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.

@goldenmanuever1176

9 ай бұрын

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.

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!

It's hard not to adore alcos.

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,.

@brianburns7211

3 жыл бұрын

My uncle was an engineer there too.

@LIMowersAndMore

3 жыл бұрын

My dad also ran these as power cars, he also did the f7 snd alco c420s before my retiring in 2001

fantastic video!🙌🙌

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!

Alco PA back from the dead. “It’s alive!”

Fantastic!!

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!

@MilwaukeeF40C

9 ай бұрын

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.

@Narrowgaugefilms

9 ай бұрын

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.

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!

Ah the mighty clatter of an ancient Alco prime mover.

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.

@thomasabramson100

3 жыл бұрын

would love to see one of the LIRR high hood C420s or L2 as they called them running again

@That_One_Guy_In_A_Band

3 жыл бұрын

@@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

2 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@That_One_Guy_In_A_Band

2 жыл бұрын

@@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...

@LIMowersAndMore

Жыл бұрын

@@saltman95841556 has everything it turns over by hand, all it really needs is oil fuel and compression and really shell fire up.

So happy to see it run again. And ACTUALLY running, not as a cab car as it was on the LIRR.

@Baldwindiesels

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed! I've been watching the engine for 45 years, this chapter is fantastic!

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.

This is great! Another 244 powered ALCO lives. Can’t wait to see the finished product!

It's kinda funny hearing that ole thing creaking, grunting, squealing away..

Wow that is awesome!!! A true diesel classic right there!

What a nice old locomotive. I could watch this for hours.

@Baldwindiesels

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I’ve been following it for almost 50 years!

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!

Great locomotive, thank you!

Heard about Alco FA's and seen photos, but never thought I would see one in action. Thanks for putting this up!

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!!

Looking good and sounding even better

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 ; )

We got to hear a Baldwin & an ALCo. Good work!

I see FPAs running all the time on the CVSR. It’s amazing what they run down there

When he slammed the brakes on, I thought he was going to do a burnout.

This is just too much fun.

I don't know much about American locos, but I love Alcos and Baldwins!

I knew I should have put money on a FA running in 2020. Who would have thought it would happen?

Now THAT'S a PROPER ALCO !! Great job guys !!

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

My inner child and mechanic is smiling right now.😊

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

It's great hearing that sound.

Love the sound.

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+++++👍👍👍👍👍

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.😮

@pauljones2762

8 ай бұрын

Kinda like a Harley.

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.😁

Sweet sounds and sights.

@Baldwindiesels

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir, much appreciated!

@fredstuckmann

3 жыл бұрын

@@Baldwindiesels Most welcome sir.

As a NYAR engineer I would love to have this one on the point of heavy pull up the Bushwick Branch.

That's awesome!!

this locomotive was exported to indian railway .. indian railways named it as wdm1

@voidjavelin23

2 ай бұрын

no this is very different, the loco that exported to india is a DL500 series while this is a FA unit

“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!”

@Baldwindiesels

9 ай бұрын

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.

@lawnmowermanTX

9 ай бұрын

@@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..

@Baldwindiesels

9 ай бұрын

@@lawnmowermanTX Others here may not have seen it as humor….

@lawnmowermanTX

9 ай бұрын

@@Baldwindiesels my bad yet, we need to put the road diesels back on the track! Even doing rail trips

Looking forward to the final unveiling as a PRR.

What a sound!

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?

@Baldwindiesels

3 жыл бұрын

It has a 244 engine, and paint TBD, but not L&N I'm told.

@Baldwindiesels

3 жыл бұрын

railfan.com/coming-soon-an-a-b-a-set-of-pennsy-fas/?fbclid=IwAR3dcgi0WYmn4F1pyrZfIotUb_VGArx9hayhQLHsvk7eq9RUPIU_k4Z1sdA

@georgecarter838

3 жыл бұрын

@@Baldwindiesels Nice to know. Thanks for this info!

@bobkohl6779

Жыл бұрын

@@Baldwindiesels thanks for the info, cuts down on the guessing.

@bobkohl6779

Жыл бұрын

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

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.

@voidjavelin23

2 ай бұрын

the WDM 1 ironically is not a FA unit but rather a DL500 unit

Excellent. 💙 T.E.N.

I wish the two remaining sharknoses were owned by this railroad, they'd probably be running if they were

@Baldwindiesels

3 жыл бұрын

They would I'm sure, but their owner has his own plans hopefully.

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?

@fenner4117

Жыл бұрын

Supposed to be in Pennsy livery, along with another FA and FB. I don't know the current status; trying to find out.

Unfortunately, here in Brazil there are no restorations of old trains, except for tourist ones.

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.

I can see why they moved it outside before starting it... Give that old girl a shot of ether (and a windshield cleaning)!

@Baldwindiesels

2 жыл бұрын

Not to worry, its been tunned up more & is running much better I hear. Windshield replacement is next.

Nice!

I like first gen. fours better than steam, to each their own.

สวยงามครับ 🥷🇹🇭

Awesome

Is the SMS going to be interested in getting one of those RF-16's from the ES&LS?

I’d like to see a running PA.

Wow.

Sounds like seious main bearing trouble!

@Baldwindiesels

9 ай бұрын

Not even close, its better now.

Prime mover sounds horrible. But it was a troubled engine. Nice see another ALCO working again

@Baldwindiesels

Жыл бұрын

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?

@Baldwindiesels

2 жыл бұрын

The owner is using the horn of his choice.

NICE!!!! WHERE IS THIS SMS SHOP AT?? KEEP THEM ROLLING BROTHERS!! 👍👍

@Baldwindiesels

2 жыл бұрын

South Jersey

Is the plan to get that F Unit in operation again?

@Baldwindiesels

3 жыл бұрын

it is.

Does the owner plan to donate the older diesels if there ever replaced

@Baldwindiesels

3 жыл бұрын

Not aware of any plans.

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.

I would love to see an update. How is the FA project progressing at SMS?

@Baldwindiesels

7 ай бұрын

Nothing new to report at the moment.

@ncascadehiker

7 ай бұрын

@@Baldwindiesels - thanks. On FB I saw he installed the PRR style antenna. Guess it will take a while to complete the project.

Do those wheels need a little grease?

@Maduce77

3 жыл бұрын

Nah, just a lot of wheel squeal Alco’s AAR Type B were known to be grinding sounding around tight curves.

Is the Alco Doctor there? Looks and sounds like him.

@Baldwindiesels

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, he made a house call!

@tpfromcentralpa1692

2 жыл бұрын

@@Baldwindiesels I hope he is still saving Alco's in his retirement!

@Baldwindiesels

2 жыл бұрын

@@tpfromcentralpa1692 TP- Be assured, he still is!

@tpfromcentralpa1692

2 жыл бұрын

@@Baldwindiesels Excellant!

Can I use this footage for a vid I'm making? I'll credit you.

@Baldwindiesels

3 жыл бұрын

No, sorry.

Is that a 12 cyl. 251 series prime mover?

@Baldwindiesels

9 ай бұрын

244 prime mover

Hi I'm putting together a KZread video on the alco fa, would it be ok if I used some of this footage?

@Baldwindiesels

2 жыл бұрын

I prefer not to share, but you can link to it

Is there an update on this FA

@Baldwindiesels

2 жыл бұрын

Work continues, look for bigger progress this Spring

The ALCOs were big smokers.

wow, that's an old engine

Are these the two that were brought up from Mexico to be painted in war bonnet Santa Fe Colors ?

@Baldwindiesels

2 жыл бұрын

No, those are PA's. This is an FA-2

@janeordway4841

2 жыл бұрын

@@Baldwindiesels Do you know where those PA’s are ? Is there a you tube page for them ?

@Baldwindiesels

2 жыл бұрын

@@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

@kristoffermangila

Жыл бұрын

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.

Is this the one which was in D&H Colonie Yard?

@Baldwindiesels

3 жыл бұрын

No, that one went to owners in W. Virginia

@brianburns7211

3 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@Baldwindiesels

3 жыл бұрын

@@brianburns7211 www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1240640 I wonder how its progressing?

@jeffreymcfadden9403

2 жыл бұрын

Former WM.

Where is this?

@rskalisky

3 жыл бұрын

Pureland industrial park, I think its Logan Twp NJ.

Former SEPTA Engine??

@Baldwindiesels

2 жыл бұрын

No, LIRR, L&N

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?

@voidjavelin23

2 ай бұрын

NKP 190 might be the only PA unit that is potentially restored with 251C prime mover which is still in progress

I've never heard an Alco bog down or skip like that, it doesn't sound super healthy or is it just me

@Baldwindiesels

Жыл бұрын

This was when some adjustments had started, but not completed. It runs & sounds much better now.

ALCO POWER! Tier 0!!!!!

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.

Need to oil the brakes

Repaint put it back to work again

@Baldwindiesels

9 ай бұрын

Be patient, it will be.

@NYandAtlantic

9 ай бұрын

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!

@Baldwindiesels

Ай бұрын

Thank you for your comment! I will post a video when it is finished.

@gretchenchadwick8343

Ай бұрын

@@Baldwindiesels Well thank you for your reply we appreciate it God bless you 🙏🥀🤴✡✝️🐑🕊👑🔥🌅🪨🍞🦅🦁🐏❤😇👼🗡🛡 John 3:16

Fantastic!!