This engine is currently on display in N. Little Rock. It's an awesome engine, the size is unbelievable. As a model railroad enthusiast I have this in my collection, but to see it in person is great.
Same here, I just got a Model DDA40X and looking to make better grab irons. I’ve seen a few of these Giants in freight consist, pass by my childhood home. Just wish I had a camera back in the day.
The 6936 was designed to run intermodels at high speed. Working heavy freights at slow speed would damage the traction motors, that is why AC units have been such a success. SP ran a heavy train over Tennessee Pass using six AC4400s and speed fell to 1 mph but the ACs kept going. A lashup of DC traction motored units would have had most of its motors burn out. That is why Railroads use mainly AC units for heavy hauls. Hope this info is of help.
Tulyar 10 Three Phase Traction Motors inherently are synchronized, and reduce wheel slip without wheel slip control. Additionally the AC Motors require less maintenance. Motor “Burnout” is directly proportional to the amount of cooling air delivered to the motor and the class of insulation regardless of motor type AC or DC.
2:58 throttling up sound here is terrifyingly haunting it is just so powerful - there is NO other unique sound like it in the entire world. I'm a Kiwi [New Zealander] and we love our trains over here, however there is simply no locomotive anywhere near as powerful as this DDA40X Centennial #6936. Our most powerful diesel-electric locomotive was the General Electric GE DX class [nicknamed 'Dixies'] and its prime mover was the General Electric 7FDL-12 [Turbocharged V12] that put out 2,240 kW (3,000 hp) with a tractive effort of 259 kN (58,000 lbf) - not too shabby for New Zealand. There was a total of 49 built from 1972-75 and in service throughout NZ. There are 2 sub classes DX-'B' & 'C'. In 1993 another sub class was re-built DX-'R'. In mid-2018, it was announced 15 DX class locomotives were to be overhauled, and given an electronic upgrade. 3,300 hp-rated GE 7FDL-12 EFI diesel engine prime movers with electronic fuel injection. They were also be given the latest version of the Brightstar engine control system, new engine control and wiring harness, and new high capacity fuel tank, along with a new battery box assembly. They were classified as DX-'E'. As of 2021, only two DX class locomotive had been withdrawn from service!
Both my grandfathers worked for the railroad and I lived right by the tracks. I remember seeing old switchers and these centennials rumble by the house. I used to have plenty of time to run outside and see them before they came, because the house would rattle and the signal on the old crt TV would go out when it was blocks away it was so violent and heavy. Im 41 now and still into trains. Both my grandfathers passed right before they announced big boy 4014 was being restored. Man I wish they could see them under steam again. We always talked about it probably never happening again but they would take me to the Forney museum in Denver to see the old big boy.
Not just BIG! When it was being built in LaGrange the underframe barely fit into the EMD locomotive assembly bay. It stuck out into employee pedestrian aisles.
Ahh nothing like a EMD DD40AX. Its still the most power single diesel unit in the world.There are diesels that UP and CSX have that make 6000hp and there are others around the world but I haven't seen any recent diesel that tops the 6600hp mark. Awesome video!! I have 3 of these in HO scale along with two DD35A units, the predecessors to the DD40AX units. Awesome pure Awesome!!
Brings back the spring of 1969, heard about the big sister to the DD35s from the news articles in TRAINS mag. Never got to see one live, living in Milwaukee, WI.
So i hear in this video shes not being just towed shes actually running and MU in the consist which is badass. UP has a list of all their current roster locomotives in the Special Instruction book that we get yearly and the DDA40X and the EMD E9s are still listed as usable locomotives and has all their specifications
There's nothing like that sound of a DDA40X! By far it's EMD's greatest diesel locomotive. The first three Centennials, #6900, 6901, 6902 that rolled out of EMD's assembly line were rated at 7,000hp but drank up, gobbled up all of that diesel fuel, Union Pacific sent them back to EMD to change out their fuel injectors which dropped the horsepower to 6,600hp at the rail...
Those DDA40 were amazing units. My personal Favorites were the ones in the old Burlington Northern "mean green" paint scheme, but this one in "lemon bolt yellow" is stunning. I can't believe they only made 28 of them and only 25 were actually sold.
WHAT????? These were never used by BN, all 47 were built specifically for UP and were never used by anyone but UP. None were ever painted for another railroad either.
@@timjenkins7019 I think you’re confused as to what you saw. There was never, ever a DDA40X that EVER wore anything but UP paint nor did any others railroads ever use them.
@@timjenkins7019 Burlington northern did not take over the rock island.....they bought a few branches in Iowa....the main companies that took over rock island track was cotton belt and Iowa interstate as well as Kyle.
I was working at EMD - LaGrange when these monsters were built. Consider the problem of moving a 103 foot long (over the coupler pockets) locomotive down an erection bay where the columns were only 100 feet on-center. There was a lot of transitional technology in these units and they really didn't work out that well. They were a dispatcher's nightmare because even the UP had only a few turntables that could turn them and they were just too long for most wyes. Even the UP had limited mileage of track that could tolerate the long trucks. The air filtration was poor, and they ate power assemblies. They rode rough and the crews hated them. They were not as fast as you'd think as they had 88 MPH gearing. Two SD-40s were marginally better and when SD-40-2s came along the DDa40 was dead. Maybe somebody could take them on as an engineering project. Those eight-axle truck castings are national treasures. Single engine (around 4,000 HP), convert to AC transmission and have a good freight locomotive for straight runs. They seem to be in salvagable shape.
Stockerboiler, My Dad worked for EMD in La Grange, as I recall when I was younger he had a print for them units as he was a pipe fitter/ welder wish I still had them, a good of memories.
Yesterday i was chasing a dead nuts AC ground on engine #1. Chased it all the way to the MEC and they wired the watercooler off the top of the GF breaker. It was the freaking watercooler that was grounded...!!!
Wonder if I hear this beast in middle of the night here in eastern Washington. We get some trains coming through that rumble my walls from miles away while coming into town.
It hasn’t been running on trains in years. And it’s actually not any louder then any other EMD. It’s basically two GP40’s. Pretty much any freight train running today with at least two EMD’s will sound just like a DDA40X
Wow, weird to see that big engine back in regular service. Isn't that the locomotive (6936) that would be in the consist with the 844 when it traveled around the country? I was trying to figure out why the 6936 was put back into freight service after all these years.
6939 to the 2 lead units: Too Eazy. Yall wait till you got a freight that need trouble and happens to be nearby 4014. Tbf that would be a EPIC site seing 4014 hauling a monster freigt up that hill.
This video is very well done, outstanding. The DD-40's actually had more horsepower than this when they were introduced back in 1964,these originally were known as DD-35's but they reposition the fuel injectors for better fuel efficiency on the twin V-16 diesel engines.The final version of these engines were running at 3,300 horsepower apiece in one unit.They started with about 3,500 apiece at first.If they would have stayed with this engine,which is basically the same engine in the SD-45,it would have been 7,000 horsepower in each unit!!.
The DDA40X had two EMD 645E3As in it each producing around 3300HP Making it a 6600hp locomotive. The DD35 was basically two gp35s/sd35s sandwiched. Having two EMD 567D3A in it. Each creating 2500hp for a total of 5000. Similar engine to SD45 as it is the 645 but they were V16s not V20s like in the SD45.
MrMjsmith626Actually the DD35's if I remember correctly were basically two GP35's in one car body so they had twin turbo V16 567's not 645's so they made 5000hp not 6600hp..the Centennials were made with two V16 645's each with 3300hp for 6600hp during our centuries centennial..that's how they got their nicknames. Or they were called Big Jack :-) The DD40AX actually is the replacement for the DD35's and they were totally experimental units...that's what the X stood for. :-) But you mention that started with 3500hp for each engine instead of 3300hp..I never read that can you give me a link to that info as that's the first I've heard of them experimenting with each engine being at 3500hp...I bet that was too much HP to get it all down to the rails.
I believe one William Kratville wrote a book about the Centennials [I know the book was written, but unsure of author]. In it, it did say that the first 3 units [6900-6902] were delivered at an experimental hp rating of 7000 hp; then the fuel rack settings were modified to "derate" them to 6600 hp. This information is solely based on what I remember from the book, as I used to own it.
I don’t like UP but he DDA40X WAS SUCH AN AWESOME LOCOMOTIVE ,but I wish they would help restore some of the STEAM LOCOMOTIVES FROM THE COMPANIES THEY MERGED WITH. I THINK IT WOULD HELP THERE IMAGE TREMENDOUSLY
I'm sure it's just being towed here. Still great to see with the other units on a freight train. I saw this engine leave Denver Union Station pulling the Cheyenne Frontier Days Special in 2000. It was a last minute replacement for the Challenger which had a mechanical issue. Believe me, when this thing pulls, it smokes.
Brock Landers Just because it's older doesn't equate a smoky engine. Most 645-powered units today don't smoke badly if at all, and given that UP's shop crews have probably been caring for it better than a standard roster engine, I'd be surprised to see it smoking at all.
Am I the only one that noticed the DDA40X was NOT in use. The lights on the steps and running boards were not lit. If they were, the the "power" would be in use. Just a little FYI.
+ChachaChapati The 6936 is currently the most powerful diesel locomotive in the world, if I'm not mistaken, so they figured they'd at least take advantage of that while moving it.
+Dennis Jones You can CLEARLY hear it throttle up around 3:25. The step lights have nothing to do with whether or not its being used for power. Those are just switches on the control stand. You could have literally every light breaker in the cabinet down and it could still be loading in power online.
and here I am upset with my engineer and his 2 SD-40s taking forever to get 70 loads going lol. Maybe I should relax but when 2 1500 switchers run circles around your road units its mildly frustrating. Especially when those boys get paid for 12 and quit in 6 and I'm stuck running a full 8.
That DD40 isn't running, it's just being towed. Starting at about 2:45 when the units throttle up, you clearly see smoke from the lead two units and not the Centennial. Still, nice video of one of the great diesels that ran on our nations rail!!!
+talesin- god of the Internet It's been well covered in this comment thread. The locomotive was running, and both prime movers were online and being used. I personally witnessed this train, spoke with the crew, and took their photos ON the 6936 later that evening. Trust us. It was being used, as it commonly is when being shuttled in consist.
2:55 Cannot beat the sound as those EMD 16-645E3A engines power up. A very iconic locomotive sound.
Pcorf Creations that sounds like a CP SD70ACU
May i present you.... The HEMI engine?
The 20cyl in the SD45, F45, & DDM45 sounds better!
Why does it sound like the sd40-2
@@isaiahshultz4296 Because thats basically whats in it. 2x EMD645 prime-movers.
This engine is currently on display in N. Little Rock. It's an awesome engine, the size is unbelievable. As a model railroad enthusiast I have this in my collection, but to see it in person is great.
Same here, I just got a Model DDA40X and looking to make better grab irons. I’ve seen a few of these Giants in freight consist, pass by my childhood home. Just wish I had a camera back in the day.
In your model railroad collection, what is the minimum track turning radius to accommodate this monster?
@@jgehbinv I’m gonna guesstimate and say 22”
Idk if you just meant the engine type, but the 6922 is in n platte. 6936 is in Cheyenne.
6938 is in North Little Rock on display
Just listening to that EMD power is the best sound that an engine could produce.
They sound exactly like our c class over is australia prob the same generation of loco
Beautiful sounds isnt it
It is a popular locomotive engine. But 6936 has double the noise level with two engines so it is essentially 2 locomotives in 1.
The 6936 was designed to run intermodels at high speed. Working heavy freights at slow speed would damage the traction motors, that is why AC units have been such a success. SP ran a heavy train over Tennessee Pass using six AC4400s and speed fell to 1 mph but the ACs kept going. A lashup of DC traction motored units would have had most of its motors burn out. That is why Railroads use mainly AC units for heavy hauls. Hope this info is of help.
Tulyar 10 Three Phase Traction Motors inherently are synchronized, and reduce wheel slip without wheel slip control. Additionally the AC Motors require less maintenance. Motor “Burnout” is directly proportional to the amount of cooling air delivered to the motor and the class of insulation regardless of motor type AC or DC.
?
@@Thatonerandomguy1331 ??
@@Thatonerandomguy1331 ....................???????????
DaMaGe TrAcTiOn MoToRs
Foamers have never learned about train assembly restrictions or motor simulator cards. Or even how trains operate.
2:58 throttling up sound here is terrifyingly haunting it is just so powerful - there is NO other unique sound like it in the entire world. I'm a Kiwi [New Zealander] and we love our trains over here, however there is simply no locomotive anywhere near as powerful as this DDA40X Centennial #6936. Our most powerful diesel-electric locomotive was the General Electric GE DX class [nicknamed 'Dixies'] and its prime mover was the General Electric 7FDL-12 [Turbocharged V12] that put out 2,240 kW (3,000 hp) with a tractive effort of 259 kN (58,000 lbf) - not too shabby for New Zealand. There was a total of 49 built from 1972-75 and in service throughout NZ. There are 2 sub classes DX-'B' & 'C'. In 1993 another sub class was re-built DX-'R'. In mid-2018, it was announced 15 DX class locomotives were to be overhauled, and given an electronic upgrade. 3,300 hp-rated GE 7FDL-12 EFI diesel engine prime movers with electronic fuel injection. They were also be given the latest version of the Brightstar engine control system, new engine control and wiring harness, and new high capacity fuel tank, along with a new battery box assembly. They were classified as DX-'E'. As of 2021, only two DX class locomotive had been withdrawn from service!
Both my grandfathers worked for the railroad and I lived right by the tracks. I remember seeing old switchers and these centennials rumble by the house. I used to have plenty of time to run outside and see them before they came, because the house would rattle and the signal on the old crt TV would go out when it was blocks away it was so violent and heavy. Im 41 now and still into trains. Both my grandfathers passed right before they announced big boy 4014 was being restored. Man I wish they could see them under steam again. We always talked about it probably never happening again but they would take me to the Forney museum in Denver to see the old big boy.
Awesome seeing it still running and UP is using it as it was meant to. Epic
Once again I find out something has come through my home town and I never know about it....first it was 844 now its 6936
That's a bummer
844....that the steam train?
Awesome video! It's neat to see the UP #6936 out in freight service.
Thanks, I agree! Not a common site at all!
***** Agreed! I hope they keep it out for a little while.
I would think she was being relocated. Great catch filming her though. She is really something special to see.
Incredible beast centennial
I wish it would have been the lead unit. Happy railroading!!
Gary
Those Centennials were awesome. Some are on display around the country and some are in great condition and in short order, be made operational again.
Awesome! You never realize how big they are until you see it in person.
Thanks, it was big.
Not just BIG! When it was being built in LaGrange the underframe barely fit into the EMD locomotive assembly bay. It stuck out into employee pedestrian aisles.
As I recall, it's longer than the run from home plate to first base!
Ahh nothing like a EMD DD40AX. Its still the most power single diesel unit in the world.There are diesels that UP and CSX have that make 6000hp and there are others around the world but I haven't seen any recent diesel that tops the 6600hp mark. Awesome video!! I have 3 of these in HO scale along with two DD35A units, the predecessors to the DD40AX units. Awesome pure Awesome!!
Thanks!
***** anytime :-)
844Train you should subcribe to my channel
EMDSD14R it has 2 3000 hp engines
Would you say that the SD70ace is a model based off the DD40AX?
Awesome video! Loved hearing the twin 645's notch up at 2:59 - 3:24. Thank you for making my day!
Brings back the spring of 1969, heard about the big sister to the DD35s from the news articles in TRAINS mag. Never got to see one live, living in Milwaukee, WI.
I was at the Illinois Railway Museum last week and saw one there. That thing is absolutely humongous. I couldn't believe how big it was.
So i hear in this video shes not being just towed shes actually running and MU in the consist which is badass. UP has a list of all their current roster locomotives in the Special Instruction book that we get yearly and the DDA40X and the EMD E9s are still listed as usable locomotives and has all their specifications
For the next few Years the DDA40X will not be on that roster due to it being restored
There's nothing like that sound of a DDA40X!
By far it's EMD's greatest diesel locomotive.
The first three Centennials, #6900, 6901, 6902 that rolled out of EMD's assembly line were rated at 7,000hp but drank up, gobbled up all of that diesel fuel, Union Pacific sent them back to EMD to change out their fuel injectors which dropped the horsepower to 6,600hp at the rail...
A legendary locomotive
Hell Yeah Big Daddy DDA40X Awesome Video thank you for posting it
You were lucky to see this. thanks for the view.
This DD40ax has had more miles being towed
I didn't know they were built by Alfa Romeo.
Idk theyd tow it....should be in the front.
@@brandonh5201 Maybe because it has a cab from the 1970s and no one wants to ride in that shit. Also a dude was killed in that cab in 2000.
Those DDA40 were amazing units. My personal Favorites were the ones in the old Burlington Northern "mean green" paint scheme, but this one in "lemon bolt yellow" is stunning.
I can't believe they only made 28 of them and only 25 were actually sold.
Lol, each gulps 31000+ litres of diesel. All fuel will be diminished to power them only if mass production had taken place.
WHAT????? These were never used by BN, all 47 were built specifically for UP and were never used by anyone but UP. None were ever painted for another railroad either.
@@FFred-us9tw Burlington Northern had a couple, back in the 80s when they took over the Rock Island Railroad.
@@timjenkins7019 I think you’re confused as to what you saw. There was never, ever a DDA40X that EVER wore anything but UP paint nor did any others railroads ever use them.
@@timjenkins7019 Burlington northern did not take over the rock island.....they bought a few branches in Iowa....the main companies that took over rock island track was cotton belt and Iowa interstate as well as Kyle.
DDA40X is a Limo of a Locomotive. I Love the sound of SD40-2's, SD45-2T's, SD50's and EMD's in general!
Nice video. I believe that's the most powerful diesel unit ever built...very cool to see one still in service.
+B.J. Funk: And the only class of diesel locomotive built with 4-axle trucks instead of the usual two or three. 🚂🚃🚃🚃
Unbelieveable how large that locomotive is.
2 dirty UP locos pulling a clean unit
What an absolute unit.
Awesome video! What a beautiful locomotive!
Its good to see it back in freight service
I was working at EMD - LaGrange when these monsters were built. Consider the problem of moving a 103 foot long (over the coupler pockets) locomotive down an erection bay where the columns were only 100 feet on-center.
There was a lot of transitional technology in these units and they really didn't work out that well. They were a dispatcher's nightmare because even the UP had only a few turntables that could turn them and they were just too long for most wyes. Even the UP had limited mileage of track that could tolerate the long trucks. The air filtration was poor, and they ate power assemblies. They rode rough and the crews hated them. They were not as fast as you'd think as they had 88 MPH gearing. Two SD-40s were marginally better and when SD-40-2s came along the DDa40 was dead.
Maybe somebody could take them on as an engineering project. Those eight-axle truck castings are national treasures. Single engine (around 4,000 HP), convert to AC transmission and have a good freight locomotive for straight runs. They seem to be in salvagable shape.
Stockerboiler, My Dad worked for EMD in La Grange, as I recall when I was younger he had a print for them units as he was a pipe fitter/ welder wish I still had them, a good of memories.
Wow, i Love the DDa40x. So huge and powerful. Awesome!! These shots are very rare :)
wow love seeing that big old DD...i'm a little late catching this video...lol
Nice seeing this old thing still used!
Interesting show I enjoy it only never get in the way when a train is coming
Nothing is better than the world's largest & strongest diesel locomotive
Except big boy
❤️ Love you big boy ❤️
Yesterday i was chasing a dead nuts AC ground on engine #1. Chased it all the way to the MEC and they wired the watercooler off the top of the GF breaker. It was the freaking watercooler that was grounded...!!!
Great catch! The first time I saw 6936 was back in 2006 with 844, 1988, and 1982.
Thanks! This is my first time seeing 6936.
It's good to see it doing what it was designed to do.
wow you are so lucky to see that working!!!!
The covered hopper express. That third locomotive pulling that train is a beast.
I love how all the other engines are dirty and the dd40ax is clean like u.p wants it stick out like a sore thumb.
Catch of a lifetime!
Hello 844 train 6936 thats one hell of a Locomotive
Great shots here, I love the close ups of the Locomotives.
Thanks!
That's just downright awesome! Great catch!
Thanks!
Nice catch, thanks for sharing
The *Big Boy* of diesels
I wish that Kato would build a"N"scale DD-40EX with dual motors and 4 flywheels.
DDA40X
Imagine if UP ran 6936 here along with the Big Boy... 😯
I think they dont do that because local cops cant handle the traffic jams of people wantin to see them together lol.
Wonder if I hear this beast in middle of the night here in eastern Washington. We get some trains coming through that rumble my walls from miles away while coming into town.
It hasn’t been running on trains in years. And it’s actually not any louder then any other EMD. It’s basically two GP40’s. Pretty much any freight train running today with at least two EMD’s will sound just like a DDA40X
Wow, That is a beast of a locomotive!! never heard or seen such a thing!! great catch!!
Thanks!
Nice man...Nice comparisons with the GE 44 and SD 70Ace. I always wondered how long they were compared to Big Jack..LOL.
Wow, weird to see that big engine back in regular service. Isn't that the locomotive (6936) that would be in the consist with the 844 when it traveled around the country? I was trying to figure out why the 6936 was put back into freight service after all these years.
There's one in chamberlain sd. Sadly it's been stripped down and think it's only over for fuel storage now
Excellent training. Cheers!
Also, the 6930 at the Illinois Railroad Museum can be mued to other locomotives.
I can only imagine what they would look like back to back hauling freight
Now hopefully it stays in freight service for a very long time I'm still needing to catch that historical heritage unit. Awesome catch
Thanks! I don't think it will be in freight for very long. It's just going to Little Rock for inspection.
***** Well a real rare chance of it happening but then hopefully it goes on MNLAS and then MASNP and then back to Cheyenne
I think it's going to help with big boy actually.
***** Better get my move on!
6939 to the 2 lead units: Too Eazy. Yall wait till you got a freight that need trouble and happens to be nearby 4014. Tbf that would be a EPIC site seing 4014 hauling a monster freigt up that hill.
NICE VID. I was able to get some pics. from the 10th street bridge but i didn't get there in time to see it moving.
Thanks!
Great video...Thanks for sharing.
Such a sweet engine. Too bad they couldn't kept more in service.
The dd40ax is a nice looking locomotive that Union Pacific made
EMD made it....47 of them in total. All have been retired with the exception of this one
This video is very well done, outstanding. The DD-40's actually had more horsepower than this when they were introduced back in 1964,these originally were known as DD-35's but they reposition the fuel injectors for better fuel efficiency on the twin V-16 diesel engines.The final version of these engines were running at 3,300 horsepower apiece in one unit.They started with about 3,500 apiece at first.If they would have stayed with this engine,which is basically the same engine in the SD-45,it would have been 7,000 horsepower in each unit!!.
The DDA40X had two EMD 645E3As in it each producing around 3300HP Making it a 6600hp locomotive. The DD35 was basically two gp35s/sd35s sandwiched. Having two EMD 567D3A in it. Each creating 2500hp for a total of 5000. Similar engine to SD45 as it is the 645 but they were V16s not V20s like in the SD45.
MrMjsmith626 no the dd-35s were spartan cabs.
MrMjsmith626Actually the DD35's if I remember correctly were basically two GP35's in one car body so they had twin turbo V16 567's not 645's so they made 5000hp not 6600hp..the Centennials were made with two V16 645's each with 3300hp for 6600hp during our centuries centennial..that's how they got their nicknames. Or they were called Big Jack :-) The DD40AX actually is the replacement for the DD35's and they were totally experimental units...that's what the X stood for. :-) But you mention that started with 3500hp for each engine instead of 3300hp..I never read that can you give me a link to that info as that's the first I've heard of them experimenting with each engine being at 3500hp...I bet that was too much HP to get it all down to the rails.
different trains
trains street running and going across long and short bridges
I believe one William Kratville wrote a book about the Centennials [I know the book was written, but unsure of author]. In it, it did say that the first 3 units [6900-6902] were delivered at an experimental hp rating of 7000 hp; then the fuel rack settings were modified to "derate" them to 6600 hp.
This information is solely based on what I remember from the book, as I used to own it.
Hay una aqui en la Ciudad de México una EMD DDA40X en el Museo Papalote del Niño en Chapultepec
1:00 the DDA40X 6936
Fuck union pacifiac wakes me up 6 to 7 times a night
Think Big in the USA,Wow amazing ❤️ Fabulous Workhorses ,God bless the Centennial Locomotive,Some size of a beast of a loco there 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
@02:57, best part. Super video Chris!
Thanks!
The two GE's must have felt the centennials strength as it is really a strong engine
Woulda been cool if they made a version with a full width carbody and f unit bulldog noses on both ends.
Ok I'm trying my harde
it's the diesel equivalent to the Union Pacific big boy
Exactly. Be cool to see both used more.
@@kishascape surprised someone finally replied to the comment after 3 years lol
Now that's something you don't see everyday!
I don’t like UP but he DDA40X WAS SUCH AN AWESOME LOCOMOTIVE ,but I wish they would help restore some of the STEAM LOCOMOTIVES FROM THE COMPANIES THEY MERGED WITH. I THINK IT WOULD HELP THERE IMAGE TREMENDOUSLY
6936 sure is a monster
I'm sure it's just being towed here. Still great to see with the other units on a freight train. I saw this engine leave Denver Union Station pulling the Cheyenne Frontier Days Special in 2000. It was a last minute replacement for the Challenger which had a mechanical issue. Believe me, when this thing pulls, it smokes.
2:51, you can hear the dual 645E3's.
Brock Landers Just because it's older doesn't equate a smoky engine. Most 645-powered units today don't smoke badly if at all, and given that UP's shop crews have probably been caring for it better than a standard roster engine, I'd be surprised to see it smoking at all.
GintaPPE1000 On start up, it does.
Trust me, it was running, and online. It was shut down that night before it left Kansas City.
excellent video
Thanks!
I want to see more of these locos
I had no idea any were active.
Please make a video of it on curves
Excellent catch with the rare monster DD40AX trailing in the consist!
Uh yup that's a biggie... UP and their big guns!
Roger Diotte Thanks
Thanks
I can't believe it the DD40AX shiny like new running on a freight should be in lead but , still a very rare catch , good for you !
Thanks
Very nice video... UP 6939 is very big Locomotive and How come the locomotive end of the train for??
Awesome.
I have to say though that the Centennials are designed for faster trains than slow unit freights.
Thanks, I agree. It was cool though to hear it spool up right in front of me though.
The yellow sill stripe is fugly (who cares about the FRA "rule", this is a piece of history).
It's not a "rule", it's a Federal Regulation, therefore everybody that owns or maintains locomotives or rolling stock better care.
Great video!
Am I the only one that noticed the DDA40X was NOT in use. The lights on the steps and running boards were not lit. If they were, the the "power" would be in use. Just a little FYI.
Dennis Jones It was being used for power you can hear it notch up near the end of the video.
+844Train Yep, you can hear that distinct EMD whir.
+ChachaChapati The 6936 is currently the most powerful diesel locomotive in the world, if I'm not mistaken, so they figured they'd at least take advantage of that while moving it.
+wileyk209zback I would think that they would cut it some slack and let it run for once!
+Dennis Jones You can CLEARLY hear it throttle up around 3:25. The step lights have nothing to do with whether or not its being used for power. Those are just switches on the control stand. You could have literally every light breaker in the cabinet down and it could still be loading in power online.
it is also the largest single frame diesel locomotive in the world
. . and I was there where/when it was being built. :-)
I didn't know 6936 is sometimes used in freight trains
Amazing Catch!
I wonder how many times I put fuel and sand in that particular engine " 6936"...😉
Man, that is one big boy. Wait...
Thought that unit was in a museum
Nice video!
and here I am upset with my engineer and his 2 SD-40s taking forever to get 70 loads going lol. Maybe I should relax but when 2 1500 switchers run circles around your road units its mildly frustrating. Especially when those boys get paid for 12 and quit in 6 and I'm stuck running a full 8.
Man oh man, how I hate that sound of a diesel horn. The steam whistle is music to my ears, but sure rare these days.
That DD40 isn't running, it's just being towed. Starting at about 2:45 when the units throttle up, you clearly see smoke from the lead two units and not the Centennial. Still, nice video of one of the great diesels that ran on our nations rail!!!
+David Poor It was on and being used as power, they ran into a problem with it about 20 miles east and shut it down near Bonita KS.
+David Poor You can CLEARLY hear it throttle up around 3:25.
the centennial is indeed running, you look close and you can see the heatwaves from the exhausts.
+talesin- god of the Internet It's been well covered in this comment thread. The locomotive was running, and both prime movers were online and being used. I personally witnessed this train, spoke with the crew, and took their photos ON the 6936 later that evening. Trust us. It was being used, as it commonly is when being shuttled in consist.
Zach Pumphery im pretty sure its too heavy to not be under its own power when moving without straining the other locomotives
im surprised that thing has not just split in half
I wonder how those 4 axle bogies would do on a tight curve section or switch
That dd40 was clearly throttling up at 3:00