I DROVE THIS TRAIN (and you can too)
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Date: 2023-08-28
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Comments and reviews: 30
CarMatt
I am Australian, and I am lucky enough to say that I get to drive trains for a living. Driving a modern suburban train is not as hard as some may think. Sure, there are many skills you need to master, but most of them are learned skills. You just need to put in the time and effort. What you do need to know is that operating the train controls and systems is only half the job. The rest is building up your track knowledge, which involves learning where all the signals are located because trains take time to stop. If you only start braking when you sight the signal at stop (red, it may be too late. You will have a SPAD (running a red signal, and that is not a good thing. Track knowledge is what keeps a train safe. Overall, once you learn everything you need to know, it is surprisingly easy to drive a modern suburban train. You just need to remember that this job can go from being very easy to a nightmare within seconds. I have PTSD from this job, but it is still a great job if you are lucky enough to get it.
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I am Australian, and I am lucky enough to say that I get to drive trains for a living. Driving a modern suburban train is not as hard as some may think. Sure, there are many skills you need to master, but most of them are learned skills. You just need to put in the time and effort. What you do need to know is that operating the train controls and systems is only half the job. The rest is building up your track knowledge, which involves learning where all the signals are located because trains take time to stop. If you only start braking when you sight the signal at stop (red, it may be too late. You will have a SPAD (running a red signal, and that is not a good thing. Track knowledge is what keeps a train safe. Overall, once you learn everything you need to know, it is surprisingly easy to drive a modern suburban train. You just need to remember that this job can go from being very easy to a nightmare within seconds. I have PTSD from this job, but it is still a great job if you are lucky enough to get it.
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The
There is another railroad museum that offers this in Portola, California. The track is a lot shorter, however. The museum however is great, with a huge collection of rolling stock and locomotives. They specialize in the Western Pacific railroad, which used to run through that area, with a lot of locomotives in that collection from the Western Pacific. Great and knowledgeable staff, and I myself drove a train there, a shunter engine (thats not the only engine they have that you can operate theres multiple. its a great place, and if you live in the western half of the US and dont want to go all the way to North Carolina, Portola is a good option for you. Its located across the border from Nevada near Reno along state route 70.
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There is another railroad museum that offers this in Portola, California. The track is a lot shorter, however. The museum however is great, with a huge collection of rolling stock and locomotives. They specialize in the Western Pacific railroad, which used to run through that area, with a lot of locomotives in that collection from the Western Pacific. Great and knowledgeable staff, and I myself drove a train there, a shunter engine (thats not the only engine they have that you can operate theres multiple. its a great place, and if you live in the western half of the US and dont want to go all the way to North Carolina, Portola is a good option for you. Its located across the border from Nevada near Reno along state route 70.
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james
In the early 50's, Uncle was a mechanic on the Railroad. One day, he took me on a Locomotives just like the one in the video. He took me to where the deisel engines were inside the Locomotives.
There were two rows of motors. He gave me a math lesson. He ask me how many motors are there. I was in first grade, and not good at math.
He showed me. He counted out 8 motors on one side, and said there 8 motors on the other.
He said how many motors does that make. I look puzzled. He said 8 and 8 are 16.
So there were 16 motors on each side of the Locomotives.
My uncle gave me an engineers hat that day.
It was a very memorable day for me.
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In the early 50's, Uncle was a mechanic on the Railroad. One day, he took me on a Locomotives just like the one in the video. He took me to where the deisel engines were inside the Locomotives.
There were two rows of motors. He gave me a math lesson. He ask me how many motors are there. I was in first grade, and not good at math.
He showed me. He counted out 8 motors on one side, and said there 8 motors on the other.
He said how many motors does that make. I look puzzled. He said 8 and 8 are 16.
So there were 16 motors on each side of the Locomotives.
My uncle gave me an engineers hat that day.
It was a very memorable day for me.
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Dean
It is a fantastic and enjoyable adventure to operate a 70 yr. old locomotive. If you are out west in Northern California around Lake Tahoe just a short drive to Quincy, is the Western Pacific Railroad Museum. You can operate one or more of 8 operational locomotives from the late 40's to early 60's. Growing up in the WP family I first learn at the age of 9 while sitting on the engineers lap. And later as part of a job, a SW1500 all day for several months shuttling car for a copper smelter during labor troubles. I wish you well in your travels and enjoy as many things as you come across.
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It is a fantastic and enjoyable adventure to operate a 70 yr. old locomotive. If you are out west in Northern California around Lake Tahoe just a short drive to Quincy, is the Western Pacific Railroad Museum. You can operate one or more of 8 operational locomotives from the late 40's to early 60's. Growing up in the WP family I first learn at the age of 9 while sitting on the engineers lap. And later as part of a job, a SW1500 all day for several months shuttling car for a copper smelter during labor troubles. I wish you well in your travels and enjoy as many things as you come across.
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FrogFoodMC
My Dad is currently working as a architect for the North Carolina Transportation Museum, it's a really great place with lots of interesting history to unpack. Me and my family have all learned so much about the history of the site and buildings that they're hoping to renovate in the near future. There are so many interesting and fun facts I wish I could share, but that would bog down this already lengthy comment. Overall it's an amazing place that I'd recommend to anyone if you're in or around the area.
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My Dad is currently working as a architect for the North Carolina Transportation Museum, it's a really great place with lots of interesting history to unpack. Me and my family have all learned so much about the history of the site and buildings that they're hoping to renovate in the near future. There are so many interesting and fun facts I wish I could share, but that would bog down this already lengthy comment. Overall it's an amazing place that I'd recommend to anyone if you're in or around the area.
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Thomas
One of my greatest adventures as a kid. My uncle was a dispatcher for the New Jersey Central Railroad. In 1967 when I was 12 he arranged a cab ride for me. It started in western NJ near the Pennsylvania border. We had 4 F7 units in an A, B, B, A configuration followed by 106 C&O open hoppers full of coal. In a desolate section of track the engineer let me take the controls. It certainly would not happen today. I must say though that is the most power I have held in my hands to this day.
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One of my greatest adventures as a kid. My uncle was a dispatcher for the New Jersey Central Railroad. In 1967 when I was 12 he arranged a cab ride for me. It started in western NJ near the Pennsylvania border. We had 4 F7 units in an A, B, B, A configuration followed by 106 C&O open hoppers full of coal. In a desolate section of track the engineer let me take the controls. It certainly would not happen today. I must say though that is the most power I have held in my hands to this day.
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Drewster327
I was a locomotive engineer for 15 years, everyone thinks operating a train is so easy because you dont steer, but there is so much more to it than that, just operating one locomotive like you did seemed complicated, try handling 100+ cars with 10, 000+ tons behind you at 50mph and still stopping and starting up hills and down hills. I appreciate the shoutout to all us railroaders, its nice to be appreciated sometimes
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I was a locomotive engineer for 15 years, everyone thinks operating a train is so easy because you dont steer, but there is so much more to it than that, just operating one locomotive like you did seemed complicated, try handling 100+ cars with 10, 000+ tons behind you at 50mph and still stopping and starting up hills and down hills. I appreciate the shoutout to all us railroaders, its nice to be appreciated sometimes
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Andrew
Oh Jeb, that's a dream come true for me. I can't begin to imagine the number of times I've contemplated asking MBTA operators if I can drive a T commuter rail train between two stops, or at least see the operations in the cab, which I think I would be decent at considering I've clocked 200 hours in a train simulator. I really wish I was closer to heritage railroads that allowed me to do what you did in this vid
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Oh Jeb, that's a dream come true for me. I can't begin to imagine the number of times I've contemplated asking MBTA operators if I can drive a T commuter rail train between two stops, or at least see the operations in the cab, which I think I would be decent at considering I've clocked 200 hours in a train simulator. I really wish I was closer to heritage railroads that allowed me to do what you did in this vid
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fldpgny
Thanks Jeb for all your great vlogs. I love train travel as you do. Most of it back and forth from NY Penn Station to Hudson NY on annual trips to the town of Catskill NY. My favorite was 23 years ago on the Shangalolo Express. 16 days from Johnannesburg SOuth Africa to Cape Town. They still run luxury tours through Africa. Keep up the super trips.
Doug
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Thanks Jeb for all your great vlogs. I love train travel as you do. Most of it back and forth from NY Penn Station to Hudson NY on annual trips to the town of Catskill NY. My favorite was 23 years ago on the Shangalolo Express. 16 days from Johnannesburg SOuth Africa to Cape Town. They still run luxury tours through Africa. Keep up the super trips.
Doug
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yep
My father was an engineer for a long time. When I was a kid I used to be able to go to work with him, when the company was a smaller outfit (Wisconsin Central. He would let me drive the train. I would man the direction and speed and he would man the break. Every time I would come to work with him the guys in the yard would joke with me and call out hey fireman.
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My father was an engineer for a long time. When I was a kid I used to be able to go to work with him, when the company was a smaller outfit (Wisconsin Central. He would let me drive the train. I would man the direction and speed and he would man the break. Every time I would come to work with him the guys in the yard would joke with me and call out hey fireman.
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Thomas
As someone who has done a similar experience in the uk, I can relate to how fast this slow speed experience can be. It must be an awesome feeling to be at the controls of a beautiful and powerful machine such as this. I will be on lookout for these types of opportunities here thanks to you.
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As someone who has done a similar experience in the uk, I can relate to how fast this slow speed experience can be. It must be an awesome feeling to be at the controls of a beautiful and powerful machine such as this. I will be on lookout for these types of opportunities here thanks to you.
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Fan
If the Norfolk and Western No. 611 ever makes it back down to Spencer for another stay at the museum, its definitely worth checking out. Theres just something about being behind the throttle of a living, breathing steam locomotive that just blows the diesel experience out of the water.
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If the Norfolk and Western No. 611 ever makes it back down to Spencer for another stay at the museum, its definitely worth checking out. Theres just something about being behind the throttle of a living, breathing steam locomotive that just blows the diesel experience out of the water.
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Railfanning
Very cool to be able to operate the F-unit, I just filmed a 1948 F3a unit at the Alberta Railway museum in Canada as they did some switching in the yard. Walking through the engine room to the cab I was amazed how much space was in the cab. Truly an experience I wont forget.
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Very cool to be able to operate the F-unit, I just filmed a 1948 F3a unit at the Alberta Railway museum in Canada as they did some switching in the yard. Walking through the engine room to the cab I was amazed how much space was in the cab. Truly an experience I wont forget.
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Doc
Like the Comments below, takes time to master the craft, incidentally we are still using those GM era Locomotives here Down Under in Mainline Freight and Passenger work glad you enjoyed your first taste of motive power and thank-you enjoyable video. regards Doc from Down Under.
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Like the Comments below, takes time to master the craft, incidentally we are still using those GM era Locomotives here Down Under in Mainline Freight and Passenger work glad you enjoyed your first taste of motive power and thank-you enjoyable video. regards Doc from Down Under.
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peter
hi there. greetings from england. you lucky person, i would love to have a go on this loco, we do not have any thing like this over here, i have two of these on my model railway made by Triang Railways in the 50s, hats off to the designers! of these locos
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hi there. greetings from england. you lucky person, i would love to have a go on this loco, we do not have any thing like this over here, i have two of these on my model railway made by Triang Railways in the 50s, hats off to the designers! of these locos
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Wayne
You know, ever since I was a kid, I've always dreamed of driving a train. Of course, I'm into hot air balloons now, but after watching your video, I think the North Carolina Transportation Museum can help make my boyhood dream come true!
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You know, ever since I was a kid, I've always dreamed of driving a train. Of course, I'm into hot air balloons now, but after watching your video, I think the North Carolina Transportation Museum can help make my boyhood dream come true!
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Richie
3: 34 What you refer to as the Selector is actually the Reverser. The Selector is the silver handle on the upper left side of the Control Stand. They're different handles with different functions.
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3: 34 What you refer to as the Selector is actually the Reverser. The Selector is the silver handle on the upper left side of the Control Stand. They're different handles with different functions.
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Kensington
I've been a locomotive engineer for BNSF out of Los Angeles for 10 years, running the Cajon Pass daily, and I still think it would be fun to check out this museum and run an old F type.
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I've been a locomotive engineer for BNSF out of Los Angeles for 10 years, running the Cajon Pass daily, and I still think it would be fun to check out this museum and run an old F type.
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swedishlutheran
I rode behind 6133 in 1975 in Asheville, NC on the Asheville Special to Old Fort. Frank Clodfetler was our friend and the engineer. We were visiting my Aunt and Uncle in Asheville.
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I rode behind 6133 in 1975 in Asheville, NC on the Asheville Special to Old Fort. Frank Clodfetler was our friend and the engineer. We were visiting my Aunt and Uncle in Asheville.
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Holly
One of my great uncles used to work there when Southern Railway still owned it. Everyone in the area called it Spencer Shops. During the Christmas parade, the judges sit in one of the cars.
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One of my great uncles used to work there when Southern Railway still owned it. Everyone in the area called it Spencer Shops. During the Christmas parade, the judges sit in one of the cars.
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Carol
Thank you so much for sharing one of our (Im a Thomasville neighbor) NCs gems to the world. Also not only is it enjoyed by adults the kids have loads of fun too! Another GREAT video Jeb!
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Thank you so much for sharing one of our (Im a Thomasville neighbor) NCs gems to the world. Also not only is it enjoyed by adults the kids have loads of fun too! Another GREAT video Jeb!
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Maureen
You need to check out the Northern Nevada Railway in Ely, NV. You can drive both diesel and steam locomotives. Theres also a museum and, if youre lucky, youll meet DJ, the shop cat.
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You need to check out the Northern Nevada Railway in Ely, NV. You can drive both diesel and steam locomotives. Theres also a museum and, if youre lucky, youll meet DJ, the shop cat.
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Cory
Hello Jeb. Do you plan on doing behind the scenes videos of train stations? Such as Philadelphia 30th Street station, Chicago Union Station, New York City Pennsylvania station, etc.
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Hello Jeb. Do you plan on doing behind the scenes videos of train stations? Such as Philadelphia 30th Street station, Chicago Union Station, New York City Pennsylvania station, etc.
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CrabMan
5: 48 Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe NS was introduced as a holding company in 1982 but the road names were still Southern and N&W until 1990
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5: 48 Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe NS was introduced as a holding company in 1982 but the road names were still Southern and N&W until 1990
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chance
If you ever find yourself visiting Nevada, visit Ely, Nevada where you can learn how to operate s diesel and steam locomotive and build a freight train.
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If you ever find yourself visiting Nevada, visit Ely, Nevada where you can learn how to operate s diesel and steam locomotive and build a freight train.
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JSP
Im surprised its that rare in the US, Driver Experience (sometimes called Footplate Experience) is a pretty common offering for the UKs heritage railways
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Im surprised its that rare in the US, Driver Experience (sometimes called Footplate Experience) is a pretty common offering for the UKs heritage railways
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Thomas
My wife and I visited that museum in early March 2023. It was amazing. Just when you thought you were done, there was much more to see.
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My wife and I visited that museum in early March 2023. It was amazing. Just when you thought you were done, there was much more to see.
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swedishlutheran
Rode behind the ACL 501 in Wisconsin here on an excursion in 1984. It was also out in Denver as a kid when I lived there.
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Rode behind the ACL 501 in Wisconsin here on an excursion in 1984. It was also out in Denver as a kid when I lived there.
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Digby's
This was very cool. You always put together a fun and informative video. I'm still working on mine ones. Keep up the good work.
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This was very cool. You always put together a fun and informative video. I'm still working on mine ones. Keep up the good work.
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JBS
Back in 2018, it was possible to operate a massive steam locomotive at Spencer, which I did, and it was extremely difficult.
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Back in 2018, it was possible to operate a massive steam locomotive at Spencer, which I did, and it was extremely difficult.
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