This would bring a smile to my grandfather's face if he were still around to see it. He was a class A welder at ALCo, started there at the beginning of the war did a tour in the Philippines stayed till it closed.
I remember the first time I sat down at the controls of one of these FA's. It was an A-B-B-A set with 17 passenger cars and a HEP generator car. The first time I grabbed throttle and it coughed and sputtered, I thought I'd done something wrong. But my pilot engineer said, "GRAB MORE, DON'T LET EM' STALL!" so right to notch 3 we went. It pulled the slack out of those cars, anyone who was standing was now sitting, anyone who was drinking coffee was probably wearing it... But off we went! before too long and a couple miles down the road, we were sailing toward the Grand Canyon at 40 MPH. I probably had a smile going from one ear to the other. Definitely a season of railroading I will never forget!
My dad would probably be thrilled. He loved working with the ALCOs during his time on the L&N. I could tell when he'd been assigned an ALCO, because he'd come home smelling of diesel. He always said he could do more with one ALCO than a whole team of GEs or EMDs.
That's really impressive work! -when she left here she had neither prime mover nor traction motors: just a motor generator set for hotel power on our push-pull train sets. I'm sure I've ridden behind her (-and also in front of her) on my way to (and from) college many times!
That was true, especially at the start of their time as cab cars, but in later years they removed the original prime-mover and generator and replaced it with a "sled" containing a new motor-generator set of much-lower power capability.
So glad to see they took off those square windows the LIRR shop stuck to the sides used to commute behind this loco glad to see her actually running again
You guys are fraking geniuses!!!! What a masterful piece of work getting that old girl going again! You all should be very proud getting her back on the rails under her own power!
Interesting smoke when it started reminded me of a cold day here in S. Florida when we had problems with the steam engine and needed to run the ALCo S-2. Cold enough that day that the smoke came out of the stack white like this was but instead of going up, it fell on the hood, then on to the running boards, and finally on the ground. That was a cold day. Love the idle of the 539s and the 244s.
@@thomasabramson100 are there any left? I volunteer at RMLI, and we have the RS3. I'd love to get 1556 fired up again, but... Well, it has problems... 399 runs, though, as does our narrow gauge steam locomotive.
@@saltman9584 I'll be honest, I don't know if 1556 even has her 244 anymore. It's been a while since I looked in the engine bay. Then again, it's been a while since I've been out to volunteer, due to the pandemic and life getting in the way. I do know that a raccoon died in the engine bay a few years back, so... That sucks...
Great to see her running again.... Great job, guys! There is Only ONE 4 stroke locomotive prime mover that I even care to listen to.... 244 (despite the issue's with it), 251 and 539 ALCO's!!! The 2 cycles and ALCO's.... "Rule"!!... imho! lol ; )
From 1988 to 1996 I used to travel to Hauppague NY a lot. I would see these locos pulling coaches on the LIRR. The LIRR would have one in the front and one in the rear, I assume for reverse runs back into NYC. Even at that time the locos looked run down. Will be nice to see these with the original LIRR paint. Good luck to the team!!
That old machine is wonderful. I got a kick out of the start up. At my buddies shop he would say put a board in the hole your smoking is out. In Dave terminology. It's cabinet shop for close the door.😁
I heard enough of these prime movers at LTV Mining Co. It still amazes me that thing is even fully running when it starts backing up. We used to say they sounded like a coffee can full of bolts being shook.😮
The ALCo FA is also known WDM 1 in India. This is India's first Diesel Locomotive. But this locomotive was not mass produced in India due to its one cab at one end. So Indian railways later choose ALCo WDM 2 ( mass produced and later became the Diesel King of Indian Railways ) and EMD WDM 4 ( was superior to ALCos but never mass produced as EMD refused to transfer technology ) . Although some WDM 1 was modified with dual cabs later but it was too late.
Nice work guys! You definitely are miracle workers when it comes to these rare diesels. Two questions: Will it be painted back in original L&N colors, and is the Alco motor in it a 244 or 251 series?
I just wish we had a set of PAs being restored to running condition. I know about the Nickle plate engine in Ore. Sadly the only functional PA is down in Mexico
So great to see this old FA-2 in operation again. I would LOVE to see them paint in back in its original L&N colors, but being that it's in New Jersey now I have a feeling that is not in the plans?
I actually like that this locomotive has all of that clatter and clang I'd expect when I think of a diesel locomotive and not the smooth noise reminiscent of a gas engine. As a matter of fact I wanted to say that I used to not like diesel engines that lacked that noise as I could easily mistake them for gas vehicles but overtime I've grown used to it.
“Let’s see, brakes need adjustment, the engine cranks are sounding rough, exhaust is puffing well, windshields need some Windex.. transmission needs warming up, idles rough… $440,000 bucks?? I’ll take it as-is! Oh, it’s got an old coffee pot and cigarette holder/lighter!”
It’s come a long way since then, your comments definitely don’t apply now. It was only an initial “see how it moves on its own”, first time in about 50 years.
@@Baldwindiesels I was attempting humor in support of preowned road diesels. I grew up in the 70’s where steam was still used and as switch duty, lot of railroad workers stuck with steam.. I saw a few in museums in really neglected shape and covered in an inch of dust.. but it’s wonderful to see your diesel operational!! Massive Respect 🫡!! I hoped to salvage some Sharknose, E-8, F A&B units to remake another “Silver Streak” movie. But budget cuts and other debts killed my dreams..
We all know the Muscle Cars, but what about Muscle Trains ? These Alco's were'nt afraid of Drive 8 after they were hooked up to some major tonnage to haul any long distance, plus it was much better 2 C these beasts doubled up with either a booster or engine itself.
@@janeordway4841 here are the details: cs.trains.com/trn/b/staff/archive/2014/11/24/about-that-other-alco-pa-santa-fe-59l-in-texas.aspx And www.historictrains.org/projects/blog-post-title-three-kmhg2
One of those Mexico PAs in in Portland, Oregon at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, its owned by Doyle McCormack, and its technically a PA-4 since its now powered by a 251 motor (off an ex-BC Rail MLW unit). Its now on its third livery since Mr. McCormack painted it in the colors of the railroad his father worked for - the Nickel Plate.
@@Baldwindiesels I’m a D&H engineer and snooped around it once when I was stopped in the siding there. Once a friend and I got a ride on one of those FA power cars on Long Island. My uncle was an engineer there, but was retired. The guy who gave me the ride was a friend of his.
She needs to warm up good and get out in the open and blow the old cons out of her. I always liked these style of engines as a child to me they reminded me of a face as you saw them approaching and appearing larger and larger till they went by. Kind of like a comic face.
My son is special needs and he loves trains 🚆🛤🚋🚞🚝🚊🚉🚈🚇🚅🚄🚃🚂 especially Alco's like that one he hopes that real soon or sooner than soon that it will be fully restored!
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This would bring a smile to my grandfather's face if he were still around to see it. He was a class A welder at ALCo, started there at the beginning of the war did a tour in the Philippines stayed till it closed.
That is really cool. My grandfather worked at EMD in Lagrange IL as a QC inspection manager for stuff like the F3, F7, etc….
Great that some examples live on.
It's hard not to adore alcos.
fantastic video!🙌🙌
I remember the first time I sat down at the controls of one of these FA's. It was an A-B-B-A set with 17 passenger cars and a HEP generator car. The first time I grabbed throttle and it coughed and sputtered, I thought I'd done something wrong. But my pilot engineer said, "GRAB MORE, DON'T LET EM' STALL!" so right to notch 3 we went. It pulled the slack out of those cars, anyone who was standing was now sitting, anyone who was drinking coffee was probably wearing it... But off we went! before too long and a couple miles down the road, we were sailing toward the Grand Canyon at 40 MPH. I probably had a smile going from one ear to the other. Definitely a season of railroading I will never forget!
This is a Great Surprise for me, my Dad was an Engineer with the Long Island Rail Road and ran this Locomotive as a Power Car,.
My uncle was an engineer there too.
My dad also ran these as power cars, he also did the f7 snd alco c420s before my retiring in 2001
Fantastic!!
Alco PA back from the dead. “It’s alive!”
My dad would probably be thrilled. He loved working with the ALCOs during his time on the L&N. I could tell when he'd been assigned an ALCO, because he'd come home smelling of diesel. He always said he could do more with one ALCO than a whole team of GEs or EMDs.
With her glorious startup, it is obvious as to the Alco nickname of honorary steam locomotive. So happy to witness this!
That's really impressive work!
-when she left here she had neither prime mover nor traction motors: just a motor generator set for hotel power on our push-pull train sets.
I'm sure I've ridden behind her (-and also in front of her) on my way to (and from) college many times!
I thought they used the original prime mover to power 600vdc electricals on what were formerly MU cars. Most DC diesels are just 600 volt trolleys.
That was true, especially at the start of their time as cab cars, but in later years they removed the original prime-mover and generator and replaced it with a "sled" containing a new motor-generator set of much-lower power capability.
Ah the mighty clatter of an ancient Alco prime mover.
Glad to see she's running better too!
So glad to see they took off those square windows the LIRR shop stuck to the sides used to commute behind this loco glad to see her actually running again
Amazing to hear her run after all those years!
So happy to see it run again. And ACTUALLY running, not as a cab car as it was on the LIRR.
Agreed! I've been watching the engine for 45 years, this chapter is fantastic!
This is just too much fun.
This is great! Another 244 powered ALCO lives. Can’t wait to see the finished product!
You guys are fraking geniuses!!!! What a masterful piece of work getting that old girl going again! You all should be very proud getting her back on the rails under her own power!
I caught myself grinning as this gal started up.... Thanks so much for sharing!
Interesting smoke when it started reminded me of a cold day here in S. Florida when we had problems with the steam engine and needed to run the ALCo S-2. Cold enough that day that the smoke came out of the stack white like this was but instead of going up, it fell on the hood, then on to the running boards, and finally on the ground. That was a cold day. Love the idle of the 539s and the 244s.
Wow that is awesome!!! A true diesel classic right there!
I knew I should have put money on a FA running in 2020. Who would have thought it would happen?
Wow! You don't see many Ex-LIRR engines anymore! Also good to see an FA unit running, not too many of those left that still work.
would love to see one of the LIRR high hood C420s or L2 as they called them running again
@@thomasabramson100 are there any left? I volunteer at RMLI, and we have the RS3. I'd love to get 1556 fired up again, but... Well, it has problems... 399 runs, though, as does our narrow gauge steam locomotive.
@@That_One_Guy_In_A_Band let me guess the problem with 1556 did they crack the 244 block. If they did that engine is toast.
@@saltman9584 I'll be honest, I don't know if 1556 even has her 244 anymore. It's been a while since I looked in the engine bay. Then again, it's been a while since I've been out to volunteer, due to the pandemic and life getting in the way. I do know that a raccoon died in the engine bay a few years back, so... That sucks...
@@saltman95841556 has everything it turns over by hand, all it really needs is oil fuel and compression and really shell fire up.
I see FPAs running all the time on the CVSR. It’s amazing what they run down there
Great to see her running again.... Great job, guys! There is Only ONE 4 stroke locomotive prime mover that I even care to listen to.... 244 (despite the issue's with it), 251 and 539 ALCO's!!! The 2 cycles and ALCO's.... "Rule"!!... imho! lol ; )
I don't know much about American locos, but I love Alcos and Baldwins!
It's kinda funny hearing that ole thing creaking, grunting, squealing away..
What a nice old locomotive. I could watch this for hours.
Thank you! I’ve been following it for almost 50 years!
Looking good and sounding even better
Great locomotive, thank you!
My inner child and mechanic is smiling right now.😊
From 1988 to 1996 I used to travel to Hauppague NY a lot. I would see these locos pulling coaches on the LIRR. The LIRR would have one in the front and one in the rear, I assume for reverse runs back into NYC. Even at that time the locos looked run down. Will be nice to see these with the original LIRR paint. Good luck to the team!!
A lot of interesting noises coming from the loco.
nothing looks cooler than the engineer hangin the trucker arm out of the window of a cab unit
Heard about Alco FA's and seen photos, but never thought I would see one in action. Thanks for putting this up!
It's great hearing that sound.
When he slammed the brakes on, I thought he was going to do a burnout.
Love the sound.
SMS home of the dinosaurs years ago I saw the old Baldwin switcher in the middle of CSX consist I knew where it was heading
Now THAT'S a PROPER ALCO !! Great job guys !!
We got to hear a Baldwin & an ALCo. Good work!
I want a ride too!!!! ...great startup and when they run it for several miles more the brakes will stop squeaking so much probably!!
A+++++👍👍👍👍👍
That's awesome!!
WOW a nice locomotive
That old machine is wonderful. I got a kick out of the start up. At my buddies shop he would say put a board in the hole your smoking is out. In Dave terminology. It's cabinet shop for close the door.😁
I heard enough of these prime movers at LTV Mining Co. It still amazes me that thing is even fully running when it starts backing up.
We used to say they sounded like a coffee can full of bolts being shook.😮
Kinda like a Harley.
As a NYAR engineer I would love to have this one on the point of heavy pull up the Bushwick Branch.
The ALCo FA is also known WDM 1 in India. This is India's first Diesel Locomotive. But this locomotive was not mass produced in India due to its one cab at one end. So Indian railways later choose ALCo WDM 2 ( mass produced and later became the Diesel King of Indian Railways ) and EMD WDM 4 ( was superior to ALCos but never mass produced as EMD refused to transfer technology ) . Although some WDM 1 was modified with dual cabs later but it was too late.
the WDM 1 ironically is not a FA unit but rather a DL500 unit
What a sound!
Sweet sounds and sights.
Thank you sir, much appreciated!
@@Baldwindiesels Most welcome sir.
Excellent. 💙 T.E.N.
Looking forward to the final unveiling as a PRR.
Awesome
Nice work guys! You definitely are miracle workers when it comes to these rare diesels.
Two questions: Will it be painted back in original L&N colors, and is the Alco motor in it a 244 or 251 series?
It has a 244 engine, and paint TBD, but not L&N I'm told.
railfan.com/coming-soon-an-a-b-a-set-of-pennsy-fas/?fbclid=IwAR3dcgi0WYmn4F1pyrZfIotUb_VGArx9hayhQLHsvk7eq9RUPIU_k4Z1sdA
@@Baldwindiesels Nice to know. Thanks for this info!
@@Baldwindiesels thanks for the info, cuts down on the guessing.
I just wish we had a set of PAs being restored to running condition. I know about the Nickle plate engine in Ore. Sadly the only functional PA is down in Mexico
Nice!
สวยงามครับ 🥷🇹🇭
this locomotive was exported to indian railway ..
indian railways named it as wdm1
no this is very different, the loco that exported to india is a DL500 series while this is a FA unit
So great to see this old FA-2 in operation again. I would LOVE to see them paint in back in its original L&N colors, but being that it's in New Jersey now I have a feeling that is not in the plans?
Supposed to be in Pennsy livery, along with another FA and FB. I don't know the current status; trying to find out.
I wish the two remaining sharknoses were owned by this railroad, they'd probably be running if they were
They would I'm sure, but their owner has his own plans hopefully.
I can see why they moved it outside before starting it... Give that old girl a shot of ether (and a windshield cleaning)!
Not to worry, its been tunned up more & is running much better I hear. Windshield replacement is next.
I actually like that this locomotive has all of that clatter and clang I'd expect when I think of a diesel locomotive and not the smooth noise reminiscent of a gas engine. As a matter of fact I wanted to say that I used to not like diesel engines that lacked that noise as I could easily mistake them for gas vehicles but overtime I've grown used to it.
Wow.
I like first gen. fours better than steam, to each their own.
“Let’s see, brakes need adjustment, the engine cranks are sounding rough, exhaust is puffing well, windshields need some Windex.. transmission needs warming up, idles rough… $440,000 bucks?? I’ll take it as-is! Oh, it’s got an old coffee pot and cigarette holder/lighter!”
It’s come a long way since then, your comments definitely don’t apply now. It was only an initial “see how it moves on its own”, first time in about 50 years.
@@Baldwindiesels I was attempting humor in support of preowned road diesels. I grew up in the 70’s where steam was still used and as switch duty, lot of railroad workers stuck with steam.. I saw a few in museums in really neglected shape and covered in an inch of dust.. but it’s wonderful to see your diesel operational!! Massive Respect 🫡!! I hoped to salvage some Sharknose, E-8, F A&B units to remake another “Silver Streak” movie. But budget cuts and other debts killed my dreams..
@@lawnmowermanTX Others here may not have seen it as humor….
@@Baldwindiesels my bad yet, we need to put the road diesels back on the track! Even doing rail trips
Is the SMS going to be interested in getting one of those RF-16's from the ES&LS?
Unfortunately, here in Brazil there are no restorations of old trains, except for tourist ones.
I’d like to see a running PA.
Prime mover sounds horrible. But it was a troubled engine. Nice see another ALCO working again
The "Alco Doc" has made a few more adjustment visits, it sounds much better now.
I just looked at some photos of the FA-2 and I was wondering, could they not find a Nathan M3R1 so they just put a K3?? on top?
The owner is using the horn of his choice.
Sounds like seious main bearing trouble!
Not even close, its better now.
Does the owner plan to donate the older diesels if there ever replaced
Not aware of any plans.
Is the plan to get that F Unit in operation again?
it is.
We all know the Muscle Cars, but what about Muscle Trains ? These Alco's were'nt afraid of Drive 8 after they were hooked up to some major tonnage to haul any long distance, plus it was much better 2 C these beasts doubled up with either a booster or engine itself.
NICE!!!!
WHERE IS THIS SMS SHOP AT??
KEEP THEM ROLLING BROTHERS!!
👍👍
South Jersey
Hi
I'm putting together a RUclips video on the alco fa, would it be ok if I used some of this footage?
I prefer not to share, but you can link to it
I would love to see an update. How is the FA project progressing at SMS?
Nothing new to report at the moment.
@@Baldwindiesels - thanks. On FB I saw he installed the PRR style antenna. Guess it will take a while to complete the project.
The ALCOs were big smokers.
Do those wheels need a little grease?
Nah, just a lot of wheel squeal Alco’s AAR Type B were known to be grinding sounding around tight curves.
Can I use this footage for a vid I'm making? I'll credit you.
No, sorry.
Is this a turbine by any chance?
Interesting video but the FA not quite as impressive as the larger PA. Any of them still running?
NKP 190 might be the only PA unit that is potentially restored with 251C prime mover which is still in progress
Is that a 12 cyl. 251 series prime mover?
244 prime mover
ALCO POWER! Tier 0!!!!!
Is the Alco Doctor there? Looks and sounds like him.
Yes, he made a house call!
@@Baldwindiesels I hope he is still saving Alco's in his retirement!
@@tpfromcentralpa1692 TP- Be assured, he still is!
@@Baldwindiesels Excellant!
Are these the two that were brought up from Mexico to be painted in war bonnet Santa Fe Colors ?
No, those are PA's. This is an FA-2
@@Baldwindiesels Do you know where those PA’s are ? Is there a you tube page for them ?
@@janeordway4841 here are the details:
cs.trains.com/trn/b/staff/archive/2014/11/24/about-that-other-alco-pa-santa-fe-59l-in-texas.aspx
And
www.historictrains.org/projects/blog-post-title-three-kmhg2
One of those Mexico PAs in in Portland, Oregon at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, its owned by Doyle McCormack, and its technically a PA-4 since its now powered by a 251 motor (off an ex-BC Rail MLW unit). Its now on its third livery since Mr. McCormack painted it in the colors of the railroad his father worked for - the Nickel Plate.
wow, that's an old engine
Is there an update on this FA
Work continues, look for bigger progress this Spring
Where is this?
Pureland industrial park, I think its Logan Twp NJ.
Is this the one which was in D&H Colonie Yard?
No, that one went to owners in W. Virginia
@@Baldwindiesels I’m a D&H engineer and snooped around it once when I was stopped in the siding there. Once a friend and I got a ride on one of those FA power cars on Long Island. My uncle was an engineer there, but was retired. The guy who gave me the ride was a friend of his.
@@brianburns7211 www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1240640
I wonder how its progressing?
Former WM.
She needs to warm up good and get out in the open and blow the old cons out of her. I always liked these style of engines as a child to me they reminded me of a face as you saw them approaching and appearing larger and larger till they went by. Kind of like a comic face.
Former SEPTA Engine??
No, LIRR, L&N
I've never heard an Alco bog down or skip like that, it doesn't sound super healthy or is it just me
This was when some adjustments had started, but not completed. It runs & sounds much better now.
Need to oil the brakes
Repaint put it back to work again
Be patient, it will be.
Look forward to future videos of the process
that looks so creepy
My son is special needs and he loves trains 🚆🛤🚋🚞🚝🚊🚉🚈🚇🚅🚄🚃🚂 especially Alco's like that one he hopes that real soon or sooner than soon that it will be fully restored!
Thank you for your comment!
I will post a video when it is finished.
@@Baldwindiesels Well thank you for your reply we appreciate it God bless you 🙏🥀🤴✡✝️🐑🕊👑🔥🌅🪨🍞🦅🦁🐏❤😇👼🗡🛡 John 3:16
Fantastic!!