I was born in 1951, so I have a soft spot in my heart for the F-7 as it was an iconic symbol of railroading. I have a nice fleet of HO scale F-7A's and B's in several different liveries. I'm in the process of adding details to all of them, keeping me busy working on the railroad. I always enjoy videos of F-7's no matter what the road. Cheers from eastern TN
Rick, the more of these you do, the better they get. Wow. I can’t thank you enough for putting this history out on RUclips for everyone to see. I hope more people get to know about the B&M because of this work. It truly is amazing to watch. And who doesn’t love that old footage of Dwight Smith… High Green!
Fantastic production, thank you! My father was on the B&M from 1918 to 1962, the majority of those years as an engineer. There's no doubt in my mind that he was at the controls of 4266 at one time or another. Toward the end of his career, he was on Buddcars {WRJ to Boston} and then, finally, on the yard switcher here in Concord {1127, 1129 and others}. I rode with him every Saturday and the memories are still some of my best.
My Grandfather was a conductor on the B&M those same years. I know he ran on the Fitchburg line into Boston, and lived in Acton. A cousin was an engineer in Western Mass, working out of Greenfield as I recall. My Dad worked in Boston and commuted 6 days a week from South Acton until 1965, sometimes taking us with him on Saturdays. Every once in a while, an engineer on the RDC would let us ride up in the cab with him. Great locos. Great memories.
I grew up in Concord NH> I was born the year they tore down the concord Depot to build the retail plaza. But I was given the perfect opportunity to be a part of the old Concord yard. To see the blue F units in concord in 1973 was my Highlight!!!! So many memories. I have brought my Kids as my dad brought me, and now my grandchildren. Thank you for such a classic and detailed video I hope many younger generations can appreciate the past!
As a Massachusetts resident im about 3 hrs from these units. 4265 is in a sad state in Gorham, i last saw her in 2023. But at least she didn't go to scrap. They are huga locomotives. The video and pics here dont scale. Awesome trains
Many people see trains as just machines, but there are people who see them more than machines and instead like living beings. Mostly aimed at steam locomotives, a lot of diesel types from older times seem to carry that "I'm a living and breathing being" just like their steam counterparts. Love for the trains
These videos you’ve produced are absolutely outstanding! The organization of content, footage, and narration all go together to make such a great series!
Great video and history of the B&M Fs. I had the privilege of riding the F7A 4266 and 4268 a couple tim s on freights between Mechanicville and Boston. Such great memories!!
That was a great video. The B units would show up on the West End once in a while. I remember 4267B on the Bennington branch a couple of times. Thanks for assembling this video.
I enjoyed the video. Interesting history on the F-7 "A" and "B" units. I came here because I was looking for ideas for my recently acquired Overland Models lnc HO Scale Brass F-7 A-B-A set and a future layout. Once again, I enjoyed watching the video, and I was able to come up with some ideas for a layout. The video is inspiring. 😊
Why couldn't the shop find out and stop the problems with #4267 many fires !! I am one that fondly remembers these F units in the Boston area when I started Railfanning with my Father & older Brother in the late 1960s at 9 yrs old and right up to the final days of #4267B on DOBO in 1979' then going to Billerica to see the many dead units behind the shop. I fan for life moving to Exeter, NH right on the mainline off Main St. seeing the trains daily since 1994' !! Now sadly CSX but still a bunch of Pan Am Blue around while it last !! I very much miss my B&M as I'm 65' now.
The video is fantastic and I can’t wait to watch part two. Great photo’s and video’s with great information. I could watch this video multiple times and probably will. Will subscribe and I always like.
I'm sorry if this is a very selfish request. Please forgive me. I am currently researching the B&M E7 and E8. I am also looking through back issues of the B&M Bulletin. I hope that one day you will feature videos on the E7 and E8.
Both 4265B and 4267B suffered major engine failures (connecting rods out the side of the engine), which took them out of service. This was discovered during the inspection of the three B units at Billerica by ARHS representatives in 1988. 4268B shown no evidence of any reason for retirement thus 4268B was selected to be the one ARHS purchased. Rhode Island shredding chopped the other B units, several GP7's and some MBTA E8's in 1988.
I saw 4265 a few years ago. She's in sad condition, and far beyond restoring to operational condition. Maybe one day she'll be cosmetically restored into a blue paint scheme and put on display in Conway.
I remember riding the Ts North Stationti Lowell with F units in 1980-81. Does anyone know the history of those locomotives. I thought they were lettered for the MBTA but not sure where they originated from....
I know I’ve seen pictures of these F7 train numbers used in the T system. Specifically 4266/4268/4265 etc. I’ve saved a bunch of pictures of them. Were those the same units or re used numbers?
Thank you for the reply. That’s very interesting. I was always under the impression that the numbers were unique to each locomotive like a license plate. Do you have any videos on the Maine Central EMD F and G units?
As another railroad archival film RUclipsr, this is more of exactly what the railfan community needs on RUclips! Just fantastic!
I was born in 1951, so I have a soft spot in my heart for the F-7 as it was an iconic symbol of railroading. I have a nice fleet of HO scale F-7A's and B's in several different liveries. I'm in the process of adding details to all of them, keeping me busy working on the railroad. I always enjoy videos of F-7's no matter what the road. Cheers from eastern TN
Rick, the more of these you do, the better they get. Wow. I can’t thank you enough for putting this history out on RUclips for everyone to see. I hope more people get to know about the B&M because of this work. It truly is amazing to watch. And who doesn’t love that old footage of Dwight Smith… High Green!
Rick, so nice to see a machine once dead and ready to scrap brought back to life. The B&M lives!
Fantastic production, thank you! My father was on the B&M from 1918 to 1962, the majority of those years as an engineer. There's no doubt in my mind that he was at the controls of 4266 at one time or another. Toward the end of his career, he was on Buddcars {WRJ to Boston} and then, finally, on the yard switcher here in Concord {1127, 1129 and others}. I rode with him every Saturday and the memories are still some of my best.
My Grandfather was a conductor on the B&M those same years. I know he ran on the Fitchburg line into Boston, and lived in Acton. A cousin was an engineer in Western Mass, working out of Greenfield as I recall. My Dad worked in Boston and commuted 6 days a week from South Acton until 1965, sometimes taking us with him on Saturdays. Every once in a while, an engineer on the RDC would let us ride up in the cab with him. Great locos. Great memories.
I grew up in Concord NH> I was born the year they tore down the concord Depot to build the retail plaza. But I was given the perfect opportunity to be a part of the old Concord yard. To see the blue F units in concord in 1973 was my Highlight!!!! So many memories. I have brought my Kids as my dad brought me, and now my grandchildren. Thank you for such a classic and detailed video I hope many younger generations can appreciate the past!
Your conversion of tonnage rating (abstract numbers) into visual (tangible) form is an example of great teaching.
Thank you for the wonderful video of the B&M F7s.
I'm impressed with how you conveyed the history of these locomotives in detail.
OMG! My hometown is Billerica, and seeing these beautiful units in their golden years in my town is insane! Great work with this documentary!
I appreciate the discussion of the differences between EMD F3 and F7 units, both in technical terms and in terms of real-world use.
So cool! Wish I could take a ride behind those F7s
Well done! Love the F7 model. Thank you for bringing the B&M to those of us who've never visited that region.
Coming from the United Kingdom, this is a beautiful piece of historical railway that's well loved and respected here. 👍😎
Rick out did yourself excellent presentation and video!!! Can't wait for the next one!!!
As a Massachusetts resident im about 3 hrs from these units. 4265 is in a sad state in Gorham, i last saw her in 2023. But at least she didn't go to scrap. They are huga locomotives. The video and pics here dont scale. Awesome trains
The chase produced great shots of the F7’s in blue on the Northern Route for us to see decades later.
Many people see trains as just machines, but there are people who see them more than machines and instead like living beings. Mostly aimed at steam locomotives, a lot of diesel types from older times seem to carry that "I'm a living and breathing being" just like their steam counterparts. Love for the trains
Great job, love the end. Looking forward to the next ones
Hi Baker!!!
It’s Stephen Demboske
Formerly Birch Hill Subaru Guy
Back with a new channel!!
Third time is the charm!!!!!
These videos you’ve produced are absolutely outstanding! The organization of content, footage, and narration all go together to make such a great series!
My thoughts as well. 👍
By far one of my favorite channels on RUclips. Your series on B&M Steam is unparalleled. Can’t wait for subsequent diesel episodes.
Might be my favorite video on the channel. Can you do an in depth video on the Hillsborough?
Rick, thanks for a great production piece & video. Loved the intro, still photos & older & modern film.
Very well done production on my favorite locomotive . Must get back up to Conway Scenic and see this great pair on service.
Great video and history of the B&M Fs. I had the privilege of riding the F7A 4266 and 4268 a couple tim s on freights between Mechanicville and Boston. Such great memories!!
So good! Thank you!! 😊👍👍
That was a great video. The B units would show up on the West End once in a while. I remember 4267B on the Bennington branch a couple of times. Thanks for assembling this video.
amazing! thank you so much
Thanks to all who contributed their time and talent to create this superb video!
Excellent program! Great footage and stills.
Can't wait for the next episode
Thank you for an amazing video on the history of the B&M F-7 units.
I enjoyed the video. Interesting history on the F-7 "A" and "B" units. I came here because I was looking for ideas for my recently acquired Overland Models lnc HO Scale Brass F-7 A-B-A set and a future layout. Once again, I enjoyed watching the video, and I was able to come up with some ideas for a layout. The video is inspiring. 😊
Great work. Thank you.
Excellent video. Thanks for making and uploading it.
❤❤❤❤❤ fantastic video
Amazing, love the history. Can't wait for more of this series!
Enjoyed the video...thanks!
Thank you for your hard work creating these great shows.
Another great vid thanks
Why couldn't the shop find out and stop the problems with #4267 many fires !!
I am one that fondly remembers these F units in the Boston area when I started Railfanning with my Father & older Brother in the late 1960s at 9 yrs old and right up to the final days of #4267B on DOBO in 1979' then going to Billerica to see the many dead units behind the shop. I fan for life moving to Exeter, NH right on the mainline off Main St. seeing the trains daily since 1994' !! Now sadly CSX but still a bunch of Pan Am Blue around while it last !! I very much miss my B&M as I'm 65' now.
@Birch Hill Subaru Guy ?
@Birch Hill Subaru Guy Oh Hi Stephen I hope your doing well 👍😊
The video is fantastic and I can’t wait to watch part two. Great photo’s and video’s with great information. I could watch this video multiple times and probably will. Will subscribe and I always like.
Really nice video. Beautiful F units!
Awesome video, very well edited and produced! New sub from WV!
This was fantastic. I’m looking forward to the next episode 😊.
Wow this is a really great production!
Another excellent video Rick!
I'm sorry if this is a very selfish request.
Please forgive me.
I am currently researching the B&M E7 and E8.
I am also looking through back issues of the B&M Bulletin.
I hope that one day you will feature videos on the E7 and E8.
Great F story here👍🏻
Nice to see B&M diesel power it’s due. Hopefully you’ll be able to get enough material to cover the E7s too.
Both 4265B and 4267B suffered major engine failures (connecting rods out the side of the engine), which took them out of service. This was discovered during the inspection of the three B units at Billerica by ARHS representatives in 1988. 4268B shown no evidence of any reason for retirement thus 4268B was selected to be the one ARHS purchased. Rhode Island shredding chopped the other B units, several GP7's and some MBTA E8's in 1988.
Thanks for the info Rich! You guys are doing wonderful things with the Fs down your way.
I saw 4265 a few years ago. She's in sad condition, and far beyond restoring to operational condition. Maybe one day she'll be cosmetically restored into a blue paint scheme and put on display in Conway.
2:48 I saw 4266 and 4268 run last week!!!
Thanks- I wondered about that- any idea if any survived or were they scrapped?
4268B is showing a F3B look with screens.
Episode 2 when
I remember riding the Ts North Stationti Lowell with F units in 1980-81. Does anyone know the history of those locomotives. I thought they were lettered for the MBTA but not sure where they originated from....
Those were ex- Gulf, Mobile & Ohio
is that North Station at 7:09?
It is!
I know I’ve seen pictures of these F7 train numbers used in the T system. Specifically 4266/4268/4265 etc. I’ve saved a bunch of pictures of them. Were those the same units or re used numbers?
Those were former Penn Central E-units with coincidentally the same numbers.
Thank you for the reply. That’s very interesting. I was always under the impression that the numbers were unique to each locomotive like a license plate. Do you have any videos on the Maine Central EMD F and G units?
❤❤❤
19:46 dosent that make 4268 technically a F9?
What About Locomotives BL-2s
I own a athearn locomotives F-7 B&M 4266