How a Diesel-Electric Locomotive Works

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  • Опубліковано 18 кві 2024
  • Peer deep into the workings of a heavy-haul freight locomotive, rendered in full 3D!
    CREDITS
    Jacob O'Neal - Modeling, animation, texturing, vfx, music, narrative script
    Wesley O'Neal - Research, technical script
    MUSIC
    I composed the background music specifically for this video. Hear "Locomotion" on my Soundcloud:
    / locomotion
    PATREON
    Help us keep making videos:
    / animagraffs
    PRIVATE WORK
    Need 3D illustration and animation? Let's chat:
    animagraffs.com/contact/
    WEBSITE
    See more explanations of how things work:
    animagraffs.com/
    SOFTWARE USED
    We use Blender 3D to create these models. It's free and open source, and the community is amazing:
    www.blender.org/
    0:00 Intro
    00:31 Body and frame
    02:38 Coupling
    04:14 Draft gear
    04:58 Coupling cables
    05:40 Engine
    06:38 Turbocharging
    08:31 Exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR)
    09:06 Water
    10:12 Electrical
    10:31 Traction motors
    12:02 Batteries
    12:22 Trucks / bogies
    14:30 Sand system
    15:06 Braking
    15:21 Pneumatic brake system
    17:02 Dynamic braking system
    19:00 Nose / Operator's cab
    20:13 Operator controls
    23:09 Engine control panel
    24:06 Crew member's area
    24:37 Final tour
    Correction:
    0:10 Before commenting, check the top pinned "VIDEO CORRECTIONS" thread.
  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,8 тис.

  • @animagraffs
    @animagraffs  Рік тому +906

    VIDEO CORRECTIONS (complied from viewer comments):
    For questions about fuel usage calculations:
    www.factcheck.org/2008/07/fuel-efficient-freight-trains/
    From user @briancelidonia8258:
    Some corrections (some nit-picky and some significant, mostly nitpicky):
    00:00 Front door opens the other way on newer locomotives. This is in case the loco falls on over on the right side (blocking the rear exit door), the front door will flop open, allowing the crew to climb out without having to lift the door.
    00:05 The small cranking transfer box shown on the left walkway has been removed for 10 years. (not mentioned in the description)
    05:25 The "dummy" recepticle is shown having pins. The dummy doesn't have pins, that's why it is the dummy.
    10:27 The Alternator Blower cooling air then cools the rectifier and inverters before exiting the loco. It does not just cool the alternator.
    11:24 Only 4 inverter are shown on a 6 motor locomotive.
    11:38 "This process may change". Not sure why it would. Inverter control uses "pulse width modulation" (PWM) or "six step" control to generate AC current wave-forms. There really are no other significantly different ways to do it.
    12:10 The batteries are under the walkway, not under the aux cab. (way nit-picky on my part)
    14:30 The sand boxes are only 1/4 the size that they should be. The nose cab boxes go all the way to the top where the fills are shown. Also, the rear sand fill is not on top of the radiators- maintainers could not reach that high to insert the sand fill hoses. The rear fill is actually about 6 feet above the deck...about eye level.
    14:38 Most railroads do not use a 15 mph sand cutoff speed. Some have no cutoff at all. Some have different speeds depending on operating mode.
    17:49 The stator exitation does not travel in reverse when the motor are in braking. It travels more slowly than rotor speed, but in the same direction.
    When in motoring, it travels more quickly than rotor speed...thus "inducing" current into the induction motor. However, I will grant that for general illustrative purposes, it does kind of get the point across (but it does not accurately depict how an induction motor works)
    18:18 Grids are show backwards. As shown, the super hot air would burn any person exiting the operator cab on the right side where the rear door is. Blowers should be on the right, hot air exiting on the left.
    20:18 "Smart Displays" are no longer used. These are now "dumb displays" called "TCD's" (thin client displays)
    24:18 There is no "Smart Display" on the helpers console. Not sure what is shown there but it could be an Auxilliary Speed Indicator (ASI) which displays locomotive speed to the Conductor.

    • @davidclark3304
      @davidclark3304 Рік тому +28

      It appears that the small turbo may be shown with one side backwards. Minor detail. Aside from that, nice job.

    • @51hankyspanky7
      @51hankyspanky7 Рік тому +186

      It takes a real professional to document any corrections without having their ego burst. Much admired by me.

    • @DounutCereal
      @DounutCereal Рік тому +29

      Hey just a heads up, the animation of the airflow through the radiators and the intercoolers is reversed to how it should be. Above the loco is usually full of hot exhaust from either itself or other locos leading them and their own heat output so they draw from the cooler air at either side of the loco and exhaust their heat out the top as well

    • @onyxpartitian
      @onyxpartitian Рік тому +21

      Some railroads have "smart" displays on the helpers console, but mostly just PTC displays are there. Did a really good job explaining these to people who haven't worked maintenance on them.

    • @theodorethompson9032
      @theodorethompson9032 Рік тому +11

      My experience the newer locomotives like the one in your video have AC traction motors...

  • @Heatsrepeat
    @Heatsrepeat Рік тому +1059

    10 year Conductor here. Exceptional video with almost zero errors in information! This is more info than any railroad gives its employees on how this equipment works. Nice video!

    • @Kevscancave
      @Kevscancave Рік тому +20

      Absolutely correct statement!

    • @TheAnnoyingBoss
      @TheAnnoyingBoss Рік тому +3

      How do you feel about trains causing what just happened in ohio

    • @jakelandry5645
      @jakelandry5645 Рік тому

      ​@@TheAnnoyingBoss trains didn't cause that, humans did. Inanimate objects can't pull their own triggers like the left can. 🤷🏿‍♂️

    • @mamoet1283
      @mamoet1283 Рік тому +31

      ​@@TheAnnoyingBoss I think it was the company cutting to many corners

    • @BigMeechEJ25
      @BigMeechEJ25 Рік тому +25

      @@TheAnnoyingBoss Don't blame the train 😭

  • @Yuki-sp3cw
    @Yuki-sp3cw Рік тому +1295

    "Babe wake up animagraffs uploaded"

    • @curiodyssey3867
      @curiodyssey3867 Рік тому +46

      Sounds like you might need to go back to bed, cuz you're dreaming bro
      🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💤

    • @danmanthe9335
      @danmanthe9335 Рік тому +5

      #truth

    • @7kakan
      @7kakan Рік тому +53

      "You are weird."
      Proceeds to go through 100s of stupid tiktoks

    • @ianmanion2314
      @ianmanion2314 Рік тому

      Amazing product!!!!!!!!🎉

    • @ucid5363
      @ucid5363 Рік тому +2

      @@7kakan too accurate💀🤦🏽‍♂️😂

  • @jamesdoyle5405
    @jamesdoyle5405 9 місяців тому +89

    When I retired as a locomotive machinist in 2018 this video represents state of the art at that time. Things like the second turbo are the result of ever stricter emissions requirements. This is video is an exceptional explanation of a diesel locomotive. Well done.

    • @zenues
      @zenues 3 місяці тому

      Hi! Do you have any advice for someone starting a locomotive machinist apprentice? I got the job and start in a couple of weeks

    • @jamesdoyle5405
      @jamesdoyle5405 3 місяці тому +3

      @zenues Congrats on your apprenticeship. First thing to remember is be safe always. No one ever was fired for being safe. You will be shadowing a journeyman for quite a while and you will get all the dirty jobs it's not personal it is just you are the apprentice. Pay attention and do take notes ( not obviously) just write what you learned that day because some journeymen hate to repeat themselves and expect you to pick things up the first time. Ask questions when you aren't sure . You passed the tests, the interviews you can do this . Good luck and have fun. Railroading is a great career.

    • @zenues
      @zenues 3 місяці тому +4

      @@jamesdoyle5405 thank you brother! I’m just trying to pick the brains of all the veteran machinists I see online cause y’all knowledge is gold to me.

    • @mark33545
      @mark33545 2 місяці тому +2

      Surprised they just dump all that brake energy off as heat!

    • @zenues
      @zenues Місяць тому

      @@jamesdoyle5405hey I’m moving the trains in the barn and servicing them all by myself. My lead man watches over me but he trusts me enough now. Thank you for the advice, I’ve been taking tons of notes too

  • @MosesMatsepane
    @MosesMatsepane Рік тому +361

    I have worked for many years on locomotives, and this is absolutely amazing.
    The Alerter system is called the "Vigilance System" in other parts of the world, I noticed that you put an extra effort to use both American and European descriptions for the components. Just throwing in my 2 cents, your video is already excellent.

    • @brucewilliamsstudio4932
      @brucewilliamsstudio4932 8 місяців тому +9

      As an electrical engineer who helped develop things like the crew alert, slow speed control, event recorder and a digital speedometer with pickups on the exterior of the wheels, I would have loved to see more information about this important technology (especially the all important event recorder or 'black box'). Slow speed traction control is super important as well to prevent 'burning' the wheels from excessive torque at very low speeds. Also of note is the huge number of relays used to control the locomotive. Over all this is an excellent video though and I'm impressed with the depth and breadth of information presented. Keep up the great work folks!

    • @MosesMatsepane
      @MosesMatsepane 5 місяців тому +5

      @@brucewilliamsstudio4932 You definitely know what you are talking about. The Slow Speed control was such as fascinating part of the locomotive, I miss those days. I personally was involved in analyzing close to one hundred accidents/incidents, using data from the Black Box recorder. I also built so many software tools and technologies that interface with locomotives, from Black Box decoders and diagnostic Systems to Fleet Management systems. Glad to see another locomotive engineer here, because it's such a niche field. When you tell people you're working on Locomotives they usually think of 19th century steam locomotives...🤣

    • @mann_idonotreadreplies
      @mann_idonotreadreplies 4 місяці тому +1

      Cool story bro

  • @ScottSchapiro
    @ScottSchapiro Рік тому +602

    The time and effort that goes into the creation of these videos is very much recognized and appreciated. Keep up the great work!

    • @oldtimer2192
      @oldtimer2192 9 місяців тому

      Absolutely brilliant video, much appreciated!

    • @trezndawg4240
      @trezndawg4240 8 місяців тому

      I totally agree. A lot went into creating this video! Good work!

  • @thomask4836
    @thomask4836 Рік тому +259

    Well Done Jake! I'm retired now but worked for a railroad training department for 28 years as an instructor and manager that developed videos and CBT. Your delivery is exceptional! Kudos To You!

    • @thomask4836
      @thomask4836 Рік тому +4

      @Chris Ovrid - Hi Chris, that depends on whether or not you are already an engineer. Sometimes railroads recruit engineers but they also take people from in-house (e.g. laborers or mechanics) and put them through a training program. You would have to go through a training program and then get qualified on a particular route, train handling, and signals.
      Give BNSF or UP Human Resources a call or do a search for BNSF Jobs or Union Pacific Railroad Jobs and talk to them!
      Good Luck!
      Tom K.

    • @jerryp2433
      @jerryp2433 Рік тому

      Why can't they build car engines like this?

    • @thomask4836
      @thomask4836 Рік тому +3

      @@jerryp2433 - How about it Jerry! Everything in a locomotive engine was expected to wear out or fail and could be changed out easily. There was a modular feel to all of the components. You could change out a piston AND its cylinder liner could be completely removed from the crankcase (on EMDs) or block (on GEs).

  • @TomTheDon_
    @TomTheDon_ Рік тому +58

    As a German train driver I'm impressed by the details. Very good job!!!

  • @proskills2168
    @proskills2168 Рік тому +73

    Better than any training video I've ever seen, and I work for UP as a loco mechanic! Great job. Detail, content, & narration are A+.

    • @buckan8r999
      @buckan8r999 11 місяців тому +3

      Question, in your opinion as a mechanic, which components of the train need the most frequent maintenance? Are there systems that need maintenance more often?

    • @3bydacreekside
      @3bydacreekside Місяць тому

      Heh training

  • @johnvrabec9747
    @johnvrabec9747 Рік тому +445

    My father was a diesel locomotive mechanic. It still amazes me how these machines can pull the amount of freight that they can from a dead stop.

    • @user-mr3mf8lo7y
      @user-mr3mf8lo7y Рік тому +9

      It actually is not considered dead stop.. As long as any machine running before pull, it has the initial momentum agains that freight.

    • @justinmiller1191
      @justinmiller1191 Рік тому +38

      Slack action helps with this.

    • @rusty383
      @rusty383 Рік тому +23

      Electric needs no transmission Just Pure power!

    • @rusty383
      @rusty383 Рік тому +20

      I have always wondered if a Engine has a bathroom and other Crew convenients. I also Wounder why they ever got rid of the Caboose for the Crew.

    • @michaelsigismonde7958
      @michaelsigismonde7958 Рік тому +7

      It can take them over a mile to stop, even in emergency.

  • @JJRicks
    @JJRicks Рік тому +298

    This is actually insane, I can't believe a video this good is free to watch. Absolutely incredible!!

    • @chickey333
      @chickey333 Рік тому +3

      Well, not really. We usually have to endure those pesky ads at the beginning and annoyingly throughout the presentation many times coming at interesting or critical times in the video. We pay with our time and frustration and at times lack of temperamental self control. 😡

    • @carlsaganlives6086
      @carlsaganlives6086 Рік тому +10

      Top-shelf documentaries are always free, for the intellectually curious to enrich themselves, and others. On the other hand, if ya wanna own a stranger's used underwear, THAT will cost. Crazy world...

    • @chickey333
      @chickey333 Рік тому +4

      Crazy world... yes it is. I will agree, however, that enduring a few minor "inconveniences" during your very impressive presentation is hardly worth complaining about. It was very well done and you adding "VIDEO CORRECTIONS" to it was icing on the cake. Btw... there's no air freshener in the bathroom. Lord have mercy...
      As for the underwear... Skip Ads... Skip Ads ... Skip Ads...

    • @electron2601
      @electron2601 Рік тому +5

      I use UA-cam pro where you don't ever see ads again. It's worth every penny.

    • @chickey333
      @chickey333 Рік тому +2

      @@electron2601
      But then I wouldn't have anything to complain about.
      Thank You I'll look into that. :)

  • @3ffrige
    @3ffrige Рік тому +131

    Not gonna lie. I’ve watched this particular video many many many times over and over again. It’s something about these animations that keep me intrigued. Your narration in these videos is absolutely outstanding. The way you seamlessly articulate the content is such a smooth and pleasant way whilst discussing an incredibly complex machine leaves me in awe. Had I been narrating this, all you’d be hearing is the phrase, “ummm”.

    • @gt5577
      @gt5577 10 місяців тому +2

      Agree. It’s so good I had to hit the subscribe button. Too good

    • @milanstevic8424
      @milanstevic8424 10 місяців тому +1

      What are you talking about? These are well-produced, planned, and meticulously edited videos, like most quality videos on UA-cam are. The text is scripted, narrated, and dubbed over a video in montage. He doesn't actually improvise on the spot. Why would he record himself going "ummm"? Have you watched any other educational video on UA-cam?

    • @SeanJAnimations
      @SeanJAnimations 7 місяців тому +1

      @@milanstevic8424 Dude you took to much time to comment that.

    • @milanstevic8424
      @milanstevic8424 7 місяців тому

      @@SeanJAnimations rest assured that it took me less time to write that than what took you to read it.

    • @SeanJAnimations
      @SeanJAnimations 7 місяців тому

      @@milanstevic8424 lol

  • @GeocentricKingdom
    @GeocentricKingdom Рік тому +165

    I used to work on locomotive engines. This video is crazy accurate and well animated! :)

    • @Absts4ct
      @Absts4ct 7 місяців тому

      I'm sorry but my english isn't so good, but can the Locomotive pull 907kg of frieght as far as 804 km using only 3.8 liter worth of fuel?
      the number doesn't seem real, or am I misunderstand something?

    • @GeocentricKingdom
      @GeocentricKingdom 7 місяців тому

      That's hard for me to answer. The fuel tanks are almost 5000 gallons, and these half million pound machines pull much more than that, though they do need to refuel often. Your question is dealing with much smaller numbers, sorry!@@Absts4ct

    • @Absts4ct
      @Absts4ct 7 місяців тому

      @@GeocentricKingdom I've looked up the phrase "Trains can move 1 ton of freight around 500 miles on 1 gallon of fuel" That's a unit of traffic, but I thought it was mileage. That was the reason why I thought the number was crazy.🤓

  • @JaredOwen
    @JaredOwen Рік тому +770

    Keep 'em coming - love these animations!

  • @wharris123184
    @wharris123184 Рік тому +389

    Jake makes the videos we didn’t know we needed.
    Instant like, sir. 👍🏾👍🏾

    • @amarissimus29
      @amarissimus29 Рік тому +2

      I actually woke up this morning with a burning need for a comprehensive tour through a modern locomotive. Luckily there are always several devices nearby recording my every thought and action, so up this came. To be sure, I would have enjoyed it even without the urge.

    • @durango8882
      @durango8882 Рік тому +1

      Absolutely

    • @wannabecarguy
      @wannabecarguy Рік тому

      So basically the train is a hybrid so the EPA doesn't need to bother them

  • @seemoorbutts9146
    @seemoorbutts9146 Рік тому +33

    Just found your channel. These animations are unbelievably amazing and useful. I'm an electrician and your video breakdown of a solar panel was more comprehensive and helpful than any of the literature that I have come across. I am sure these videos are very labor intensive. Please, please keep doing them! You are adding a level of knowledge and understanding to the world that didn't exist before. Also, on a personal note. If you could make some on electrical theory and modern circuitry. Myself and many other electricians that I know would happily pay for these videos. It can be so hard to visualize these principals and you have created a perfect way to do so. Thank you.

    • @gt5577
      @gt5577 10 місяців тому

      Trues up. So well articulated and better than anything that you can find.

  • @ash.mystic
    @ash.mystic Рік тому +99

    Watching videos like this reminds me of how ingenious humans can be, and to not take inventions like this for granted. It’s a humbling experience to see all the engineering and optimizations that go into designing a complex system like this. And there are so many disciplines involved: chemistry, electrical engineering, thermodynamics, material science, etc. It’s so impressive!

  • @brightmuronda2678
    @brightmuronda2678 Рік тому +125

    We really don't give engineers enough credit. This is a masterpiece!

    • @canlib
      @canlib Рік тому +2

      What kind of credit do they need?

    • @cesarpalmos8235
      @cesarpalmos8235 Рік тому +22

      @@canlib Hauling millions of tons of freight that keep the world moving.

    • @blackhatch46
      @blackhatch46 Рік тому

      Because they usually completely screw up something else related to or in that system.

    • @Mrright87
      @Mrright87 3 місяці тому

      ​@blackhatch46 How do you think the trains move Jackass? he's referring to Locomotive engineers

  • @RonaldMayDMD-nt3fd
    @RonaldMayDMD-nt3fd 11 місяців тому +15

    My grandfather was an engineer for Boston & Maine RR. Unfortunately he died before I ever had an opportunity to tour one of the massive movers!!!
    I certainly appreciate these marvelous and exceptional videos!!!

  • @robsan52
    @robsan52 8 місяців тому +2

    Railroader here, 22 yrs Switchman/Conductor and 21 yrs as locomotive engineer. This was really nicely done!

  • @davisdf3064
    @davisdf3064 Рік тому +141

    Ah yes, the most efficient land transportation method ever invented. Such beautiful machines, and such a great video (the corrections on the pinned comment made it even better)!

    • @garybulwinkle82
      @garybulwinkle82 Місяць тому +2

      The reason railroads are so efficient is because they never have to ascend any really steep grades; most tracks are dead level! Also, they travel at constant speeds through out their trip; they don't have to start and stop frequently like trucks and automobiles!

  • @paulguillaume2617
    @paulguillaume2617 Рік тому +81

    As a conductor in training, I learn better by seeing how and why things work, this helped me a lot. Thanksss

    • @dylanbrown6401
      @dylanbrown6401 Рік тому +1

      I just started as a diesel mechanic with UP and I must say it helps to fully understand how some of these things work. The best example of this is that turbocharger setup. I had no clue these things were compound turbocharged and I worked as an MSO for UP for a year before I became a mechanic. This video seems to be based on a GE AC4400CW

    • @bobjohnson1587
      @bobjohnson1587 Рік тому +2

      Still not too late to quit and get job that will allow you to have a life away from the job.

    • @paulguillaume2617
      @paulguillaume2617 Рік тому

      @@bobjohnson1587 I always wanted to become a conductor, but I know what you mean. This was my first holiday and now new year without family or friends

    • @bobjohnson1587
      @bobjohnson1587 Рік тому +1

      @@paulguillaume2617 Well, it won't be your last. So, you had better get used to spending holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. alone! Btw, the money can never bring all that back.

    • @neddiego2570
      @neddiego2570 Рік тому +3

      @@bobjohnson1587 It's none of your business.

  • @conductorcammon
    @conductorcammon 5 місяців тому +6

    Locomotive engineer here...this is the best video ive ever seen. Thus video is a better learning tool than the first THREE WEEKS of Engineer training!

    • @monicabrentegani6801
      @monicabrentegani6801 18 днів тому

      Hello, I'm looking for a locomotive engineer tò have some informations I have not found in this video, regarding the exhaust gases and the way they leave the train. Can I contact you in some way?

  • @potatojz38
    @potatojz38 8 місяців тому +2

    This was so much more thorough and covered more than I expected, learned a lot and the inside tour was an added bonus, kinda reminded me of those picture books from school with the cutaway technical drawing but with narration

  • @vanpenguin22
    @vanpenguin22 Рік тому +56

    You can't know how many years I've been curious about all things locomotive.
    However much time toil and treasure went into this, it was very well worth it.
    Fantastic piece of work.

  • @lookileftpooponyourpage5604
    @lookileftpooponyourpage5604 Рік тому +28

    They say you know when someone truly understands what they're talking about because they can put it into simple terms. This guy's a genius! Very well done!!

  • @ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz
    @ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz 7 місяців тому +2

    This is amazing. My dad was a train driver on this kind of locomotive for many years. As a kid I was fascinated by it and often he would bring all sort of technical drawings of the engines etc to study because he needed to know at least the basics. Thanks for the upload.

  • @user-xq5ys3sx7r
    @user-xq5ys3sx7r 7 місяців тому +2

    This is my favorite Animagraffs episode because I love trains when I was little!

  • @iced_coffeelvr
    @iced_coffeelvr Рік тому +97

    I have no interest in trains, I don't know anything about them, and yet here I was, I was entertained and informed for almost a half hour about them! Every video you put out is of the highest quality, thank you for making them!

    • @gristlevonraben
      @gristlevonraben Рік тому +1

      Maybe you are a mechanical engineer at heart?

    • @patkelly6349
      @patkelly6349 Рік тому +1

      Josephine trains are amazing.

    • @gdroce8569
      @gdroce8569 Рік тому

      Mee too 🤣🤣 entertained for days

    • @DodgyDaveGTX
      @DodgyDaveGTX Рік тому +3

      I never had an interest in trains until I discovered what magnificent examples of complex engineering and sheer, massive power, they were.
      Also I recently started playing a VR train sim (Derail Valley) and now I'm obsessed 😁My younger self would've cringed so hard at this - but trains are fuckin' cool.

    • @southernbustransportation
      @southernbustransportation Рік тому +3

      @@DodgyDaveGTX I have had a interest in trains my whole life and they are indeed super cool! Ive rode a Norfolk Southern SD40-2 locomotive in the cab one time and it was very awesome. I also live near a CSX mainline which means multiple trains run through it every day! 😁

  • @toomanyhobbies400
    @toomanyhobbies400 Рік тому +30

    I am a model railroader. Your easy to follow explainations help me learn more about real world locomotives, just like the ones that opperate on my layout. Thank you.

    • @thomasclavinjr.3817
      @thomasclavinjr.3817 Рік тому +4

      Same here. This is the info I’ve wanted for years in a great visual way

    • @Syclone0044
      @Syclone0044 Рік тому +2

      Third!!

    • @bernardsaucier2062
      @bernardsaucier2062 Рік тому +3

      Thank you for the excellent teaching video. I have shared with two of our grand children (one who is a college freshman & ‘thinks’ he may want to study engineering and the other a 10th grader who is (in addition to football) is interested in life.
      Thanks again for your time and expertise in breaking all this really complicated technology down where an average person can understand.

  • @yogiperogy
    @yogiperogy 7 місяців тому +2

    Wow! Things have really changed since I was a hostler in the late 1960s! Absolutely amazing, and impressive production and narration! Thank you very much sir!!

  • @subsahara3484
    @subsahara3484 7 місяців тому +1

    Amazing. I had no idea trains were so complex and fuel-efficient. Congratulations to the graphics guys and also to the excellent quality of the description. Super-clear. Thankyou

  • @felixcat9318
    @felixcat9318 Рік тому +69

    I have always loved engineering cutaway drawings, and feel that this animation is their natural evolution!
    Thank you for this fascinating and meticulously detailed animation!
    This was very informative and the high degree of precise information enabled viewers to better understand and appreciate the outstanding design and engineering that goes on beneath the metalwork of these heavy haulers.
    It will surprise many that there's so much sophistication in what at first sight appears to be a brute force hauler!

    • @felixcat9318
      @felixcat9318 Рік тому +1

      @Steve Robinson Some things are best left to one's imagination...

    • @chrisgore5835
      @chrisgore5835 Рік тому

      @felix cat, yes, the complexity and back up/safety aspects were an eye opener for me.

  • @joshfoley8862
    @joshfoley8862 Рік тому +50

    This was absolutely amazing. I didn't think I would have sat through 25 minutes. It flew by. Great work my friend!

  • @mykeybarbee2587
    @mykeybarbee2587 8 місяців тому

    I love these videos, from the components breakdown to basic function descriptions, it's all top quality, thank you for putting this together!

  • @himbourbanist
    @himbourbanist 4 місяці тому +2

    diesels have gotten really efficient and really powerful in recent decades. they're very impressive machines.

  • @marius.mihai71
    @marius.mihai71 Рік тому +22

    Respect to the engineers who designed and executed this incredible machine!
    Respect to the train drivers who daily operate this incredible machine!
    Finally, respect to Animagraffs for documenting, realizing and sharing this interesting information with us! Thank you!

  • @user-bp8yg3ko1r
    @user-bp8yg3ko1r Рік тому +105

    Another masterpiece from Animagraffs.
    Thank you so much for creating these extremely well-made animations!

  • @bbalderston125
    @bbalderston125 Рік тому +2

    Respect the designing mechanical engineers and all the rail folks operating and maintaining these amazing machines. Amazing!

  • @coolleo149
    @coolleo149 Рік тому +7

    Love how animated the Union Pacific GEVO is! I’ve seen a couple of these whenever I was railfanning.

  • @madmanthan21
    @madmanthan21 Рік тому +104

    One correction:
    2:00 The ant-climber is to prevent locos from climbing on on top of the other in case of an accident, it instead deflects the oncoming train to the side.
    Otherwise excellent video as always.

    • @jamesstuart3346
      @jamesstuart3346 Рік тому +11

      The alti-climber actually has ridges in it that lock together with similar ridges on the other locomotive to reduce vertical movement in case of collision

    • @FourDollaRacing
      @FourDollaRacing Рік тому

      The video views actually gets the content creator paid so your comments, no matter how accurate, don't mean *sh💩t*

    • @madmanthan21
      @madmanthan21 Рік тому +1

      @@FourDollaRacing ok buddy

    • @unknown_user8449
      @unknown_user8449 Рік тому +3

      @@FourDollaRacing How is that at all relevant?

    • @animagraffs
      @animagraffs  Рік тому +2

      Thanks manthanboeing for this in-depth tidbit. Really appreciate your knowledge, and others who helped clarify even more.

  • @LitoGeorge
    @LitoGeorge Рік тому +10

    In the control cab, there are even reflections on the engine start panel. Incredible. Best video of it's kind on the web, period. Expertly narrated. Quality 11/10

  • @CyPhi68
    @CyPhi68 День тому

    As a former high school teacher in sciences and math, there is an abundance of real world science, mostly physics, in this video. I used to include braking acceleration (which is negative) in some physics motion problems. Could also make a simple dynamic braking system. Thanks, as a railroad buff also, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Subscribed.

  • @himbourbanist
    @himbourbanist 4 місяці тому +2

    dude Dynamic Braking is so COOL

  • @Vaporisers
    @Vaporisers Рік тому +43

    Hey man, your videos are absolutely amazing. 10/10. You deserve awards and you deserve to these videos pay for all your financial needs.

  • @CnfuD-Choticstreaming
    @CnfuD-Choticstreaming 6 місяців тому +4

    Jake O'Neal creator of animagraffs, a big congratulations on your work. The models are amazing and the videos mesmerising. Thank you for your efforts!

  • @toddr2265
    @toddr2265 5 місяців тому +4

    Great graphics. Almost completely correct information on the locomotive's operation. Just a couple very small things. I've been a locomotive engineer for 18 years and I enjoyed the video. Good work.

  • @mahmoodalhatem6710
    @mahmoodalhatem6710 Рік тому +17

    Thanks!
    Best Animator ever, keep it up man

  • @briancelidonia8258
    @briancelidonia8258 Рік тому +6

    Some corrections (some nit-picky and some significant, mostly nitpicky):
    00:00 Front door opens the other way on newer locomotives. This is in case the loco falls on over on the right side (blocking the rear exit door), the front door will flop open, allowing the crew to climb out without having to lift the door.
    00:05 The small cranking transfer box shown on the left walkway has been removed for 10 years. (not mentioned in the description)
    05:25 The "dummy" recepticle is shown having pins. The dummy doesn't have pins, that's why it is the dummy.
    10:27 The Alternator Blower cooling air then cools the rectifier and inverters before exiting the loco. It does not just cool the alternator.
    11:24 Only 4 inverter are shown on a 6 motor locomotive.
    11:38 "This process may change". Not sure why it would. Inverter control uses "pulse width modulation" (PWM) or "six step" control to generate AC current wave-forms. There really are no other significantly different ways to do it.
    12:10 The batteries are under the walkway, not under the aux cab. (way nit-picky on my part)
    14:30 The sand boxes are only 1/4 the size that they should be. The nose cab boxes go all the way to the top where the fills are shown. Also, the rear sand fill is not on top of the radiators- maintainers could not reach that high to insert the sand fill hoses. The rear fill is actually about 6 feet above the deck...about eye level.
    14:38 Most railroads do not use a 15 mph sand cutoff speed. Some have no cutoff at all. Some have different speeds depending on operating mode.
    17:49 The stator exitation does not travel in reverse when the motor are in braking. It travels more slowly than rotor speed, but in the same direction.
    When in motoring, it travels more quickly than rotor speed...thus "inducing" current into the induction motor. However, I will grant that for general illustrative purposes, it does kind of get the point across (but it does not accurately depict how an induction motor works)
    18:18 Grids are show backwards. As shown, the super hot air would burn any person exiting the operator cab on the right side where the rear door is. Blowers should be on the right, hot air exiting on the left.
    20:18 "Smart Displays" are no longer used. These are now "dumb displays" called "TCD's" (thin client displays)
    24:18 There is no "Smart Display" on the helpers console. Not sure what is shown there but it could be an Auxilliary Speed Indicator (ASI) which displays locomotive speed to the Conductor.

    • @WrenchingWolf92
      @WrenchingWolf92 Рік тому +4

      Actually the rear sand fill on the ES44AC (I'm pretty sure that's the Loco he based this on) and the SD70ACe (and I think the MAC as well) are up on top of the hood. At least on the variants I see from BNSF. I wish they weren't though, the "Cane" we use at my site to fill them using compressed air probably weighs 80 pounds and is not a whole lotta fun to lift up that high. Especially when the truck runs out of sand, and the cane becomes a missile with the last shot of sand. I've almost been hit before!
      And some additional mistakes I found personally;
      1. The throttle CAN be moved with the reverser centered. All that matters is that the handle is inserted (Pretty much just think of it as a key). But the handle can not be removed unless it is in the center position and the throttle is at idle.
      2. When you operate the cut lever for the coupler, it doesn't push the components apart quite like illustrated. It lifts the lock up so the coupler can move freely, but doesn't push the knuckle out. In fact, the couplers have to be pushed together to take tension off of the knuckles so that the lock can lift.
      3. Disappointed there was no mention of the air conditioning in the cabin, since that's a question I get a lot. Yes, these cabs are air conditioned as well as forced-air heated, then have additional radiant aux heaters next to the seats.
      4. The independent brake lever controls the brakes on ALL locos in the train, not just the one unit. That's what two of those additional air hoses are for. The third one is just to combine the main reservoirs of the locos. Also, any DPUs (Locos elsewhere in the train not directly connected, but wirelessly controlled) will also adjust their own independent brakes accordingly.
      5: The "Multiple Unit" switch on the back panel is for the headlights, so if you have two locos connected to each other, turning on the "Rear" headlight switch in the head unit will control the rearward facing lights on the second unit.

    • @briancelidonia8258
      @briancelidonia8258 Рік тому

      @@WrenchingWolf92 yeah .... very interesting choices about what to deep dive on. (The "rail cleaner" would have been a nice add) And I guess trying to cover the aux-alternator versus non-aux alternator locomotives would have been a little confusing (newer Wabtec locos get rid of the aux alternator and replaced with aux inverters) Also, i assumed that this was based on GE/wabtec locomotive (everything, including the windows, fuel tanks, cooling system and dynamic braking) were from a GE/wabtec locomotive hence my comment on the sand fills. Even with the many problems with this video I still think it was a great introduction.

    • @WrenchingWolf92
      @WrenchingWolf92 Рік тому +1

      @@briancelidonia8258 It was definitely a ton of info to cram into a video, so I hold nothing against these guys lol. and I'm like 98% sure they based this all on the GE ES44AC, I run them a lot and really only a few small details are off from the ones I'm used to. Like switch positions and such.
      I have seen a loco in my site with the lower sand fill before like you said, but I can't remember if it was a GE or an early EMD SD70ACe I saw it on.

    • @animagraffs
      @animagraffs  Рік тому +5

      I added all these to the pinned "VIDEO CORRECTIONS" thread. Really appreciate you taking the time to help us all learn more accurate info! We love getting knowledge close to the source, especially because during research it can be so hard to come by. I guess some might call it nitpicky, but with how high our standards are, it feels like you're one of us. lol

  • @GCarnell
    @GCarnell 4 місяці тому +1

    I’ve been fortunate to be a part of this industry for over 35 years. This instructional video, while there may be a few items that may be different on certain engines, etc., without knit-picking, this, by far, is the very best that I’ve seen. Its quality, details, narration, accuracy, is truly amazing. Great job, Animagraffs!

  • @Romualdomgn84
    @Romualdomgn84 11 місяців тому +5

    Animation is unbelievable! Thank you for clear explanation how a diesel-electric locomotive works.

  • @robertway5756
    @robertway5756 Рік тому +8

    I work at at a plant where we actually build these machines in Erie, Pa.
    I do electrical testing on the Aux cabs, control consoles, dynamic brakes, and other systems that you highlighted here.
    Absolutely excellent work on the animations in this video.
    I wish it could be shown here for the edification of all our employees, and I will share it with the other test technicians.

    • @kimsland999
      @kimsland999 Рік тому

      There's a job going in my area for electrical fitter (train maintenance) position. I have this and electronics certificate (and IT)
      Even so, I'm concerned in interview (or on the job!) they'll say: What's the fault with this circuit? Whilst I can read skematics (or rather I can follow where wire go), I can also physically replace isolated equipment. I fall short when diagnosing exact voltage/current at some middle of the wiring somewhere! I'm very concerned about this. I can test 5Volts or 12 or 24 (or whatever the common voltage is at equipment) but to diagnose where it fell or stopped, um no idea.
      I should also admit my skematic skills are average at best. Fitting equipment, replacing stuff, or any actual computer stuff? I'd say high level of expertise.
      Would you recommend I apply (cutoff date in a week) or its not for me? Put it this way: car electrical drive me nuts (I am patient, but in my view they are illogical) is this like a car electricians job? Or can an IT (mainly) person who originally (way back) did an electrical fitting trade (plus electronics after that). Would I be ok or not? ie Apply or not?

    • @robertway5756
      @robertway5756 Рік тому

      @@kimsland999
      I'm not sure what you mean by "fitting" exactly.
      The stuff I work on is newly built so the problems are assembly related (missing wires, incorrectly posted wires, etc).
      It all comes down to logically isolating the problem in the end though regardless.
      I'd say go for it, cuz all they can say is no, and it sounds like a good opportunity to expand your knowledge base.
      (And I 100% agree about the car stuff, but it's not like that)

  • @RobertBreckenridge13
    @RobertBreckenridge13 Рік тому +5

    Always had a general idea of how these things worked, but this is more detail than I ever thought I needed to know, and I loved every minute!
    It's so wild the number of energy conversions required. Diesel fuel to mechanical energy to AC power to DC power, to AC power again, and back to mechanical! Plus all the braking and cooling!

  • @briansmobile1
    @briansmobile1 7 місяців тому +2

    I absolutely LOVE this video! What a tremendous body of work this is!

  • @Pauley_in_GP
    @Pauley_in_GP 7 місяців тому +1

    A great animation and narrative explaining the detail and complexity of a locomotive. The quality of the graphics is stunning. Although I've been a rail fan and model railroader for quite a while, this video has me in awe! (I guess that makes it awesome 😁.)

  • @johngerson7335
    @johngerson7335 Рік тому +3

    My father was the Manager of Hayne Car Shop (Spartanburg, SC) for the Southern Railroad (later merged with the Norfolk & Western to form the Norfolk Southern) from 1963 until 1987, and he would've loved this presentation. Beautiful work, thanks for sharing!

  • @Carstuff111
    @Carstuff111 Рік тому +14

    May I say that it is epic you have brought to life the books I read for fun as a kid. And you have done so, beautifully! I am going to have to show this channel to my nephew, I think he would love this just as much as I do. I do hope your channel continues to expand!

  • @StevieWonder737
    @StevieWonder737 2 місяці тому +1

    Marvelous presentation. Simple enough to follow, detailed enough to give a real handle on the workings. SUPERB

  • @davidlinge4794
    @davidlinge4794 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for this. I have been a lifelong train enthusiast. I'm old enough that my grandfather took me to see an old steam locomotive on her final journey. Thanks for the details on how the couplers work!

  • @BryanO92
    @BryanO92 Рік тому +8

    This was fantastic. I have a friend who's a conductor for BNSF. Of coursee he has various responsibilities both in the yard and on the train, like inspection, various documentation, communicating with the yard, setting brakes, etc., but his main job, as he tells it, is keeping the engineer awake.

  • @reduggan
    @reduggan Рік тому +6

    Wow! This diesel electric locomotive animation and explanation is excellent. Way better than crude drawings, schematics and photos. Now I really know what I'm looking at. Thank you!

  • @gregorymccoy6797
    @gregorymccoy6797 Рік тому +51

    Would love to know how long it takes to research and produce these amazing videos. They are amazing, Sir.

  • @closeblast3298
    @closeblast3298 Рік тому +9

    Amazing work. I cannot believe how you made everything so easy to learn. Now when I look at trains I no longer see just a big engine but all the hard work and dedication that was put into it

  • @uncinarynin
    @uncinarynin Рік тому +4

    Great explanation of the AAR coupler here, I have never seen it in such detail anywhere else.

    • @Syclone0044
      @Syclone0044 Рік тому +1

      Also tank cars have a Type F shelf coupler with top and bottom guides to try to prevent them from rolling over in a derailment.

  • @lowstandar
    @lowstandar Рік тому +4

    Praise be! I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel. The amount of time and effort you put into the simulations has my eyes glued to my phone. Thank you

  • @richarddorman3689
    @richarddorman3689 8 місяців тому +1

    These videos are masterful and among the most interesting and educational on UA-cam. Thanks and keep them coming.

  • @shannonpincombe8485
    @shannonpincombe8485 Рік тому +12

    This content is exemplary! One of the best break down vids I've seen. Loved every second and have watched it in sections to rewind and go back over information I've found super interesting or to ensure I've gotten every last detail. It's like you've tickled my need for a deep dive into a subject that has always interested me but one which I've never gone too deeply into. I have subscribed...well done!

  • @LiamDennehy
    @LiamDennehy Рік тому +14

    This is an astonishingly good model and it's used amazingly to explain all the intricacies of this system. Well done!

  • @curtiswhite5841
    @curtiswhite5841 8 місяців тому +1

    I learn so much from Animagraffs…thanks for the breakdowns on each topic!

  • @mweimorts
    @mweimorts Рік тому +2

    My first time on this channel. I am beyond impressed with the structure of the presented material as well as the animation. I am looking forward to viewing more videos here. Thank you for the time you spent in producing this video.

  • @rogerletsom2127
    @rogerletsom2127 Рік тому +19

    This by far the best animation of a diesel-electric locomotive that I've seen! Have you ever considered producing an animation of a modern steam locomotive?

  • @MrSkeptical
    @MrSkeptical Рік тому +6

    I have been a Train Buff my whole life and this overview was fascinating... well done indeed!

  • @DougSisco1
    @DougSisco1 8 місяців тому

    That was the most amazing how it works video I have ever seen, the animation was breathtaking!

  • @DeWoodyard
    @DeWoodyard 6 місяців тому

    Understandable narration, non-interfering music, clear graphics… What's not to love?

  • @craigstergriffin2097
    @craigstergriffin2097 2 місяці тому +1

    After 64 years loving trains, this is the first detailed description that I have seen on how diesel-electric works on a locomotive. Thank you.🚅

  • @financialarmageddon
    @financialarmageddon Рік тому +3

    You are deserving of each and every click!
    Your willingness to show even the nit-picky corrections is a humility I wish all channel creators deployed.
    You truly make learning fun!
    Shalom.

  • @himanshu_yt
    @himanshu_yt Рік тому +3

    Thanks!

  • @Pete4875
    @Pete4875 8 місяців тому

    Absolutely amazing!

  • @josenilsongobira4044
    @josenilsongobira4044 6 місяців тому +2

    You are an excellent animation professional. Diesel-electric locomotive manufacturers should sponsor your channel. I'm learning English with your videos. Thanks.

  • @harlech2
    @harlech2 Рік тому +11

    Very well done! I am not much of a train geek, but I love knowing how stuff works and this hit the spot!!

  • @railwayjade
    @railwayjade Рік тому +7

    As a railfan this is an awesome video! Well done!
    For your electric locomotive video - regenerative braking feeds power back into the contact wire for use by other trains. :)

    • @FrequencyCrawler
      @FrequencyCrawler Рік тому

      Is there an Electric Loco Video from animagraffs?

    • @railwayjade
      @railwayjade Рік тому

      @@FrequencyCrawler I have not seen one yet in the list

    • @FrequencyCrawler
      @FrequencyCrawler Рік тому +1

      @@railwayjade Thanks. Hoping it will be there soon.

  • @MMLL369
    @MMLL369 6 місяців тому

    thank you for your efforts on the making of such professional animation.

  • @The1andOnlyWog
    @The1andOnlyWog Рік тому +7

    I love that you used BNSF's colors for the model! My grandfather was an engineer for Santa Fe, started as a fireman on the old 3751 8-4-8 steam engine and worked his way up to engineer on these diesel-electric engines. It immediately made me think of him seeing those colors on an engine. Thank you for that. Keep up the amazing work!

  • @Greguk444
    @Greguk444 Рік тому +5

    Amazing detail, incredible graphics. Well done, thank you. This is the best CGI engineering illustration I have seen. The modelling is very impressive

  • @revenniaga6249
    @revenniaga6249 Рік тому +6

    Incredible graphics. Being an Ĺocomotive Engineer it is 99% accurate. Cannot imagine how long it took to make Great Job!!!!

  • @Danktropolis
    @Danktropolis 5 місяців тому +1

    MY GOODNESS... These models and animations are amazing. The research is equally amazing. Wonderful work!

  • @jamesorenthal-bm4sp
    @jamesorenthal-bm4sp 7 місяців тому

    great solid models. thanks for the time and effort.

  • @nilsrp
    @nilsrp Рік тому +16

    Very interesting and very well made animations. Brilliant work, Jake and Wesley. 👍 Merry Christmas from Norway 🎄

  • @vel0cirapt0r656
    @vel0cirapt0r656 Рік тому +5

    This was such a great video! It was super concise, but yet detailed and comprehensive! Now if only companies could hire someone like you to create their safety training...

  • @mrutyunjayapradhan6156
    @mrutyunjayapradhan6156 7 місяців тому +1

    Video correction; the motor drive and control system including supply system and speed control description are technically mixed up between earlier DC series motor based engines with modern 3 phase induction motor based engines.

  • @overbank56
    @overbank56 6 місяців тому

    I love your videos! Very educational & informational

  • @neilreid2298
    @neilreid2298 Рік тому +6

    Your work is truly a masterpiece. I learned so much about these incredible machines! Can't imagine the hours it took to assemble all this- thank you! More please!

  • @lessacto
    @lessacto 9 місяців тому

    This is probably one of the best 3-D modeling videos I have ever seen. Great job.

  • @tsf5-productions
    @tsf5-productions 7 місяців тому

    Fantastic technology! I didn't know so much of various pieces make a Locomotive go.

  • @Rok3y
    @Rok3y Рік тому +7

    What an engineering. Thank you creator, really awesome animagraff

  • @CraftyFoxe
    @CraftyFoxe Рік тому +55

    Freight locomotives are really a great feat of engineering! The 3D visuals are pretty great. One thing, I don't think you went over the stuff on the cab roof, the PTC antenna array

    • @aaa7189
      @aaa7189 Рік тому +1

      Can't wait for electric train engines or even airplanes - being facetious

    • @brav141xd2
      @brav141xd2 10 місяців тому +1

      Locomotives do amaze me as a mechanical engineer in training. I do want to help design new diesel passenger locomotives that can comply with EPA Tier 4 standards. This animation is pretty accurate, It is cool that the waste is recycled for fewer emissions.

  • @arifzaenudin91
    @arifzaenudin91 7 місяців тому +1

    What a great explanation video !!! it's feels like i am going to the machinist training 😂

  • @ccarlley
    @ccarlley 7 місяців тому

    Your animations are simply amazing. Great video

  • @Driver0378
    @Driver0378 Рік тому +3

    I often wondered how dynamic brakes worked. Awesome job as usual!

  • @diegosoriavivas
    @diegosoriavivas Рік тому +7

    Mate, thank you very much for making these amazing videos! It is absolutely fantastic. I do admire your high-quality work.