts originally I would like to thank you for the Providence and Worcester shot at the end... Stay safe, Tim
Atleast BNSF donated 537 to RRHMA, so atleast this GE model shouldn’t face the risk of extinction. Besides, I won’t be surprised if RRHMA repaints it back into its original warbonnet scheme
One fact that needs to be mentioned (constantly) is the the term "wide cab" does not refer to the width of the cab, but the length. Most rail fans get this wrong. Proof? Look that the measurements of the standard cab versus the wide cab. They are exactly the same width wise, but not length...get it!?!
W BNSF for redoing the lettering on 552 instead on repainting it into H4, 11:39 btw this was the same lash up on MCHIGAL on august 12th, it had an SD75I as well which hardly ever come to Chicago so I’m glad I caught it
Very nice video! Here in Washington State, we used to have two Dash 8s, but were retired in the late 2010s. They were BNSF 505 (B40-8W) and my favorite BNSF 563 (B40-8) with an awesome RS3L.
I was very fortunate to catch 3 B40-8Ws in recent years: BNSF #539, BNSF #529, and ex-AOK #578 (BNSF #578) in Belen, NM and El Paso, TX. I also caught some AZER B39-8 and B40-8s in Lordsburg, NM.
Being close to West Quincy, Missouri and railfan the man Ive seen 552 many times! I just love seeing it and look for it! Takes me back to those days of that paint scheme!! Thanks for the vid
Those are some great shots! I’ve never seen a Warbonnet dash 8 or 9 before, but I do remember spotting a BNSF own fakebonnet pass by TVRM earlier this spring. I believe it was 736. Even still, I’d to see a Warbonnet in service one day, and whatever of the dash 8s still in service for that matter, who knows.
You must live in eastern U.S. Right? Well now, go to Galesburg, IL or Northtown, MN BNSF yards! There are the "Classic" ATSF Warbonnets! I went to MN in May 2024 with "Railfan" Gary Sample to chase CP 2816 on the "Final Spike" steam train! I checked out Northtown Yard and was amazed to see a few "Warbonnets" working the yard as "Yard Goats" now with RCO! This is not what I expected to see. Kind of sad that the pride of the fleet for ATSF, the "Super Fleet" is now relegated to yards and locals. This was the most ATSF painted engines I have seen in years though! Stored in Northtown seemed like over 200 locos! Many types of engines. The only "Warbonnets" here were the BNSF ones and just a few! I also went to Illinois and Iowa to catch CP 2816 returning from Mexico in June/July with my great friend "Mazon!" We saw CP 2816 working at Silvis, IL Railroading Heritage of Midwest America shops! During the shop tour we saw ex BNSF/ATSF B40-8W # 537! This engine will be restored to fresh ATSF "Warbonnet" colors which is amazing! WOW, I cannot wait for this to happen! We to Galesburg, IL for 2024 "Railroad Days!" Did the "VIP" bus tour. My first time to Galesburg since 2005. Saw many "Warbonnets" here. Some were switching and more sitting in the yard! Probably at least 10 "Warbonnets" seen! All of these are C44-9Ws, many with RCO! Good to find SD40-2B # 302 switching the hump in BN green paint! At the yard by the shops was BNSF SD40-2 # 1790 in BN "Cascade Green!" Wow! BNSF has been around longer than BN even existed! I saw an ex ATSF B40-8W in BNSF H2 paint sitting. Even a GP60B in BNSF H1! Hey, displayed at the Amtrak station was BNSF "Warbonnet" C44-9W # 720! What do you think of these? Sure they were built for BNSF in 1997, but sure look nice! Santa Fe ordered these before the official merging which is why they were delivered in these colors. Even the nose had "Santa Fe" lettering! Amazing BNSF did not have a newer engine on display like usual. Also, the 700 series GEs colors look better. They are only three years newer than the others, but look much better. Even better than the 600 series did at the same age. Maybe GE used better paint here. It is true that this stuff survives in 2024, including lots of green ex BN engines! 😁 😉 😉 😁
I live on a property on tomah rd crossing in colorado and I seen at least one every now and then. I was fortunate enough to see a bunch of guys sitting at the crossing getting ready to take pictures of the new engines so I got to take my atv down to my fence line right up next to the tracks
interesting. Here in WI we rarely see B Units from BNSF or CN on their trackage (at least what I've seen). Super cool to see them on the road! @@Southern_Plains_Railfan
Golden windmill back in the late 70s was a bar and grill for a period of time! Since then it has become a historical site! Pretty cool to see the old wooden mechanisms that make the mill work with wind power! Golden is a great railfan spit for catching and watching trains! West Quincy used to be too until 9/11.
We couldn't go past the yard entrances anymore! Still in effect! There used to be a rail station there! You could drive back to the station or even past it and across the yard track that came out on to another road! After the 93 flood which flooded West Quincy for months the demolished the station but we were still allowed to park and watch trains! After 9/11 that all came to an end for security reasons
I was conductor on a CSX train years ago and I asked the Old Head Engineer which engine he liked best. He said a B40-8, he said it wouldn't quit loading. I liked any thing GE and I liked the soft ride also of the B40-8, that's all we had then of the modern GE's.
Still a good few around Minneapolis and Northtown Yard. I’ve seen them on locals, yard switchers, and even the hump job just in the last year. And that’s just the red & silver ones…
6:45 The train crew treat the FRED the same way as the yard crews did when I worked on the trains years ago ( New Zealand)...didn't take long before the Fred's started failing due the the rough handling
@@SpecificationR Apologies for my late...comment. It seemed to be a culture within the Railways here( New Zealand). Certain staff members just didn't care how they treated equipment .
Back in late April of this year, I had the honor of seeing 552 on BNSF H-GALTUL. I knew they were rare, but I didn’t know how rare they became now. Gonna be sad when they disappear
Providence and Worcester has some former ATSF B40-8Ws of the former superfleet out here they have no longer atsf paint but they are still kickin here today and look quite good in p&ws brown white and orange
Yet another Incredibly Interesting and Not Covered Subject. You’re Right about Not Many exist in Operation most of which on Short(er) Regular Runs. Thanks! 👍🙏
542 has been working the Monticello sub. NW of Minneapolis all summer. It’s been lashed up with another war bonnet too. I believe that one says bnsf instead of Santa Fe though. If it wasn’t for your videos I probably never would have noticed.
5:35 I don't think it's accurate to say that a four-axle locomotive "can accelerate trains very quickly". Accelerating a train requires high force, but the force that can be applied to the rails is limited by the friction between the wheels and rails -- too much force and the wheels will slip. A four-axle locomotive only has eight points of contact with the rails, whereas a six-axle locomotive has twelve. That means that a six-axle locomotive can exert more force and should be able to accelerate a train faster. It's also why a train that two SD40s (total 6000hp) can only just get moving would require three GP40s (total 9000hp). The point of high-power four-axle units is high speed. The relevant equation from physics is that power = force * speed. The high power of the unit allows it to continue to exert its force at higher speed; a six-axle unit exerts more force so would run at lower speed at full power. Essentially, top speed is a function of horsepower per axle. Power = force * speed means that the B40-8s are badly suited to local service. At low speed, running at full power would put so much force through the wheel-rail interface that the wheels would spin. GP50s (3600hp) and, as I recall, even GP40-2s (3000hp) are actually power-limited at low speed, and will only do something like 2000hp up to 15mph. Probably the B40-8s have a similar system (and the GP60s).
BNSF 549 still wears Santa Fe colors. Its been sitting at Murray Yard in North Kansas City, Missouri for a few years now. I don't think it'll see service again in Santa Fe colors if even.
@@eccotheorca7745 I wish I could buy her and turn her into my apartment! I love Galveston, was born at St. Mary's even! I've been back there many times, too, but haven't lived there since '94. "Maine" said to say "Hello" for it. 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃
Two of these, 558 (Fake Bonnet) and 542 (War Bonnet), are MU’d together without any other additional power and are regularly running between the Twin Cities and Superior. Would be a great catch for your videos if your in the area.
I really enjoy your videos. I saw BNSF 539 (wide cab) between Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska in Nov 2022 and Feb 2023. Two B39-8's (standard cab) numbers 594 and 576 are in the storage line in Lincoln as of Jun 2023.
Wish we had power like that on the El Paso Sub! I have to drive 3½ hours to Belen just to see anything interesting! The line only sees about 5-10 trains a day, anyway.
Found your channel a while back and have been enjoying your content. SE IA was my old stomping grounds so appreciate the coverage. BTW,,, it was mentioned earlier, but will repeat in case you missed it, Ottumwa is locally pronounced "uh-TUM-wa". Keep up the great work!
wow great video man. its sad ill never see a warbonnet dash 8 before they go away. I always wanted to see one for my grandpa. he never saw them but wanted to really bad
I went to Illinois and Iowa to catch CP 2816 returning from Mexico in June/July with my great friend "Mazon!" We saw CP 2816 working at Silvis, IL Railroading Heritage of Midwest America shops! During the shop tour we saw ex BNSF/ATSF B40-8W # 537! This engine will be restored to fresh ATSF "Warbonnet" colors which is amazing! WOW, I cannot wait for this to happen! We to Galesburg, IL for 2024 "Railroad Days!" Did the "VIP" bus tour. My first time to Galesburg since 2005. Saw many "Warbonnets" here. Some were switching and more sitting in the yard! Probably at least 10 "Warbonnets" seen! All of these are C44-9Ws, many with RCO! Good to find SD40-2B # 302 switching the hump in BN green paint! At the yard by the shops was BNSF SD40-2 # 1790 in BN "Cascade Green!" Wow! BNSF has been around longer than BN even existed! I saw an ex ATSF B40-8W in BNSF H2 paint sitting. Even a GP60B in BNSF H1! Hey, displayed at the Amtrak station was BNSF "Warbonnet" C44-9W # 720! What do you think of these? Sure they were built for BNSF in 1997, but sure look nice! Santa Fe ordered these before the official merging which is why they were delivered in these colors. Even the nose had "Santa Fe" lettering! Amazing BNSF did not have a newer engine on display like usual. Also, the 700 series GEs colors look better. They are only three years newer than the others, but look much better. Even better than the 600 series did at the same age. Maybe GE used better paint here. RJ
The send set 560-583 weren't even supposed to be built even. Santa Fe wanted B40-8B units like they'd gotten with the 60Ms and 60Bs however GE stated that they'd be able to get 23 more wide cab units for what they're looking to spend just for the first 8 booster units. So they canceled all the booster units and grabbed 23 more cab units. The second group even had the gullwing style of cab roof like the C40-8Ws they got for the York coal mine service.
I went to Illinois and Iowa to catch CP 2816 returning from Mexico in June/July with my great friend "Mazon!" We saw CP 2816 working at Silvis, IL Railroading Heritage of Midwest America shops! During the shop tour we saw ex BNSF/ATSF B40-8W # 537! This engine will be restored to fresh ATSF "Warbonnet" colors which is amazing! WOW, I cannot wait for this to happen! We to Galesburg, IL for 2024 "Railroad Days!" Did the "VIP" bus tour. My first time to Galesburg since 2005. Saw many "Warbonnets" here. Some were switching and more sitting in the yard! Probably at least 10 "Warbonnets" seen! All of these are C44-9Ws, many with RCO! Good to find SD40-2B # 302 switching the hump in BN green paint! At the yard by the shops was BNSF SD40-2 # 1790 in BN "Cascade Green!" Wow! BNSF has been around longer than BN even existed! I saw an ex ATSF B40-8W in BNSF H2 paint sitting. Even a GP60B in BNSF H1! Hey, displayed at the Amtrak station was BNSF "Warbonnet" C44-9W # 720! What do you think of these? Sure they were built for BNSF in 1997, but sure look nice! Santa Fe ordered these before the official merging which is why they were delivered in these colors. Even the nose had "Santa Fe" lettering! Amazing BNSF did not have a newer engine on display like usual. Also, the 700 series GEs colors look better. They are only three years newer than the others, but look much better. Even better than the 600 series did at the same age. Maybe GE used better paint here. Also when I was 11 years old in 1994 I rode the Amtrak Southwest Chief between Chicago and Flagstaff, AZ. That was cool to ride the rails of ATSF while it still existed! My late Dad (RCJ I) was reading an article about BN and ATSF merging! I was amazed at that! Glad I rode this train! The official combination of ATSF and BN was December 31, 1996. • • RJ
First comment in awhile but..i’ve come to say a B40-8W has been preserved! BNSF 537. It’s in H2 but will thankfully be repainted back into ATSF colors. So thank goodness one has been preserved.
Yes this will be awesome! Ex BNSF 537 is at the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America. This is at the old Rock Island Silvis, IL shops! 537 is in primer paint and will soon be repainted into "Fresh" ATSF "Warbonnet" colors! YES!!!!! 😁 I attended the "Walk Amongst the Giants" fundraiser Silvis shop tour event with my great friend "Mazon!" We are from Michigan! The tour was great and we also saw CP 2816 steam loco doing demonstration runs! Now, I cannot wait for B40-8W # 537 to be unveiled! Man it has been years since any of these "Super Fleet" locos have been fresh!!!! YES!!!! We to Galesburg, IL for 2024 "Railroad Days!" Did the "VIP" bus tour. My first time to Galesburg since 2005. Saw many "Warbonnets" here. Some were switching and more sitting in the yard! Probably at least 10 "Warbonnets" seen! All of these are C44-9Ws, many with RCO! Good to find SD40-2B # 302 switching the hump in BN green paint! At the yard by the shops was BNSF SD40-2 # 1790 in BN "Cascade Green!" Wow! BNSF has been around longer than BN even existed! I saw an ex ATSF B40-8W in BNSF H2 paint sitting. Even a GP60B in BNSF H1! Hey, displayed at the Amtrak station was BNSF "Warbonnet" C44-9W # 720! What do you think of these? Sure they were built for BNSF in 1997, but sure look nice! Santa Fe ordered these before the official merging which is why they were delivered in these colors. Even the nose had "Santa Fe" lettering! Amazing BNSF did not have a newer engine on display like usual. Also, the 700 series GEs colors look better. They are only three years newer than the others, but look much better. Even better than the 600 series did at the same age. Maybe GE used better paint here. Also when I was 11 years old in 1994 I rode the Amtrak Southwest Chief between Chicago and Flagstaff, AZ. That was cool to ride the rails of ATSF while it still existed! My late Dad (RCJ I) was reading an article about BN and ATSF merging! I was amazed at that! Glad I rode this train! The official combination of ATSF and BN was December 31, 1996. RJ
It’s still kinda of a letdown BNSF retired all the C40-8Ws back in 2014, and most of which are still in storage rotting away to an uncertain fate. (likely scrap) we need one of those preserved, but I’m satisfied they donated 537 which is a big win! I was about to ask why they only partially repainted 552 when they could have just done the whole thing, until I quickly remembered it wasn’t necessary. I do know 524 is gonna be scrapped eventually, although I thought 555 was already gone considering how rough it looks now.
@@zacharycalgher3978 Let's hope those donations pull though. :) After all... it would be an even more amazing win for die hard Santa Fe fans such as myself. X3
BNSF 549 is parked in Murray Yard in North Kansas City and still retains its Warbonnet with Santa Fe lettering. We can also anticipate recently preserved 537 to be returned to the Warbonnet scheme in Silvis.
Well done! Great coverage with some excellent motive power You should definitely try to get back up here to Minnesota within the next few months, because 558 (possibly 542 as well) is slated for scrap within the next 6 months, and 6 months is if we're lucky. If 558 is heading for the torch, it's almost certain 542 will follow, too.
I hope to one day catch a glimpse of an ATSF B40-8W before they're gone for good. They're nowhere near where I live (SD75I's and SD75M's dominate this area), and the ones that reside where I grew up are all painted H3.
I went to Illinois and Iowa to catch CP 2816 returning from Mexico in June/July with my great friend "Mazon!" We saw CP 2816 working at Silvis, IL Railroading Heritage of Midwest America shops! During the shop tour we saw ex BNSF/ATSF B40-8W # 537! This engine will be restored to fresh ATSF "Warbonnet" colors which is amazing! WOW, I cannot wait for this to happen! We to Galesburg, IL for 2024 "Railroad Days!" Did the "VIP" bus tour. My first time to Galesburg since 2005. Saw many "Warbonnets" here. Some were switching and more sitting in the yard! Probably at least 10 "Warbonnets" seen! All of these are C44-9Ws, many with RCO! Good to find SD40-2B # 302 switching the hump in BN green paint! At the yard by the shops was BNSF SD40-2 # 1790 in BN "Cascade Green!" Wow! BNSF has been around longer than BN even existed! I saw an ex ATSF B40-8W in BNSF H2 paint sitting. Even a GP60B in BNSF H1! Hey, displayed at the Amtrak station was BNSF "Warbonnet" C44-9W # 720! What do you think of these? Sure they were built for BNSF in 1997, but sure look nice! Santa Fe ordered these before the official merging which is why they were delivered in these colors. Even the nose had "Santa Fe" lettering! Amazing BNSF did not have a newer engine on display like usual. Also, the 700 series GEs colors look better. They are only three years newer than the others, but look much better. Even better than the 600 series did at the same age. Maybe GE used better paint here. RJ
@@trains2495 Galesburg is definitely on my bucket list. I just got done railfanning the Cajon Pass the last few days, and wow! I have never actually taken the time to railfan the area while I was growing up in Bakersfield and I really wish I did. I've been to the Mojave Narrows campground a couple times, but that was about the extent of my experience with the Pass until very recently.
9:55 The blue "BNSF" lettering on the cab of 1670 was presumably supposed to go on a Santa Fe yellowbonnet. I guess they either didn't have any white letters in stock or goofed and used the wrong colour. It's only on one side, too (see 10:45).
As a CN/Via/GO railfan, I caught a Dash 8 once, at Oshawa GO I caught a former UP C40-8, seeing these old units get put in storage and scrapped is pretty bad, railroads should rebuild the Dash 8 like they are doing with the Dash 9.
The town of Ottumwa Iowa is pronounced "O-tum-wa" with the stress on the second syllable. This is so cool to see Iowa and Illinois BNSF represented here!
I’ve got the oil cooler out of the 567 replacing gaskets to stop oil leaks. Hopefully my gaskets come in next week so I can put her back together. Then I will MU her back to the 581 and our set on the AOK in SE Oklahoma will be ready for service again.
I saw a fakebonnet a year or two ago, it was 701. Though its been too long since I last saw an ATSF in its original paint. The only good catches I get are the executive mac's that I still see to this day in my area.
Mikey, there are still bunches of former ATSF "Warbonnets" still with "Santa Fe" lettering! ! All the EMD Warbonnets are gone from BNSF. The SD75Ms are all stricken from the roster. Too bad all the GP60Ms are repainted to BNSF "Swoosh." Those have been rebuilt and will last longer, but this is progress. There are still GP60Bs, but those are all in H1 BNSF and still working! The only EMD ATSF painted units left on BNSF in 2024 are "Bluebonnets!" They look fairly good and that paint has survived much better! We get lots of variety on BNSF! I am glad to see BN engines too! Those have lasted well, including lots of "Whiteface" units and are all EMDs! OK, I went to MN in May with "Railfan" Gary Sample to chase CP 2816 on the "Final Spike" steam train! I checked out Northtown Yard and was amazed to see a few "Warbonnets" working the yard as "Yard Goats" now with RCO! This is not what I expected to see. Kind of sad that the pride of the fleet for ATSF, the "Super Fleet" is now relegated to yards and locals. This was the most ATSF painted engines I have seen in years though! Stored in Northtown seemed like over 200 locos! Many types of engines. The only "Warbonnets" here were the BNSF ones and just a few. There were some BN "Whiteface" engines and "Grinstein" SD70MACs! This trip was great and my first time by vehicle to MN since 2004! I went to Illinois and Iowa to catch CP 2816 returning from Mexico in June/July with my great friend "Mazon!" We saw CP 2816 working at Silvis, IL Railroading Heritage of Midwest America shops! During the shop tour we saw ex BNSF/ATSF B40-8W # 537! This engine will be restored to fresh ATSF "Warbonnet" colors which is amazing! WOW, I cannot wait for this to happen! We to Galesburg, IL for 2024 "Railroad Days!" Did the "VIP" bus tour. My first time to Galesburg since 2005. Saw many "Warbonnets" here. Some were switching and more sitting in the yard! Probably at least 10 "Warbonnets" seen! All of these are C44-9Ws, many with RCO! Good to find SD40-2B # 302 switching the hump in BN green paint! At the yard by the shops was BNSF SD40-2 # 1790 in BN "Cascade Green!" Wow! BNSF has been around longer than BN even existed! I saw an ex ATSF B40-8W in BNSF H2 paint sitting. Even a GP60B in BNSF H1! Hey, displayed at the Amtrak station was BNSF "Warbonnet" C44-9W # 720! What do you think of these? Sure they were built for BNSF in 1997, but sure look nice! Santa Fe ordered these before the official merging which is why they were delivered in these colors. Even the nose had "Santa Fe" lettering! Amazing BNSF did not have a newer engine on display like usual. Also, the 700 series GEs colors look better. They are only three years newer than the others, but look much better. Even better than the 600 series did at the same age. Maybe GE used better paint here. Also when I was 11 years old in 1994 I rode the Amtrak Southwest Chief between Chicago and Flagstaff, AZ. That was cool to ride the rails of ATSF while it still existed! My late Dad (RCJ I) was reading an article about BN and ATSF merging! I was amazed at that! Glad I rode this train! The official combination of ATSF and BN was December 31, 1996. • • RJ
I managed to see 549 in Murray Yard in Kansas City in early 2022, which I believe is still there in Santa Fe lettered warbonnet paint about a year later.
To me it seems that the big railroads are wasting a lot of protential. I mean they aren´t that old, 30 years now, a good and well maintained loco should last this long with ease, and even 10 years more.
@@Southern_Plains_Railfan maybe it´s because i´m german that i like them, but 1000 hp per axle is really some fine engineering and proper power for a diesel locomotive :D
Yeah but traffic is down and expected to stay down for the next few quarters, maybe even years. They don't need as many locomotives now and the ones they're keeping can do twice the work as old ones.
#554 was doing local service on the Mendota Sub for awhile in the summer of 23. That's the last time I seen it. Now we have a GP50 #3162 I think, also a catch because it's 1 of 5 with an interesting looking crew cabin.
I just realized that if you watch the music video for Wagon Wheel by Darius Rucker you will se some former BNSF 4-axle dash 8s. The locomotives now belong to the Nashville and Eastern Railroad (reporting mark NERR). The locomotives still wear their BNSF H2 colors, but the logos say N&E. You need to go to 51 seconds into the music video to see the locomotives. Just thought y’all would like to know that.
At least we are thankful that RRHMA was able to save 537. :) And hopefully in the near future... we'll see that unit back in her iconic Super Fleet colors. ^^
I can't believe that 50 year old geeps are still going but Dash 8's that came out in the early 90's are almost gone
It’s because EMD overbuilt their locomotives, and the 50yr old SD’s and Geeps are inherently simpler than the Dash-8’s, so there’s less stuff that can fail.
Come to the Twin Cities; we've got a pair of former Santa Fe B40s running around ALL the time.
If you come up to Minnesota , there is a train that operates and uses two ATSF -8W that are in the video
I’ve seen them twice. They’re a beauty.
@@BNSF8500yt they usually stay out on the hinckley , and not the lakes sadly , but they have once in like 727272171727383 years
@@Minnesota_Rails I’ve only seen them at BNSF Northtown yard
I have video from February and I am going to upload it today
@@RLKRAILTIES alright tell me when you upload it
For 552. The last time I heard about an issue with him was its speedometer and emission issues.
Around 2 months ago i was trying to find old trains on google maps and at BNSF Galesburg Yard i saw bn sf 555
What a good time it had
That highway shot was the best. Clouds in the back, pieces of history in front.
I think BNSF should paint some heritage locomotives with Santa Fe paint schemes.
BNSF has dozens and dozens of locomotives in Santa Fe blue and yellow, and in BN green. It's only the warbonnet paint that's rare.
@@beeble2003ain’t it the other way around cuz I never see the Santa fe blue or BN green but I always see at least one warbonnet most every time I’m railfanning
@@TheArizonaRailfan Must just be how it is in your area. I'm pretty sure there are a lot more blues and greens on the network as a whole than warbonnets, but they're mostly Geeps and SD40s, so they're not going to travel far from home.
@@beeble2003 I live right along the Phoenix sub and see the occasional Warbonnet tugging along behind an H2 or H3, but never a Freightbonnet, or H1/H4 for that matter. I did see a pair of BN green SD40-2s once in Glendale, that's about it.
549 is also still in warbonnet colors, but it’s laid up in Kansas City, MO
Up here in Minnesota, there are two warbonnet that have been coupled together for over a year now working various different locals and road freights in the Twin Cities area. BNSF 558 and 542
I see 511 also operating regularly out of the Dilworth yard and into Fargo
I've caught them many times coming through Little Falls.
Fyi, BNSF Chicago division conductor here, engine 554 is currently being used as yard power in Eola/Aurora yard. I was on it a couple of times last week.
Gotta whole bunch of BNSF standards cab dash 8, atsf dash 8, 9. Every locomotive you think is rare is sitting on storage tracks in bulk down here in Galveston TX.
Love the Santa Fe content... However being from central Massachusetts originally I would like to thank you for the Providence and Worcester shot at the end... Stay safe, Tim
There used to always be -8ws on the power between San Bernardino and Cadiz ca on mixed manifest trains
Perfectly Timed Shot going under the Train Bridge was an Understatement. Great Job and Thanks for Sharing. 👍🙏
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed!
Atleast BNSF donated 537 to RRHMA, so atleast this GE model shouldn’t face the risk of extinction. Besides, I won’t be surprised if RRHMA repaints it back into its original warbonnet scheme
A couple of those BNSF locomotives work up here in California, but I’m not shure about their whereabouts as of right now
One fact that needs to be mentioned (constantly) is the the term "wide cab" does not refer to the width of the cab, but the length. Most rail fans get this wrong. Proof? Look that the measurements of the standard cab versus the wide cab. They are exactly the same width wise, but not length...get it!?!
W BNSF for redoing the lettering on 552 instead on repainting it into H4, 11:39 btw this was the same lash up on MCHIGAL on august 12th, it had an SD75I as well which hardly ever come to Chicago so I’m glad I caught it
I see some in OKC quite often
The Sd60M horn at 2:49,That echo is just so awesome.
Great video. Thanks! I'm glad someone took the time to capture the Dash-8s before they're gone.
Very nice video! Here in Washington State, we used to have two Dash 8s, but were retired in the late 2010s. They were BNSF 505 (B40-8W) and my favorite BNSF 563 (B40-8) with an awesome RS3L.
I never got to catch 563 on any turn jobs out of Everett, I’m disappointed by that.
Sadly yeah, its in the Northtown deadline now. @@seankaiser2505
I was very fortunate to catch 3 B40-8Ws in recent years: BNSF #539, BNSF #529, and ex-AOK #578 (BNSF #578) in Belen, NM and El Paso, TX. I also caught some AZER B39-8 and B40-8s in Lordsburg, NM.
I've seen 557 in CSX's Cumberland yard but I think it was about to be scrapped
Being close to West Quincy, Missouri and railfan the man Ive seen 552 many times!
I just love seeing it and look for it! Takes me back to those days of that paint scheme!!
Thanks for the vid
Those are some great shots! I’ve never seen a Warbonnet dash 8 or 9 before, but I do remember spotting a BNSF own fakebonnet pass by TVRM earlier this spring. I believe it was 736. Even still, I’d to see a Warbonnet in service one day, and whatever of the dash 8s still in service for that matter, who knows.
You must live in eastern U.S. Right? Well now, go to Galesburg, IL or Northtown, MN BNSF yards! There are the "Classic" ATSF Warbonnets! I went to MN in May 2024 with "Railfan" Gary Sample to chase CP 2816 on the "Final Spike" steam train! I checked out Northtown Yard and was amazed to see a few "Warbonnets" working the yard as "Yard Goats" now with RCO! This is not what I expected to see. Kind of sad that the pride of the fleet for ATSF, the "Super Fleet" is now relegated to yards and locals. This was the most ATSF painted engines I have seen in years though! Stored in Northtown seemed like over 200 locos! Many types of engines. The only "Warbonnets" here were the BNSF ones and just a few! I also went to Illinois and Iowa to catch CP 2816 returning from Mexico in June/July with my great friend "Mazon!" We saw CP 2816 working at Silvis, IL Railroading Heritage of Midwest America shops! During the shop tour we saw ex BNSF/ATSF B40-8W # 537! This engine will be restored to fresh ATSF "Warbonnet" colors which is amazing! WOW, I cannot wait for this to happen! We to Galesburg, IL for 2024 "Railroad Days!" Did the "VIP" bus tour. My first time to Galesburg since 2005. Saw many "Warbonnets" here. Some were switching and more sitting in the yard! Probably at least 10 "Warbonnets" seen! All of these are C44-9Ws, many with RCO! Good to find SD40-2B # 302 switching the hump in BN green paint! At the yard by the shops was BNSF SD40-2 # 1790 in BN "Cascade Green!" Wow! BNSF has been around longer than BN even existed! I saw an ex ATSF B40-8W in BNSF H2 paint sitting. Even a GP60B in BNSF H1! Hey, displayed at the Amtrak station was BNSF "Warbonnet" C44-9W # 720! What do you think of these? Sure they were built for BNSF in 1997, but sure look nice! Santa Fe ordered these before the official merging which is why they were delivered in these colors. Even the nose had "Santa Fe" lettering! Amazing BNSF did not have a newer engine on display like usual. Also, the 700 series GEs colors look better. They are only three years newer than the others, but look much better. Even better than the 600 series did at the same age. Maybe GE used better paint here. It is true that this stuff survives in 2024, including lots of green ex BN engines! 😁 😉 😉 😁
I live on a property on tomah rd crossing in colorado and I seen at least one every now and then. I was fortunate enough to see a bunch of guys sitting at the crossing getting ready to take pictures of the new engines so I got to take my atv down to my fence line right up next to the tracks
Kinda rare to see a B Unit out on the mainline. I thought BNSF usually kept them in hump-sets like in Galesburg
Only the SD40-2B’s in Galesburg are stricken to hump service. All the other cabless engines on BNSF are treated just like any other local/yard engine.
interesting. Here in WI we rarely see B Units from BNSF or CN on their trackage (at least what I've seen). Super cool to see them on the road! @@Southern_Plains_Railfan
I've seen 555 in Galveston. I think it was 2-3 years ago if I remember right.
Sante Fe 777 is a frequent visitor to the belt road of chicago hump yard
Golden windmill back in the late 70s was a bar and grill for a period of time!
Since then it has become a historical site! Pretty cool to see the old wooden mechanisms that make the mill work with wind power!
Golden is a great railfan spit for catching and watching trains! West Quincy used to be too until 9/11.
That’s really interesting, how did 9/11 affect rail traffic in and out of West Quincy?
We couldn't go past the yard entrances anymore! Still in effect! There used to be a rail station there! You could drive back to the station or even past it and across the yard track that came out on to another road!
After the 93 flood which flooded West Quincy for months the demolished the station but we were still allowed to park and watch trains! After 9/11 that all came to an end for security reasons
I was conductor on a CSX train years ago and I asked the Old Head Engineer which engine he liked best.
He said a B40-8, he said it wouldn't quit loading. I liked any thing GE and I liked the soft ride also of the B40-8, that's all we had then of the modern GE's.
Interesting, that’s the first I’ve heard of someone on the railroad liking Dash-8’s. I’m sure they handled a lot better when they were new.
super cool - we've had at least one of the BNSF respray units up here in Washington, but it's been a bit since I've seen it around....
Still a good few around Minneapolis and Northtown Yard. I’ve seen them on locals, yard switchers, and even the hump job just in the last year. And that’s just the red & silver ones…
6:45 The train crew treat the FRED the same way as the yard crews did when I worked on the trains years ago ( New Zealand)...didn't take long before the Fred's started failing due the the rough handling
Came here to comment on this. Why? Can't be cheap or wise to treat them that way?
@@SpecificationR Apologies for my late...comment. It seemed to be a culture within the Railways here( New Zealand). Certain staff members just didn't care how they treated equipment .
I really hope some get preserved.
I know I’ve seen B40-8Ms switching at Richmond, CA yard, I want to say some of them in ATSF colors but maybe not.
The bridge crossing video segment was amazingly good!
Back in late April of this year, I had the honor of seeing 552 on BNSF H-GALTUL. I knew they were rare, but I didn’t know how rare they became now. Gonna be sad when they disappear
I got to see 554 back in June!
BNSF 552, the B40-8W, at present is camped out in Illinois. Was on the Galesburg to Chicago run earlier today and last week.
Providence and Worcester has some former ATSF B40-8Ws of the former superfleet out here they have no longer atsf paint but they are still kickin here today and look quite good in p&ws brown white and orange
Yet another Incredibly Interesting and Not Covered Subject. You’re Right about Not Many exist in Operation most of which on Short(er) Regular Runs. Thanks! 👍🙏
I would have loved if these units would make a trip down to Texas, but too bad their restricted
We still have a few remaining Santa Fe Warbonnets West of Downtown St. Louis at the BNSF Lindenwood Yard located in Shrewsbury, MO. 👍
542 has been working the Monticello sub. NW of Minneapolis all summer. It’s been lashed up with another war bonnet too. I believe that one says bnsf instead of Santa Fe though. If it wasn’t for your videos I probably never would have noticed.
5:35 I don't think it's accurate to say that a four-axle locomotive "can accelerate trains very quickly". Accelerating a train requires high force, but the force that can be applied to the rails is limited by the friction between the wheels and rails -- too much force and the wheels will slip. A four-axle locomotive only has eight points of contact with the rails, whereas a six-axle locomotive has twelve. That means that a six-axle locomotive can exert more force and should be able to accelerate a train faster. It's also why a train that two SD40s (total 6000hp) can only just get moving would require three GP40s (total 9000hp).
The point of high-power four-axle units is high speed. The relevant equation from physics is that power = force * speed. The high power of the unit allows it to continue to exert its force at higher speed; a six-axle unit exerts more force so would run at lower speed at full power. Essentially, top speed is a function of horsepower per axle.
Power = force * speed means that the B40-8s are badly suited to local service. At low speed, running at full power would put so much force through the wheel-rail interface that the wheels would spin. GP50s (3600hp) and, as I recall, even GP40-2s (3000hp) are actually power-limited at low speed, and will only do something like 2000hp up to 15mph. Probably the B40-8s have a similar system (and the GP60s).
BNSF 549 still wears Santa Fe colors. Its been sitting at Murray Yard in North Kansas City, Missouri for a few years now. I don't think it'll see service again in Santa Fe colors if even.
for those wondering:
555 is still in galveston, went and saw it awhile ago, you can climb right in it.
That's nice. I say the 555 deserves honorary BOI status then.
@willoughby1888 yeah, if anyone lives in the galveston area, this is probably ur last chance EVER to go in a santa fe dash 8's cab.
@@eccotheorca7745 I wish I could buy her and turn her into my apartment! I love Galveston, was born at St. Mary's even! I've been back there many times, too, but haven't lived there since '94.
"Maine" said to say "Hello" for it.
🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃
Two of these, 558 (Fake Bonnet) and 542 (War Bonnet), are MU’d together without any other additional power and are regularly running between the Twin Cities and Superior. Would be a great catch for your videos if your in the area.
I really enjoy your videos. I saw BNSF 539 (wide cab) between Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska in Nov 2022 and Feb 2023. Two B39-8's (standard cab) numbers 594 and 576 are in the storage line in Lincoln as of Jun 2023.
Cabooses should be in use. 3 men crew is necessary
Wish we had power like that on the El Paso Sub! I have to drive 3½ hours to Belen just to see anything interesting! The line only sees about 5-10 trains a day, anyway.
Found your channel a while back and have been enjoying your content. SE IA was my old stomping grounds so appreciate the coverage. BTW,,, it was mentioned earlier, but will repeat in case you missed it, Ottumwa is locally pronounced "uh-TUM-wa". Keep up the great work!
wow great video man. its sad ill never see a warbonnet dash 8 before they go away. I always wanted to see one for my grandpa. he never saw them but wanted to really bad
I went to Illinois and Iowa to catch CP 2816 returning from Mexico in June/July with my great friend "Mazon!" We saw CP 2816 working at Silvis, IL Railroading Heritage of Midwest America shops! During the shop tour we saw ex BNSF/ATSF B40-8W # 537! This engine will be restored to fresh ATSF "Warbonnet" colors which is amazing! WOW, I cannot wait for this to happen! We to Galesburg, IL for 2024 "Railroad Days!" Did the "VIP" bus tour. My first time to Galesburg since 2005. Saw many "Warbonnets" here. Some were switching and more sitting in the yard! Probably at least 10 "Warbonnets" seen! All of these are C44-9Ws, many with RCO! Good to find SD40-2B # 302 switching the hump in BN green paint! At the yard by the shops was BNSF SD40-2 # 1790 in BN "Cascade Green!" Wow! BNSF has been around longer than BN even existed! I saw an ex ATSF B40-8W in BNSF H2 paint sitting. Even a GP60B in BNSF H1! Hey, displayed at the Amtrak station was BNSF "Warbonnet" C44-9W # 720! What do you think of these? Sure they were built for BNSF in 1997, but sure look nice! Santa Fe ordered these before the official merging which is why they were delivered in these colors. Even the nose had "Santa Fe" lettering! Amazing BNSF did not have a newer engine on display like usual. Also, the 700 series GEs colors look better. They are only three years newer than the others, but look much better. Even better than the 600 series did at the same age. Maybe GE used better paint here.
RJ
The send set 560-583 weren't even supposed to be built even. Santa Fe wanted B40-8B units like they'd gotten with the 60Ms and 60Bs however GE stated that they'd be able to get 23 more wide cab units for what they're looking to spend just for the first 8 booster units. So they canceled all the booster units and grabbed 23 more cab units. The second group even had the gullwing style of cab roof like the C40-8Ws they got for the York coal mine service.
Omg, B40-8B's would have been so cool!
I have seen 777, and 700 and a few other dash 8 here in California with the old war bonnet and still showing them proudly
I went to Illinois and Iowa to catch CP 2816 returning from Mexico in June/July with my great friend "Mazon!" We saw CP 2816 working at Silvis, IL Railroading Heritage of Midwest America shops! During the shop tour we saw ex BNSF/ATSF B40-8W # 537! This engine will be restored to fresh ATSF "Warbonnet" colors which is amazing! WOW, I cannot wait for this to happen! We to Galesburg, IL for 2024 "Railroad Days!" Did the "VIP" bus tour. My first time to Galesburg since 2005. Saw many "Warbonnets" here. Some were switching and more sitting in the yard! Probably at least 10 "Warbonnets" seen! All of these are C44-9Ws, many with RCO! Good to find SD40-2B # 302 switching the hump in BN green paint! At the yard by the shops was BNSF SD40-2 # 1790 in BN "Cascade Green!" Wow! BNSF has been around longer than BN even existed! I saw an ex ATSF B40-8W in BNSF H2 paint sitting. Even a GP60B in BNSF H1! Hey, displayed at the Amtrak station was BNSF "Warbonnet" C44-9W # 720! What do you think of these? Sure they were built for BNSF in 1997, but sure look nice! Santa Fe ordered these before the official merging which is why they were delivered in these colors. Even the nose had "Santa Fe" lettering! Amazing BNSF did not have a newer engine on display like usual. Also, the 700 series GEs colors look better. They are only three years newer than the others, but look much better. Even better than the 600 series did at the same age. Maybe GE used better paint here. Also when I was 11 years old in 1994 I rode the Amtrak Southwest Chief between Chicago and Flagstaff, AZ. That was cool to ride the rails of ATSF while it still existed! My late Dad (RCJ I) was reading an article about BN and ATSF merging! I was amazed at that! Glad I rode this train! The official combination of ATSF and BN was December 31, 1996.
•
• RJ
I love dash 8 locos 😊
Csx has 5 left in service!
First comment in awhile but..i’ve come to say a B40-8W has been preserved! BNSF 537. It’s in H2 but will thankfully be repainted back into ATSF colors. So thank goodness one has been preserved.
Yes this will be awesome! Ex BNSF 537 is at the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America. This is at the old Rock Island Silvis, IL shops! 537 is in primer paint and will soon be repainted into "Fresh" ATSF "Warbonnet" colors! YES!!!!! 😁 I attended the "Walk Amongst the Giants" fundraiser Silvis shop tour event with my great friend "Mazon!" We are from Michigan! The tour was great and we also saw CP 2816 steam loco doing demonstration runs! Now, I cannot wait for B40-8W # 537 to be unveiled! Man it has been years since any of these "Super Fleet" locos have been fresh!!!! YES!!!! We to Galesburg, IL for 2024 "Railroad Days!" Did the "VIP" bus tour. My first time to Galesburg since 2005. Saw many "Warbonnets" here. Some were switching and more sitting in the yard! Probably at least 10 "Warbonnets" seen! All of these are C44-9Ws, many with RCO! Good to find SD40-2B # 302 switching the hump in BN green paint! At the yard by the shops was BNSF SD40-2 # 1790 in BN "Cascade Green!" Wow! BNSF has been around longer than BN even existed! I saw an ex ATSF B40-8W in BNSF H2 paint sitting. Even a GP60B in BNSF H1! Hey, displayed at the Amtrak station was BNSF "Warbonnet" C44-9W # 720! What do you think of these? Sure they were built for BNSF in 1997, but sure look nice! Santa Fe ordered these before the official merging which is why they were delivered in these colors. Even the nose had "Santa Fe" lettering! Amazing BNSF did not have a newer engine on display like usual. Also, the 700 series GEs colors look better. They are only three years newer than the others, but look much better. Even better than the 600 series did at the same age. Maybe GE used better paint here. Also when I was 11 years old in 1994 I rode the Amtrak Southwest Chief between Chicago and Flagstaff, AZ. That was cool to ride the rails of ATSF while it still existed! My late Dad (RCJ I) was reading an article about BN and ATSF merging! I was amazed at that! Glad I rode this train! The official combination of ATSF and BN was December 31, 1996.
RJ
It’s still kinda of a letdown BNSF retired all the C40-8Ws back in 2014, and most of which are still in storage rotting away to an uncertain fate. (likely scrap) we need one of those preserved, but I’m satisfied they donated 537 which is a big win!
I was about to ask why they only partially repainted 552 when they could have just done the whole thing, until I quickly remembered it wasn’t necessary. I do know 524 is gonna be scrapped eventually, although I thought 555 was already gone considering how rough it looks now.
RRHMA Silvis Illinois has B40-8W 537 running again, they still needs donations to have the engine repainted from BNSF Heritage 2 into ATSF Warbonnet.
@@zacharycalgher3978 Let's hope those donations pull though. :) After all... it would be an even more amazing win for die hard Santa Fe fans such as myself. X3
Back in 1994-96 we spent our vacations in Ill. photoing all those new red bonnet locos.
solid sets of them too.
All on kodachrome.
BNSF 549 is parked in Murray Yard in North Kansas City and still retains its Warbonnet with Santa Fe lettering. We can also anticipate recently preserved 537 to be returned to the Warbonnet scheme in Silvis.
The SD60 and SD60M will always be my favorite locomotive from EMD, along with the SD70MAC's.
Around the Oklahoma area, there been B40-8W rebuilds, They are using the scrapped dash 8 40cw units to keep this guys going.
Well done! Great coverage with some excellent motive power
You should definitely try to get back up here to Minnesota within the next few months, because 558 (possibly 542 as well) is slated for scrap within the next 6 months, and 6 months is if we're lucky. If 558 is heading for the torch, it's almost certain 542 will follow, too.
I hope to one day catch a glimpse of an ATSF B40-8W before they're gone for good. They're nowhere near where I live (SD75I's and SD75M's dominate this area), and the ones that reside where I grew up are all painted H3.
I went to Illinois and Iowa to catch CP 2816 returning from Mexico in June/July with my great friend "Mazon!" We saw CP 2816 working at Silvis, IL Railroading Heritage of Midwest America shops! During the shop tour we saw ex BNSF/ATSF B40-8W # 537! This engine will be restored to fresh ATSF "Warbonnet" colors which is amazing! WOW, I cannot wait for this to happen! We to Galesburg, IL for 2024 "Railroad Days!" Did the "VIP" bus tour. My first time to Galesburg since 2005. Saw many "Warbonnets" here. Some were switching and more sitting in the yard! Probably at least 10 "Warbonnets" seen! All of these are C44-9Ws, many with RCO! Good to find SD40-2B # 302 switching the hump in BN green paint! At the yard by the shops was BNSF SD40-2 # 1790 in BN "Cascade Green!" Wow! BNSF has been around longer than BN even existed! I saw an ex ATSF B40-8W in BNSF H2 paint sitting. Even a GP60B in BNSF H1! Hey, displayed at the Amtrak station was BNSF "Warbonnet" C44-9W # 720! What do you think of these? Sure they were built for BNSF in 1997, but sure look nice! Santa Fe ordered these before the official merging which is why they were delivered in these colors. Even the nose had "Santa Fe" lettering! Amazing BNSF did not have a newer engine on display like usual. Also, the 700 series GEs colors look better. They are only three years newer than the others, but look much better. Even better than the 600 series did at the same age. Maybe GE used better paint here.
RJ
@@trains2495 Galesburg is definitely on my bucket list. I just got done railfanning the Cajon Pass the last few days, and wow!
I have never actually taken the time to railfan the area while I was growing up in Bakersfield and I really wish I did. I've been to the Mojave Narrows campground a couple times, but that was about the extent of my experience with the Pass until very recently.
I see every one of those in Los Angeles.
Great content, I enjoy your vast knowledge of the motive power. I am from Chicago and like that you are making videos in the Mid west! Thank you!
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed!
Why Didn’t The 552’s Cab Get Repainted Just Like The Sides OF The Engine Did TO ME The Looks Both Old And New IN One Locomotive
Why does 334 does not have a cab??? 11:45
Oh
9:55 The blue "BNSF" lettering on the cab of 1670 was presumably supposed to go on a Santa Fe yellowbonnet. I guess they either didn't have any white letters in stock or goofed and used the wrong colour. It's only on one side, too (see 10:45).
As a CN/Via/GO railfan, I caught a Dash 8 once, at Oshawa GO I caught a former UP C40-8, seeing these old units get put in storage and scrapped is pretty bad, railroads should rebuild the Dash 8 like they are doing with the Dash 9.
One of the dash 8, a h4 works the local often here in town. The number being 559.
SD-60M have the best horn
I have got lots of photos of B40-8W Santa Fe #542 up here in Minnesota, she is always seen with unit #558
I was lucky to catch these units about 10 years ago out of the Hodgkins GM yard (Chicago) on the Galesburg local! (LCHI-102?)
Here in Omaha/Lincoln, NE there BNSF 539, the Santa Fe on the sides was replaced with BNSF but nothing else has changed.
The town of Ottumwa Iowa is pronounced "O-tum-wa" with the stress on the second syllable.
This is so cool to see Iowa and Illinois BNSF represented here!
I’ve got the oil cooler out of the 567 replacing gaskets to stop oil leaks. Hopefully my gaskets come in next week so I can put her back together. Then I will MU her back to the 581 and our set on the AOK in SE Oklahoma will be ready for service again.
Great catches and excellent video
In Omaha NE BNSF Gibson Yard there's two B40-8Ws, #539 still in Santa Fe warbonnet livery with BNSF on long hood, and #522 in H3 livery.
I thought you would never take 195 out of your intro as you stated in the Topeka Kansas locomotive shops video
I didn't, it's the last loco before the title card
@@Southern_Plains_Railfan Oh
i enjoy these videos
Thank you!
We have ATSF 539 out here in Nebraska on local service
There are a lot more in Galveston look on Google maps or Google earth on TX-25 road and there’s like 4-5-6-7or something like that hope you find them
Cool video nice catches
Thanks!
@@Southern_Plains_Railfanyour welcome
I saw a fakebonnet a year or two ago, it was 701. Though its been too long since I last saw an ATSF in its original paint. The only good catches I get are the executive mac's that I still see to this day in my area.
Mikey, there are still bunches of former ATSF "Warbonnets" still with "Santa Fe" lettering! ! All the EMD Warbonnets are gone from BNSF. The SD75Ms are all stricken from the roster. Too bad all the GP60Ms are repainted to BNSF "Swoosh." Those have been rebuilt and will last longer, but this is progress. There are still GP60Bs, but those are all in H1 BNSF and still working! The only EMD ATSF painted units left on BNSF in 2024 are "Bluebonnets!" They look fairly good and that paint has survived much better! We get lots of variety on BNSF! I am glad to see BN engines too! Those have lasted well, including lots of "Whiteface" units and are all EMDs! OK, I went to MN in May with "Railfan" Gary Sample to chase CP 2816 on the "Final Spike" steam train! I checked out Northtown Yard and was amazed to see a few "Warbonnets" working the yard as "Yard Goats" now with RCO! This is not what I expected to see. Kind of sad that the pride of the fleet for ATSF, the "Super Fleet" is now relegated to yards and locals. This was the most ATSF painted engines I have seen in years though! Stored in Northtown seemed like over 200 locos! Many types of engines. The only "Warbonnets" here were the BNSF ones and just a few. There were some BN "Whiteface" engines and "Grinstein" SD70MACs! This trip was great and my first time by vehicle to MN since 2004! I went to Illinois and Iowa to catch CP 2816 returning from Mexico in June/July with my great friend "Mazon!" We saw CP 2816 working at Silvis, IL Railroading Heritage of Midwest America shops! During the shop tour we saw ex BNSF/ATSF B40-8W # 537! This engine will be restored to fresh ATSF "Warbonnet" colors which is amazing! WOW, I cannot wait for this to happen! We to Galesburg, IL for 2024 "Railroad Days!" Did the "VIP" bus tour. My first time to Galesburg since 2005. Saw many "Warbonnets" here. Some were switching and more sitting in the yard! Probably at least 10 "Warbonnets" seen! All of these are C44-9Ws, many with RCO! Good to find SD40-2B # 302 switching the hump in BN green paint! At the yard by the shops was BNSF SD40-2 # 1790 in BN "Cascade Green!" Wow! BNSF has been around longer than BN even existed! I saw an ex ATSF B40-8W in BNSF H2 paint sitting. Even a GP60B in BNSF H1! Hey, displayed at the Amtrak station was BNSF "Warbonnet" C44-9W # 720! What do you think of these? Sure they were built for BNSF in 1997, but sure look nice! Santa Fe ordered these before the official merging which is why they were delivered in these colors. Even the nose had "Santa Fe" lettering! Amazing BNSF did not have a newer engine on display like usual. Also, the 700 series GEs colors look better. They are only three years newer than the others, but look much better. Even better than the 600 series did at the same age. Maybe GE used better paint here. Also when I was 11 years old in 1994 I rode the Amtrak Southwest Chief between Chicago and Flagstaff, AZ. That was cool to ride the rails of ATSF while it still existed! My late Dad (RCJ I) was reading an article about BN and ATSF merging! I was amazed at that! Glad I rode this train! The official combination of ATSF and BN was December 31, 1996.
•
• RJ
I managed to see 549 in Murray Yard in Kansas City in early 2022, which I believe is still there in Santa Fe lettered warbonnet paint about a year later.
Mu favorite locomotive is BNSF 1473
I saw one of those in Barstow!
In a H3!
Saw 554 and it 30 minutes ago
To me it seems that the big railroads are wasting a lot of protential. I mean they aren´t that old, 30 years now, a good and well maintained loco should last this long with ease, and even 10 years more.
Yes, they are. Those old GE’s have proven their reliability.
@@Southern_Plains_Railfan maybe it´s because i´m german that i like them, but 1000 hp per axle is really some fine engineering and proper power for a diesel locomotive :D
Yeah but traffic is down and expected to stay down for the next few quarters, maybe even years. They don't need as many locomotives now and the ones they're keeping can do twice the work as old ones.
Awesome!!
Thanks!
Saw the video and asked my dad about them. He said he used to run these in Temple, TX.
That's super cool!
#554 was doing local service on the Mendota Sub for awhile in the summer of 23. That's the last time I seen it. Now we have a GP50 #3162 I think, also a catch because it's 1 of 5 with an interesting looking crew cabin.
As a Beardstown foamer, we kindly ask BNSF to return 552 to Centralia where its worked nearly its entire life on BNSF.
lol
I just realized that if you watch the music video for Wagon Wheel by Darius Rucker you will se some former BNSF 4-axle dash 8s. The locomotives now belong to the Nashville and Eastern Railroad (reporting mark NERR). The locomotives still wear their BNSF H2 colors, but the logos say N&E. You need to go to 51 seconds into the music video to see the locomotives. Just thought y’all would like to know that.
At least we are thankful that RRHMA was able to save 537. :)
And hopefully in the near future... we'll see that unit back in her iconic Super Fleet colors. ^^
Absolutely loved the video but a slight nitpick
BNSF 539 still sports her Santa Fe colors, running locals between Lincoln NE and Omaha NE
I like dash 8’s but I believe in B23-7 supremacy
lol
If I had a lot of money I would save bnsf 555 from scrapping