How a Steam Locomotive Works (Union Pacific "Big Boy")

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  • Опубліковано 1 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 3,9 тис.

  • @Hyce777
    @Hyce777 Рік тому +3698

    This was such a fun collaboration! I am genuinely shocked, and impressed, by your dedication to detail and accuracy! I was... quite the nitpicker. This is the real deal folks.
    Cheers again! You can check out my reaction for additional commentary: ua-cam.com/video/Y1l0oaIiKI8/v-deo.html

  • @ThomasButler-sp4ro
    @ThomasButler-sp4ro Рік тому +4375

    I'm an old guy, 82. Back in the summer of 1961 I found myself in the UP yard in Cheyenne. There were several Challengers and Big Boys parked here and there. No one seemed to be around so I walked among these giant locomotives, all only recently retired. I remember being dwarfed by the size of the cylinders. When I climbed up unto the cab of a Big Boy, I felt like I in was in a garage. BTW, I now live near Phoenix and was able to see 4014 in Case Grande. I never thought I ever see one run again. What a miracle. Thanks Union Pacific !

    • @freddygarcia3049
      @freddygarcia3049 Рік тому +134

      sir, please put this on paper an more detailed.

    • @jpaulkepler4638
      @jpaulkepler4638 Рік тому +49

      Excellent video. Since the conversion to oil, perhaps an added animation of those changes could be added.

    • @tomstech4390
      @tomstech4390 Рік тому +56

      A beautiful story and thank you for sharing it

    • @STICKGUYMB
      @STICKGUYMB Рік тому +16

      Great story!

    • @victorvodkafish
      @victorvodkafish Рік тому +28

      I am blown away by the quality of this production! I wonder how you did it...I guess a computer was involved. Do you start with a whole lot of photos and factory drawings?
      I have a small aeroplane (Barber Snark) that is only one of 5 built in NZ. The designer-builder said his computer holding the drawings crashed ... I wonder if I could recreate the Snarks drawings, similar to yours?.... Allan (in Australia).

  • @JensSchraeder
    @JensSchraeder Рік тому +2008

    The engineering behind these locomotives is astonishing even today!

    • @tomaszbrzeczyszczykiewicz4082
      @tomaszbrzeczyszczykiewicz4082 Рік тому +52

      The other thing is that they will probably still work! Not as contemporary cars.

    • @twistedyogert
      @twistedyogert Рік тому +34

      ​@@tomaszbrzeczyszczykiewicz4082
      One Big Boy was actually restored to working order.

    • @horatiohornblower868
      @horatiohornblower868 Рік тому +132

      Considering these machines were designed on a drawing board, without computers, we cannot but admire the engineers who made them.

    • @johncarmichael4698
      @johncarmichael4698 Рік тому +8

      Amazing how powerful one steam locomotive aka Big Boy is and was. I can watch and watch these episodes letting little by little sink in. So fascinating. ❤ I love it.

    • @KenanTurkiye
      @KenanTurkiye Рік тому +9

      I ❤ 🚂🚃🚄🚅🚈🚞🚝
      I have a folder on ''transportation''
      thank you chou chou chouuuu :))
      ---------------------------------------
      Btw, here's something you may find interesting. :)
      The name of my country has nothing to do with the interesting and delicious bird ''turkey'', well let me explain. :)
      Name of my country has always been Turkiye, that is Turk-iye, where the -iye suffix means ''land of/belonging to''...
      ...just like the Latin suffix -ia in such countries as Latv-ia, Roman-ia, Eston-ia, Austr-ia, Austral-ia etc etc. Another example; decades ago Czechoslovakia Republic changed it's name to Czech Republic and a few years ago changed that to Czechia (that is Czech-ia).
      Anyways, most likely the Latin -ia suffix was derived from the Turkish version -iye,
      as Turkish is much much older.
      Because in old times people of different languages could only pronounce it as their languages allowed them, we got various differences in spelling like Turchia (in Italian), Turquie (in French) and Turkey (in English) all trying to resemble the pronounciation of ''Turk-ia'' thus Turkiye.
      Mind you this was way BEFORE the animal we currently know as 'turkey'' was found by the europeans when they explored the north americas....
      ...they came across the bird and thought it was a specie of the fowl/chicken they had been buying from the country of Turkiye at the time, so they named the bird ''Turkey Fowl'' meaning ''Turkish Chicken''.....
      ....just like how a dog breed is known as German Shepherd (because it's from Germany), Rhodesian Ridgeback (because it's from Rhodesia), American Bulldog, British Terrier, Greek Harehound etc etc.
      In time you don't get to call the Greek Harehound as simply as ''Greek''; or you don't call the British Terrier as ''British''; or the German Shepherd as ''German'', but in time the Turkish Fowl started to be called just ''turkey'', and has been going on for hundreds of years.
      Now in 2023, this is causing confusion, especially when we have people across the world unable to point to their OWN country on the atlas, this ''confusion over the naming'' needed to be corrected.
      So my country decided to rectify this confusion that has been going on for so long and corrected the name in other languages to Türkiye, which it always was, we basically didn't change the name of our country, we changed the mistake made in the English language. : )
      So, there's some tid bit information for you to have a great day, if you read upto this point you have a great night too, ohh just have a wonderfull life. : )
      Best wishes. ;)

  • @wizardmix
    @wizardmix 4 місяці тому +377

    This is why I love the internet. In 35 minutes I can walk away with so much knowledge. Conceptually I understand how steam engines work but where a person gets absolutely gobsmacked is in all the nuanced details, the absolute beauty, precision and hard truth of engineering. It's incredible to see how we've optimized systems over the years. I'm so amazed at all of this. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you getting into these systems as they demystify the modern world ever so slightly.

  • @bryceh78
    @bryceh78 Рік тому +956

    What a masterpiece of an animation displaying the surprisingly complex workings of the largest steam engines. This work should be submitted to Rail Road museums for guests to learn more about these wonderous machines.

    • @dickJohnsonpeter
      @dickJohnsonpeter Рік тому +23

      I was thinking that as well. I just went to the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay again and this would be great to have by their Big Boy 4017.

    • @FreihEitner
      @FreihEitner Рік тому +36

      These videos should be shown in mechanical engineering classes! This is top-notch stuff.

    • @tammylovescats
      @tammylovescats Рік тому +18

      This should be shown at Museums today that way we can understand how steams run.
      My dad as a kid grew up on a farm and he said he could see the trains going by the farm. I asked my dad how many cars did you count. He said at least over 100 or more. My dad got me hooked on trains at a young age. I have a Ho scale train set and would love to own a Big Boy in the Ho scale.

    • @fireWireX4
      @fireWireX4 Рік тому +11

      Surely this can be monetized and sold for such incredibly detailed work on 3D animation software and intricately researched mechanical engineering principles 🚂🚂 Incredible!! 😮

    • @randomrazr
      @randomrazr Рік тому +10

      crazy how all this is done without computers. titanics steam engines are a marvel

  • @DustyLambert
    @DustyLambert Рік тому +2834

    Imagine an engineer from the 40s who designed this masterpiece seeing his drawings come to life.

    • @electron2601
      @electron2601 Рік тому +86

      I couldn't imagine! I would be completely overjoyed.

    • @Stasiek_Zabojca
      @Stasiek_Zabojca Рік тому +85

      Well... There definitely were more than just one 😉

    • @jeffmiller3150
      @jeffmiller3150 Рік тому +60

      Otto Jabelmann, was the chief designer, an employee of the Union Pacific.

    • @bsa45acp
      @bsa45acp Рік тому +150

      All without the aid of a computer, CAD-CAM or electronic calculator.

    • @pieter3525
      @pieter3525 Рік тому +14

      @@bsa45acp Was thinking the exact same thing!!!!!

  • @diamondcreepah
    @diamondcreepah 5 місяців тому +26

    This is the single most extensive explanation of a steam locomotive I have ever seen. You covered things I had wondered about for years, as well as things I had never even thought about. Thank you!

  • @ragaloft
    @ragaloft Рік тому +386

    Your level of accuracy in animation, honours the many draftsmen, engineers and trades who built these magnificent machines. Well done Sir, well done indeed.

  • @AshtonCoolman
    @AshtonCoolman Рік тому +856

    This was engineered on paper with slide rules and protractors. The engineers had a masterful understanding of thermal physics and fluid dynamics to build this. James Watt, Thomas Savery and the other physicists that lead to steam engines we know from the 1800s are owed so much by our modern civilization.

    • @Lividbuffalo
      @Lividbuffalo Рік тому +2

      What has “fluid dynamics” got to do with this?

    • @Leshotene
      @Leshotene Рік тому +50

      @@Lividbuffalo it's the fact that some substances can behave as if they were liquid, in the case of locomotives the steam they use behaves like a liquid thanks to the conditions it is submitted to

    • @8iodwarf
      @8iodwarf Рік тому +38

      @lividbuffalo at 8:41 he's describing the steam injectors and how the shape of the nozzles affects the pressure vs volume, and that's all fluid dynamics and bernoullis principle

    • @williamking232
      @williamking232 Рік тому +5

      @@Lividbuffalo Water!

    • @detorrV2
      @detorrV2 Рік тому +10

      @@Leshotene Steam does not behave like liquid, both gas and liquids are fluids.

  • @EdBrumley
    @EdBrumley 7 днів тому +2

    My Grandfather (Edward Alvin Brumley) was an Engineer and Conductor on the Illinois Central RR from 1905 to 1955. Exclusively steam engines. My father (William Brumley) was a fireman for a while before he left for WWII.
    I’ve heard a lot of explanations of how a steam engine works, but your video is beyond an excellent teaching tool.

  • @fridaycaliforniaa236
    @fridaycaliforniaa236 Рік тому +769

    I'm always amazed by the level of engineering they put inside those things. Truly mind blowing.

    • @tbrowniscool
      @tbrowniscool Рік тому +21

      It's totally insane when you sit back and look at how dangerous and amazing these machines are.

    • @TheNefastor
      @TheNefastor Рік тому +13

      This particular machine was designed at the end of the steam engine era, so it makes sense that it would be the most intricate. It basically contains all the advances and small improvements made since the very first steam engine. It's fantastic.

    • @MrMonkeybat
      @MrMonkeybat Рік тому +9

      @@TheNefastor There are still some improvements that could be made to the design shown. Instead of wrapping the boiler around the firebox a firebox insulated with firebricks would keep the smoke hot until it is fully combusted reducing cinders embers and particles in the smoke and fuel consumption at the same time. The heat can all be harvested at the flu pipes where their is plenty of surface area. Uniflow pistons where the steam inlet and outlet are separate keep the steam hot better as it enters the piston. Compound locomotives with triple expansion cylinders were also made.

    • @TheNefastor
      @TheNefastor Рік тому +2

      @@MrMonkeybat perhaps, but you get my point.

    • @MrMonkeybat
      @MrMonkeybat Рік тому +1

      @@TheNefastor Yes there is obviously a lot of clever features which were not there in 19th century engines.

  • @randallreed9048
    @randallreed9048 9 місяців тому +209

    As an instructional designer, I appreciate the graphic effort this project entailed. The narrative was excellent and the coordination between the animation and the narration was superb. This is something to be very proud of. Excellence all around, Jake!

  • @doctajonz2828
    @doctajonz2828 9 днів тому +2

    Amazing! My grandfather was a Pacific Union RR mechanic in Cheyenne, WY and worked on these Big Boys in the 1940’s. Thanks for the great video…well done!

  • @gcorriveau6864
    @gcorriveau6864 Рік тому +375

    My father was a locomotive engineer on the CNR in Canada. No wonder the people driving these beasts were called "Engineers" and not just train 'drivers.' That's a lot of machinery to understand and properly operate! Another fantastic explanation/animation.

    • @OscarOSullivan
      @OscarOSullivan Рік тому +12

      In Ireland they were called locomotive drivers and many of the Irish drivers during a rail strike in the late 1990’s to early 2000’s took offence at being referred to as train drivers as opposed to locomotive drivers which most drivers on the network were at that time.

    • @SBCBears
      @SBCBears Рік тому +9

      I imagine that the locomotive engineers were required to understand much of the physics and physical principles involved with operating and controlling such large machines.

    • @OscarOSullivan
      @OscarOSullivan Рік тому +3

      @@SBCBears unlikely more likely how to operate them

    • @77thTrombone
      @77thTrombone 11 місяців тому +18

      @SBCBears - these guys were akin to modern airline pilots of their day. They likely weren't familiar with, say, fluid dynamics calculations, but they were certainly conversant in principles of engineering and physics. Not just the steam cycle, but air brakes and the arcane characteristics of train braking.
      On top of that, to be qualified to drive a route, they needed to know every bridge and crossing and its mile marker.
      Then there's the handling of the consist (the makeup of the train.) Imagine driving a 3-mile consist down a 1-mile downhill grade: gravity on the downhill will make the train pick up speed, right? Well, no. It depends on the track grade before the downhill and how the consist is made up. Say it's an uphill grade prior and an evenly loaded consist, the uphill gradient will dominate train dynamics until the locomotive's a half mile past the *_end_* of the grade. Until that point, the back half of the train has not reached the downhill grade; it's still going uphill.
      Maybe few would be dismissive of the steam engineers, but I think few people really appreciate all the expertise that went into the job.

    • @jakej2680
      @jakej2680 8 місяців тому +8

      My dad was a fluid dynamics/heat transfer engineer but always taught me that the original engineers more than deserved the title because "When everything is powered by essentially a finely controlled pipe bomb, you want to make sure the guy who's in charge of said bomb knows exactly what he's doing".

  • @anrox____x282
    @anrox____x282 Рік тому +766

    This is what UA-cam should be about. Facts presented in such a way that everyone understands it even if it is complex. I wish I had Animagraffs back in school. Well, never too late to learn. Quality, that's all I can say :D Pure quality :D

    • @williamking232
      @williamking232 Рік тому +3

      You tube should be all DEI and 1984!

    • @Marin3r101
      @Marin3r101 Рік тому +2

      These channels offer consumable content by masses. That doesn't mean is a reliable source.😂😂😂

    • @PeteDavidson-yl3ps
      @PeteDavidson-yl3ps Рік тому +14

      In University we had a Engineering Prof whom spoke very direct, cold sense of humor a no nonsense type of guy, we all respected him. On our last day, we, 200 + students gathered in the auditorium for one final class one final lesson with him. Telling us, “ so you think you know it all? I’ve only taught you the basics, now get out there and learn, learn, learn, learn and the day you stop learning…I want you to kill yourselves! “ Not a one of us didn’t know what he meant, he had such a love of Engineering he always had a new book on his desk he’d picked up somewhere in his daily or weekend travels….
      This author reminds me in a way of my Professor, determined to learn and have others learn.

    • @AavegS
      @AavegS Рік тому

      Absolutely True

    • @renierholtzhausen3032
      @renierholtzhausen3032 11 місяців тому +4

      Everyday is a schoolday!

  • @dwminiboss511
    @dwminiboss511 10 днів тому +2

    This video is why the word AMAZING was invented. Both the grapics/animation and the explanations were super interesting and I learned a lot. Thanks!

  • @duckcity1
    @duckcity1 Рік тому +15

    Bedankt

  • @railmastergaming
    @railmastergaming Рік тому +315

    despite peoples negativity towards steam locomotives, mainly for their pollution and outdated designs, these miraculous machines are far more advanced than we give them credit for sometimes. Even I forget how much engineering goes into the manufacturing of these iron horses. Absolutely loved this video Animagraffs!

    • @samham3408
      @samham3408 Рік тому +22

      Being negitve and hating rad tech is hip and cool these days, you know R & D has met its goals when all cool people have a little cry about it. Boo hoo it works.

    • @biggiebaby3541
      @biggiebaby3541 Рік тому +7

      Who's negativity?

    • @fjuvo
      @fjuvo Рік тому +12

      Progress is good and the working conditions on the Big Boy or any steam engine were horrible. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be amazed by its engineering

    • @veemo8605
      @veemo8605 Рік тому +4

      I prefer steam over diesel

    • @ribbitgoesthedoglastnamehe4681
      @ribbitgoesthedoglastnamehe4681 11 місяців тому +8

      No one hates steam. :-) Some people do hate some of the fuels used to heat the steam, sometimes for very good reasons. Understanding the difference between fuel and steam can sometimes be difficult for some.

  • @zaphodb9213
    @zaphodb9213 8 днів тому +3

    Well, that thing is just INSANE. Great video!

  • @youtubeaccount3047
    @youtubeaccount3047 Рік тому +107

    I never realized just how complicated these were, let alone how almost nothing is wasted. Every system feeds into or operates another system on the train to keep it all working. It’s amazing.

  • @sanjusardar4342
    @sanjusardar4342 Рік тому +396

    You're a genius. I've never seen such kind of detailed tech animation video. It's unimaginable to me to think how much efforts you give to make a video.
    Absolutely amazing👍

    • @danielmarshall4587
      @danielmarshall4587 Рік тому +6

      I second that.

    • @schawty
      @schawty 10 місяців тому +1

      This guy not just also narrates it, but makes the music? Incredible

  • @goofygolfer56
    @goofygolfer56 8 днів тому +2

    What an amazing video!!! Who would have ever thought the extensive thought process and engineering behind one of these steam engines! Well done Sir!

  • @l3uIletpoints
    @l3uIletpoints Рік тому +74

    Your videos are sensational. Every single one of them is a full, in depth course in their given subject. They're worth [to me] so much more then I'm able to give, but if the thought counts...
    Thank you

    • @RobertCraft-re5sf
      @RobertCraft-re5sf Рік тому +1

      I suggest the unrelated channel saVree he does similar CGI videos showing things ljke this

    • @sclabhailordofnoplot2430
      @sclabhailordofnoplot2430 Рік тому +1

      People like you are the reason this art can stay alive. Butterfly wings can cause a hurricane.

    • @l3uIletpoints
      @l3uIletpoints Рік тому

      ​@@RobertCraft-re5sf To Jake O'Neil, this guy has no idea what he's talking about. I started watching a "SaVree" video... saying that "its not on your level" would suggest that SaVree is even in the same universe as Animagraphs - and saying that would be offensive.
      Dude, SaVree?! Are you kidding? "He makes similar videos" - whut?! He may try to cover similar subjects, but to call his work "similar" to animagraphs, is simply delusional.

  • @MrSaemichlaus
    @MrSaemichlaus Рік тому +82

    It's very impressive how every part of this complex, massive machine was developed through hand calculations, trial and error, bold experimentation and also a handful of nasty accidents. The weight of the whole locomotive is huge, but it pulled trains that were many times its own weight. And once engineered and produced, it ran on just coal, water and grease. Wonderful. Top job on the animation and explanation!! A natural follow-up to the diesel-electric locomotive video, which I can also highly recommend.

    • @alfredomarquez9777
      @alfredomarquez9777 Рік тому +2

      CERTAINLY!... Then, we will see just how "simple" a Diesel-Electric engine will appear by comparison to those large Steam Locomotives!

    • @GilmerJohn
      @GilmerJohn Рік тому +4

      Well, remember that by the time this machine was designed, "they" had been making steam locomotives for 100 years or more.

  • @sandyt4343
    @sandyt4343 4 дні тому

    I’ve seen a good amount of videos on steam engines but I KNOW that this is by far the best video of its type I’ve ever seen. Described slowly and concisely. This is a stellar job.

  • @AsianDrag0n
    @AsianDrag0n Рік тому +204

    The best use of 35 minutes of my time today. Never skipped ahead once. On a side note, I remember as a kid I used to puff my breath on really cold days to mimic a steam train. I think on rare occasions I still do lol.

    • @Noticer88
      @Noticer88 3 місяці тому +1

      @@AsianDrag0n lmfao same

  • @MyMemoryLapse
    @MyMemoryLapse Рік тому +160

    ...As a fellow 3D animator...I can appreciate your level-of-detail as Brilliant in these videos....I KNOW the amount of work ya put into this thing...and I am Impressed as Hell!...Beautiful work!...you would have been the teacher I dreamed of in college!.....or even in high-school!.....CONGRATS!...

  • @every1665
    @every1665 Місяць тому +3

    I had no idea they were so sophisticated and cleverly thought out. Nothing beats a steam loco for sheer mechanical beauty. And the animated CAD work in this video is brilliant.

  • @johnedwards3621
    @johnedwards3621 Рік тому +52

    When I was a child (70 years ago) a retired steam engineer and his wife lived in the neighborhood.
    In the early days of Harleys and Indians, he proudly road his beautifully maintained BMW.
    He still kept manys tools of his trade which included big clunky wrenches.
    I knew he was a steam engineer, and always wondered what he did. Now I know.
    You did a beautiful job of explanation. Selfless, thoughtful and engaging.
    After time in the Navy, I developed high tech training courses for many companies in New England (1972 to 2000+).
    Early in my career, I came to recognize writing as the highest form of engineering because it is the practice of structuring ideas on paper. All ir required was pen, paper and what I needed to communicate.
    My goals were to convey a large body of complex information with out being present; and to write in such an engaging manner that students continued to read what I wrote without questions while eating lunch or when heading to/from the restroom.
    They did this for as much as 40 hours -- completely absorbed. Never more than that.
    The only requirement was a Zerox copier.
    What you created was beautifully organized, easy to listen to, and complete
    -- useful for novice and experienced alike.
    Nice job.
    Did you watch a short video -- Powers of Ten?
    A brilliant film on how to organize ideas.

    • @phillipelder5850
      @phillipelder5850 Рік тому +2

      When I was in 6th grade my father took me and my brother to the museum of transportation in St Louis Missouri where they have a big boy on display I remember sitting in the engineer's seat I was very camera shy but my mother took several photos of me in the cab that I have still to this day im 43 my bro was 4 years younger he just passed from cancer and my dad's been gone about 10 years now I'm so glad for the memories he said one day I would appreciate that he took us there this was in the 90s Im pretty Shure none of the remaining big boys at the time we're functional

    • @eddielitalien6068
      @eddielitalien6068 11 місяців тому

      Where abouts in New England? I worked at a corrugated company that had an older navy gentleman come in and train us for our 2nd fireman’s license

  • @iacodfreak
    @iacodfreak Рік тому +77

    An absolute masterpiece of a video, perfectly animated and narrated. Glad you chose the Big Boy for this.

    • @Whatsinanameanyway13
      @Whatsinanameanyway13 Рік тому +2

      I agree, especially since Big Boy has so many additional complications not found on earlier/smaller steam locomotives. Very well explained.

  • @pate8544
    @pate8544 Місяць тому

    Thank you for the superb presentation!

  • @michaellechnar8144
    @michaellechnar8144 Рік тому +59

    I spent 41 years of my life as an aeronautical engineer on the modern equivalent to the Big Boy: the Boeing 747. I thought I knew stuff. I know a lot more now that I've seen your video. It is absolutely fantastic. A brilliantly simply description of the apex of modern steam engineering.

    • @FlyNAA
      @FlyNAA 7 місяців тому +3

      Hi, fellow aviation person. Just at the start of the video to myself, I made the same comparison, the immediate association to the biggest, baddest, and most beautiful of them all: The Queen, the 747 of trains.
      Or, you can say the B-36, the last giant hurrah of the old tech.

    • @nick540g
      @nick540g Місяць тому

      Well said. I spent 25 years as a mechanical engr at Nasa working on Space Shuttle and Space Station, and I have the same reaction.

  • @coltonkoepp655
    @coltonkoepp655 Рік тому +206

    Little bit of a fun history fact My Great Grand Father was actually one of the deisgners for the Big Boy at first Union Pacific and the US Government thought they were crazy for what they came up with but after seeing it in action they were prazed for their work these trains contributed so much to the Alllied war effort they were designed to carry 5 mile long trains through the steep grand caynon and Rocky Mountains they hauled over 100 million tons of cargo in the 4 years they were in service.

    • @menow.
      @menow. Рік тому +8

      Nice run-on sentence. Why did you bother putting a period at the end, when you didn't bother to put any throughout?

    • @thecallankids4718
      @thecallankids4718 Рік тому +39

      ​@@menow.Who hurt you?

    • @menow.
      @menow. Рік тому +17

      @@thecallankids4718 An English teacher with leather garters and a riding crop, if you must know.

    • @ryanhampson673
      @ryanhampson673 Рік тому +9

      @@menow. Leather garters and a riding crop? 🤔 Kinda sounds like a good time. 🤣

    • @mann_idonotreadreplies
      @mann_idonotreadreplies Рік тому +1

      Cool story bro

  • @oliverz321
    @oliverz321 20 днів тому

    Such an incredible video!

  • @Youknewthatalready
    @Youknewthatalready Рік тому +46

    Best breakdown animation video I have seen in a while. Imo this deserves an award because of its thorough yet easily understandable guidance thru visualization and narration. Well done!!

  • @gomile1000
    @gomile1000 Рік тому +14

    This video isn't some guy with model software. This is probably THEE BEST model explanation video on how a steam locomotive, let alone a Big Boy, is operated. Huge props on this video.

  • @polly57nz68
    @polly57nz68 9 днів тому +2

    Thank you for such an interesting and well presented video. Your clear diction made it a pleasure to listen to.

  • @cmilburn26
    @cmilburn26 Рік тому +47

    This is the best and most thorough explanation of how a steam locomotive functions that I have ever seen. Every other video I’ve watched, there’s been something I disagree with or that they simply got so wrong. Not the case for this video. Everything was accurate. I especially liked your explanation of the valve gear and how it can reverse the train. Everyone seems to skip over that, and you executed it perfectly. Now I don’t have to explain these things to people anymore, I can just send them this video haha!! Shoutout to Hyce also, what an awesome colab!!

    • @FlyNAA
      @FlyNAA 7 місяців тому

      Could it be engaged into reverse while in motion, and apply reverse torque to the wheels, in effect braking them without engaging (and wearing) the brakes?

    • @cmilburn26
      @cmilburn26 7 місяців тому +1

      @@FlyNAA yes this can be done, but ideally with the cylinders cocks open to relieve some pressure and avoid blowing off cylinder heads lol. But yes, that is something that is done fairly frequently to save brakes

  • @kevinmueller5284
    @kevinmueller5284 11 місяців тому +31

    I stayed up till 12:30 AM watching this, I took my six-year-old to see 4014 two years ago, and I am looking forward to showing him this video. He named our cat big boy. I only discovered your channel tonight, and I am astonished by its quality!

  • @olddrummer1942
    @olddrummer1942 4 місяці тому +11

    My brother John Marshall, started working in Woodlands, Manitoba in the 40"s on the C.N. as a "Fireman" shovelling tons of coal into the firebox for hours on end. Eventually he became an Engineer on the C.N.R. He was because of all that shovelling, one of the strongest men I knew!
    I remember when he would take me into the engine to spend some time with him. His run was usually from Winnipeg to Dauphin, Man. Later ,he moved to work out of Sioux Lookout, for the run from there to Armstrong in Ontario. Raising and feeding 10 great kids along the way.
    He suffered a major brain aneurysm and before they could get him to Thunder Bay, he passed away. Apparently, according to what I heard, he insisted on "parking' the train and signing off on it before he would get in the ambulance to take him to the plane. He was a legend, and still is, on the C.N.R.

  • @RobertoAHenderson
    @RobertoAHenderson 8 місяців тому +58

    THANK YOU jAKE. I AM 66 YEARS OLD, COME FORM A FAMILY OF RAILROAD PEOPLE, AND HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF STARTING AN OLD STEAM LOCOMOTIVE AT AGE 15. tHANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT VIDEOS.

  • @ryanandrews559
    @ryanandrews559 Рік тому +16

    When I was given an assignment to research on the Steam locomotives a week ago, I came straight to animegraphs, However, I couldn't find the video, today is the day of presentation, you've uploaded the exact information I was looking for, you are a life saver, I'll never forget this day. Thank you very much. 😊

  • @davek8409
    @davek8409 9 днів тому +1

    Wow, what an incredible amount of research and CAD work. Brilliantly done! Thanks

  • @the4fibs832
    @the4fibs832 Рік тому +25

    Once again, Animagraffs blows our minds with unmatched attention to detail, historical accuracy, and beauty. Another banger!

  • @fidobite3798
    @fidobite3798 Місяць тому +1

    This is just a FANTASTIC animation of a steam engine with an equally FANTASTIC descriptive voice-over!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Kudos to all involved!! 👌👍

  • @98madman98
    @98madman98 Рік тому +42

    At 1:02 I just want to say that 1.4 million lbs is around 635 000 kg, not 6 million. Love the video!

    • @gamenmetjj
      @gamenmetjj 3 місяці тому +4

      I was looking for this. I was so confused when I saw it, I had to go to a converter to confirm I wasn't crazy!

    • @jmitc91516
      @jmitc91516 Місяць тому +3

      I second this. 6 million kilograms would be 6000 metric tons. Even the Big Boy was not *that* large.

    • @teslaspule7833
      @teslaspule7833 Місяць тому +1

      1 metric ton = 1000 kg
      600 tons = 600.000 kg

  • @bernhardwagner9879
    @bernhardwagner9879 Рік тому +21

    Thank you gentlemen for one of the most exciting views of 4014. The 3D diagrams and animations bring the engine to life once more. Jake, I have seen most if not all of your presentations on UA-cam. They are all exciting but since I was kid some 80 years ago, I have loved steam engines. You have presented me with a thrill beyond words. I can still smell those engines in my memory.

  • @srihariboopalam
    @srihariboopalam 27 днів тому +2

    One of the best videos I have seen about steam engines. Very well narrated and in detail. So amazed at imagining the brilliance of those engineers.

  • @wp4872
    @wp4872 Рік тому +27

    Omg i’ve been WAITING for a video like this. For YEARS and YEARS, i’ve seen so many trains come by and have ALWAYS wondered how they work. THANK YOU FOR THIS ANIMATION, MY LIFE IS finally COMPLETE 😭😂

  • @AllisonAndrew98
    @AllisonAndrew98 Рік тому +22

    Two things I would like to say .. are the passion for creativity at the time for making the Big Boy, which is the great science and applications of pure mechanical engineering, and your interest and effort for your wonderful work... Thank you for your outstanding work!
    Subscribed

  • @SimsandThings
    @SimsandThings 10 днів тому

    This was fascinating. I didn't think I'd make it through the full 36 minutes without losing interest, but damn you did it. Brilliant pacing, plenty of interesting info without overloading or boring. Brilliant video!

  • @pux0rb
    @pux0rb Рік тому +8

    I am blown away by the accuracy in the size and shape of every part you've modeled here. This is an incredible amount of work and talent on display! You must have had access to a lot of technical drawings and information.

  • @robisonluiz11
    @robisonluiz11 11 місяців тому +11

    Who designed this masterpiece in the 40s, is proud of you today with your drawing ! Such a beautifull job you´ve done !

  • @GeorgeEllis-q1u
    @GeorgeEllis-q1u 18 днів тому +1

    This is the most astounding description of a steam locomotive I have ever seen, great job!

  • @xwedel
    @xwedel Рік тому +16

    I'll just take a moment to appreciate how wholesome the Guidelines for this channel is. Simple, straightforward and polite. ❤

  • @amdstrollo3074
    @amdstrollo3074 Рік тому +17

    This animaton not only blows my mind but just knowing they actually built these things, several in fact. I just cannot even fathom how much thought, time and effort went into designing, coming up with a production process and actually physically assembling this thing.

  • @OogieWa
    @OogieWa 4 місяці тому

    Absolutely fantastic!!! I used to work on 3D animation at home with what was called the Video Toaster running on a Commodore Amiga computer, basically the first opportunity for a hobbyist to do so. It was actually pretty darned advanced for the time. So I know exactly how much work goes into doing this, and it's a LOT! Each and every part has to be created, in a modeler, matching and paralleling the real sizes of the components. Then each has to be 'surfaced', which gives its characteristic look. All of the parts are assembled and put in the correct position. Then all of the motion has to be derived. And finally the rendering package puts it all together and turns it into a video! Quite amazing!
    And this is a GREAT example of what you can do with it. It's not just for movie special effects (CGI), but also very useful for teaching and training.
    A marvelous job, thank you so much. I now understand far more than I used to about them. And I have a career of working in a power plant where most of the equipment is merely this stuff, but very much advanced, of course!

  • @brycerash6606
    @brycerash6606 Рік тому +39

    I'm so ecstatic that one of the last running Big Boys is stored for a lot of the time here in my home town of Cheyenne, WY. Being able to see it every year is awesome to see such a piece of History

  • @pyroarchy
    @pyroarchy Рік тому +18

    Having messed with 3D modelling myself I'm always intrigued by others work and I can respect the time and effort that went into it. Good job!

  • @paulfinn1032
    @paulfinn1032 26 днів тому

    This is a world class documentary/presentation. The information, the graphics...incredible. Thank you so much for posting, and congratulations on all of your hard work and expertise.

  • @turdferguson4124
    @turdferguson4124 Рік тому +7

    Thank you for the incredibly accurate animation and narration. I’ve studied the Big Boy locomotive design for over 30 years and your video shows nearly every mechanical detail with amazing fidelity to the real thing. I knew someone with tremendous knowledge about steam locomotive design and operation must have been behind this video. It didn’t surprise me to see Hyce in the credits.

  • @gokulsukesan
    @gokulsukesan Рік тому +11

    You have done a tremendous job in learning even the minute details and then converting it into animation. It shows your dedication and passion both for science and art. Hats off!!

  • @brianconway4275
    @brianconway4275 22 дні тому

    An absolutely superb video on how a steam locomotive works!! The animation was outstanding and the narration/ explanation of very complicated systems in a way that is understandable by the "non mechanical engineers" among us was awesome!!
    Huge congratulations to all who collaborated on this project!!
    Well done!

  • @Dream.of.Endless
    @Dream.of.Endless Рік тому +8

    No matter how many documentaries one watches about Big Boys, there is always something amazing to watch about these magnificent mechanical steam beasts. Thank you for the time dedicated to better visualize this great machine.

  • @confusedbakugo1373
    @confusedbakugo1373 Рік тому +11

    Oh my god dude I've been following your diagrams/animations for 10 years now. I'm so excited you're doing trains now! Awesome job!

  • @Holden-McGroin
    @Holden-McGroin Місяць тому +2

    I’ve always been amazed with steam locomotives since I was a little kid, but I’ve never seen an explanation in such detail as far as how they work. Of course, I know that basics, but this is on another level. thank you!

  • @torryjobe6244
    @torryjobe6244 Рік тому +9

    Absolutely phenomenal video! The amount of detail and explanation of how each component operates is amazing. Makes even the most modest of rail fans appreciate the skill and craftsmanship of these magnificent machines and those who operate them. Two thumbs up to you and Mark. Fantastic job!!!

  • @grosbeakmc
    @grosbeakmc Рік тому +15

    That was amazing - the complexity of a steam locomotive is astounding and this one more than most.
    I can only wonder at the amount of work that goes into one of these videos. The research to learn and understand the systems, deciding how to present them, and the incredible animation and voice overs that follow. Jacob, I see you're nearing a million subscribers and you deserve each and every one. Thanks for the outstanding content!

  • @abhimanyugoyal
    @abhimanyugoyal 4 місяці тому +3

    These detailed video tutorials are such a good way to preserve the knowledge and technology of our past. Thank you.

  • @DavidJohnson-jp4mw
    @DavidJohnson-jp4mw 10 місяців тому +4

    This was the best animated working illustration for the operation of the Big Boy I could imagine watching !!!!!!! I had to save this in my phone's memory because it was so comprehensive. What a great production.

  • @eugenenault4935
    @eugenenault4935 Рік тому +6

    Not only is the engineering design amazing, your illustrations / explanation is equally amazing. Extremely talented.

  • @der_schweizer_244
    @der_schweizer_244 Місяць тому +1

    i dont know why im watching this, i have no interrest in steamengines, trains or anything related to this.....yet i still find myself draw in and utterly captivated. great job dude!

  • @Primus54
    @Primus54 Рік тому +14

    I struggle to find adjectives sufficient to compliment your work on this and all your creations. Thank you! 👍👍👍

  • @PeterStrange-oy9ev
    @PeterStrange-oy9ev Рік тому +22

    This video is one of the greatest pieces of visual media in the past 100 years. I can't believe how you made the internals of a steam engine come to life.

  • @edbiedenkapp1322
    @edbiedenkapp1322 Місяць тому +2

    Thank you. That Was beyond impressive. Now I I understand a lot more. Like the crown sheet and what causes a boiler explosion. Plus why after so many running hours they go through a massive overhaul. I liked the way you explained the valves to. The animation view was mind blowing. Thanks again.

    • @samanli-tw3id
      @samanli-tw3id 21 день тому +1

      That’s why there should be way of condensing the water to reuse it so the crown sheet will always be covered with water.

  • @imeprezime1069
    @imeprezime1069 Рік тому +11

    This should be a Discovery series, it is that good!
    I just spent watching almost 40-minute video about steam train and can't be more intrigued and amazed by the behind thoughts and design of these astonishing machines and your brutal presentation! 👏👏

  • @robweckert5689
    @robweckert5689 Рік тому +26

    You have put a tremendous amount of time and research in to producing this fine animation. Thank you so much. This is absolutely amazing.

    • @Mr_B31
      @Mr_B31 Рік тому

      Wholeheartedly agree

  • @randywoods67
    @randywoods67 День тому

    Still in awe of how such a complex machine can be operated by just two people, how steam flows to so many places to power so many mechanical elements simultaneously, and how it's all worked out with slide rules & pencils... This is a terrific presentation that must be seen two or three times to fully comprehend. It really shows how the term "engineering" gets coined :)

  • @zerolatitude2923
    @zerolatitude2923 7 місяців тому +5

    I am a boiler inspector for the State of Kansas and just wanted to thank you for such a great video. Well done young man! Big boy was the greatest of all time!

  • @scotteakins7203
    @scotteakins7203 Рік тому +5

    This has to be the best & most detailed explanion of how a Steam loco works Ive ever seen. . Let alone a Big Boy! Two thumbs up! 👍👍

  • @michaeladams8577
    @michaeladams8577 26 днів тому

    Awesome presentation mate. Very well done. Great info and animations. My favourite loco ever. I'm a boilermaker in Australia. To think they drew that whole thing by hand. All the fabrication, casting and machining was done without cnc gear. Amazing, we certainly don't have engineers like these any more.

  • @zoperxplex
    @zoperxplex Рік тому +6

    The amount of time and effort it must have taken to put this outstanding video together is mind-boggling! The computer generated graphics are first rate and the video supplies enough information to allow the neophyte immediate comprehension on the workings of the vehicle in question. I hope the uploader is handsomely rewarded for his creation.

  • @BCHonea
    @BCHonea Рік тому +8

    Love this! I’ve had a complete engineering blueprint of this loco on my wall since I was a kid. We have 4014 here in Dallas and I’ve been obsessed since 1985

  • @zeigan01
    @zeigan01 4 місяці тому

    I watched this video months ago out of sheer curiosity and interest during a lunch break. Little did I know I would get to see Big Boy live, in person and in all it's engineering glory earlier today with my family as it toured the country and made a stop near my home. What an impressive machine. Thanks for an equally impressive video. Keep up the good work!

  • @MagicFoe88
    @MagicFoe88 Рік тому +8

    This channel deserves a lot more attention. Bravo! Superb animation and narration!

  • @ResilientCurmudgeon
    @ResilientCurmudgeon Рік тому +4

    This is unquestionably the most stunningly detailed and comprehensive explanation of a steam locomotive I have ever seen. Bravo. Kudos! And any other superlative you can think of for a magnificent exploration of an amazing technology and for preserving it for all to understand and appreciate into the future.

  • @maryhome4good81
    @maryhome4good81 Місяць тому

    I hope this video wins awards! This is a beautiful presentation! Even the music is beautifully created or chosen for the work! Mesmerizing indeed. Trains have often amazed us and this video has increased our admiration. The Big Boy is the ultimate toy! Children 2 to 102 will enjoy it. Thank you for sharing.

  • @Bluetoothedshark
    @Bluetoothedshark 10 місяців тому +33

    No ai, no C.A.D. nothing but an idea and a pencil. Mind blowing.

    • @alanardanowski5904
      @alanardanowski5904 9 місяців тому

      But it is CAD.

    • @Bluetoothedshark
      @Bluetoothedshark 9 місяців тому +7

      @@alanardanowski5904 the original design wasn't though was it, when the men that thought these machines up, standardised parts didn't exist, they even had to design and build the tools to make the machine, an unfathomable task, screws nuts and bolts were all one offs, crafted by men using fire and sweat to bring into existence something that had never been done before and the industrial age begins

    • @fex77k
      @fex77k 9 місяців тому +1

      Just to add: Made in wartime, so everything would have been harder to source like raw materials, machinist, and engineering staff.

    • @Bluetoothedshark
      @Bluetoothedshark 9 місяців тому

      @@fex77k when you think about the origins of the steam engine in England, 1698. No electricity, no machines, no power tools, not even a reliable accurate measuring device. The USA didn't even exist. You just can't fathom the task.

    • @danem2215
      @danem2215 7 місяців тому +1

      @fex77k T Out of the 25, 20 were built in November 1941, just before wartime. Only 5 were made during the war in 1944.

  • @Sailor_Greg
    @Sailor_Greg Рік тому +16

    Wow! Amazing animation! I honestly had no idea that it was so complicated.

  • @ronaldbrown5745
    @ronaldbrown5745 18 днів тому +1

    Amazing that a machine of this type could be designed and more amazing that it was created! This documentation is also amazing.

  • @anthonyalles1833
    @anthonyalles1833 Рік тому +85

    Would love to see a similar video about how old ship steam engines - e.g. on the Titanic, WWI battleships, etc - worked.

    • @Hyce777
      @Hyce777 Рік тому +17

      Hey @animagraffs... I know some people who know some things here. ;)

    • @sebastianriz4703
      @sebastianriz4703 Рік тому +5

      Id love that too. Jared Owen has his own vids on the Titanic. Check him out. He isnt as fully detailed as Animigraphs are but hes hella good still too.

    • @Falkirion
      @Falkirion Рік тому +1

      Similar principles. Just much larger in scale

    • @anthonyalles1833
      @anthonyalles1833 Рік тому +2

      @@Falkirion ​ One thing I've never found the answer to: did ship boilers use sea water or did they carry fresh water, just like steam locomotives?

    • @DauntlessK
      @DauntlessK Рік тому +3

      @@anthonyalles1833 They carried fresh. Salt water boils at a higher temp and would cause issues dealing with the salt when boiled.

  • @AttilaAsztalos
    @AttilaAsztalos Рік тому +4

    As a kid, one of my absolute favorite books was a thick tome of "how various tech stuff works" - from cable funiculars to eidophor oil film projectors. Even if I'm aware of most of the basics by now, your admirably in-depth videos satisfy the same curiosity as that of that young version of me long lost in the past. Thank you for making him smile... :)

  • @Fixit41
    @Fixit41 6 місяців тому

    This is one of the best animated explanations I have ever seen, the rendering was so beautiful and the narration really well done. I have seen videos about the Big Boy and love how all that mechanical might works in such harmony to develop the 7000 horsepower it generates.

  • @dariolorini
    @dariolorini Рік тому +5

    Hard to find a better explanation with the help of better animations. Best video I’ve ever watched about BB and steam locomotives in general.

  • @drewnamic
    @drewnamic Рік тому +6

    It's been my curiosity how steam locomotive works. This presentation really blows my mind! This video answers all my questions with stunning visuals! Thanks, Animagraffs! :O

  • @57Jimmy
    @57Jimmy 4 дні тому

    I am absolutely amazed by the engineering and construction of such a beautiful fire breathing beast! The fact that all this fire, water and steam is controlled by only a couple people and the trust in those who designed and built these steam locomotives so far back in time, just blows my mind!
    THANK YOU SO MUCH!💕🇨🇦

  • @HorizonOfHope
    @HorizonOfHope Рік тому +29

    It's not that Animagraffs is the best channel on UA-cam, it's just that... actually it is.

  • @baTonkaTruck
    @baTonkaTruck Рік тому +39

    This is such an unbelievably good presentation. Every part of this is extremely well done. And above all else, for all our human flaws, the horrors and wars, this is a shining example of the amazing things we're capable of when we work together.

  • @leardvr
    @leardvr 25 днів тому

    As an airline pilot the complex engineering of complex machinery has always captivated me. This is by far the most amazing piece of 3D automation I've ever seen. Thank you for the time and effort you put into this. Just awesome..

  • @tonyschofield4489
    @tonyschofield4489 Рік тому +6

    These are, without doubt, the best educational animations I have ever seen.