Locomotive Bought on an Online Auction - Helping My Customer Get It Moved - Shipping Nightmare

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  • Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
  • Well, my customer bought a locomotive at an online auction. Now What???
    This locomotive is an EMD GP7U. It went through a major upgrade in 1980 by the ATSF and is now essentially a GP38. One of EMDs best locomotives.
    My customer bought it based on my recommendation for use on a shortline freight railroad. The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad will put this locomotive to good use.
    This locomotive has been in captive "Mill Service" for many years and needs a bunch of work before it can be shipped to its new home. Since the FRA does not have control of anything within an industry, some of the maintenance and repairs have been neglected.
    For this move, nothing has to be done with the engine or electrical. Just brakes, wheels, couplers, etc. All things I have dealt with in the past. But in this case, I have never dealt with a bigger group of incompetent people in my 25 year career of railroading. The inspectors on the first railroad were total idiots. We went through 4 different ones before we got anywhere.
    It is now home, and I can guarantee I will never deal with Watco again. Absolutely the worst experience of my career. If you are an unfortunate customer of theirs, I feel very sorry for you and wish for their speedy demise and a new operator to take over. My absolute sympathy to all of their customers.
    Topper Machine LLC is an entirely manual machine shop located in Spooner, WI. Our videos will highlight some of our shop work.
    Thank you for watching!
    Please Like, Subscribe, & Share.
    toppermachine.com
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    #machineshop #machinistlife #manualmachinist #railroad #trains

КОМЕНТАРІ • 707

  • @blackfox4677
    @blackfox4677 6 місяців тому +5

    You've never seen an engine that dirty!? You should see the ones we run at the plant i work at. That's what they look like, and worse! Also, sounds like watco and union pacific have a lot in common. Those guys are tough to deal with too. I'm actually a new locomotive engineer, i operate GP38's, and i have been learning a lot from your channel on how these massive machines work. Thank you!

  • @williamjuhl3527
    @williamjuhl3527 Рік тому +16

    I worked for EMD for 35 years. Very good video, but l was a bit surprised at the amount of grease/oil on the front stack. Obviously that will be cleaned off before the unit is placed in service. As far as cleanliness of the rest of the engine, it wasnt to bad. We found that the front coupling seal leaking would fling oil up and all over the front end of the engine, unless there was a coupling guard installed. Once again excellent video. Glad to see 40 and 50 year old units still in service. I may have tested that 645 engine, when it was new!

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  Рік тому +6

      The nastiness of this engine was just from idling for the last 10 years. The stacks were mostly plugged. I've seen this on almost every unit in this kind of service. Should clean out nice.

    • @JimNichols
      @JimNichols Рік тому +3

      @@TopperMachineLLC I know it is against all mechanical gods laws, but working on these for 15 years as a composite mechanic then a CMO I worked for a company that (gasp) put profit above everything.... so we had a GP9 that a company leased that had sat and idled till the low oil shut down killed it, the site mechanical foreman said it must have been a month or more. (dispute between who I worked for and the company resulted in them just parking the unit after getting a mule on site to do their car spotting) Go up to the site and the unit was over 55 gallon low on oil and when started smoked so bad. Shipped it to a new location with the understanding it needed work and fired it up under load test and pulled 1000 amps out of it for days still smoked bad, till the point of oil spattering on the hood and paint. I took a can of Comet and dumped in the turbo while in notch 7 making 1000 amps and in 10 minutes it has quit smoking and spitting oil. I know I took a lot of life out of the engine but the company did not want to repack it... so.
      Anyway nice video and thanks for the memories of burns, cuts, scrapes and other maladies that befell me during my time working for the railroad and the lovely people I met whom inspected my units for shipment :) Oh and PS I worked for Watco for about 3 months and the good ole boy network was just complete BS to work under.

    • @noisefuljoy
      @noisefuljoy Рік тому +2

      @@JimNichols Turbo? I assume it was repowered.

    • @williamjuhl3527
      @williamjuhl3527 Рік тому +1

      Jeep9 was roots blown

  • @edsmachine93
    @edsmachine93 Рік тому +36

    Very interesting video Josh.
    I had know idea there was so much involved with moving an Engine.
    You definitely know your way around a Train Engine.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Great video!
    Take care, Ed.

  • @abpsd73
    @abpsd73 Рік тому +5

    "Inspector" is a job title that seems to run from 0% GAF through to someone that would measure a blade of grass with a micrometer. I've had electrical inspectors that would barely look at a job to ones that picked everything apart with a fine toothed comb to attempt to find an issue. My worst one was a fire alarm inspector that I had to explain to him what had to be tested/inspected as part of a new building verification, since he didn't seem to have a clue what his job was.

  • @Captionmarvelous
    @Captionmarvelous Рік тому +2

    It sounded like the inspector was looking for a payout! I used to get that in Boston where a lot of people had their hands out. It was usually small operators looking for beer money for a few days. I just walked away. Payola might have gone away in the radio business, but it's alive and well in industrial sales in most parts of the country!

  • @derekslifer8455
    @derekslifer8455 Рік тому +4

    I feel your pain. Moved a few locomotives and inspectors are the worst! But thanks for sharing your process.

  • @daleolson3506
    @daleolson3506 Рік тому +5

    Those engines sound so good.you can hear the raw power would love to feel it also.

  • @stevenpederson1645
    @stevenpederson1645 Рік тому +14

    I started at Southern Pacific in the mid 1970's on the laundry track doing loco prewash, moved over to the cleaning building where we got to clean the engines so the machinists could do a teardown for a complete rebuild. I think Mike Rowe would love to suit up, grab a steam wand and make it shine.

  • @sleepy_moto2788
    @sleepy_moto2788 Рік тому +2

    Love the sound of those engines starting up. Worked on locomotives for a short time right out of high school, ill be working on boats soon for a company with a fleet of boats most of which are 12 or 16-545s, some smaller are 12-71s, all twins. Super excited for that.

  • @drover338
    @drover338 Рік тому +1

    CP Rail came to our facility and trained us on the proper usage of the spur that ran inside the warehouse. Those guys were top notch!

  • @saltycreole2673
    @saltycreole2673 Рік тому +4

    I don't always buy a locomotive, but when I do, it's at the behest of Mr Topper. 😅

  • @machinemoverman4614
    @machinemoverman4614 Рік тому

    I moved a steam locomotive from Versailles, Ky to Gambier, Oh, they took the stack, sanders, cab off, (needed rebuilt anyway), I spun it 90 degrees in the roadway and rolled it up on a lowboy, and away we went. It was a fun job! It’s on display at the Kokosing Gap Trail in Gambier.

  • @golf-n-guns
    @golf-n-guns Рік тому +65

    I was a cab engineer for GE Transportation. You obviously know your way around a locomotive and railroads. I agree that CN are pros. Good luck!

    • @jovetj
      @jovetj Рік тому +5

      Yeah, this gentleman was a joy to watch!

  • @cschwad559
    @cschwad559 Рік тому +3

    You know, Josh , I liked you before I saw this video, but I like you a lot more now. We machinists disdain the incompetence we run into and try to teach total competence in people that watch our work. As a railroad enthusiast for 44 years, this type of content is right up my alley.

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  Рік тому +1

      Sadly, it seems that incompetence is running rampant these days. The older generations didn't teach the younger ones, either because they didn't want to teach or they all know it already. I have run more into the "I know" in the younger generations. They refuse to learn.

  • @kennethtencza9209
    @kennethtencza9209 Рік тому +2

    Good video Josh and you have a great channel. I always learn something when i watch a new post. Keep them coming.

  • @SomeTechGuy666
    @SomeTechGuy666 Рік тому +2

    Extremely cool content. Subscribed.

  • @ericgriffin397
    @ericgriffin397 Рік тому +1

    Very interesting and informative video!! Thank you, be blessed and stay safe!!

  • @mauricekeithjohnson2598
    @mauricekeithjohnson2598 Рік тому +1

    Born and raised (mainly) on an island (BERMUDA) with NO trains, found this extremely interesting. Lots of Marine electrical and mechanical tho. Following your site vigorously. Need to order your DIRTFT tees ! lol

  • @U_ever
    @U_ever Рік тому

    The hardest working man in Wisconsin strikes again !

  • @MRHSDM316SD18186
    @MRHSDM316SD18186 Рік тому

    Mike Rowe's first foray in the railroad world was out at BOISE Locomotive; he got to run one of the NORTHSTAR rebuilds; IIRC he was running the 105 on their test track......

  • @jimbronson4506
    @jimbronson4506 Рік тому +2

    Nice find. I hope it works out well for you guys.

  • @ypaulbrown
    @ypaulbrown Рік тому +1

    Very Very Educational......thank you so much......Paul

  • @zaneturner4478
    @zaneturner4478 Рік тому +1

    Sounds like normal dealings with the railroad total lack of service is what I have always dealt with

  • @_PJW_
    @_PJW_ Рік тому +11

    Just imagine owning a machine like that and knowing what you are doing.

    • @TehShizno
      @TehShizno Рік тому

      Once you understand smaller systems in life, you can piece them together to understand more complex ones.

    • @_PJW_
      @_PJW_ Рік тому

      @@TehShizno So you're not married, are you? 🤣

    • @TehShizno
      @TehShizno Рік тому

      @@_PJW_ 1. Marriage isnt a machine lol. Its a bond between two imperfect human beings. If you understand the imperfections in human beings you can be understanding in your marriage with your wife or husband. Point being, take a little time to understand smaller systems, youll understand more complex ones. Complexity comes from combining smaller systems.

  • @johndii2194
    @johndii2194 Рік тому

    Saw the title of this video and had to give it a look. Yes, that is a Locomotive, now how will they move it? By rail, of course. I was thinking maybe by a truck? It is amazing what UA-camrs can do.

  • @dondotson4604
    @dondotson4604 Рік тому

    I worked 41 years on RR locomotives. Brake shew over hang means all the bushings in all the brake rigging are worn and should be changed. We used other methods like brake strap guides applied under the binders.

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  Рік тому +5

      The messed up part was that we had less than 10% overhang on the worst shoe. Inspector claimed 50% on several. All photographed with measurements and forwarded to his boss. His boss claimed to have fired him after that. We were at their mercy, and after begging, finally got them to agree to have one meet with us and explain why. That was when we finally got somewhere. I kind of interrogated the last inspector and got an interesting story. Basically none of their people had any background or experience. I've been doing this over 25 years and have never had any problems like this.

    • @klsc8510
      @klsc8510 Рік тому

      @@TopperMachineLLC You, you are now an inspector. Here is the manual. Oh, and by the way, be a complete jerk on business we don't want!

    • @MichaelRBaron
      @MichaelRBaron Рік тому

      @@TopperMachineLLC Gonna take a stab and say that inspector went to work for Norfolk Southern.

  • @chuck1352
    @chuck1352 Рік тому

    i worked on v 16 alco engines in the navy great to see another messy engine like them

  • @amtrakrules52
    @amtrakrules52 Рік тому +7

    I’ve worked for Watco and I whole heartedly agree. Absolute morons, complete incompetence and they like to sweep serious safety incidents under the rug. Sorry to hear that you had to deal with that crap, glad the CN was a lot better to deal with.

  • @idahofur
    @idahofur Рік тому

    Closet I got was a fully restored rail speeder with trailer. Wife said no. But, realistically. Storage and what not at this time. Was enough to say no. But, it was honestly a once in a life time purchase. I can tell you that much.

  • @nelsonglass6
    @nelsonglass6 Рік тому +5

    My daughter worked for UP for awhile and was amazed that anything got move… so inefficient

  • @fredspindor1624
    @fredspindor1624 Рік тому

    T worked a car shop in the Late 70's - 80's, there's so much on a car or Engine to check an inspector can Nitpick you to death, I found that if you could Follow him (her around & BS him & fix they would Tire & find someone else to pick on; good Video

  • @andrub23
    @andrub23 Рік тому +1

    Hilarious. I laughed outload. Nice job!

  • @jovetj
    @jovetj Рік тому +1

    LOVE the video!!

  • @yepme6484
    @yepme6484 Рік тому

    When you're hooking up a battery, you're always hook up the ground last. When you unhook it, you unhook the ground first.

  • @woopimagpie
    @woopimagpie Рік тому

    It's great your customer got it for a cheap price. I'm happy to be corrected but I don't imagine there's a real big market for obsolete locomotives. it's not like you can place it on a shelf in the lounge room.

  • @Gastell0
    @Gastell0 Рік тому

    privately owned railroads outside of endpoints seems like a really weird things to do, like shooting yourself in leg and then questioning why it huts to step on it

  • @jackjohnson6074
    @jackjohnson6074 Рік тому

    MR TOPPLER, LOVE THE RALEROADS VIDEOS.
    WE HAVE GOT TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR VOLUMES THOUGH. THE AUDIOS WERE VERY QUIET ON THIS ONE, HAD TO TURN MY TV ALMOST ALL THE WAY UP. WHEN IT HIT COMMERCIALS OR WENT TO NEXT VIDEO BARB WAS MAD BECAUSE IT WAS SO LOUD. ANYWAYS BORTHER LOVE THE VIDEOS.
    GOD BLESS

  • @MW-nOttawa
    @MW-nOttawa Рік тому

    Great video. Learned more about diesel locomotive than any other movie/video I've watched. I feel like I could prime and start one myself now. lol

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  Рік тому +1

      Please don't. There is way more than I have shown.

    • @gravelydon7072
      @gravelydon7072 Рік тому

      @@TopperMachineLLC You can say that again. And different makes have different requirements. On some you can check the oil level while running just by pulling the dipstick. But try that on an ALCo RS-3 with the original engine without turning off the blower and you will get a face full of oil.

  • @TheUncleRuckus
    @TheUncleRuckus Рік тому +4

    Another great video as always Josh, thanks for uploading!! 👍👍
    I know what I'm about to ask isn't what you usually do but I'm hoping as someone who's been intimately apart of the railroad business for awhile now I was wondering if you could do a video giving us your thoughts and insight into why we've been having so many train derailments lately. If it's too much of a hot subject or you just don't want to get involved it's NBD.

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  Рік тому +2

      My personal opinion is sabotage. Wether it's by employees or foreign, it's not normal.

    • @throttlebottle5906
      @throttlebottle5906 Рік тому +1

      @@TopperMachineLLC kind of my thoughts also. but again, larger trains, distributed power, less checking of everything, older cars being brought back into usage after sitting around for many years, perhaps some electronics failure or espionage (hacked?)

    • @natedoerfler652
      @natedoerfler652 Рік тому

      Chinese bearings!??

    • @OldFart2023
      @OldFart2023 Рік тому +1

      The Class 1's have drastically reduced MoW and Mechanical forces the last 10-20 years. ALL of the infrastructure doesn't get "looked" at near as much as needed. And the FRA said little to nothing while (IMHO!) they should have said NO. Plus equipment is getting bigger/heavier, train speeds have increased, MUCH longer heavier trains. Karma?

    • @royreynolds108
      @royreynolds108 Рік тому

      I can't "prove" anything, but derailments on good track seem to happen in groups for some reason. Also with the advent of so much social connections, these things tend to get more widespread attention and reporting.

  • @JacobHalfman
    @JacobHalfman Рік тому

    Former WSOR unit, NICE!

  • @alexrawls7407
    @alexrawls7407 Рік тому

    I really enjoyed your video, sorry you had so many challenges. It makes you think, if only it could have been put in a really big Amazon style box 📦

  • @Le_Comte_de_Monte_Felin
    @Le_Comte_de_Monte_Felin Рік тому

    Y'all can just park that in my front yard... then I'll have Bruce Kingsley install one of his cab-view throttles inside for my model trains.
    If nothing else - the engine would double as an emergency power generator in event of power failures.

  • @chrisreed26
    @chrisreed26 Рік тому +1

    My father worked for SCL for 32 years, started out as C&O if I remember right then laster after SCL it is now CSX. Anyway, i've been inside too many of these in the 80's when my uncle owned a locomotive repair shop in Lakeland Fl during the phosephate era . I still have TONS od manuals for the EMD GE etc but I guess everything can be found on computer now and there is no need for the old books..I even have books on the old 50's Pullman cars air brake repoair function etc..Please excuse my typing and /or grammar errors, My diabetes is killing my vision! I can barely see what I'm typing now it's all a blur! Sorry

  • @michaeladams906
    @michaeladams906 Рік тому

    First video iv seen super cool camt wait to see more

  • @bigolemike33
    @bigolemike33 Рік тому

    Thanks!

  • @chuckhulbert8643
    @chuckhulbert8643 Рік тому

    From the paint job it looks like a former Tacoma Rail locomotive.

  • @edwardvarner8707
    @edwardvarner8707 Рік тому

    It wouldn't be the 1st railroad episode...they did one on modoc railroad

  • @scott5931
    @scott5931 Рік тому +1

    Good morning and good video, thanks
    What is your work background? I started watching for the machine shop work as I find it interesting yet your knowledge of the locomotive would make me believe that you spent a fair bit of time in the railroad industry working on locomotives? Or is it a hobby of yours?
    Also,
    When machinists do their training and apprenticeship, do they teach how to take apart, maintain, and service these machining tools and equipment. I have seen you as well as Abom taking these machines apart and they seem pretty intricate.
    Thanks again

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  Рік тому +13

      I started working with museums and shortlines the year before working in a machine shop. I've done both for over 25 years now. Railroad work has taken me all over the upper Midwest, mostly as a profitable hobby. My "Apprenticeship" was pretty much the old timers telling me to figure it out and only correcting me on my really dumb mistakes. I am still learning.
      Basically, if it was something I was always interested in, I worked on it and learned as much as I could. I don't know everything, but I keep learning.

  • @HylianOverlord
    @HylianOverlord Рік тому

    Sparks do have a lower flame potential than a literal flame, so it does at least make a little sense.

  • @robertbowers9856
    @robertbowers9856 Рік тому +1

    I'll stick with servicing my old Firebird, thank you!

  • @NICK-uy3nl
    @NICK-uy3nl Рік тому +3

    Great program. May I ask what your future plans are for this locomotive?

  • @thinking-monkey
    @thinking-monkey 9 місяців тому +1

    Maybe I'm just overly cynical but I'm guessing that Watco inspector was used to having his "palm greased" and you guys weren't properly getting that hint. Or maybe were getting the hint but refusing to play his game. ("Greasing the palm", for those that don't know, is slang for receiving money in exchange for a favor. A bribe, more specifically.) Sorry you guys ran across that clown, Josh.

  • @jasongreene303
    @jasongreene303 Рік тому

    OMG, Josh, would you please do some motion reduction on future videos like this? A headache started and I was nauseous, I unfortunately can't watch it. Thank you.

  • @dont-want-no-wrench
    @dont-want-no-wrench Рік тому

    you crazy bastard, i love it.

  • @KutWrite
    @KutWrite Рік тому

    Good job!
    Is Mike still doing "Dirty Jobs?" I thought he's doing independent stuff now.

  • @graealex
    @graealex Рік тому

    Still can't wrap my head around people auctioning off and buying locomotives...
    Also, please wear long-sleeved shirts when welding. UV-C isn't good for you, it's not something that you usually find in sunlight, it doesn't give you a tan first - instead it just gives you burns and cancer. There is no safe exposure limit. Any exposure is too much already.

  • @960wattoffgridrv
    @960wattoffgridrv Рік тому

    how to bypass the governor? that's always the first thing I check!

  • @andysaunders3708
    @andysaunders3708 Рік тому

    Nice old welder!

  • @rexmundi8154
    @rexmundi8154 10 місяців тому

    I’d be interested in knowing why someone would buy a locomotive and how much-ish it cost.

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  10 місяців тому

      If you watch the video, you'll get your answers.

    • @rexmundi8154
      @rexmundi8154 10 місяців тому

      @@TopperMachineLLC unless you snuck it in somewhere I didn’t see how much a used locomotive costs

  • @kainhall
    @kainhall Рік тому

    10:25 no dynamics on that unit?

  • @bishopcorva
    @bishopcorva Рік тому

    Filth aside, rolled over like it was taken out of service the week prior. Though I suspect it's been sitting easy for a few months.
    I imagine the buyer is rather tickled to have picked it up for the price they did.

  • @Michael-iw3ek
    @Michael-iw3ek Рік тому +1

    Okay so I am curious what kind of a person can just go out and buy a real locomotive? :))) I think I missed out on a lot in life.

  • @rosewhite---
    @rosewhite--- Рік тому +1

    I can't imagine what all that wiring does?

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  Рік тому +2

      Lol. It's quite complicated until you learn it. Then all EMDs are essentially the same. Just knowing where the high and low voltage DC and the AC intermingle is half the battle.

  • @petercrossley1069
    @petercrossley1069 Рік тому

    Don’t apologise for rushing. It was much better for being concise and clear.

  • @obsoleteprofessor2034
    @obsoleteprofessor2034 Рік тому

    If the inspector doesn't find something wrong, how can he prove he was even there?

  • @mc051961
    @mc051961 Рік тому

    Want to see more of this

  • @mr_mcgoo2632
    @mr_mcgoo2632 Рік тому

    I wholly understand about incompetent people and organizations. I work for a major airline for whom I cannot mention , but we have our fair share of idiots running it.

  • @lesterawalt3184
    @lesterawalt3184 Рік тому +4

    I worked on that Locomotive years ago. It is the biggest POS I ever seen, Just so you know cylinder 3 and 4 have low compression

  • @MTHDCS
    @MTHDCS Рік тому

    I used to work for Michels Pipeline out of the Berlin yard and we couldn't smoke in the tunnels whether using tunnel bore or laying pipe but torch and welding was okay??!!

  • @Torqu3d
    @Torqu3d Рік тому

    What do these things go for? Really cool buy

  • @dustinellis9321
    @dustinellis9321 Рік тому

    35,000 ain't bad for a train

  • @486kyle
    @486kyle Рік тому

    just sold a welder a couple years ago just like that one, 'solar' brand with red paint
    same everything else though, had a cart with wheels and fuel tank inclusive
    fuel pump has a priming lever you can twiddle through the top lifting lug cover in order to get it to pop over with less cranking
    Really regret selling it, needed the valves adjusted because it'd start popping once it heated up and I didn't want to fiddle with it, nicest starting engine I've ever owned, even with the oldest varnished junk gasoline

    • @486kyle
      @486kyle Рік тому

      Just remembered, make sure and keep the brushes nice and loose in there, mine stuck in the holders on the alternator slip rings for the AC power and ate the slip rings up real rough from arcing, they're very thick though and I was able to turn them true again in the lathe

  • @Mauscmkwk
    @Mauscmkwk Рік тому

    Shoreline moment

  • @barnbuiltkustoms
    @barnbuiltkustoms Рік тому

    What site did you find this on?

  • @scrotiemcboogerballs1981
    @scrotiemcboogerballs1981 Рік тому +1

    Nice video thanks for sharing

  • @freshpack8928
    @freshpack8928 Рік тому

    It’s a public auction so how much was it?

  • @jerrybaker433
    @jerrybaker433 Рік тому

    Why pull start fuses

  • @jimsvideos7201
    @jimsvideos7201 Рік тому

    I didn't know that you were into trains, or that you could just buy a locomotive. I mean I have no idea what I'd do with one, but if I came up filthy rich I might just...

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  Рік тому +2

      You and buy anything, you just have to have a place to use it. In this case my customer had the need and location for it.

  • @billsmith8739
    @billsmith8739 Рік тому +2

    What is "Mill Service?"

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  Рік тому +6

      It means it was working in a grain mill. Usually you hear freight, passenger or industrial service. Then there is mill service. The dirtiest of them all.

    • @sommebuddy
      @sommebuddy Рік тому

      @@TopperMachineLLC As a young brakeman, we used to switch a carbon plant....hoppers of talcum fine carbon.....you basically threw away your clothes at the end of the shift.

  • @DoNotEatPoo
    @DoNotEatPoo Рік тому +1

    You should have got the extra ebay shipping insurance and warranty.

  • @robertquast9684
    @robertquast9684 Рік тому +230

    Gotta love inspectors that inspect without looking at stuff. We used to run into this with annual commercial vehicle inspections. After getting certified I realized how incompetent or inept some are. That locomotive sure started up nice for as filthy as it was. Be nice to see a follow up later

    • @aprilgeneric8027
      @aprilgeneric8027 Рік тому

      nepotism. it's not what you know, it's who you know, fake it until you break it.

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  Рік тому +33

      I had the same thing with my truck. I asked the state DOT inspector what I could do. As an owner operator, you can do your own inspections. That was right from the WI Commercial Vehicle Inspector. The only problem is if they find something obviously neglected, you're on the hook.

    • @dangeary2134
      @dangeary2134 Рік тому +5

      Reminds me of when I was forced to get an inspection because there was no truck inspectors AYNYWHERE around us.
      I was tearing things apart that had been neglected for YEARS.
      Even had it out with the boss in front of the whole crew, and he finally conceded.
      I appreciate having another set of eyes on things at times, it keeps a guy on his toes!

    • @Mishn0
      @Mishn0 Рік тому +6

      and there's the saying:
      Those who can, do.
      Those who can't, teach.
      Those who can't teach, inspect.

    • @BossSpringsteen69
      @BossSpringsteen69 Рік тому

      Welcome to my world of railroading. More times than i can count that locomotives have been released from our diesel shop only shortly to have issues before train departure.

  • @MrGlenferd
    @MrGlenferd Рік тому +64

    I was a machinist at CN and we constantly had problems with American railroad inspectors.

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  Рік тому +21

      Don't get me started on incompetent FRA inspectors.

    • @briandonovan9560
      @briandonovan9560 Рік тому +7

      I wonder how the Escanaba & Lake Superior RR can even operate based on the condition of the track... WSOR is also ex Milw. lines but they actually have maintenance on the track. In light of recent derailments on Class 1 lines maybe track maintenance will be stepped up.

    • @sommebuddy
      @sommebuddy Рік тому +3

      @@briandonovan9560 Non Fra track...speed probably capped at 15?

    • @ShawnCalay
      @ShawnCalay 6 місяців тому

      @@briandonovan9560 the only reason why derailments are on a rise is because of the media....I was in a huge derailment in 1994 in Rockford....never made the news, but everyone at the water park seen it....

  • @EvoTorrance
    @EvoTorrance Рік тому +9

    Just gotta say. When you started her up, the closed captioning said [Music] and I have to agree.

  • @eclark53520
    @eclark53520 Рік тому +102

    My late father worked for WSOR from the early 80's until he passed away (from a heart attack in a WSOR locomotive) so I'm quite confident my father spent plenty of time on that very locomotive. I'm glad to see you guys clean it up and keep it working. My father passed several years before it was bought out by Watco and he would roll over in his grave if he knew that was the experience you had with Wisconsin and Southern. I have fond memories of walking through that round house with my father and checking out all the trains. Appreciate the great video! Subbed for more.

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  Рік тому +25

      I am so sorry to hear about your father. I'm glad he got to experience the WSOR in the golden years. Watco has outright destroyed that railroad. I had dealt with the Gardner family many years back. Bill ran a good railroad. Not anymore. It's in a downward spiral, like many of the other former great shortlines and regionals. Squeeze every penny out of it and get rich before it fails. Sad.

    • @eclark53520
      @eclark53520 Рік тому +12

      @@TopperMachineLLC Sad indeed. Thank you for the reply. Unsure why the UA-cam algorithm decided to feature your video but I'm very glad it did.

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  Рік тому +11

      @@eclark53520 I've been trying to figure out the algorithm for 2+ years. I do very little of this railroad work anymore, and focus on my machine shop. UA-cam is a tough game.

    • @HiddenWindshield
      @HiddenWindshield Рік тому +8

      @@TopperMachineLLC Fun fact: *nobody* knows how the UA-cam algorithm works, not even UA-cam themselves. They use a machine learning program that's optimized based on watch time, so not even *they* know exactly what criteria it uses.

    • @BadgerlandRailVideos
      @BadgerlandRailVideos 7 місяців тому

      Duane Clark is still talked about among current/former WSOR railroaders/fans. "Legend" would seem to be an apt term although I never met him as he passed before I took up the camera and started chasing trains.

  • @robertfish6617
    @robertfish6617 4 місяці тому +5

    Hey Josh, that’s not complaining - that’s just telling it like it is. It’s refreshing for someone to speak the truth, but not lose their mind in the process. Your problem with the railroad is just a piece of sand in the world of incompetence that we live in. I’ve enjoyed your machine shop videos, but now that I know you’re a train man, you’ve got me hooked.

  • @ValiRossi
    @ValiRossi Рік тому +61

    Wow! an entire locomotive? You look really comfortable and competent working on that thing. Hope to see it again soon.

  • @peep39
    @peep39 Рік тому +60

    Sorry to hear about the problems. I've encountered large groups of idiots everywhere across my entire life. and there's always someone waiting around the corner to lower the bar even more

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  Рік тому +28

      The last 10 years the bar has been lowered so far that even the Titanic is floating above it. Makes a guy just want to give up.

    • @oldfarthacks
      @oldfarthacks Рік тому +7

      @@TopperMachineLLC
      Ah grasshopper, you must learn to just accept that which idiots give as part of the process. Sit in the lotus position, place your hands in your lap and make a circle of your thumb and forefinger as you chant your mantra.
      As a bright thought, those that are that inept will soon cause a major problem and will with any luck be crushed under the engine as it falls off the tracks.
      I must say, I was surprised at how easily that engine started up.
      Good luck with this project.

    • @tubefluid
      @tubefluid Рік тому +4

      @@TopperMachineLLC Don't give up, Buddy! Those of us, like yourself who have high standards and know what the word "quality" means will prevail!

    • @lizzyfrizzy4969
      @lizzyfrizzy4969 Рік тому +1

      This conversation is a great example why.
      The old humans are not based in agency,
      Or youd be taking action on your goal of bestowing knowledge by teaching.
      Instead you use abuse as social capital,
      Lament your lack of leadership skills and charisma, then go home to watch goyball on TV for a few more decades while your true social responsibility as a Man on this plane runs away from you.
      Right under your recliner.

    • @danasmith3288
      @danasmith3288 Рік тому +3

      @@TopperMachineLLC
      Loved the video. Also loved your rant. As an OTR Trucker dealing with incompetent (lazy?) people can set me off.

  • @williamjones4483
    @williamjones4483 Рік тому +18

    It's pure joy to witness the starting of an older EMD locomotive.

  • @BryanTorok
    @BryanTorok Рік тому +3

    It's too bad you can't sue Watco or the inspectors for their incompetence or what sounds to me like outright dishonesty. It is as though they have to justify their salary by finding something, even if they have to make it up.

  • @garybrenner6236
    @garybrenner6236 Рік тому +14

    One of the GM plants that I worked in for the Terex Division was on Clinton road in Cleveland Ohio.
    At one time earlier it had been an Electromotive plant, so it was ideal for building the earth moving equipment , having 50 ton cranes, and huge welding capacity.

  • @Caponicus
    @Caponicus Рік тому +4

    Man what a filthy thing! I'd recommend a 55 gallon barrel of Cyclone cut with water 1:1, and a pneumatic foaming device to assist in turning the solution into suds for larger and easier coverage of everything inside and outside the carbody. Blast all the internals with a pressure washer (hot water one works best!), being mindful not to hit the governor plug, and brushes to scrub the outside of the carbody, finishing off with a hose rinse, and she'll look good as new.
    Glad she's still a serviceable and functioning unit!

  • @RustyorBroken
    @RustyorBroken Рік тому +8

    The thing about any inspector is that they always have to find something else why would they be needed. It also gets them a return trip, often for another fee.

  • @QUIX4U
    @QUIX4U Рік тому +1

    Ah c'mon, all those OUT-TAKES before you finally got to this tiny clip, they could well be extremely informative, if not downright laughable.
    No not laughing at you, laughing WITH you, as seriously - sometimes we all need to see the difficulties brought about by totally incompetent people who (rightly or wrongly) call themselves INSPECTORS - as maybe their own "WATCO" company hasn't been informed about how arrogantly stupid & useless their (so-called) inspectors are - as they may want to fire them or at least retrain them to get OUT of their nice warm road-vehicles, and do the job they are supposedly being paid for?

  • @Willysmb44
    @Willysmb44 Рік тому +9

    Interesting video. I've often wondered 'what next' for auctions like this. I'd be terrified to bid on something like this, especially sight-unseen, good luck with this loco!

  • @tomoaktree4951
    @tomoaktree4951 Рік тому +6

    Excellent Video,
    Back in the late 80's I was working for a man that was having open top chip cars which were loaded with tree bark from a sawmill in Nelson, WI, that needed to be hauled down to Zenda, WI. This was done twice. After that we switch to trucks. Dealing with the railroads was a complete frustrating mess. Very unfortunate.

  • @MrPiegon
    @MrPiegon Рік тому +1

    i never knew u could buy a real locomotive maybe my dreams of buying and owning a train and also driving one will be true

  • @rik999
    @rik999 Рік тому +6

    Since you run your welder from an outboard motor tank, the welder might start faster if you put a primer bulb in that fuel line. I always had to pump the primer bulb on my Evinrude.

    • @m16ty
      @m16ty Рік тому

      I was thinking the same thing. He said it had been sitting awhile and I'm sure it took awhile to get the engine primed. Looks like he flooded it right before start though, as I seen a little black smoke. I like the idea of a boat tank though, that way it's easier to make sure it's got fresh gas on something that sits a lot.

  • @christianzazzali2720
    @christianzazzali2720 Рік тому +5

    Very interesting and informative.. just curious what is a good deal for an locomotive like that?

  • @tomredmond
    @tomredmond Рік тому +19

    Can relate to the "You can't use a torch, but welding and grinding is OK" thing.
    Smoking a cigarette while heating some thick metal with a rosebud. HR Lady sees me and gives me grief about smoking because it's a "Fire Hazzard". Umm. Err, O-kay.

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  Рік тому +10

      Some people have no clue. Unfortunately these are the people who set the rules.

    • @custos3249
      @custos3249 Рік тому +3

      As they say, those who can, do. Those who can't, teach. For the rest, there's HR.

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  Рік тому +2

      @@custos3249 I've always said, "those who can, do. Those who can't do, teach. And those who can't teach, inspect."

    • @custos3249
      @custos3249 Рік тому +1

      @@TopperMachineLLC Isn't that essentially what HR is, the ultimate policy and colon inspector?

    • @TopperMachineLLC
      @TopperMachineLLC  Рік тому +2

      @@custos3249 I was referring more to govt inspectors. OSHA, FRA, DOT, etc

  • @georgeescaped6035
    @georgeescaped6035 Рік тому +5

    Mike Rowe did do a segment on locomotive engine re-build where he was tightening an bolt nut instead of loosening, typical Mike Rowe stuff. i really like these type of vids thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!