I am a retired CSX engineer from new castle pen. I worked with mike when he was a CSX conductor at the time ,he later got promoted to engineer . I loved working with mike then he left and moved down south . I sure did miss him . we had good times together .a true gentleman .!
Hi Burt, you were one of my favorite engineers in New Castle. If I had a dollar for every great conversation we had in the pool I'd have a pocket full. Burt Fitzgerald my friend how are you ! Thanks
@burt fitzgerald I was totally surprised to see a fellow co-worker in my comments and feel truly blessed to have a gentleman like my old friend Burt respond. I look up to you Mr. Fitzgerald for how you kept me safe and helped me mature, while I was quite young when I first started working out of New Castle Pa. Hi Ball to you and all the great RR family out of OA Tower ❤️
@@locomotiveengineermikebarn8042 Well Mike I retired in 2010 was glad to get out when I DID they had remotes and cameras pointing at engineers in cab so it was time to move on I love your videos they are very professional you always had a knack at photography you will always be a bright spot in my career HI BALL MIKE YOU ARE ALL LINED UP!!!!
@@burtfitzgerald2935 thanks again Burt you know after so many years RR is in your blood and you never forget the yrs past ... but it's so good to have great memories of the times when railroading was fun. Hi Ball
Great to see it from the perspective of the engineer at work. The for us Europeans, impressive American trains with their bells and horns and impressive diesel sounds. It feels a bit like being there. A sincere THANK YOU from the Netherlands!
Fun fact, the glass in the cabin is bulletproof. For reasons you can probably surmise. Some people dont like the horns at 2:30 in the AM. Heard stories of engineers getting shot at, 2x4s thrown at them, etc.
I love traveling on trains in Europe but there's nothing like the raw power of American freight trains. I still remember seeing my first really big freight train in TN when I was a kid. We didn't have real big trains where I grew up. So when I lost count of the cars, I just couldn't believe it.
@@teeceedeecee they can be hypnotic. I have a place in Bulgaria and before I had a car there I used to travel by train a lot. Everyone thought I was crazy because the bus was faster and nicer. But the clickety clack of the tracks used to put me to sleep and because people using the train were trying to save money so first class was usually empty. But believe me it's a stretch calling it first class 😆
As an American from Ohio. I truly fell in love with Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and the Dutch people when I visited. I would recommend anyone visit the Netherlands before doing the usual Paris or London vacation.
I’m a truck driver for 16 years and counting. For some reason I always thought you can just kick your feet up relaxing and enjoy the ride and had a bed or whatever in there. This video is very informative for those of us who are ignorant to your job.
Driving?...Where's the steering wheel just in case he wanted to pull in to a Burger King or drive it up to a convenient store? Driving? You don't something on tracks.😂🤣
I can tell who’s captain of this ship! Nice running! I can tell you’ve mastered your craft my brother. I’m retired CSX Engineer, Albany Division. Buffalo To Albany was my route 300 mile run. Sure miss the thrill of wheeling them trains around. Stay safe brother.
Reminds me how much I miss being an engineer, my railroad career didn’t last the full 30 as I wanted, but I did live my childhood dream job. Thanks for sharing Mike!
@@hoghead3368 there was a time when i told people what i did for a living, and their reply was wow what a cool job. it reminded me ya it was cool only on day one. looking back , had the time of my life . so much power in my hands . and some one trusted me with a $$$$$$$$ loco.
@Pumpum Pum Where I worked we had about 6 female engineers out of 50 on the roster, more females were conductors than engineers. It’s not impossible, thick skin is a must and a willingness to learn and not be afraid to ask questions.
Wait how did you become one? I’m an engineer working on designs behind a desk and I hate it. I wanted more hands on but didn’t think engineering was all office work. I’m considering this as a profession
Mike, you seem to have the same passion and love for trains that I do for airplanes. I just retired after flying for a major airline after 34 years of service. Love the video Mike. Thanks for sharing!
The way you interract with your conductor brings me back to many of the trips I had while I was a conductor with NS. Its moments like that that make me proud to be a railroader. Awesome videos and congratulations on retirement!
Really enjoyed this. I'm a railwayman of over forty years in the UK - not as a Driver/Engineer - so anything like this is of great interest, and I model US railway in N scale. Done a few cab patrols in my life, would have loved to have done one, in this loco. Thanks for posting, really enjoyed it.
I've seen Mike's videos before. They always bring back so many memories My dad was a dispatcher on this W&A subdivision between Chatt and Atla. These were a special breed of men & women, moving freight on the steel rails every day. My dad is gone but I have the memories Tjanks
Captain X im 14 r now man i feel u 1000000% i wanna go out to reading and norther eventually. I road in GP38-2 admiral cab 2013, which is an ex NS unit they own!
@@jed-henrywitkowski6470 next year im actually going to apply to our local s.t.e.m. program in diesel tech, so who knows, maby il rebuild diesels someday!
The power. The magestry! You being the captain of that ship fascinates me and I have deep respect for you. As a trucker I used to deliver parts to your repair shops at such places at Morrill, North Platt and Barstow. I also worked the crew shuttle back in the day when your crew was four. God bless you, brother!
Mr. Mike I just discovered your channel....and im happy that i did...i always wanted to be a train engineer ever since i was a kid growing up in NY....and i STILL want to drive a train....these videos will motivate me to make my dream come true....Thank you
I thank you so much for the videos. It's not often you get to see this POV. It's so relaxing watching this, especially the night rides. You're a great engineer, i've listened in on some of the conversations and they're hilarious. I think awhile ago I saw your retirement video, happy retirement and best wishes!
#366 Thanks for showing, Mike. I worked for the C&O, B&O Railroad and got a chance to ride a switch engine cab, boy was it noisy. My job was a Deck Hand/Car Handler on the Ludington, Michigan Carferrys----many years ago. I'm 72 now and retired. I even wheeled the Carferry SS Badger 43, which is still in operation after all these years.
Thanks for the ride along man. Lost my pops to cancer bout 5 years ago. He retired from kcs as a engineer. I never got to ride with him never got this view or a chance to see how he did it. My plan was work on rail road after I graduated highschool but right b4 I did the employment office told them no more hiring relatives which had been a tradition for the rail road hell my paw paw and his brother and 2 of my pops brothers all worked for the Illinois central gulf out of the maccomb ms yard at the same time at one point. Later they said you could hire relatives as long as it was out of different yards. I had my app in at the employment office and had started driving a truck. I missed a call from my rep at the employment office while working found out later from pops they hired a couple guys so missed that opportunity. Still driving trucks now been 25 years. Time Flys. I have a tat on my back of a train and truck meeting at a crossing that says till our paths cross again pops. On it symbolic of both of us moving freight but in different ways. Apple dont fall far from the tree.
Mike that was the best compilation of cab rides I have ever viewed. Only way it could get better would be there in person. Thanks for sharing your work with us. Will be watching for more.
I see now that being a Locomotive Engineer isn't as so much going down the track as it is stopping and controlling down the track. Reminds me of downhill skiing, when I was younger and first did it, I didn't realize the whole trick is controlling your speed down the hill, not going down the hill! Thank you Mr. Mike for the video and the nice ride on down the rails!
Its not that hard though. You just drive and have a talk with your colleagues all day. It would be impressive if he would have to steer. Driving a train is kids play.
Mike, there is no doubt in my mind that you love your job and are proud to go to work everyday. All of your videos are well done. Love your channel. Stay save!
I think it's wonderful that you like what you do, because I meet engineers some time and they're just glad to retire and don't want to talk about the railroad. I was a retailer, and a meat cutter to be exact and a very good meat cutter, and I loved my occupation. Until this day at 74, I still keep up with the retail industry modifications. I believe I mention this to you before that I have a shelf train in my home office with approx. 60 feet of track. I love trains since I was a child. I tell people sometimes that are board to rediscover some of the things they liked from their childhood. I've had an H/O train since i was 20 years old. The divorce messed up one layout, but I didn't quit. . Man you have a great collection of photos for the family down the road.
Mike this is soooooo uplifting! Those of you who watch this, PLEASE STAY WITH IT TILL THE LAST 10 MINUTES. I love it!!! You're a great man. If you have children they are lucky. I see from a comment below that you are highly respected going back. BRAVO on making your own luck and not letting people telling you you're a victim. 1976 onward. Out-f***ing-standing!!!
You have got the coolest job in the World my friend. You get to run the reins of the original Iron Horse! Thanks so much for posting this awesome video! All the very best from the Great White North!
I will be 67 years old in a couple of months hopefully and I love anything to do with trains and planes. I have built a model railroad and with the help of a computer, I have flown my desk all around the world. I spent 36 years in the fire service and would let you drive or tiller my ladder truck if I could drive your train. Oh wait we are both retired never mind. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your service to the public I was a fireman on a class 1 fire department along the way in my working career al well I worked in a pumper co. Eng. #4 along with being a damage control man on board ship in the USN 192-1975 .
Locomotive Engineer Mike Barnett, I started my career at Eng co.4 on a class 1 dept. myself. I was a ladder man for 33 of the 36 years. Tillering a ladder truck is by far the most fun you can have driving fire apparatus. The Vietnam war was still going on and I didn't get drafted so I wasn't in the military. Like Ali said I don't have a beef with those people they never called me names. Thank you for your service and enjoy your retirement from one badass profession..Locomotive Engineer.
First of all, I LOVE this perspective and I can see now why an engineer would get nervous when someone blows a crossing in front of you , I know I'll never do it again. We've got a big problem in northern Indiana with CSX blocking the crossings sometimes for over 30 minutes and even longer. I can understand successive train movements but when they are just sitting there it gets pretty frustrating. Anyway, love your professionalism and your video's, keep up the good work.
This is a wonderful video. More more more. I hope csx doesn't make this video removed. This is the 1st of your uploads I've seen I can't wait to show my son and watch your other videos.
Used to drive for a mining company in the NW of Aus. Enjoyed being out on a train but hearing the detector go off it was always "please not my train". Good to see you enjoying yourself.
Mike, like all men and women who drive these trains, have so much responsibility when powering all this freight across the US, they are truly heroes of the rail industry, thanks from me for all your hard work, greetings from UK.
I don’t get to see what the inside of a locomotive looks like on the inside, let alone how to operate one. Great video sir, and thank you for what you do!
There are many other videos on YT showing that. Some even show how they start the engine. Check my channel for a CSX new-hire video, too. It's 22 years old, but still should interest you.
My grandfather snuck me aboard one for a couple of minutes in the 50s, and was afraid of getting caught and losing his job, he showed me how you blow the horn.
Love the video Mike. Thank you. Trains were always a childhood dream. Still love to park the car and watch :) My Uncle retired out of Chicago. I have friends that run out of Garrett, IN. God Bless.
Holy mackerel I've been on that same route as conductor and engineer here in Atlanta. The locations at night look nothing like they do in the daytime and this video certainly expressed that! Love the shots of I-75 at a standstill while you have nothing but open track and clear signals out ahead of you. Also @19:25 Tilford yard when it still had tracks and trains. It's been a minute since it looked like that. Mr. Mike I hope I can retire one day and enjoy the retired life as you have. If you ever do a Vlog where you talk about your career I hope you mention what it was like to work on rails that are no longer there. I've been on the job for 20 years now and I have worked on rails that are not there anymore. I still have 15-20 years yet to go before I can tie em' down and pull the pin but I look forward to sharing those stories someday. God Bless you brother!
98% of the train ride depends upon the rail itself I cannot emphasize that enough and I'm grateful to the men and women who help keep the rails safe to ride upon , the other 2% becomes the most important factor and can even become more important at moments of high excitement and anxiety in the case of an immediate need for action on behalf of the locomotive engineer. Our skills can save the trip or destroy the town. I salute all of my fellow locomotive engineers world wide. Have a safe and enjoyable day.
Without a conductor can the engineer run the freight train alone. Don't forget conductors who at times remind the engineer to keep speed, speed restriction, work authority, works industries, and those who wear both hats. Without a conductor both will be on the employment line.
I know it's childish, however, as a son of a man who has been truck driving for nearly three decades I have such awe at the road and rail logistics of this great nation. Particularly of those that go beyond a certain region.
@Alex Burns Some rail and road logistics companies, only operate within a certain state or states. sometimes, their operations may only be in one or two counties. Hence, why I said what I said, the way I did.
Thank you for sharing your videos Mr Barnett. Grew up loving trains and railroads but never got the opportunity. I ended up becoming a professional pilot but will always have a soft spot for those iron horses. Be safe and take care👍🏿
Excellent video! Always been my dream to be a locomotive engineer and this has been a great experience to watch. Love the soundtrack too! Keep on doin what you do and congrats on earning that spot on the right side. Truly is an honor to work your way up to that position.
Good job rolling your train on the curves Mike. I was a SP-Up conductor for 36 years. Loved the job but now I get to sleep at night. Thanks for the trip back in time.
I would LOVE to see just a full video of him driving the trains. Only edited to hide the confidential stuff. As a teenager who dreams of being a train engineer, especially for CSX, I’m having the time of my life watching this. Keep it up!
Wow. Thank you for creating this channel. I’ve just subscribed, your channel came up in my suggestions. I’ve always wanted to be Locomotive Engineer or a Subway Motorman. I am the latter. And I love what I do. Thanks for giving us a view of your behind the controls and on the road. Keep up the great work
Hey I enjoyed your video tremendously. My big brother has been working for KCS in Shreveport,La. Since 1977. He's done everything with KCS but drive the train.
So did I .retired in 2010 on great lakes division .I worked out of new castle jct. M y run was between new castle and willard ohio and ashtabula to new castle I miss the guys and running the trains but had to move on !
@@echo-qe4gw when I hired out on the B&0 in 1967 I hired out as a fireman and worked in the rail yard at haselton ohio when a road train went by my engineer said that is where you should be because you wont learn anything in the yard so I took a pool turn and spent next 43 years on road !!
It's always a pleasure watching your videos. I know it's not easy operating the locomotive and a freight train, but you make it look easy. From one railroader to another, I hope you're enjoying your retirement.
I like the name of his drink--"full throttle". I'd need a whole case of that drink to stay awake! Trains are the ultimate relaxation (for the passenger) but sheer monotony and hard work for the crew. I truly enjoyed watching this.
What an incredible video! The engineer has SO much responsibility navigating these behemoths. There's a lot of physics involved, as I understand, particularly with a heavy load (e.g. coal or grains). It's an amazing view from the engineer's perspective. Thank you so much for this!!
I love these videos especially because they are on the W&A and that they are from when the W&A was a busy main route back in the early 2010's and with the old signals too. I've railfanned this line my whole life, and I'm now getting to see some of the areas that I have not seen as a railfan as they are not possible to get to. I hope that one day I will get to do what you do in these videos along the W&A.
My grandfather was an engineer for Seaboard Coast Line for 40 years, the railroad workers retirement pay was given in one lump sum and he was exempt from the failed big government social security scam. Im still benefiting from his work decades later.
Awesome Video, Enjoy your retirement, I just reasonally retired from the Staten Island Railway, 06/30/2021, of 33Year's ,Thank U 4 sharing the Video Sir,
quick disclaimer before i say this: I'm a frequent train simulator player and have never operated on a real-life locomotive i can second all of these. Peaceful, enjoyable, and satisfying. however if you enjoy any of those too much, you'll find the polar opposite of all 3 in 15 seconds.
Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. Many years ago, I was a technician with CN Telecommunications, which was owned by CN Rail. I spent about 2.5 years working in Northern Ontario and often rode freights, at either end, in addition to passenger trains. I even rode a gas car once. Back in those days I was on trains so often the conductors stopped asking me for my pass. In addition to my work pass, I also had as service pass, which took me all across Canada, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island. BTW, the engineers did not like stopping freight trains if they didn't have to. That meant I often had to hop on and off a freight, passing my equipment to/from the conductor, as I walked along side the moving train. There was one occasion when I was standing below the headlight and taking pictures of the scenery we passed through.
Merci de cette vidéo que je n'avais pas encore vue? Il est 03h00 en France et je regarde depuis mon PC de façon à pouvoir vous mettre des remerciements pour vos vidéos? Merci et à bientôt. Amicalement.
Very cool Mike. I love the horn sounds from each engine that you run and I love when you run the trains both day and night and when it’s raining or snowing and I also love when you the trains when you are going over the railroad crossing.
Thanks for posting the music credits- I was wondering. Now I know what to look for. Happy Retirement! Mine is right around the corner (I work in maritime).
I am a retired CSX engineer from new castle pen. I worked with mike when he was a CSX conductor at the time ,he later got promoted to engineer . I loved working with mike then he left and moved down south . I sure did miss him . we had good times together .a true gentleman .!
Hi Burt, you were one of my favorite engineers in New Castle. If I had a dollar for every great conversation we had in the pool I'd have a pocket full. Burt Fitzgerald my friend how are you ! Thanks
@@locomotiveengineermikebarn8042 YOUR THE BEST MIKE !!
@burt fitzgerald I was totally surprised to see a fellow co-worker in my comments and feel truly blessed to have a gentleman like my old friend Burt respond. I look up to you Mr. Fitzgerald for how you kept me safe and helped me mature, while I was quite young when I first started working out of New Castle Pa. Hi Ball to you and all the great RR family out of OA Tower ❤️
@@locomotiveengineermikebarn8042 Well Mike I retired in 2010 was glad to get out when I DID they had remotes and cameras pointing at engineers in cab so it was time to move on I love your videos they are very professional you always had a knack at photography you will always be a bright spot in my career HI BALL MIKE YOU ARE ALL LINED UP!!!!
@@burtfitzgerald2935 thanks again Burt you know after so many years RR is in your blood and you never forget the yrs past ... but it's so good to have great memories of the times when railroading was fun. Hi Ball
I’m Destiney being an engineer when I grow up. Thanks for the POV video
the whistle is a lifesaver. not just for the public. ROW workers especially
Great to see it from the perspective of the engineer at work. The for us Europeans, impressive American trains with their bells and horns and impressive diesel sounds. It feels a bit like being there. A sincere THANK YOU from the Netherlands!
Fun fact, the glass in the cabin is bulletproof. For reasons you can probably surmise. Some people dont like the horns at 2:30 in the AM. Heard stories of engineers getting shot at, 2x4s thrown at them, etc.
I love traveling on trains in Europe but there's nothing like the raw power of American freight trains.
I still remember seeing my first really big freight train in TN when I was a kid. We didn't have real big trains where I grew up. So when I lost count of the cars, I just couldn't believe it.
@@southjerseysound7340 after about the 20th car, the sights, sounds and smells sort of lull me into a trance like you've been hypnotized
@@teeceedeecee they can be hypnotic. I have a place in Bulgaria and before I had a car there I used to travel by train a lot. Everyone thought I was crazy because the bus was faster and nicer. But the clickety clack of the tracks used to put me to sleep and because people using the train were trying to save money so first class was usually empty. But believe me it's a stretch calling it first class 😆
As an American from Ohio. I truly fell in love with Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and the Dutch people when I visited. I would recommend anyone visit the Netherlands before doing the usual Paris or London vacation.
I’m a truck driver for 16 years and counting. For some reason I always thought you can just kick your feet up relaxing and enjoy the ride and had a bed or whatever in there. This video is very informative for those of us who are ignorant to your job.
If Train Drivers did that there would be so many accidents it would be ridiculous lol. Some could argue they need to be more alert than truck drivers
@@eligreg99 more capable of making quick intelligent decisions
@@justingonzalez54not without it being a safety hazard
@@justingonzalez54 Lucky
@made-in-the80s What are you butthurt for? My comment wasn’t an insult
Just like truckers railroad workers don't get the credit they deserve. They keep our country going. Thanks for all your hard work
That’s because there’s to many workers
I don’t even know why it’s so relaxing to watch him drive one of these beasts
Everything about Railroading is relaxing
@@Trainman-cw1zl ikr
@@Trainman-cw1zl He better not get too relaxed were he's sitting.
Driving?...Where's the steering wheel just in case he wanted to pull in to a Burger King or drive it up to a convenient store? Driving? You don't something on tracks.😂🤣
I live in Wales GB and every holiday my husband and I took had to include at least one or more steam train rides. xxxx
Love how this guy is totally chill while operating that thing.
I can tell who’s captain of this ship! Nice running! I can tell you’ve mastered your craft my brother.
I’m retired CSX Engineer, Albany Division. Buffalo To Albany was my route 300 mile run.
Sure miss the thrill of wheeling them trains around. Stay safe brother.
Hey there brother...how's retirement??????? stay healthy man!!
Reminds me how much I miss being an engineer, my railroad career didn’t last the full 30 as I wanted, but I did live my childhood dream job.
Thanks for sharing Mike!
i know how you feel. did for 15 years . never had so much fun on a job
Living my dream also
@@hoghead3368 there was a time when i told people what i did for a living, and their reply was wow what a cool job. it reminded me ya it was cool only on day one. looking back , had the time of my life . so much power in my hands . and some one trusted me with a $$$$$$$$ loco.
@Pumpum Pum Where I worked we had about 6 female engineers out of 50 on the roster, more females were conductors than engineers. It’s not impossible, thick skin is a must and a willingness to learn and not be afraid to ask questions.
Wait how did you become one? I’m an engineer working on designs behind a desk and I hate it. I wanted more hands on but didn’t think engineering was all office work. I’m considering this as a profession
Mike, you seem to have the same passion and love for trains that I do for airplanes. I just retired after flying for a major airline after 34 years of service. Love the video Mike. Thanks for sharing!
AWESOME footage! Love watching an engineer in action
The way you interract with your conductor brings me back to many of the trips I had while I was a conductor with NS. Its moments like that that make me proud to be a railroader. Awesome videos and congratulations on retirement!
Thanks 👍
Was it your conductor sitting next to you and talking to you on that trip?
"And here, you can see a rare glimpse of a Mike Barnett in his natural habitat. Absolutely stunning"
Really enjoyed this. I'm a railwayman of over forty years in the UK - not as a Driver/Engineer - so anything like this is of great interest, and I model US railway in N scale. Done a few cab patrols in my life, would have loved to have done one, in this loco. Thanks for posting, really enjoyed it.
I have n scale as well. N scale is awesome. Kato power
Thank you for your service sir. You help keep the WORLD running!
Thanks for the ride. My Dad was a 40+ year man with Southern.
I've seen Mike's videos before. They always bring back so many memories
My dad was a dispatcher on this
W&A subdivision between Chatt and Atla.
These were a special breed of men & women, moving freight on the steel rails every day. My dad is gone
but I have the memories
Tjanks
I really enjoyed watching this video.He is a true professional....I wud love to ride up front like that....
I've always wanted to drive one of these beasts of metal, I'll be 14 soon, so its something I will consider as a career. Happy retirement!
Captain X im 14 r now man i feel u 1000000% i wanna go out to reading and norther eventually. I road in GP38-2 admiral cab 2013, which is an ex NS unit they own!
You should definitely go for it as a career. It's the best thing I feel like I ever did and the memories pictures and friends are priceless
Keep your eyes on that goal! My dad wanted to be a truck driver since he was a child. Now he owns his own tractor (truck)!
@@jed-henrywitkowski6470 next year im actually going to apply to our local s.t.e.m. program in diesel tech, so who knows, maby il rebuild diesels someday!
@@jed-henrywitkowski6470 Nice! Thx!
Mike is intelligent and to learn from him ...priceless!
Love watching Mike do his thing! A pro! The notorious MEB!
The power. The magestry! You being the captain of that ship fascinates me and I have deep respect for you. As a trucker I used to deliver parts to your repair shops at such places at Morrill, North Platt and Barstow. I also worked the crew shuttle back in the day when your crew was four. God bless you, brother!
Thanks Truckngirl !
Always, always, always look forward to finding another Mike Barnett VDO, He is so Cool and his videos are Great!
Really great video Mike!! So glad I came across this one. The music was perfect with it as well.
Thank you for your service to all of us brother.
Thank You For The "Railroad" Rides You Have Givin' Us.
It’s so calming to watch Him drive because he’s so happy and he handles the trains so well
Thank You for allowing us to ride along.
Can't express my gratitude enough.
Love to see more.
Thanks High Rail enjoy.
Mr. Mike I just discovered your channel....and im happy that i did...i always wanted to be a train engineer ever since i was a kid growing up in NY....and i STILL want to drive a train....these videos will motivate me to make my dream come true....Thank you
You have one of the coolest jobs. Playing with trains all day. 👍
This is so soothing, it’s like listening to a asmr video.
Next best thing to a cab ride!! Thank you Mr. Barnett.
I agree
I thank you so much for the videos.
It's not often you get to see this POV.
It's so relaxing watching this, especially the night rides. You're a great engineer, i've listened in on some of the conversations and they're hilarious.
I think awhile ago I saw your retirement video, happy retirement and best wishes!
What an awesome job, Thank you for taking us along with you!
#366 Thanks for showing, Mike. I worked for the C&O, B&O Railroad and got a chance to ride a switch engine cab, boy was it noisy. My job was a Deck Hand/Car Handler on the Ludington, Michigan Carferrys----many years ago. I'm 72 now and retired. I even wheeled the Carferry SS Badger 43, which is still in operation after all these years.
Thanks for the ride along man. Lost my pops to cancer bout 5 years ago. He retired from kcs as a engineer. I never got to ride with him never got this view or a chance to see how he did it. My plan was work on rail road after I graduated highschool but right b4 I did the employment office told them no more hiring relatives which had been a tradition for the rail road hell my paw paw and his brother and 2 of my pops brothers all worked for the Illinois central gulf out of the maccomb ms yard at the same time at one point. Later they said you could hire relatives as long as it was out of different yards. I had my app in at the employment office and had started driving a truck. I missed a call from my rep at the employment office while working found out later from pops they hired a couple guys so missed that opportunity. Still driving trucks now been 25 years. Time Flys. I have a tat on my back of a train and truck meeting at a crossing that says till our paths cross again pops. On it symbolic of both of us moving freight but in different ways. Apple dont fall far from the tree.
RIP to your Pops
Mike that was the best compilation of cab rides I have ever viewed. Only way it could get better would be there in person. Thanks for sharing your work with us. Will be watching for more.
I worked for the Alaska Railroad for years and enjoyed every bit of it. Love your video Mike!
I see now that being a Locomotive Engineer isn't as so much going down the track as it is stopping and controlling down the track. Reminds me of downhill skiing, when I was younger and first did it, I didn't realize the whole trick is controlling your speed down the hill, not going down the hill! Thank you Mr. Mike for the video and the nice ride on down the rails!
IT TAKES A SPECIAL PERSON THAT HAS the TALENT TO DO THE WORK
Its not that hard though. You just drive and have a talk with your colleagues all day. It would be impressive if he would have to steer. Driving a train is kids play.
Great video, thanks for the ride Brother Mike, Blessings to you and your family.
Mike, there is no doubt in my mind that you love your job and are proud to go to work everyday. All of your videos are well done. Love your channel. Stay save!
I think it's wonderful that you like what you do, because I meet engineers some time and they're just glad to retire and don't want to talk about the railroad. I was a retailer, and a meat cutter to be exact and a very good meat cutter, and I loved my occupation. Until this day at 74, I still keep up with the retail industry modifications. I believe I mention this to you before that I have a shelf train in my home office with approx. 60 feet of track. I love trains since I was a child. I tell people sometimes that are board to rediscover some of the things they liked from their childhood. I've had an H/O train since i was 20 years old. The divorce messed up one layout, but I didn't quit. . Man you have a great collection of photos for the family down the road.
Mike this is soooooo uplifting! Those of you who watch this, PLEASE STAY WITH IT TILL THE LAST 10 MINUTES. I love it!!! You're a great man. If you have children they are lucky. I see from a comment below that you are highly respected going back. BRAVO on making your own luck and not letting people telling you you're a victim. 1976 onward. Out-f***ing-standing!!!
One of the best train videos I seen on UA-cam. Please keep up the good work and stay safe.
You have got the coolest job in the World my friend. You get to run the reins of the original Iron Horse! Thanks so much for posting this awesome video! All the very best from the Great White North!
Thanks for the nice comments.
A channel I can actually see a train engineer drive a train definitely getting a subscriber
Man I never thought about this much been a Truck driver for 20 years like to travel. I would love this...
Brought back memories of my NYC rail yard work at Albany on 2-6-2 Hudsons and later at Selkirk depot. Thanks
I will be 67 years old in a couple of months hopefully and I love anything to do with trains and planes. I have built a model railroad and with the help of a computer, I have flown my desk all around the world. I spent 36 years in the fire service and would let you drive or tiller my ladder truck if I could drive your train. Oh wait we are both retired never mind. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your service to the public I was a fireman on a class 1 fire department along the way in my working career al well I worked in a pumper co. Eng. #4 along with being a damage control man on board ship in the USN 192-1975 .
Locomotive Engineer Mike Barnett, I started my career at Eng co.4 on a class 1 dept. myself. I was a ladder man for 33 of the 36 years. Tillering a ladder truck is by far the most fun you can have driving fire apparatus. The Vietnam war was still going on and I didn't get drafted so I wasn't in the military. Like Ali said I don't have a beef with those people they never called me names. Thank you for your service and enjoy your retirement from one badass profession..Locomotive Engineer.
Thank you for your service Mike. Interesting to see details like this that lead you to where you are.
I'll also be 67 soon
DOBERMAN PAC, not to worry I have been on vacation since the day after my 59th birthday.
Thank you for posting this, Mike! My dad's cousin worked on the ATSF for many years.
Well, at least CSX has the same blue and gold yellow as the old Santa Fe. Born and raised in California, the Santa Fe was my favorite railway.
First of all, I LOVE this perspective and I can see now why an engineer would get nervous when someone blows a crossing in front of you , I know I'll never do it again. We've got a big problem in northern Indiana with CSX blocking the crossings sometimes for over 30 minutes and even longer. I can understand successive train movements but when they are just sitting there it gets pretty frustrating. Anyway, love your professionalism and your video's, keep up the good work.
This is a wonderful video.
More more more.
I hope csx doesn't make this video removed.
This is the 1st of your uploads I've seen
I can't wait to show my son and watch your other videos.
Used to drive for a mining company in the NW of Aus. Enjoyed being out on a train but hearing the detector go off it was always "please not my train". Good to see you enjoying yourself.
Mike, like all men and women who drive these trains, have so much responsibility when powering all this freight across the US, they are truly heroes of the rail industry, thanks from me for all your hard work, greetings from UK.
Well said
God Bless you Engineer Barnett. May your retirement be long, healthy, and happy.
This my dream job, it's really relaxing to watch a train engineer driving these big locomotives, this is a great video
I don’t get to see what the inside of a locomotive looks like on the inside, let alone how to operate one. Great video sir, and thank you for what you do!
If you played msts or any of those simulators.
There are many other videos on YT showing that. Some even show how they start the engine.
Check my channel for a CSX new-hire video, too. It's 22 years old, but still should interest you.
My grandfather snuck me aboard one for a couple of minutes in the 50s, and was afraid of getting caught and losing his job, he showed me how you blow the horn.
Love the video Mike. Thank you. Trains were always a childhood dream. Still love to park the car and watch :) My Uncle retired out of Chicago. I have friends that run out of Garrett, IN. God Bless.
Holy mackerel I've been on that same route as conductor and engineer here in Atlanta. The locations at night look nothing like they do in the daytime and this video certainly expressed that! Love the shots of I-75 at a standstill while you have nothing but open track and clear signals out ahead of you. Also @19:25 Tilford yard when it still had tracks and trains. It's been a minute since it looked like that. Mr. Mike I hope I can retire one day and enjoy the retired life as you have. If you ever do a Vlog where you talk about your career I hope you mention what it was like to work on rails that are no longer there. I've been on the job for 20 years now and I have worked on rails that are not there anymore. I still have 15-20 years yet to go before I can tie em' down and pull the pin but I look forward to sharing those stories someday. God Bless you brother!
Thanks Clawdya.
That's a good observation of you noticed how things look at night vs day.
I'm thinking about applying at csx. So watching this video and seeing you roll through my home town made it even better
98% of the train ride depends upon the rail itself I cannot emphasize that enough and I'm grateful to the men and women who help keep the rails safe to ride upon , the other 2% becomes the most important factor and can even become more important at moments of high excitement and anxiety in the case of an immediate need for action on behalf of the locomotive engineer. Our skills can save the trip or destroy the town. I salute all of my fellow locomotive engineers world wide. Have a safe and enjoyable day.
@Cayden Webber Thank you Cayden and the many men & women who make the rails safe therefore making America safe !
Train csx
Without a conductor can the engineer run the freight train alone. Don't forget conductors who at times remind the engineer to keep speed, speed restriction, work authority, works industries, and those who wear both hats. Without a conductor both will be on the employment line.
Thanks for filming this mike, I've always wondered what it was like in the drivers seat of a locomotive.
I know it's childish, however, as a son of a man who has been truck driving for nearly three decades I have such awe at the road and rail logistics of this great nation. Particularly of those that go beyond a certain region.
Hey mike love your videos , whats the top speed you at ??
@Alex Burns Lame.
@Alex Burns Some rail and road logistics companies, only operate within a certain state or states. sometimes, their operations may only be in one or two counties.
Hence, why I said what I said, the way I did.
Thank you for sharing your videos Mr Barnett. Grew up loving trains and railroads but never got the opportunity. I ended up becoming a professional pilot but will always have a soft spot for those iron horses. Be safe and take care👍🏿
Thanks Jimmie
Love these videos! I could sit and watch for hours
Love being in the cab with you. loved trains all my life. I have a 1964 Lionel Train set I got when I was 5. it still works. ty for the videos
Excellent video! Always been my dream to be a locomotive engineer and this has been a great experience to watch. Love the soundtrack too! Keep on doin what you do and congrats on earning that spot on the right side. Truly is an honor to work your way up to that position.
When ever I can I enjoy watching CSX coming up from Florida. You go right through my work area in Ariton, Al. Mike, be safe and stay focused.
" i thought somebody was back there on that second engine"
🤣
Cracked me up. Great vid. Look fwd to more
I agree---its very rare to see the peaceful inside footage like this. Great job and thank you for sharing.
I loved this video, first person is a lot different than the railfan types. Thank you for keeping america moving.
Good job rolling your train on the curves Mike. I was a SP-Up conductor for 36 years. Loved the job but now I get to sleep at night. Thanks for the trip back in time.
I would LOVE to see just a full video of him driving the trains. Only edited to hide the confidential stuff. As a teenager who dreams of being a train engineer, especially for CSX, I’m having the time of my life watching this. Keep it up!
Wow. Thank you for creating this channel. I’ve just subscribed, your channel came up in my suggestions. I’ve always wanted to be Locomotive Engineer or a Subway Motorman. I am the latter. And I love what I do. Thanks for giving us a view of your behind the controls and on the road. Keep up the great work
I did this job for 40 years. Retired 2009 Great Lakes Division.
Hey I enjoyed your video tremendously. My big brother has been working for KCS in Shreveport,La. Since 1977. He's done everything with KCS but drive the train.
So did I .retired in 2010 on great lakes division .I worked out of new castle jct. M y run was between new castle and willard ohio and ashtabula to new castle I miss the guys and running the trains but had to move on !
@@burtfitzgerald2935 I retired out of Avon, IN. My last runs were Avon to Toledo, OH. Plus I use to run from Avon to St. Louis, Mo.
@@echo-qe4gw when I hired out on the B&0 in 1967 I hired out as a fireman and worked in the rail yard at haselton ohio when a road train went by my engineer said that is where you should be because you wont learn anything in the yard so I took a pool turn and spent next 43 years on road !!
@@martybanks3798 my uncle worked for them as well.
It's always a pleasure watching your videos. I know it's not easy operating the locomotive and a freight train, but you make it look easy. From one railroader to another, I hope you're enjoying your retirement.
Yes I am Lamont thanks.
What's not easy about it?
I knew a friend when I was in high school. His uncle was a train engineer. He told me it is fun. You get to see many places. He retired in 2016
I like these videos of Mike Barnett!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Show some more of them! John Pyke, Michigan
I like the name of his drink--"full throttle". I'd need a whole case of that drink to stay awake! Trains are the ultimate relaxation (for the passenger) but sheer monotony and hard work for the crew. I truly enjoyed watching this.
Man, what a great video glimpse at your carrier as a "Locomotive Engineer." I'm sure there's more to share! 💯
What an incredible video! The engineer has SO much responsibility navigating these behemoths. There's a lot of physics involved, as I understand, particularly with a heavy load (e.g. coal or grains). It's an amazing view from the engineer's perspective. Thank you so much for this!!
This is the first “over the Engineer’s shoulder vid I have ever seen. Excellent!
I love these videos especially because they are on the W&A and that they are from when the W&A was a busy main route back in the early 2010's and with the old signals too. I've railfanned this line my whole life, and I'm now getting to see some of the areas that I have not seen as a railfan as they are not possible to get to. I hope that one day I will get to do what you do in these videos along the W&A.
You get to do what he do?
i love the raw video and the camera placement really well done love to see more vids !!
My grandfather was an engineer for Seaboard Coast Line for 40 years, the railroad workers retirement pay was given in one lump sum and he was exempt from the failed big government social security scam. Im still benefiting from his work decades later.
Awesome Video, Enjoy your retirement, I just reasonally retired from the Staten Island Railway, 06/30/2021, of 33Year's ,Thank U 4 sharing the Video Sir,
Watch these movies on a big screen with stereo sound awesome !!!!!!!
Agreed! 👍
Mike whats it like to be a train engineer?
Enjoyed you my brother and the music is off the chain!!!! Loved it subscribing!!!
@@danbedford5419 It wan an awesome adventure.
How many years were u an engineer?
Mike, you encouraged me to apply for the railroad. Thank you, Brother!
Imagine having this job and seeing all this beautiful scenory
It's been fun riding along. Thanks and best of luck on retirement.
Thank you.
That looks like one of the most peaceful, enjoyable, and satisfying jobs on the planet.
@JDTX .JDTX I can imagine in urban areas being super stressful.
I was thinking that the rural areas out in the countryside must be nice and peaceful.
quick disclaimer before i say this: I'm a frequent train simulator player and have never operated on a real-life locomotive
i can second all of these. Peaceful, enjoyable, and satisfying.
however if you enjoy any of those too much, you'll find the polar opposite of all 3 in 15 seconds.
@@thetreedemoknight4827 as with anything.
Such a rare sight. So much elegance, precision, and accuracy. A beauty like no other. Beautiful Locomotive Engineer Mike Barnett.
Bless ing job that one in million you. Got it like will Smith his movies
Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. Many years ago, I was a technician with CN Telecommunications, which was owned by CN Rail. I spent about 2.5 years working in Northern Ontario and often rode freights, at either end, in addition to passenger trains. I even rode a gas car once. Back in those days I was on trains so often the conductors stopped asking me for my pass. In addition to my work pass, I also had as service pass, which took me all across Canada, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island. BTW, the engineers did not like stopping freight trains if they didn't have to. That meant I often had to hop on and off a freight, passing my equipment to/from the conductor, as I walked along side the moving train. There was one occasion when I was standing below the headlight and taking pictures of the scenery we passed through.
My new favorite UA-cam channel - thanks for sharing Sir!
It’s glad to see you posting again Mr Mike Nd how’s your retirement going
Thanks life is good.
@@locomotiveengineermikebarn8042 that’s good enjoy your retirement Mr Mike 😎
Merci de cette vidéo que je n'avais pas encore vue? Il est 03h00 en France et je regarde depuis mon PC de façon à pouvoir vous mettre des remerciements pour vos vidéos? Merci et à bientôt. Amicalement.
Very cool Mike. I love the horn sounds from each engine that you run and I love when you run the trains both day and night and when it’s raining or snowing and I also love when you the trains when you are going over the railroad crossing.
what sound track is that playing?
Thanks for posting the music credits- I was wondering. Now I know what to look for. Happy Retirement! Mine is right around the corner (I work in maritime).
God bless this man!
Congrats on retirement!!
Awesome, thanks Mike for taking us along the ride 😀 👍