NS SD40Es - The Horseshoe Helpers

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  • Опубліковано 1 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 130

  • @rocktrout8773
    @rocktrout8773 Рік тому +12

    My memories of the SD40E and SD70ACu was working in the snow on the Connmaugh Line, and the ACu working my worst train in my short career, where we need TWO sets of ACus to shove our train up the Pitt Line.

  • @NotDaender
    @NotDaender Рік тому +15

    SD50s have a charm to them, even if they're blemish on EMD's record, as they're some of the last locomotives ordered by the B&O, C&O, and Missouri Pacific. I'm not sure if Conrail just took better care of them or got lucky with not getting bad eggs (supposedly some SD50 645's re-used early 567 crankshafts from very tired GP9s...), but, as you've explained, they've earned their keep after being de-rated and the electrical bugs sorted out. Shoutout to the Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad for rostering a small fleet of SD50s of various heritages and keeping them running (along with some recent beautiful paint schemes)!
    Fun fact: you can identify a former Chessie System or Rio Grande SD50 by it's all-forward K5LLA 5-chime horn (if still present) and bell mounted on the engineer's side of the long hood (see CSX 8607 at 11:24). Some former Seaboard SD50s have a very unique spotting feature among all SD50s: nose-mounted headlights instead of cab-mounted!

  • @2025trainfanmanproductions
    @2025trainfanmanproductions Рік тому +40

    The SD40E is one of my favorite NS rebuilds! Wish they still continued the SD40E rebuilds and rebuilt all SD50's
    I was a stupid Foamer in that opinion

  • @BSH_Railfan
    @BSH_Railfan Рік тому +22

    It’s really a shame they don’t use them anymore on the curve. They were amongst one of my favorites. Excellent documentary CUP!

  • @Thunderbolt_1000_Siren
    @Thunderbolt_1000_Siren Рік тому +13

    It sucks how I never got to see them on helper duty but they're EVERYWHERE in Central and Southeast PA. Most common spots to find them are Enola and Allentown on locals, I'm sure you can also find em elsewhere but those are where I find em. The way you can tell if it was a former helper or not is if it still has the helperlink on it, Those that don't likely never served as helpers at all. As for the ACUs nearly all the helpers have the lower ditchlights while the road units have them in the same spot as ACes. I swear though many of NS's desicions make my brain bleed. Also interesting note, Reading and Northern posseses both unrebilt SD50s (Former UP) and Rebuilt Ex CSX SD50-2s. Take a wild guess which of the 2 is preferred (espescially since 2 Ex UP SD50Ms just died there for being unreliable garbage XD)

  • @SantaFe19484
    @SantaFe19484 6 місяців тому +3

    I have seen a few SD40Es in the Enola yard and on the Buffalo Line, but Horseshoe curve will never be the same without them.

  • @Train777
    @Train777 Рік тому +6

    Great documentary, I'm glad to see that someone would cover these basic yet important rebuilds as everyone just kinda saw them as mid.

  • @yeahman70
    @yeahman70 Рік тому +19

    CSX sadly only has 16 SD50s left on their roster, 14 of these are the SD50-3s, which were SD50-2s upgraded further with new electronics and technical stuff, while the other 2 are SD50-2s but they are both in storage. A few of the SD50-3s are still in serive today, mainly in local service, but sometimes they can end up on road trains. Out of all these, only one of the remaining SD50s on CSX are ex-Conrail, that one being 8662, which I was lucky to see leading a rail train a few months ago. Its unfortunate that SD50s are almost completely gone from CSX, but at least they can still be seen a bit more on NS as SD40Es

    • @NotDaender
      @NotDaender Рік тому +4

      I'm forever bummed CSX sold off the last B&O SD50 (8595) to Larry's by mistake when it was *clearly* marked to be preserved and sent to the B&O museum as it was the very last locomotive ordered by the B&O.

    • @cmag19
      @cmag19 Рік тому

      I saw one of the SD50-3s leading a CN train a while ago. Completely caught me off guard.

  • @OwenConcorde
    @OwenConcorde Рік тому +3

    Awesome video on some of my favorite pusher locos! I remember when the rebuilds were brand new during my high school years in the early 2010s especially when I miss the awesomeness of NS before the PSR fall and killed off my beloved ex-CR SD80MACs.

  • @999-98
    @999-98 Рік тому +4

    Love this video, I do hope you make one about Norfolk Southern's SD70M-2 fleet. There is some in service right now for now that I am glad of.

  • @RyanthePArailfan6947
    @RyanthePArailfan6947 Рік тому +3

    I have seen SD40Es on local train in my town and I love the SD40Es.

  • @RailfanLan2006
    @RailfanLan2006 3 місяці тому

    I’ve seen a good few of these, mainly 3, 6332, 6322 & 6310. Great units, hearing their history has given me the knowledge i need to understand about these beautiful once failures. Love sd40e’s so dearly.

  • @hamtrak_p42dcamtrak67
    @hamtrak_p42dcamtrak67 6 місяців тому +5

    "hey, you're being retired because of the SD70ACU's"
    SD40E "nuh uh"

  • @JackCarsonsRailroadVideos
    @JackCarsonsRailroadVideos Рік тому +6

    A bit of a interesting side note. NS has at least owned every variant of the SD60 except the SD60F & 60MAC

  • @StickwithBrooklyn
    @StickwithBrooklyn Рік тому +1

    XD li like the fact while you were mentioning SD40E's "Rescuing Amtrak trains", in the background you can see Thomas helping Edward with a passenger train, which took place in either season 1 or 2 of the show.

  • @Ivybeans2
    @Ivybeans2 Рік тому +3

    There’s a few SD40E units based out of the GM Plant NW of St. Louis. See them quite often, but never knew the full story until now.

  • @TonyFleetwood
    @TonyFleetwood Рік тому +4

    the inertial air filters were supposed to have a greater air cleaning capacity, i believe they use the venturi effect to swirl the air and it gives the air inertia as a result to force it in faster

  • @TheGeorgiaRailfanner
    @TheGeorgiaRailfanner Рік тому +55

    DID ANYBODY SEE EDWARD RACE BY THE AMYRAK 😂

  • @larrydockery7201
    @larrydockery7201 Рік тому +2

    when i worked for clinchfield back in my day we had sd40s 45s 50s 60s some of the best units ever built they are still my fav yet today love this vid

  • @the_mississippian_railfan
    @the_mississippian_railfan Рік тому +2

    Im from Pittsburgh my self born and raised and I have fond memories of seeing these at horseshoe curve and around yards in the area

  • @TrainMedia00
    @TrainMedia00 11 місяців тому +1

    Why am I fall in love of SD50s and NS SD40E these locomotives are awesome as hell. ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

  • @DillianTrainzStudios
    @DillianTrainzStudios Рік тому +2

    Nice video, Halton! Love the new microphone!

  • @guineapigsincorperated3295
    @guineapigsincorperated3295 Рік тому +2

    I love the train animations very cool visuals

  • @minnesotarailfan12
    @minnesotarailfan12 Рік тому +7

    Another quick comment, I may be in the minority when I say that ACUs, despite their problems, look SICK AS HELL on helper jobs. They give off SD45/SD45-2 vibes from the 1980s.

  • @rtrfan7398
    @rtrfan7398 Рік тому +1

    And also, i liked that the SD40E cab was not changed. The EMD standard cab is my favorite cab.

  • @iatif1995
    @iatif1995 Рік тому +1

    One of the NS SD40Es has a experimental horn called a K5LLE supposed to mimic an RS5T or P5A on NS 6333.

  • @RailfanJourneys
    @RailfanJourneys Рік тому +1

    They were a great replacement for the SD40-2's in helper service, and sounded great shoving tonnage over the mountain. I've also always preferred the standard cab locomotives over the wide cabs as well.

  • @logandetwiler4483
    @logandetwiler4483 Рік тому +1

    Wonderful video!!! You should do more of these

  • @rtrfan7398
    @rtrfan7398 Рік тому +2

    Also, one of the NS SD50's that was sold to NREX, was 5473 and was ex Conrail. It was wrecked in the kismet collision in 2006 and was the only locomotive from that wreck to be scrapped.

    • @TracksideFoxnFuntimeFox
      @TracksideFoxnFuntimeFox Рік тому +2

      Lol, they figured it was a lost cause.

    • @rtrfan7398
      @rtrfan7398 Рік тому +2

      @@TracksideFoxnFuntimeFox yeah. All the other locomotives were repaired and returned to service.

  • @TracksideFoxnFuntimeFox
    @TracksideFoxnFuntimeFox Рік тому +2

    Yeah, these SD40Es are good bois. On my local line they are the highest horsepower units NS has, only one of which has stayed around. That being number 6312 of which I've caught footage of. (But sadly lost) usually SD60Es interchange traffic with my line, but they don't stick around.

  • @Dragonmasterjs
    @Dragonmasterjs Рік тому +2

    The NS SD70ACUs and SD40Es have same number. 6329, and 7261 on that Rolling Line scene of half of the fleet of ACUs being sold off and many SD40Es were still here where the fleet of SD70ACUs and SD40Es.

  • @Rowdybush123
    @Rowdybush123 6 місяців тому +2

    3:12 did anyone here notice the knockoff 8098 in the background?

  • @wildcatindustries8030
    @wildcatindustries8030 Рік тому +6

    SD-40s are proof old EMDs refuse to die. SD-50s could have been such a good unit had the bugs been ironed out and more time given to perfect them. They were just a victim of a rush job and I’ve always had a soft spot for seeing them around, just like every other standard cab EMD. It’s a shame now basically every unit looks the same with hardly any character. Old U-Boats and EMDs are a sight for sore eyes in todays world

  • @bigiron2572
    @bigiron2572 Рік тому

    for some reason, I can't help but sense a southern accent in your voice (btw great video)

  • @Runt3132
    @Runt3132 Рік тому +2

    Great video! But could you also do one on the BNSF TEBC6? It's this really weird yard slug that I think you should take a look at.

  • @Steamteamrailworks88
    @Steamteamrailworks88 Рік тому +2

    Basically the Edward of EMD diesel locomotives especially when the newer, more modern ones tried to replace them only to still survive

  • @NS6711
    @NS6711 7 місяців тому +1

    I've seen a couple SD40E's on the Reading Line. They are pretty rare

  • @JChristiansenLuckythebrony2222
    @JChristiansenLuckythebrony2222 8 місяців тому +2

    8:33 Trampy Movie reference?

  • @molossis
    @molossis Рік тому +1

    I think i did see a SD40E owned by WAMX on a coal train in virginia a while back. (July 2022)

  • @vuurvrproductions4656
    @vuurvrproductions4656 Рік тому +3

    i have seen ONE SD40E on a random train in Nov (2022)

  • @TheQuebecRailfan
    @TheQuebecRailfan Рік тому +1

    Nice video mate !

  • @MaxTheRailfan123
    @MaxTheRailfan123 Рік тому +2

    NS locomotive strategy: keep older less reliable locomotives and get rid of new reliable ones

  • @Blaze06
    @Blaze06 Рік тому +1

    The SD40E is probably a rebuild that should get more attention by other railroads! And speaking of other models, the SD70M-2 is slowly making a comeback as recently some have been popping up in local and occasionally mainline service! Not only that but it’s rumored that those units will also be rebuilt with AC traction but hey let’s just enjoy the fact the SD40E is still going strong!

  • @NS264.0-tw8xq
    @NS264.0-tw8xq Рік тому +1

    Its Avery nice place with really nice engineers and conductors

  • @Vulpix6789
    @Vulpix6789 10 місяців тому +2

    Now it’s the SD70ace helping the trains go up the horseshoe curve

  • @O-PAC
    @O-PAC Рік тому +3

    12:27 yeah…sometimes I wonder if NS stands for “Notoriously Stupid” instead of Norfolk Southern. I love their livery and their Saluda Grade…but some of their decisions, not so much.

    • @bobsmith9947
      @bobsmith9947 Рік тому +1

      Who cares what you think?

    • @O-PAC
      @O-PAC Рік тому +2

      @@bobsmith9947 you apparently since you replied.

  • @rtrfan7398
    @rtrfan7398 Рік тому +1

    The best SD40E's are 6321, 6322, and 6333. 6321 and 6322 have RS5T's and 6333 has a K5LLE which is a K5HLB on a low profile manifold.

  • @MattTheUPRailfan2006
    @MattTheUPRailfan2006 Рік тому +1

    Awesome Documentary CUP 😁😊😮

  • @jjrailfan2024
    @jjrailfan2024 Рік тому +3

    Fun fact: The photo at 13:24 was taken in my home town

  • @TexasSoCalRailfan9021
    @TexasSoCalRailfan9021 Рік тому +1

    This is great!

  • @adamzap5507
    @adamzap5507 Рік тому +2

    Best rebuilds on the system

  • @rottenroads1982
    @rottenroads1982 8 місяців тому +2

    The EMD SD70ACU’s have Mitsubishi Electrical Components?
    *👹MITSUBISHI MATERIALS👹*

  • @KadinTheRailfan
    @KadinTheRailfan Рік тому +1

    i saw a SD40E and a SD40-2 not to long ago in Fostoria Ohio. It is the first train on my UA-cam video on my page.

  • @Cnw8701
    @Cnw8701 Рік тому +1

    3:47, it's actually spelled "inertial", and pronounced: "in-er-shall".

  • @MissRailfan
    @MissRailfan Рік тому +1

    csx uses larger engines for helpers, so ns followed this idea. locals use the sd4oe's or similar models. some sd40e's ended up on locals out here on the buffalo line, h53 had 3 last i knew.

  • @TheOklahomaHotrail
    @TheOklahomaHotrail Рік тому +3

    8:34 HALTON EXPLAIN YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @Cab_Productions
    @Cab_Productions Рік тому +2

    Do the video about The BC Rail Pemberton Pushers

  • @gloria6229
    @gloria6229 Рік тому +1

    Well, well, well. If it isn't Precision Scheduled Railroading.

  • @amtrak713productions8
    @amtrak713productions8 Рік тому +1

    Weird how they are rebuilding sd70m-2s now

  • @justanotherghost4589
    @justanotherghost4589 Рік тому +3

    As an Altoona resident, this was nice to see, it just really pisses me off that I only recently got into railfanning seriously, since we never see anything unique around here much, I could kick myself for getting into it so late.. if only I would've started a few years sooner, oh well..
    So far I've only seen one SD40E, on the Juniata local, hopefully I can see more soon, I suppose the SD70ACUs aren't too bad though, at least it's not more AC44s lol
    It just sucks how NS does things, it's all too copy and paste anymore, and they do things so cheaply.
    Anyways, love the content man, can't wait to see what's next.

    • @justanotherghost4589
      @justanotherghost4589 Рік тому

      @@DistantHornProductions hey thanks! also I'm honestly not sure, I've just seen them switching at the Pipe and Steel works siding so far, I'm thinking it might just be when needed

    • @bobsmith9947
      @bobsmith9947 Рік тому

      There has never been a 40e assigned to a local in altoona.

    • @justanotherghost4589
      @justanotherghost4589 Рік тому

      @@bobsmith9947 well I've seen some being taken around, maybe it just counts as a yard movement then

  • @AGSGuy
    @AGSGuy Рік тому +2

    Weren't the SD80MACs used in helper service before the 40E's?

  • @gloria6229
    @gloria6229 Рік тому +1

    Correction: CSX classifies their SD50s as SD50-2s.

  • @geoffreyhampson3993
    @geoffreyhampson3993 Рік тому +1

    You can also see SD50's on the Reading and Northern.

  • @sd70m2man
    @sd70m2man Рік тому +1

    when talking about the 70acus what did you mean by NS incompetence?

  • @k-getrengganis7401
    @k-getrengganis7401 Рік тому +2

    In my opinion, the reason why the EMD SD40E are still used right to this day is because of their ACTUAL character or simplicity shown by SD40-2s, albeit because GM destroy them because of GM's cutting cost programs through their entire subsidiary. If the GM tells EMD that the SD50 get more time to develop and give them a bit more money, they could get at least around 3800hp from 16-645F3, theoritically, with an addition of stronger crankshaft as well as stronger piston, stronger con-rod, stronger cylinder liner block, and also higher pressure fuel pump than the standard 3000hp - 3300hp 16-645E3. Because, at that time, 7FDL-16 could get about 3600hp using the same basis they keep from 1963 (I think) up until 2010s (and until now for export outside USA and Canada only), with differences are in internals and fuel pump and of course, turbo as well as new electronic system.
    You see, the engineer of NS and CSX thought that, "The SD40s are so badass reliable and efficient, then why this junk is really a junk?" and their conclusion after discussion sometime later, I think, was, "Well guys, so the conclusion is, this junk here needs to be as same as the SD40-2 but not maintain the same tractive effort as SD40-2. Strip the electronics, get one better, probably from SD60s or SD40-2s and then modify them a bit, then change the engine, the turbo, the cooling, and the lubrication settings to SD40-2 standards. And don't forget to modify the electrical cabinet setup so they didn't catch fire or short circuiting. Hopefully, we can make this junk here as a bud, not a broken home bud."
    The results : Tadaaaaaaa
    When the chief engineer said, "We had to give him a name, anybody get an idea?" and somebody raise his hand and then said, "Sir, because we make this to SD40 standards, why don't name it SD40E with E stands for Enhanced because as we know, this engine are more enhanced than the SD40s." and then the chief engineer said, "Hmm, nice. Reasonable, I like that." thus, the SD40E were born :v
    On the CSX however, I think, they kind of more respectful to the one of the railroads back bone even though it is a problematic child, hence the name SD50-2s. The -2, in my mind, they came from SD40-2 electronic system because at that time, the -2 system you could find anywhere available were the ones for SD40-2s because, well, they are really a McDonald of locomotives, you could find it anywhere in the USA as well as Canada, and Mexico.
    They are not a big guys that smarter and muscler to pull things, but, they are actually a good puller and also a good pusher thanks to simple things (after rebuild) which makes them useful. It is also the same with old switchers and road-switchers. They didn't massive in terms of horsepower, tractive effort, size as well as not as more technologically advanced, emission friendly, and fuel efficient. But, they really are efficient and superbly useful on their role, switching wagons and run locals. In those two jobs, using a 3600hp or even 4300hp locomotive is just a waste. That is also why more RR are searching small, nimble, light, and compact 4-axle switcher or road-switcher engines (or some case, early 6-axle engines)

  • @jordandorsett3106
    @jordandorsett3106 8 місяців тому +1

    1:58 😂this is to funny

  • @OfficialSEIC2K6
    @OfficialSEIC2K6 Рік тому +1

    The SD50s had a ton of issues. Conrail still operated them on their roster before the split between NS and CSX. NS has turned a few into more successful SD40Es. We should really save some CSX SD50s for preservation.

    • @gloria6229
      @gloria6229 Рік тому

      I wish I had a Conrail SD50 with an NS number-patch custom made by Scaletrains.

  • @angryrailfan4501
    @angryrailfan4501 Рік тому +1

    Who else noticed Thomas and Edward at 8:34?

  • @CoalChrome
    @CoalChrome Рік тому +2

    Imagine they built the bypass

  • @PatrioticCoservativeAmerican
    @PatrioticCoservativeAmerican 11 місяців тому +1

    Are any in museums?

  • @minnesotarailfan12
    @minnesotarailfan12 Рік тому +1

    Average NS moment
    Their incompetence is astounding. They complain about power shortages, and yet had several successful rebuild programs. Why they didn’t extend rebuilds to the SD60M/I fleet and SD70Ms is beyond me.

  • @jasonanderson6583
    @jasonanderson6583 Рік тому +1

    wasn't one of them in a reck? (please tell me)

  • @kristoffermangila
    @kristoffermangila Рік тому +10

    To borrow the nickname of an old fallen flag, the SD40Es were, and still are, "The Old Reliables".

  • @robertbalazslorincz8218
    @robertbalazslorincz8218 Рік тому +2

    *insert the Pemberton Pushers here*

  • @dupdrewww
    @dupdrewww Рік тому +1

    What rolling line map is that

  • @jimmimlitsch3425
    @jimmimlitsch3425 Рік тому +1

    A few are always working in Allentown yard.

  • @RadioEquippted
    @RadioEquippted Місяць тому

    I went to horseshoe curve months away from their demise I just realized.

  • @TracksideSamOfficial
    @TracksideSamOfficial Рік тому +1

    i prefer those SD40Es from GEVOs

  • @TK-ec5bv
    @TK-ec5bv 2 місяці тому

    Not only GEs on the front...EMDs sometimes too.

  • @aj3751
    @aj3751 Рік тому +1

    Lionel is offering these in their catalog right now in Conrail, NS, Chessie, MoPac, and DRGW! Did you do this on purpose?

  • @aguythatlikestrains4501
    @aguythatlikestrains4501 Рік тому +1

    yo is that a new mic?

  • @GamingRailfanner
    @GamingRailfanner Рік тому +1

    Funny Train Pusher.

  • @ayyitsfade
    @ayyitsfade Рік тому +1

    I miss conrail.

  • @ohioandnortheastern
    @ohioandnortheastern Рік тому +1

    Never been this early

  • @KaleBrightman2860
    @KaleBrightman2860 Рік тому

    Fantastic

  • @rottenroads1982
    @rottenroads1982 Рік тому +4

    Thanks to EMD’s screw up with the SD50, now GE is the No.1 locomotive producer in the US.
    Also, the only SD50 I will trust is the SD50F units. Which are Cowl Body units with the Wide Cab (wide nose).

    • @RascalTrainz
      @RascalTrainz 6 місяців тому

      Those weren’t any better. CN crews hated working in cowl units believe it or not.

  • @ChrizKeyz
    @ChrizKeyz Рік тому +1

    A streak of blue

  • @trevarwhittemore151
    @trevarwhittemore151 Рік тому +1

    What game is this ?

  • @frankierailfan4014
    @frankierailfan4014 Рік тому

    That’s why Lionel catalogued an SD40E on the SD50 page

  • @TruenoD12
    @TruenoD12 2 місяці тому

    The nickname horseshoe is just like an actual horseshoe on a horse

  • @KagetTadashi
    @KagetTadashi 6 місяців тому +1

    The reason NS keep SD40Es, in my opinion, it is because you can't kill EMD 645s even though the power output are nearly half, or even half of nowadays North American diesel electric locos.
    The incompetentness of GM's management cutting budget for EMD to make new locos that would compete GE could have been killed the EMD 645, but I suspect, some clever engineer on RR have already seen the problem, which is the engine revving more higher when the initial design of EMD 645 were not for high revving, and then say, "Well, buddy, this thing is over revving. We have to put in 16-645E3 internals and set the RPM back to standard 645E3 should be. But tell managers that this is a whole new parts to put in to make this thing reliable. And tell them we need new electronics too. This new electronics is shit."

  • @Goofyahhampsterproductions5628

    Class 1 railroads should give away free locomotives

  • @floydfanTN
    @floydfanTN 4 дні тому

    Whats the song at the 2:00 mark?

  • @frankjanvari8650
    @frankjanvari8650 Рік тому +1

    well obviously you don't know that the Pennsylvania PRR signals are and have been removed, and know you have DPU engines with DPU units you don't need the sd40s and the DPU engines have much better power

  • @gloria6229
    @gloria6229 Рік тому +1

    Plot twist!

  • @Micheal_Jackson_Official
    @Micheal_Jackson_Official 7 місяців тому +1

    What roblox game was that it looks sick

  • @AndrewTheRocketCityRailfan4014

    I’m still never going to forgive NS for not saving an SD80MAC for preservation and we’re still waiting for CPKC(previously CP) to reveal the status of the final two that CRHS is trying to get from them.
    No wonder they get made fun of for idiocy all the time, just look at what happened in Ohio that got them in huge trouble with the US government.

  • @Doggo2004
    @Doggo2004 Рік тому +1

    Acu’s >>>

  • @gloria6229
    @gloria6229 Рік тому +1

    Rubbish! 😂 I'm sure the SD40Es will be on the Pocahontas District.

  • @PiercesTrains716
    @PiercesTrains716 Рік тому +1

    Norfolk southern is a dumpster fire

    • @amtrakproductions-mx9ib
      @amtrakproductions-mx9ib Рік тому +1

      Yeah literally they gonna act like penn central and i bet their gonna go completely bankrupt