Yes, these are owned and not forgotten in the literal sense, but they have been sitting on an isolated track for several years and their immediate plans haven't happened, so the future is unknown. Best case scenario is they are restored for the public to enjoy. The info we shared is what we gathered from info online and what we saw in person. Check out more railroad ruins here: bit.ly/2JLNKAp
Folks did ya know that nobody but nobody on earth has created more or worse train wrecks on earth that Amtrak and Amtrak Joe Biden. They both hold the title for more train wrecks than anywhere on earth.. Both of em gotta go...
I am curious if within one of the cars there might possibly be a generator to power those locomotives. Just a thought as it looks like they were either pushed there and forgotten or ???
if the owner would rather sit and let them rust than give them away to save them, after all else has failed... I have no respect for them (the owner) I say if anyone wants to visit, they should
I worked at Wilmington Shops in Delaware, we were a heavy repair shop for the GG1's. We had 100 ton cranes and drop tables to take out motors or wheels as needed and any other repairs on the "G's". They were great locomotives.
Would you happen to have any pictures of the G's? I'm from Wilmington and I'm a Railway Fan love the railroad so do my kids. They didn't want to leave Strasburg when I took them lol.
The GG1 is still the most impressive electric locomotive I ever met. From the Netherlands I made the trip to meet her in the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum in Strasbourg. It was a great moment to me to see her beautiful appearance there. My favorite locomotive in the Netherlands was the electric locomotive Serie 1200. This was designed by the Baldwin Locomotive Works with Westinghouse corporation. The designer of this "Dutch" smaller later variant was the same man that designed the GG1. In the museum I took a nice drawing of the GG1 and it is framed as nice piece of real Railroad Art. It is a little bit sad to see the remainging GG1 outside rusting away and forgotten........ Thank you fot sharing your film! Warm greetings from the Netherlands by Arie Bert Versteeg ;-)
The design is from Baldwin and the locomotives were build and assemblied in the Netherlands by Werkspoor in Utrecht with the drawings from Baldwin. The electric compomnents were build in several Dutch (Heemaf) and American industries, thanks to the Marshall help programm. @@Buhhhhhh-xi4ju
As a British lad it amazes me that two of one of America’s most famous locos can just be left side by side in the woods. In the UK, everything is so much closer so ripping up old lines was a lot more economical. Therefore most abandoned lines have nothing left but the odd stub of an old signal pole or the leftover rubble of a bridge. Every last loco and stretch of track was quickly snatched up by preservationists or the scrappers, leaving nothing behind as a relic for enthusiasts like us to explore. As much as it’s satisfying to see locos preserved and running on heritage lines, there’s nothing like the mystery of finding an abandoned train to learn about and add to the extensive history of the world’s railways.
NJTRO used GG-1’s until they were retired in October 1983. I operated GG-1’s on Amtrak. When the Budd Multiple Unit Metroliners were being removed from service. As the new Amtrak Amfleet Coaches arrived. The GG-1’s were used in Metroliner service. The train would consist of a GG-1, 3 to 5 Amfleet Coaches,a Mail Coach upgraded to 125 mph and a Diesel Powered Generator inside to provide electricity to the Amfleet Coaches. I operated GG-1’s as a Fireman/Assistant Locomotive Engineer. Until I was permanently promoted to Locomotive Engineer in NJTRO. The GG-1’s were used in metroliner service, unit the AEM-7’s arrived and put in service. There were many times, when there were problems with the wayside signals, losing schedule time. The speed indicator on the GG-1 went to 100 mph. If the Metroliner was more than 5 minutes late to the final destination. The passengers would ride for free. When running late because of nothing that had to do with the Locomotive,Locomotive Engineer or their Fireman. The Locomotive Engineer or myself would get the GG-1 going 125 mph. Using my watch and catenary poles to tell how fast I would have the Metroliner was moving. In order to reach the final destination on time. I also operated GG-1’s until they were retired on NJTRO. The GG-1’s were fun to operate. No Locomotive Engineer that never operated a GG-1 could operate one. Without being instructed. It’s been 50 years since I last operated a GG-1. I do remember a lot about them and have forgotten about some things about them. When operating a GG-1. You couldn’t just throttle out. You couldn’t go over 1,500 amps. The GG-1’s had Quill drivers between the spokes on the driver wheels. The Quill Drivers were used to get the GG1 moving. Between 7 and 10 mph the AC Traction Motors would engage. Then you could get up to 2,500 amps. The GG1 has a 21 position throttle. Each notch send a signal to the transformer. That had tap switches on them. Enabling more Current to deliver electricity to the traction motors. If you would depress the button on the throttle handle and pull the throttle arm past a certain point. The Pantograph Relay would trip out. There was a specific procedure to reset the Pantograph Relay. If you didn’t follow the procedure. The pantograph relay would not reset. I also occasionally operated GG-1’ on Freight Trains. Freight Train TV23 and TV 24 would usually have 2 GG-1’s coupled in multiple. Making them one unit. I’m not betting sarcastic in any way. I’m just providing first hand information.
I started working on GG-1 electric locomotives in March, 1974 in Sunnyside Engine House, Long Island City. They were 4-6-6-4 configuration, making them capable of navigating curves at high speed. Each powered axle had 2 480 horsepower traction motors. They were AC traction motors, thus each locomotive had 12 480 horsepower traction motors. These traction motors were cooled by gigantic blowers located in each hood. When in the cabs, you could not open the hood door without first turning off the blower. On the No. ‘F’ end of the locomotives was the 11,000 volt AC transformer. The transformer was called by Pyranol which was moved through the transformer and air cooled. We were never allowed to enter the transformer room when the pantographs were up against the catenary drawing 11,00 volts, 4,000 amps potential. There was a heavy door that required a heavy pull on a handle to open the door. Well, to show you the force of this electric power, I was aboard an engine once when a fault caused a transformer explosion that literally blow the transformer door off. The engines had steam generators that utilized petroleum and they powered the head end steam for the coaches. The bodies were designed by Raymond Lowey and were famous for their streamlined design. I rode aboard these locomotives from New York City to Washington DC at up to 100 mph. Now, one engine could pull 10 heavy weights at 100 mph. I once rode in a double headed GG-1s freight and they were pulling 120 mph at 70 mph through Trenton, New Jersey. I will never forget working on these magnificent electric locomotives. Paul Messina.
I remember the GG1's when they were still in service. I grew up in South Philadelphia in the 1960's and they would run them in the Greenwich yard down near the Philadelphia Navy Yard. They had a loud hum from what I recall. I was always in awe of them. So sad to see these legendary locomotives just deteriorating in the woods. I'm happy to see that there is no obvious signs of vandalism.
These 2 GG1's are the earlier examples, because they have the long vent screens along the lower bodies. But other GG1's were rebuilt with these vents up over the shoulders and close to the roofline; because when it would snow and the GG1 would race through at 100 M.P.H., the fine particles is snow will fly up, and clog those with lower vents. Thus the higher vents are necessary for efficient operation. Also there are both types saved at museums. Like here in Green Bay at the National Railroad Museum there is GG1 4890 repainted with Tuscan Red, and 5 Stripes like cat whiskers, and upper body vents. Way back in 1995 in arrived on February 10th during a snow storm. But 4890 was traded from the B&O RR MUSEUM in Baltimore in exchange for the F.M./FAIRBANKS-MORSE H1044 switcher originally built for the Milwaukee Road, but then used by Miller Compressing in Milwaukee and numbered 1200 but I still need to find the original M.R. number. As well as the 2nd H1044 that was repainted at the NRRM with M.R. Orange and Black colors and the original number 767; and it was used for a couple of years to pull the NRRM train around the little circle of track; but hasn't been run since approximately 2001 because nobody at the NRRM knows how to run it anymore. So the NRRM needs a lot of help to get 767 running again after 21 Years. Hopefully now in 2022 somebody can help them 👍 ok. Thanks.
Gg1 baddest electric engine ever made over 50 years of service longest in railroad history loved to watch her at penn station newark when she would come over the bridge the whole foundation would shake man what an engine
What a treasure to find this hiding in the woods! While I'm not a fan of all things trains, I love these vintage ones and the history involved. As for both of your cameras going haywire, I'm going with a haunting. The spirits probably don't get many visitors!
Wow, Brings back memories. They were the only locomotives that could come into Penn Station from the tunnels. I used to walk up to them on the platforms and just stare in amazement. Great childhood memories. 😊
@@arthursanders3433 I didn't know the GGs had 3rd rail connectivity; the ones I saw at the museums didn't seem to. So did they ride the LIRR? I rode some Pennsy trains when I was a kid with my grandfather, and remembered riding behind some GG1s (in particular, a red one), but thought it must have been in NJ or Pennsylvania.
@@d.e.b.b5788 the GG1'S didn't have 3rd rail capability . The electric locomotives that the New Haven operated into Penn Sta did. That was because they also ran into Grand Central. Aya.
As I sit in my living room, with my self built sort of home theater with the 10' screen, and this video projected onto that big screen bringing it all to life size, the child in me wakes up and anthropomorphizes those GG1s and I feel so sad for them, sitting, silently rusting away, ignored and left to die alone in a forest somewhere. RIP GG1's, I remember riding with you when I was a child, through NJ and Pennsylvania with my grandpa, he, a retired ticket agent for the PRR, who carried his Pennsy I.D., and seemed to know every conductor and engineer we met. He also got me a ride in one of those cabs, so many years ago, though I was too young to appreciate that experience like I would, today. We took many rides together, you and I, and I always marveled at the magnificence of you huge electric beasts, easily pulling our train to joyful cruising speed along the rails. Today's Amtrak diesels just don't bring that feeling back, the way you did, so long ago. On behalf of railroading fans everywhere, we miss you.
Enjoyed your video very much. The GG1 was the first motor I worked on as an electrician in 1984. Presently I teach electrical courses part time at a community college. The GG1 is constantly used as an example when discussing AC circuits. Over the years I have tried to get pictures of the transformer only to be told they were all removed due to PCBs. Keep up the good work.
These units are known to live in Coopersville and have been discussed on rail preservation forums going back about 20 years. It's sad to see these rot away. Without some kind of major benefactor to save the day, they will end up being scrap
As a kid in 1972 we took a trip in October of that year to visit relatives in New Jersey. As we drove through the Philadelphia area we passed a large rail yard that had these in waiting and others that were pulling passenger trains. Some were in Pennsy black and others had the then new PC logo. What I remember most, though, was the huge size of these cyclops and how scary they looked, like something out of a horror movie.
Definitely back in the day that was one of the most powerful electric locomotives manufactured. The concern with that old equipment is the Transformers Inside which had pcbs and also had in some cases Mercury rectifiers. My relatives who lived out in Pennsylvania worked for the railroad and serviced many of these units and I have a collection of photographs of this beautiful locomotive nicknamed Big Red. It's a shame. She was a beast and her speed was incredible. A rich history and Legacy of quality, engineering and craftsmanship
@@The_DuMont_Network let me see what I can find. I will be more than happy to. I remember pictures of the electrical interior which was reach from the inside cab if I remember correctly. Big Transformer and a lot of relays and other devices plus they had the Mercury rectifiers.
The "cushion" mentioned on the box car refers to the couplers. The coupler shank has more travel and there's a shock absorber built in. It softens the shock when dealing with coupler slack.
Locomotives connected to each other is called multiple units and considered one locomotive . I was fortunate enough to operate GG-1’s from early 1974 until their retirement on NJTRO
As an artist studying in Philly, and as a railroad aficionado, I had a good friend in the 1970s who happened to be a GG1 engineer. Since he was seeking visits to NYC art museums, we would swap cab rides through the corridor to visit those museums. Dream come true. It was like going 92 mph in a broom closet. lol. I'll never forget my buddy or the GG1s.
I always thought the GG1 was the coolest looking locomotive ever. Remember seeing them operating when my family made trips to see our relatives in the Northeast, also had one back when I had HO trains. Once while we were visiting at my grandmother's place in New Haven we made a day trip into the City. Rode the Turbo Train (another bit of rail history that seems forgotten) to NYC but coming back we were pulled by a GG1, one of favorite train rides to say the least. Said to see these old beauties fading away in the woods somewhere, hope they will see better days ahead before they rust away to nothing.
The problem with operating the GG1 is as others have said, the massive transformer used in it are laden w PCBs and it also likely has asbestos in it. In theory they could retrofit a modern electric drive like used in the modern alps engines bypassing the transformer. The voltage is the same today as it was back then on the NEC so in theory they could create a hybrid using the motors in the GG1 and a modern power distribution system. If they used the setup in the ALPS engine NJT uses, it could also run on the NJT Morris and Essex ( why they would want to IDK). I suspect with the cost of trying to make it run the best would be static restoration. Maybe someday someone will figure out a way to run a GG1, would be awesome if unlikely. At my first job one of my coworkers had been a fireman on a GG1 ( and yes,they still use the term) working for Conrail.
The biggest problem is that all 13 surviving GG1s need a new frames because of the way they were cast and that they operated for fourty plus years each, the frames many micro fractions. Studies were done in the past of how to upgrade/repair them in the 1980s. It's definitely possible, just very expensive.
Was the Conrail Fireman's name Mike? I used to work for NJT. Ran the Alps. My favorite though was a GP-40 and 4 cars. Also enjoyed Arrow MU's to Gladstone and Dover.
I have one of these in O gauge size from Lionel that I received from my grandfather when he passed. It's from around 1947-1950. Still runs and pulls cars like a beast. Have it set up with other very old locomotives I got from him for my Christmas display. Really neat to see a real one, although dead......but still awesomely impressive. I hope they can be saved and not end up in a pile of scrap!!
I got to actually drive one of these when I was 14. My father was station master Penn Station, Newark, N.J . His friend was an engineer and I was coming back from a trip into the city (NYC for you non tri-state ppl) I go off at Newark to see my dad and ride home with him, he got stuck due to a problem somewhere and he sent me home in the cab of the loco. Once we were underway I got to drive from Newark to just before Elizabeth. Something I will never forget
I've been here! My friend lives nearby and I had to catch a flight so I couldn't pull over and take up close photos. So glad to see someone appreciating these trains and seeing up close video documentation of these. I've heard they were pulled in and had the brakes replaced. It's a shame to hear that it's landlocked. I saw these two in August so they're still here! Thank you so much for this video!
How cool, to see 2 of 149 built GG1's at the same location. I think I know where they are 🤫, I'll never tell. I've planned to go see them but it just never happened, do to onething or another. Amazing invention for that era. I hope that someday soon they find a better retirement and get restored. Thanks Jay and Nic 👊👍
Thank you. This blows me away! I grew up in the 50s around Pittsburgh and trains were a part of my life. To see one abandoned, I've no words for. Steel mills died and a lot more it would seem! Thanks for this.
Oh wow that is amazing! I felt kinda sad looking at them, but it's very awesome that you were able to document them. I hope that one day the owners will be able to get them moved out and restore them and maybe put them in a museum for people to view and enjoy. The little letter box on the mail car is so cool! The music is perfect for your video and your pictures are so beautiful! Awesome video JP, thank you so much!
Very well done video and awesome photography. You are very respectful not revealing the location. I remember visiting those locomotives for the first time. They were in rough shape before but look even worse now but at least they are saved..... for now. Thanks for sharing
Love that old mail car, THAT would be a great restoration piece.!! .. And you can't help thinking of one of the greatest movie scenes ever.... "Think you used enough dynamite there buth".!!😂... What a great find, great footage, well done sir.!!🙏
Awesome find JP! I sure hope they get restored someday! They look awesome sitting there in the woods like that! Awesome video! Thanks for bringing us along!
I know where these GG1's are. The one with the grease notations was bought by the Henry Ford Museum. Last time I was there it was gone. The other one is privately owned. With the owners permission and a guide, I was able to climb inside. Fascinating. The engineers area space is quite small. I assume they were all thin. I'm 200# and had trouble moving around.
Thank you for another great video! While I didn’t get a great look at the wooden boxcar, I think it may be what is called a ‘reefer.’ A reefer would have been filled with perishables and ice would be deposited through vents in the roof and that’s what kept the contents from spoiling. Looking forward to the next train video!
That is a large plug door on the car. A wooden reefer would have a smaller door. If you was to climb up and look at the roof, if it was a reefer there would be ice hatches, 2 on each end.
Those GG1s have been there a long time. I have photos of them from the early 90s when they were on the siding along the mainline. It looks like they were relocated to the old spur that goes northward. Hate to see how far they have decayed since then. But they are survivors for sure. Still hope one day some restoration can be done and they are put on display for the public to enjoy
"Mail Cars" are known as "RPO" for Railway Post Office". The "Grease Boxes" are called journal boxes and they did put oil in them. The oil was applied to a lubricator pad which fitted up against the bottom of the axle. On top of the axle was a brass bearing. As the wheel turned, the pad would apply a thin coating of oil to cut down on the friction. Diesel locos also had steam generators for passenger service. The roller bearings were lubed with oil occasionally.
Those are "plain bearing boxes". In the days of Pre roller bearing technolgy, those boxes had babbit bearings on top of the axle. Inside the box in the bottom had either rags (waste) or in later days a manufactured foam filled cloth sponge type (forgot the correct term) that soaked up oil in the bottom of that box and lubricated the axle. It's been 40 years but I've changed a few of those. When they failed, often times the oil would catch fire hence the term "hot box" Regarding the loco. , I would like to suggest that the need for fuel would be to feed the steam generator perhaps? All that being said, most of your enthusiest followers know all this stuff. Awesome content by the way.
Oil pad are fun to change. Last time I did it was in the RR shop at Ft Eustis in the winter. And checked a set in a car at Crane NSWC before it got move several months later in 1988. Proper Army way to treat a new one is to put it in a container of car oil ( as in RR car, not auto oil ) and weight it down so that they didn't float. Then wait awhile, like a month or so. Fish it out and put in place. Then top up the oil once installed in the journal box. Talk about a messy job but a 1200 mile run without problems made it worth it.
I've been down to this spot. I was working as a sales rep and decided to take a shortcut and came up a bunch of old railroad engines and stock. There was another location with a lot more old equipment down there, that was visible from the back roads. That was 20 years ago. I was finally down that way a few years back and couldn't find the location. I might do a map check and do another visit this spring.
At the New York State Fair, they used (I don't think it's there anymore) to be a GG1 on display there, Amtrak 926. I remember as a kid just looking at it every single time in awe, because those locomotives were just absolutely massive. It still amazes me how just, massive they are, even for a Locomotive.
I used to live near there and remember them sitting on the siding, between where both legs of the wye connected to the main. I even explored them while they were sitting on the siding many years ago. The mainline RR told the tourist RR owners to remove them from the siding and drag them up onto their line a bit so the mainline RR could disconnect the wye from the siding. The main and siding are used by a class 1 RR.
According to wikipedia, one is 4932 and the other is 4934 ( Amtrak numbers ) and the PRR numbers are 4909 and 4917. As for the location, wikipedia only shows who owns them and where the owners are located., not he location of the loco. The location is known and their pictures are on the web and on Google Earth. Sad to see those two GG1s rusting away.
It doesn't take much to find out where they are but it is better not said. No telling if there still is oil inside the transformers and that is hazardous to deal with. Even if just on the floors, it isn't something you want people going into.
Hi from Arkansas Jay! Another great video; thank you! It's been a long time since I've seen a GG1. Those poor babies are in rough shape. 🙁 A little trivia for you.. The GG1's were known as "The silent killers" being all electric. People crossing the tracks where there were no crossings that would require the engineers to sound the horn never knew what hit them. And the Penn Central logo was nicknamed "The worm and noodle love affair" logo. One more thing about your equipment malfunction. Look up Mercury Retrograde. We're going through one right now, and they frequently cause all kinds of strange things to go wrong with computers, cell phones, cameras, etc. Take care, and keep the videos coming!
The, Southshore railroad between Indiana and Chicago used a similar model electric locomotives. The Southshore remains active between South Bend and Chicago. I have ridden it for fun with my late father and my family. The Dune Station in Indiana is wonderful.
Those were actually little joes different design build for the ussr but because of the Cold War never delivered so they went to the Milwaukee road instead but I think a few went to south shore
The locomotives for the Southshore was called the Little Joe. They were originally built for export to the USSR, but relations soured and the locomotives were embargoed. Sputhshore and I think a western railroad bought them.
What a find! GG 1 a are my favorite locomotives after covered wagons! How sad that they are collecting rust in some forgotten location! Hopefully someone will see this video & pull these classics from their grave @ restore them.
Hey there JP……..outstanding video. Thanks for taking us along. I can only imagine what it was like to see them up close. I sure hope that one day they are rescued. Thanks again for sharing your experience 👍
That’s the best way to find em JP. They haven’t rusted away and nature hasn’t claimed them too badly yet. Hopefully,& some can be saved. It’s like a classic car hoard some can be saved buy t all are neat to look at what it was like back in the day..
One thing I would have like to have seen included in this video would have been a closeup of the plate on the front of the locomotive. Appearantly the overhead electrical lines are long gone. I remember Lionel Trains used to produce a model of these trains. Thank you so much for producing this video. It is truly awesome !!!
Another great video JP! I've always loved the GG1’S, this is beautiful, and sad at the same time. I also enjoyed looking at that old mail car. The loss of the contracts with the US Postal Service is what doomed many passenger trains in the 60s. A beautiful photo montages also. That b&w photo of the GG1 with colored leaves was neat 👌!
Wow amazing find JP it's been a long time I haven't see a GG one it's amazing how the way you have found that sad and the other point because they're just sitting there to get destroyed by Nature but beautiful that at least you got to take photos as also videos thank you for this video take care and I will see you JP on your next video
I felt transported back in time, my favorite was the wooden car. So Bizarre about the SD cards and phone, makes you wonder?! You definitely made a work of art with this vid. Thank you VERY much for filming this and sharing. Shout out to NixCrossing for his part.💙💙💙
1: Find a home for them. (Maybe one for static display and restore the better one to running condition) 2: Start a fund raiser to get the funds to buy / restore them 3: Hire a rerailing crew to lift the trains onto trailers and haul them off to a museum / repair shop.
The track is connected to the operating portion of the museum that owns them. The switch and some length of track connected to the mainline has been removed. I believe that they were moved to the current spot before the current operator of the mainline bought it. Sometime around 2013 ish I think. Restoring them to operating condition is futile as there is no place they could run. As has been noted already the transformers contained PCBs so not likely they would even be allowed to run. Cosmetic overhaul would be the best case scenario. It would take a LOT of money to even engineer a plan to move them by road, let alone get it done.
@@alwhalen3488 well yeah, everything cost money :) are they planing to have one on display at this museum? If the transformers are a problem then we can just bypass them and run the engine using a box car with a generator in it.
To move a GG-1 by road would be extremely expensive. There are very few trucks that can handle that weight. Plus it would take a long time to plan a route with bridges that can take the weight and bridges you can get under. You would need the first box car to carry all the paper work! Plus, how are you going to get cranes in there to lift a GG-1.
@@klsc8510 all true, but that's just how it would go. I see it as one of those episodes of "Megga Movers". Also, I heard a rumor that when quaker square got its locomotives they drove the big one over the viaduct in secret at night, the viaduct was later torn down since it was fallen apart
The 1950s my father worked on the P.R.R. THE GG1 Was was on the rails then !! Dad worked out of Potomac yard from 1949 till 1992 !! Runs north on 3 days road trips !!!
It is definitely sad to see the condition of these beautiful artifacts of history. But is cool to see them in Penn Central livery still. After watching this, now I want to run my PC GG1. 😁 What a great find and thank both of you for bringing these to us.
Fantastic JP🚂 Heartbreaking to see these in this shabby condition💔🚂 OMG that's a freaky coincidence! Sorry for your technical difficulties. At least you noticed it before leaving the location..
It never occurred to me that there may be a mail slot or (maybe one on each side) of train mail car. I guess it is because in my generation (born in the 1960's) I was always told by teachers or parents to keep a safe distance from train cars (but, things were probably different back in the 1940's). Those are beautiful engines. I heard, the GG-1 that ran away and fell into the basement of the Washington Union Station close to inauguration day many decades ago, was cut apart to get it out of the basement, and was welded back together somewhere and put back into service. The last I heard, it is sitting on tracks somewhere rusting away and young people have knocked its windows out and done much graffiti on it. It may still exist. I wish it could get restored to give it a third life. Yes, I thought that was strange too about you people losing memory from your memory cards like that. What a great video! Thanks guys!
The train was the Federal Express inbound to Washington Union Station shortly before President Eisenhower's first inauguration. See en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 1953_Pennsylvania_Railroad_train_wreck
What a real find JP. Amazing and so interesting to know some history, I love watching this but feel sad to sit it forgotten. Hope it will be saved….👍😊❤️
Wow what beautiful finds! The whole SD card thing is really spooky. Thanks for sharing. And Nic.... how could you have not told me about this video??? Lol
Really liked the haunting music and photos in the intro ..wonderful old relics .(sad to see the decay )..I guess some long-ago hobo does not like y''all messing around his train : } ....Love the wooden box car and the tiny letter box ..Always learn something from a JPVid ..Thank you : }
I tripped over this video and I'm so glad I did... And so sad too. I grew up in NE Phila. in the late 50's and our back yard sort of faced the PRR tracks. I used to watch the passenger trains pulled by the gg1's go by every hour or so. I could see them really well out my bedroom window. As an adult I visited the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum in Strasbourg, where I got a really close up view of one of the last survivors. I walked up and hugged it. People must of thought I was nuts, but it was my childhood all over again. Now I live in SC, and I'll never get to see one again. This was a really great find and also really sad. Do the owners know these engines are a piece of history? They need to be saved, and not let rot, no matter what the cost. I so wish I could help them get them into a museum where they belong. Thank you again JP.
I was raised in northern NJ not too far where the tracks coming out from under bergen hill after running under ground all the way from Penn Station. I saw plenty of these GG units on that line between NYC and Washington DC. One of the most memorable was The RFK funeral train in 1968 after his assasination. Also if anyone here is old enough to remember the tv sitcom “That Girl “ the railroad segment was filmed on that line.
Hard to see something so old and historic sitting lile this .....wish they could have done something better with them..... sad ....But at the same time this was really cool to see I REALLY enjoyed it such a important part of history sure hope something good happens for them .....Great video as always very very pictures at the end the colors AMAZING !!
On the older box car the friction bearing boxes contained oil, not grease. Back then the bottom of the box was probably stuffed with what was called waste under the axle. The later ones had a pads under the axle. These stayed saturated with oil which lubricated the axle and friction bearing.
Thanks for sharing. They were discontinued from service due to cancer causing chemicals in the transformers or large capacitors used in the electrical propulsion system. They were extremely powerful engines. I believe there is one you can tour in Harrisburg, PA. I do remember seeing these on the old PRR mainline between Philadelphia, Lancaster & Harrisburg PA. You would see the sparks ⚡️ flying between the electric lines and the Pantographs (sp?)
Perfect music playing as you approached, you said they were forgotten….it was very sad. This was a cool explore and you both were knowledgeable. Liked the pic of the mail car slipped in!! Thanks for sharing!! 💖💙💖💙💖
Thank you for taking us; incredible American workmanship from yesteryear. I also hope they get restored! Thanks again, JP; hope you’re back to good health…🌝
You can tell by the rust on the rails that it's been a very long time since they were used. Tracks that are frequently used are shiny by the friction of the train wheels.
Sad to say, but it would probably cost far too much to not only bring her back to her glory, but to also lay enough track to get her out of there. As for Penn Central, when I rode the Broadway Limited from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia as a child in the early 60's(on route to Atlantic City), it was still Penn Central. A few years later on, it changed to Amtrak. Thanks for another great video JP.
You could never revive a GG1. The central transformer was designed to operate in a bath of PCB's (highly regulated, and for good reason-one of the most powerful carcinogens known). The best you could do is to cosmetically restore it with the transformer removed and put it on display. Amtrak and New Jersey Transit both looked into refurbishing them, and arrived at the conclusion that it was economically unfeasible.
These have been there since they were retired in the 1980s. They've been moved a couple times. I've known these were there for at least 20 years. They used to sit out by the main line there, but were moved in 2014. You talk about not advertising where they are, but anybody who really wants to know can search and find out in just a few seconds. Per news article, 4932 (PRR 4909) was purchased by the Ford Museum in 2003. 4934 (PRR 4917) also is said to have been bought by a different historical group (in 2008) but again it's still there. Because of the age and condition no one wants to move them on their own wheels, because of the size and location and expense no one has tried taking them apart to go on a flatcar. You should have make the trek up to Syracuse to see the one at the NYS Fairgrounds. I've been on and inside of that one (with permission) and they are tight inside. It's maintained and is in much better shape. 17:10 it's stenciled when last lubed right there on the truck All that stuff belongs to the historical society or the excursion railroad there. It's in long term storage on a track they don't use, awaiting restoration. They run excursion trains spring, summer, fall and for the holiday season. RPO is Delaware & Hudson 703 36' Wood boxcar heritage unknown Steel boxcar 40' ex-Fonda Johnstown & Gloversville, nee PRR Steel boxcar 50' ex-CACV, originally Swift Premium (GATX)
These are well known on the forums and certain sites. I just didn't want to blaintenly point out their location and was asking for people to be respectful when visiting them. Several people stopped when we were there to photograph them. If they've been there this long, I dont see them going anywhere anytime soon unfortunately.
Gorgeous old ghosts. Thanks for sharing this. I have the Hallmark Christmas ornaments version of the Lionel trains interpretation of these. Wish I lived a little closer to make a pilgrimage.
The correct term for running more than one loco from the lead unit is called M.U for multiple unit. The drivers are roller or ball bearings made by either Hyatt or Timken. They rarely need grease or oil like friction bearing journal boxes and rarely get a hot box. They have covers to keep dirt out of the bearings like hub caps on an auto. Also, they had a diesel fueled steam generator for passenger service. I road the PRR GG1's from Washington DC to New York. In the 1980's I saw them at South Amboy NJ working for NJ Transit.
Thanks for the info. I have heard people call it slave as well (b unit being controlled from a unit). Awesome memories. Not many people can say they've ridden behind a GG1.
Well not exactly forgotten- as pointed out there have been several attempts to relocate or cosmetically restore . Once the track siding at the junction was pulled the chances of relocation went to probably zero. Was hoping the ‘scenic museum’ mentioned would pull them up to their location and at least get a nice exterior restore effort done as they are beautiful pieces of machinery. There is a rumor one at least still has the original transformers intact , although drained of its oil .... great video
The GG1 was past my time, but my Dad LOVED the GG1s, and I was exposed at an early age to them by a VHS recording of "GG1: An American Classic." The song in that has been permanently etched in my head. These things are mammoth, can't help but stand in awe when you see one in person (visited 4935 and 4800 at the museum in Harrisburg PA)
I’ve been looking at those on google earth for years, they used to set, separated, on the spur track just off that mainline track about 1,100 feet (according to google earth measurements that is) to the southeast of where they set now. I’d like to go see them someday, but I live in Arkansas. Oh well. Great video, thanks for posting..
@@JPVideos81 The other end of the track is still there but you'd have to do a lot of work to get them moved to it. And not to sure on the bridge condition though. The rest of the track is in bad shape but not gone. But once you get to town, that was the end of the line. The Wye was what was removed and that was the railroad connection to the outside world. Doing so isolated the line and made it no longer a common carrier or subject to the rules there of.
Hello! I've seen these on Google Earth before (year or so ago) and when I looked at them withing the last few months, I realized they have been moved. The rolling stock including the gg1s used to be on the track closer to the road. Don't know how or when they were moved, but they were recently.
Yes, these are owned and not forgotten in the literal sense, but they have been sitting on an isolated track for several years and their immediate plans haven't happened, so the future is unknown. Best case scenario is they are restored for the public to enjoy. The info we shared is what we gathered from info online and what we saw in person.
Check out more railroad ruins here: bit.ly/2JLNKAp
@corey b couple months ago
Folks did ya know that nobody but nobody on earth has created more or worse train wrecks on earth that Amtrak and Amtrak Joe Biden. They both hold the title for more train wrecks than anywhere on earth.. Both of em gotta go...
I am curious if within one of the cars there might possibly be a generator to power those locomotives. Just a thought as it looks like they were either pushed there and forgotten or ???
Paranormal Paranonymity
Wisdom of S... ...
if the owner would rather sit and let them rust than give them away to save them, after all else has failed... I have no respect for them (the owner) I say if anyone wants to visit, they should
I worked at Wilmington Shops in Delaware, we were a heavy repair shop for the GG1's. We had 100 ton cranes and drop tables to take out motors or wheels as needed and any other repairs on the "G's". They were great locomotives.
That must of been a sight
That’s so interesting! I’m from that city and I’m so interested in the railroad history of Delaware so I’m so fascinated to know that!
It must have been awesome to have worked on those engines.
Would you happen to have any pictures of the G's? I'm from Wilmington and I'm a Railway Fan love the railroad so do my kids. They didn't want to leave Strasburg when I took them lol.
Be sweet to bring the G-G-1s back at least for electric excursion trips but that will never happen
The GG1 is still the most impressive electric locomotive I ever met. From the Netherlands I made the trip to meet her in the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum in Strasbourg. It was a great moment to me to see her beautiful appearance there. My favorite locomotive in the Netherlands was the electric locomotive Serie 1200. This was designed by the Baldwin Locomotive Works with Westinghouse corporation. The designer of this "Dutch" smaller later variant was the same man that designed the GG1. In the museum I took a nice drawing of the GG1 and it is framed as nice piece of real Railroad Art. It is a little bit sad to see the remainging GG1 outside rusting away and forgotten........
Thank you fot sharing your film! Warm greetings from the Netherlands by Arie Bert Versteeg ;-)
The series 1200 Locomotive was built in my town at the Baldwin Locomotive works
I live right near the museum, the one they display inside is breathtaking. Such a cool design, there's just nothing like it.
Meet him,not meet her!
The design is from Baldwin and the locomotives were build and assemblied in the Netherlands by Werkspoor in Utrecht with the drawings from Baldwin. The electric compomnents were build in several Dutch (Heemaf) and American industries, thanks to the Marshall help programm. @@Buhhhhhh-xi4ju
In the Netherlands locomotives are seen as a lady, like ships @@mtanyctrainatlantamartatra7164
As a British lad it amazes me that two of one of America’s most famous locos can just be left side by side in the woods. In the UK, everything is so much closer so ripping up old lines was a lot more economical. Therefore most abandoned lines have nothing left but the odd stub of an old signal pole or the leftover rubble of a bridge. Every last loco and stretch of track was quickly snatched up by preservationists or the scrappers, leaving nothing behind as a relic for enthusiasts like us to explore. As much as it’s satisfying to see locos preserved and running on heritage lines, there’s nothing like the mystery of finding an abandoned train to learn about and add to the extensive history of the world’s railways.
I agree with you a lot of lines here you may see in cities but the farther you go out the more they disappear into the ground tbh.
NJTRO used GG-1’s until they were retired in October 1983. I operated GG-1’s on Amtrak. When the Budd Multiple Unit Metroliners were being removed from service. As the new Amtrak Amfleet Coaches arrived. The GG-1’s were used in Metroliner service. The train would consist of a GG-1, 3 to 5 Amfleet Coaches,a Mail Coach upgraded to 125 mph and a Diesel Powered Generator inside to provide electricity to the Amfleet Coaches. I operated GG-1’s as a Fireman/Assistant Locomotive Engineer. Until I was permanently promoted to Locomotive Engineer in NJTRO. The GG-1’s were used in metroliner service, unit the AEM-7’s arrived and put in service. There were many times, when there were problems with the wayside signals, losing schedule time. The speed indicator on the GG-1 went to 100 mph. If the Metroliner was more than 5 minutes late to the final destination. The passengers would ride for free. When running late because of nothing that had to do with the Locomotive,Locomotive Engineer or their Fireman. The Locomotive Engineer or myself would get the GG-1 going 125 mph. Using my watch and catenary poles to tell how fast I would have the Metroliner was moving. In order to reach the final destination on time. I also operated GG-1’s until they were retired on NJTRO. The GG-1’s were fun to operate. No Locomotive Engineer that never operated a GG-1 could operate one. Without being instructed. It’s been 50 years since I last operated a GG-1. I do remember a lot about them and have forgotten about some things about them. When operating a GG-1. You couldn’t just throttle out. You couldn’t go over 1,500 amps. The GG-1’s had Quill drivers between the spokes on the driver wheels. The Quill Drivers were used to get the GG1 moving. Between 7 and 10 mph the AC Traction Motors would engage. Then you could get up to 2,500 amps. The GG1 has a 21 position throttle. Each notch send a signal to the transformer. That had tap switches on them. Enabling more Current to deliver electricity to the traction motors. If you would depress the button on the throttle handle and pull the throttle arm past a certain point. The Pantograph Relay would trip out. There was a specific procedure to reset the Pantograph Relay. If you didn’t follow the procedure. The pantograph relay would not reset. I also occasionally operated GG-1’ on Freight Trains. Freight Train TV23 and TV 24 would usually have 2 GG-1’s coupled in multiple. Making them one unit. I’m not betting sarcastic in any way. I’m just providing first hand information.
Fantastic info Thank You!
Wow, that is an awesome find! I hope they can be saved for future generations.
I started working on GG-1 electric locomotives in March, 1974 in Sunnyside Engine House, Long Island City. They were 4-6-6-4 configuration, making them capable of navigating curves at high speed. Each powered axle had 2 480 horsepower traction motors. They were AC traction motors, thus each locomotive had 12 480 horsepower traction motors. These traction motors were cooled by gigantic blowers located in each hood. When in the cabs, you could not open the hood door without first turning off the blower. On the No. ‘F’ end of the locomotives was the 11,000 volt AC transformer. The transformer was called by Pyranol which was moved through the transformer and air cooled. We were never allowed to enter the transformer room when the pantographs were up against the catenary drawing 11,00 volts, 4,000 amps potential. There was a heavy door that required a heavy pull on a handle to open the door. Well, to show you the force of this electric power, I was aboard an engine once when a fault caused a transformer explosion that literally blow the transformer door off. The engines had steam generators that utilized petroleum and they powered the head end steam for the coaches. The bodies were designed by Raymond Lowey and were famous for their streamlined design. I rode aboard these locomotives from New York City to Washington DC at up to 100 mph. Now, one engine could pull 10 heavy weights at 100 mph. I once rode in a double headed GG-1s freight and they were pulling 120 mph at 70 mph through Trenton, New Jersey. I will never forget working on these magnificent electric locomotives. Paul Messina.
I remember the GG1's when they were still in service. I grew up in South Philadelphia in the 1960's and they would run them in the Greenwich yard down near the Philadelphia Navy Yard. They had a loud hum from what I recall. I was always in awe of them. So sad to see these legendary locomotives just deteriorating in the woods. I'm happy to see that there is no obvious signs of vandalism.
These 2 GG1's are the earlier examples, because they have the long vent screens along the lower bodies. But other GG1's were rebuilt with these vents up over the shoulders and close to the roofline; because when it would snow and the GG1 would race through at 100 M.P.H., the fine particles is snow will fly up, and clog those with lower vents. Thus the higher vents are necessary for efficient operation. Also there are both types saved at museums. Like here in Green Bay at the National Railroad Museum there is GG1 4890 repainted with Tuscan Red, and 5 Stripes like cat whiskers, and upper body vents. Way back in 1995 in arrived on February 10th during a snow storm. But 4890 was traded from the B&O RR MUSEUM in Baltimore in exchange for the F.M./FAIRBANKS-MORSE H1044 switcher originally built for the Milwaukee Road, but then used by Miller Compressing in Milwaukee and numbered 1200 but I still need to find the original M.R. number. As well as the 2nd H1044 that was repainted at the NRRM with M.R. Orange and Black colors and the original number 767; and it was used for a couple of years to pull the NRRM train around the little circle of track; but hasn't been run since approximately 2001 because nobody at the NRRM knows how to run it anymore. So the NRRM needs a lot of help to get 767 running again after 21 Years. Hopefully now in 2022 somebody can help them 👍 ok. Thanks.
And I agree
But wouldn't 4934 be one of the last ones made?
Amazing information! Thank you
Gg1 baddest electric engine ever made over 50 years of service longest in railroad history loved to watch her at penn station newark when she would come over the bridge the whole foundation would shake man what an engine
My last name is muhammad not phillips
What a treasure to find this hiding in the woods! While I'm not a fan of all things trains, I love these vintage ones and the history involved. As for both of your cameras going haywire, I'm going with a haunting. The spirits probably don't get many visitors!
"hiding in the woods"? It's about 20' off the highway.
@@RussellNelson Okay, maybe not hidden in 'the' woods, but hidden by woods anyway! At least during the seasons when the leaves are on the trees.
Wow, Brings back memories. They were the only locomotives that could come into Penn Station from the tunnels. I used to walk up to them on the platforms and just stare in amazement. Great childhood memories. 😊
You're lucky to have witnessed them in person.
New Haven's Ep5's Ep3's Ep2's and Ep1's also ran into Penn Station.
They were dual mode electrics.
They ran overhead wire to Penn Station or 3 rail to Grand Central Sta.
@@arthursanders3433 I didn't know the GGs had 3rd rail connectivity; the ones I saw at the museums didn't seem to. So did they ride the LIRR? I rode some Pennsy trains when I was a kid with my grandfather, and remembered riding behind some GG1s (in particular, a red one), but thought it must have been in NJ or Pennsylvania.
@@d.e.b.b5788 the GG1'S didn't have 3rd rail capability .
The electric locomotives that the New Haven operated into Penn Sta did.
That was because they also ran into Grand Central. Aya.
As I sit in my living room, with my self built sort of home theater with the 10' screen, and this video projected onto that big screen bringing it all to life size, the child in me wakes up and anthropomorphizes those GG1s and I feel so sad for them, sitting, silently rusting away, ignored and left to die alone in a forest somewhere. RIP GG1's, I remember riding with you when I was a child, through NJ and Pennsylvania with my grandpa, he, a retired ticket agent for the PRR, who carried his Pennsy I.D., and seemed to know every conductor and engineer we met. He also got me a ride in one of those cabs, so many years ago, though I was too young to appreciate that experience like I would, today. We took many rides together, you and I, and I always marveled at the magnificence of you huge electric beasts, easily pulling our train to joyful cruising speed along the rails. Today's Amtrak diesels just don't bring that feeling back, the way you did, so long ago. On behalf of railroading fans everywhere, we miss you.
Enjoyed your video very much. The GG1 was the first motor I worked on as an electrician in 1984. Presently I teach electrical courses part time at a community college. The GG1 is constantly used as an example when discussing AC circuits. Over the years I have tried to get pictures of the transformer only to be told they were all removed due to PCBs. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for sharing
These units are known to live in Coopersville and have been discussed on rail preservation forums going back about 20 years. It's sad to see these rot away. Without some kind of major benefactor to save the day, they will end up being scrap
The creator of the video has told everyone not disclose the GG1 current location in fear of vandalism😢. Why can't people respect this!!
She needs to be saved!
As a kid in 1972 we took a trip in October of that year to visit relatives in New Jersey. As we drove through the Philadelphia area we passed a large rail yard that had these in waiting and others that were pulling passenger trains. Some were in Pennsy black and others had the then new PC logo. What I remember most, though, was the huge size of these cyclops and how scary they looked, like something out of a horror movie.
Definitely back in the day that was one of the most powerful electric locomotives manufactured. The concern with that old equipment is the Transformers Inside which had pcbs and also had in some cases Mercury rectifiers. My relatives who lived out in Pennsylvania worked for the railroad and serviced many of these units and I have a collection of photographs of this beautiful locomotive nicknamed Big Red. It's a shame. She was a beast and her speed was incredible. A rich history and Legacy of quality, engineering and craftsmanship
Tim, is there any chance you could scan and post these pictures? I would love to see them, especially if there are any interior photos.
@@The_DuMont_Network let me see what I can find. I will be more than happy to. I remember pictures of the electrical interior which was reach from the inside cab if I remember correctly. Big Transformer and a lot of relays and other devices plus they had the Mercury rectifiers.
The "cushion" mentioned on the box car refers to the couplers. The coupler shank has more travel and there's a shock absorber built in. It softens the shock when dealing with coupler slack.
Locomotives connected to each other is called multiple units and considered one locomotive . I was fortunate enough to operate GG-1’s from early 1974 until their retirement on NJTRO
As an artist studying in Philly, and as a railroad aficionado, I had a good friend in the 1970s who happened to be a GG1 engineer. Since he was seeking visits to NYC art museums, we would swap cab rides through the corridor to visit those museums. Dream come true. It was like going 92 mph in a broom closet. lol. I'll never forget my buddy or the GG1s.
I always thought the GG1 was the coolest looking locomotive ever. Remember seeing them operating when my family made trips to see our relatives in the Northeast, also had one back when I had HO trains. Once while we were visiting at my grandmother's place in New Haven we made a day trip into the City. Rode the Turbo Train (another bit of rail history that seems forgotten) to NYC but coming back we were pulled by a GG1, one of favorite train rides to say the least.
Said to see these old beauties fading away in the woods somewhere, hope they will see better days ahead before they rust away to nothing.
The problem with operating the GG1 is as others have said, the massive transformer used in it are laden w PCBs and it also likely has asbestos in it. In theory they could retrofit a modern electric drive like used in the modern alps engines bypassing the transformer. The voltage is the same today as it was back then on the NEC so in theory they could create a hybrid using the motors in the GG1 and a modern power distribution system. If they used the setup in the ALPS engine NJT uses, it could also run on the NJT Morris and Essex ( why they would want to IDK).
I suspect with the cost of trying to make it run the best would be static restoration. Maybe someday someone will figure out a way to run a GG1, would be awesome if unlikely.
At my first job one of my coworkers had been a fireman on a GG1 ( and yes,they still use the term) working for Conrail.
The biggest problem is that all 13 surviving GG1s need a new frames because of the way they were cast and that they operated for fourty plus years each, the frames many micro fractions.
Studies were done in the past of how to upgrade/repair them in the 1980s.
It's definitely possible, just very expensive.
They should've upgraded them little by little over the years.
Was the Conrail Fireman's name Mike? I used to work for NJT. Ran the Alps. My favorite though was a GP-40 and 4 cars. Also enjoyed Arrow MU's to Gladstone and Dover.
I have one of these in O gauge size from Lionel that I received from my grandfather when he passed. It's from around 1947-1950. Still runs and pulls cars like a beast. Have it set up with other very old locomotives I got from him for my Christmas display. Really neat to see a real one, although dead......but still awesomely impressive. I hope they can be saved and not end up in a pile of scrap!!
I got to actually drive one of these when I was 14. My father was station master Penn Station, Newark, N.J .
His friend was an engineer and I was coming back from a trip into the city (NYC for you non tri-state ppl) I go off at Newark to see my dad and ride home with him, he got stuck due to a problem somewhere and he sent me home in the cab of the loco. Once we were underway I got to drive from Newark to just before Elizabeth.
Something I will never forget
Incredible experience. Thanks for sharing.
I've been here! My friend lives nearby and I had to catch a flight so I couldn't pull over and take up close photos. So glad to see someone appreciating these trains and seeing up close video documentation of these. I've heard they were pulled in and had the brakes replaced. It's a shame to hear that it's landlocked. I saw these two in August so they're still here!
Thank you so much for this video!
How cool, to see 2 of 149 built GG1's at the same location. I think I know where they are 🤫, I'll never tell. I've planned to go see them but it just never happened, do to onething or another. Amazing invention for that era. I hope that someday soon they find a better retirement and get restored.
Thanks Jay and Nic 👊👍
Hopefully you can still see them in person, but if not, you got to see them here.
Thank you. This blows me away! I grew up in the 50s around Pittsburgh and trains were a part of my life. To see one abandoned, I've no words for. Steel mills died and a lot more it would seem! Thanks for this.
Oh wow that is amazing! I felt kinda sad looking at them, but it's very awesome that you were able to document them. I hope that one day the owners will be able to get them moved out and restore them and maybe put them in a museum for people to view and enjoy. The little letter box on the mail car is so cool! The music is perfect for your video and your pictures are so beautiful! Awesome video JP, thank you so much!
So glad you enjoyed it 😊
Very well done video and awesome photography. You are very respectful not revealing the location. I remember visiting those locomotives for the first time. They were in rough shape before but look even worse now but at least they are saved..... for now. Thanks for sharing
Love that old mail car, THAT would be a great restoration piece.!! .. And you can't help thinking of one of the greatest movie scenes ever.... "Think you used enough dynamite there buth".!!😂... What a great find, great footage, well done sir.!!🙏
That was supposed to say "butch"...i hate spill chick.😂
Awesome find JP! I sure hope they get restored someday! They look awesome sitting there in the woods like that! Awesome video! Thanks for bringing us along!
Such an eerie, but Beautiful site.
Marvelous find sad they have left them to just rust.
Very Kool yet sad they will rot. Would love to see in person, Thank for imagery. I wonder exactly how long they have been there...
I know where these GG1's are. The one with the grease notations was bought by the Henry Ford Museum. Last time I was there it was gone. The other one is privately owned. With the owners permission and a guide, I was able to climb inside. Fascinating. The engineers area space is quite small. I assume they were all thin. I'm 200# and had trouble moving around.
They're both still there, just moved onto one leg of the Cooperstown & Charlotte wye.
Thank you for another great video! While I didn’t get a great look at the wooden boxcar, I think it may be what is called a ‘reefer.’ A reefer would have been filled with perishables and ice would be deposited through vents in the roof and that’s what kept the contents from spoiling. Looking forward to the next train video!
Thanks for checking it out!
That is a large plug door on the car. A wooden reefer would have a smaller door. If you was to climb up and look at the roof, if it was a reefer there would be ice hatches, 2 on each end.
Those GG1s have been there a long time. I have photos of them from the early 90s when they were on the siding along the mainline. It looks like they were relocated to the old spur that goes northward. Hate to see how far they have decayed since then. But they are survivors for sure. Still hope one day some restoration can be done and they are put on display for the public to enjoy
How cool would it be if they could be saved and resurrected. This is great footage. Very much enjoyed this.
"Mail Cars" are known as "RPO" for Railway Post Office". The "Grease Boxes" are called journal boxes and they did put oil in them. The oil was applied to a lubricator pad which fitted up against the bottom of the axle. On top of the axle was a brass bearing. As the wheel turned, the pad would apply a thin coating of oil to cut down on the friction. Diesel locos also had steam generators for passenger service. The roller bearings were lubed with oil occasionally.
Thanks for sharing that
Those are "plain bearing boxes". In the days of Pre roller bearing technolgy, those boxes had babbit bearings on top of the axle. Inside the box in the bottom had either rags (waste) or in later days a manufactured foam filled cloth sponge type (forgot the correct term) that soaked up oil in the bottom of that box and lubricated the axle. It's been 40 years but I've changed a few of those. When they failed, often times the oil would catch fire hence the term "hot box" Regarding the loco. , I would like to suggest that the need for fuel would be to feed the steam generator perhaps? All that being said, most of your enthusiest followers know all this stuff. Awesome content by the way.
Oil pad are fun to change. Last time I did it was in the RR shop at Ft Eustis in the winter. And checked a set in a car at Crane NSWC before it got move several months later in 1988. Proper Army way to treat a new one is to put it in a container of car oil ( as in RR car, not auto oil ) and weight it down so that they didn't float. Then wait awhile, like a month or so. Fish it out and put in place. Then top up the oil once installed in the journal box. Talk about a messy job but a 1200 mile run without problems made it worth it.
I've been down to this spot. I was working as a sales rep and decided to take a shortcut and came up a bunch of old railroad engines and stock. There was another location with a lot more old equipment down there, that was visible from the back roads. That was 20 years ago. I was finally down that way a few years back and couldn't find the location. I might do a map check and do another visit this spring.
Great video. I always enjoy JP's laid back way of presenting his videos, not just a film maker but an entertainer and educator as well.
At the New York State Fair, they used (I don't think it's there anymore) to be a GG1 on display there, Amtrak 926. I remember as a kid just looking at it every single time in awe, because those locomotives were just absolutely massive. It still amazes me how just, massive they are, even for a Locomotive.
I used to live near there and remember them sitting on the siding, between where both legs of the wye connected to the main. I even explored them while they were sitting on the siding many years ago. The mainline RR told the tourist RR owners to remove them from the siding and drag them up onto their line a bit so the mainline RR could disconnect the wye from the siding. The main and siding are used by a class 1 RR.
How long ago was that?
@@jamespizzaz3330 If I had to guess, I was there around 2005. I left NY in 2016.
According to wikipedia, one is 4932 and the other is 4934 ( Amtrak numbers ) and the PRR numbers are 4909 and 4917. As for the location, wikipedia only shows who owns them and where the owners are located., not he location of the loco. The location is known and their pictures are on the web and on Google Earth.
Sad to see those two GG1s rusting away.
It doesn't take much to find out where they are but it is better not said. No telling if there still is oil inside the transformers and that is hazardous to deal with. Even if just on the floors, it isn't something you want people going into.
Awesome train video JP!! They’re just so 1940s retro looking!! It’s heart breaking they aren’t being resurrected and saved 😢 Thanks for sharing 👍🏻✌🏻💕
Hi from Arkansas Jay! Another great video; thank you! It's been a long time since I've seen a GG1. Those poor babies are in rough shape. 🙁
A little trivia for you.. The GG1's were known as "The silent killers" being all electric. People crossing the tracks where there were no crossings that would require the engineers to sound the horn never knew what hit them.
And the Penn Central logo was nicknamed "The worm and noodle love affair" logo. One more thing about your equipment malfunction. Look up Mercury Retrograde. We're going through one right now, and they frequently cause all kinds of strange things to go wrong with computers, cell phones, cameras, etc.
Take care, and keep the videos coming!
Thanks for sharing that info.
Awesome comment
The, Southshore railroad between Indiana and Chicago used a similar model electric locomotives. The Southshore remains active between South Bend and Chicago. I have ridden it for fun with my late father and my family. The Dune Station in Indiana is wonderful.
Those were actually little joes different design build for the ussr but because of the Cold War never delivered so they went to the Milwaukee road instead but I think a few went to south shore
The locomotives for the Southshore was called the Little Joe. They were originally built for export to the USSR, but relations soured and the locomotives were embargoed. Sputhshore and I think a western railroad bought them.
What a find! GG 1 a are my favorite locomotives after covered wagons! How sad that they are collecting rust in some forgotten location! Hopefully someone will see this video & pull these classics from their grave @ restore them.
Hey there JP……..outstanding video. Thanks for taking us along. I can only imagine what it was like to see them up close. I sure hope that one day they are rescued. Thanks again for sharing your experience 👍
👍🏽
That’s the best way to find em JP. They haven’t rusted away and nature hasn’t claimed them too badly yet. Hopefully,& some can be saved. It’s like a classic car hoard some can be saved buy t all are neat to look at what it was like back in the day..
One thing I would have like to have seen included in this video would have been a closeup of the plate on the front of the locomotive. Appearantly the overhead electrical lines are long gone. I remember Lionel Trains used to produce a model of these trains. Thank you so much for producing this video. It is truly awesome !!!
That was pretty odd what happened to you guys but still an awesome video as always. Thanks for preserving these on video Jay.
The GG-1's are beautiful locomotives.
Another great video JP! I've always loved the GG1’S, this is beautiful, and sad at the same time. I also enjoyed looking at that old mail car. The loss of the contracts with the US Postal Service is what doomed many passenger trains in the 60s. A beautiful photo montages also. That b&w photo of the GG1 with colored leaves was neat 👌!
Thanks kevin!
What a beautiful piece of history that I would love to see restored and in a museum, thanks for a great tour.
Or at least stored inside.
Wow amazing find JP it's been a long time I haven't see a GG one it's amazing how the way you have found that sad and the other point because they're just sitting there to get destroyed by Nature but beautiful that at least you got to take photos as also videos thank you for this video take care and I will see you JP on your next video
Dude, I hate seeing these beautiful GG-1's go away, It's pretty sad that these masterpiece are here to rust away.
I felt transported back in time, my favorite was the wooden car. So Bizarre about the SD cards and phone, makes you wonder?! You definitely made a work of art with this vid. Thank you VERY much for filming this and sharing. Shout out to NixCrossing for his part.💙💙💙
It was such a surreal scene. Whatever the fate is, I'm glad I was able to share it with everyone.
1: Find a home for them. (Maybe one for static display and restore the better one to running condition)
2: Start a fund raiser to get the funds to buy / restore them
3: Hire a rerailing crew to lift the trains onto trailers and haul them off to a museum / repair shop.
The track is connected to the operating portion of the museum that owns them. The switch and some length of track connected to the mainline has been removed. I believe that they were moved to the current spot before the current operator of the mainline bought it. Sometime around 2013 ish I think.
Restoring them to operating condition is futile as there is no place they could run. As has been noted already the transformers contained PCBs so not likely they would even be allowed to run. Cosmetic overhaul would be the best case scenario. It would take a LOT of money to even engineer a plan to move them by road, let alone get it done.
@@alwhalen3488 well yeah, everything cost money :) are they planing to have one on display at this museum? If the transformers are a problem then we can just bypass them and run the engine using a box car with a generator in it.
To move a GG-1 by road would be extremely expensive. There are very few trucks that can handle that weight. Plus it would take a long time to plan a route with bridges that can take the weight and bridges you can get under. You would need the first box car to carry all the paper work! Plus, how are you going to get cranes in there to lift a GG-1.
@@klsc8510 all true, but that's just how it would go. I see it as one of those episodes of "Megga Movers". Also, I heard a rumor that when quaker square got its locomotives they drove the big one over the viaduct in secret at night, the viaduct was later torn down since it was fallen apart
Hope they can restore at least one of these beauties and give it a well deserved place of honor in a museum.
The Illinois Railway Museum have both, a Pennsylvania GG-1 and a South Shore Line Little Joe. Both externally restored.
The 1950s my father worked on the P.R.R. THE GG1 Was was on the rails then !! Dad worked out of Potomac yard from 1949 till 1992 !! Runs north on 3 days road trips !!!
It is definitely sad to see the condition of these beautiful artifacts of history. But is cool to see them in Penn Central livery still. After watching this, now I want to run my PC GG1. 😁 What a great find and thank both of you for bringing these to us.
Now for you to see them in person for yourself.
😁
Fantastic JP🚂 Heartbreaking to see these in this shabby condition💔🚂 OMG that's a freaky coincidence! Sorry for your technical difficulties. At least you noticed it before leaving the location..
Would of been making a trip back if we didnt catch the glitch in time.
I got to see the one that was at Cooperstown Junction years ago. GG-1’s we’re bad to the bone! Glad I got to see one up close.
It never occurred to me that there may be a mail slot or (maybe one on each side) of train mail car. I guess it is because in my generation (born in the 1960's) I was always told by teachers or parents to keep a safe distance from train cars (but, things were probably different back in the 1940's).
Those are beautiful engines. I heard, the GG-1 that ran away and fell into the basement of the Washington Union Station close to inauguration day many decades ago, was cut apart to get it out of the basement, and was welded back together somewhere and put back into service. The last I heard, it is sitting on tracks somewhere rusting away and young people have knocked its windows out and done much graffiti on it. It may still exist. I wish it could get restored to give it a third life.
Yes, I thought that was strange too about you people losing memory from your memory cards like that.
What a great video! Thanks guys!
The train was the Federal Express inbound to Washington Union Station shortly before President Eisenhower's first inauguration. See en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 1953_Pennsylvania_Railroad_train_wreck
It's at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, but outside and in poor shape.
Fascinating! Only time anything happened to my phone and camera like your experience, I was on a tour of the orphanage at Gettysburg. 😉
Loved how the cab in the middle so they can run it either way .
Very unique and awesome
The cab is notin the middle, insread there are two separate cabs, one on each end.
I am so glad you did a video on these! I know where they are located and was dumbfounded when I saw them. Such a cool find.
What a real find JP. Amazing and so interesting to know some history, I love watching this but feel sad to sit it forgotten. Hope it will be saved….👍😊❤️
Thanks Terry
This was one of your best videos yet. I love the abandoned railroad content. You did an amazing job with the video. Hope to see more like this
This was really cool Jay. I've always been interested in trains but don't know alot about it. Thanks for teaching me something new today.
I'm still learning myself. I just enjoy watching and sharing them.
Wow what beautiful finds! The whole SD card thing is really spooky. Thanks for sharing. And Nic.... how could you have not told me about this video??? Lol
Really liked the haunting music and photos in the intro ..wonderful old relics .(sad to see the decay )..I guess some long-ago hobo does not like y''all messing around his train : } ....Love the wooden box car and the tiny letter box ..Always learn something from a JPVid ..Thank you : }
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Great video - I loved to see that old wooden boxcar & the vintage mail car - a nice bonus!
Hi! Great scene, report and video! The GG1 locomotive are unique! Great catch! New subscriber. Greetings from Italy. Stefano
Loved this video. Love the GG-1s, such beauties, only wish the UK had these styled locos...
I tripped over this video and I'm so glad I did... And so sad too. I grew up in NE Phila. in the late 50's and our back yard sort of faced the PRR tracks.
I used to watch the passenger trains pulled by the gg1's go by every hour or so. I could see them really well out my bedroom window.
As an adult I visited the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum in Strasbourg, where I got a really close up view of one of the last survivors. I walked up and hugged it. People must of thought I was nuts, but it was my childhood all over again. Now I live in SC, and I'll never get to see one again.
This was a really great find and also really sad.
Do the owners know these engines are a piece of history? They need to be saved, and not let rot, no matter what the cost.
I so wish I could help them get them into a museum where they belong. Thank you again JP.
I was raised in northern NJ not too far where the tracks coming out from under bergen hill after running under ground all the way from Penn Station. I saw plenty of these GG units on that line between NYC and Washington DC. One of the most memorable was The RFK funeral train in 1968 after his assasination. Also if anyone here is old enough to remember the tv sitcom “That Girl “ the railroad segment was filmed on that line.
This is so neat. Some damage by people, but not to bad. Thanks JP for sharing 👍👋
Hard to see something so old and historic sitting lile this .....wish they could have done something better with them..... sad ....But at the same time this was really cool to see I REALLY enjoyed it such a important part of history sure hope something good happens for them .....Great video as always very very pictures at the end the colors AMAZING !!
On the older box car the friction bearing boxes contained oil, not grease. Back then the bottom of the box was probably stuffed with what was called waste under the axle. The later ones had a pads under the axle. These stayed saturated with oil which lubricated the axle and friction bearing.
Thanks for the info
Omgoodness I wish I was there with you. I love, the old trains, and the old NYC.
Thanks for sharing. They were discontinued from service due to cancer causing chemicals in the transformers or large capacitors used in the electrical propulsion system. They were extremely powerful engines. I believe there is one you can tour in Harrisburg, PA.
I do remember seeing these on the old PRR mainline between Philadelphia, Lancaster & Harrisburg PA. You would see the sparks ⚡️ flying between the electric lines and the Pantographs (sp?)
The GG-1s were retired because they changed the voltage on the catenary. It was too expensive to convert the GG-1s to the new voltage.
Perfect music playing as you approached, you said they were forgotten….it was very sad. This was a cool explore and you both were knowledgeable. Liked the pic of the mail car slipped in!! Thanks for sharing!! 💖💙💖💙💖
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
The last gg1s in operation were on NJT and retired in 1983
Thank you for taking us; incredible American workmanship from yesteryear. I also hope they get restored! Thanks again, JP; hope you’re back to good health…🌝
Thanks!
It's sad to see one of these beautiful locomotives rott away like this
You can tell by the rust on the rails that it's been a very long time since they were used. Tracks that are frequently used are shiny by the friction of the train wheels.
Jay,
Really neat video.
I was born in 1942 and am a little rusty around the edges, as well,
But, my wife hasn't abandoned me ,yet:)
Cheers,
Rik
Hopefully hasn't forgotten you either 😁
@@JPVideos81 LOL
Sad to say, but it would probably cost far too much to not only bring her back to her glory, but to also lay enough track to get her out of there. As for Penn Central, when I rode the Broadway Limited from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia as a child in the early 60's(on route to Atlantic City), it was still Penn Central. A few years later on, it changed to Amtrak. Thanks for another great video JP.
One of the two did operate under Amtrak. Wish I was able to see one in operation.
You could never revive a GG1. The central transformer was designed to operate in a bath of PCB's (highly regulated, and for good reason-one of the most powerful carcinogens known). The best you could do is to cosmetically restore it with the transformer removed and put it on display. Amtrak and New Jersey Transit both looked into refurbishing them, and arrived at the conclusion that it was economically unfeasible.
These have been there since they were retired in the 1980s. They've been moved a couple times. I've known these were there for at least 20 years. They used to sit out by the main line there, but were moved in 2014. You talk about not advertising where they are, but anybody who really wants to know can search and find out in just a few seconds.
Per news article, 4932 (PRR 4909) was purchased by the Ford Museum in 2003. 4934 (PRR 4917) also is said to have been bought by a different historical group (in 2008) but again it's still there. Because of the age and condition no one wants to move them on their own wheels, because of the size and location and expense no one has tried taking them apart to go on a flatcar.
You should have make the trek up to Syracuse to see the one at the NYS Fairgrounds. I've been on and inside of that one (with permission) and they are tight inside. It's maintained and is in much better shape.
17:10 it's stenciled when last lubed right there on the truck
All that stuff belongs to the historical society or the excursion railroad there. It's in long term storage on a track they don't use, awaiting restoration. They run excursion trains spring, summer, fall and for the holiday season.
RPO is Delaware & Hudson 703
36' Wood boxcar heritage unknown
Steel boxcar 40' ex-Fonda Johnstown & Gloversville, nee PRR
Steel boxcar 50' ex-CACV, originally Swift Premium (GATX)
These are well known on the forums and certain sites. I just didn't want to blaintenly point out their location and was asking for people to be respectful when visiting them. Several people stopped when we were there to photograph them. If they've been there this long, I dont see them going anywhere anytime soon unfortunately.
Gorgeous old ghosts. Thanks for sharing this. I have the Hallmark Christmas ornaments version of the Lionel trains interpretation of these. Wish I lived a little closer to make a pilgrimage.
The correct term for running more than one loco from the lead unit is called M.U for multiple unit. The drivers are roller or ball bearings made by either Hyatt or Timken. They rarely need grease or oil like friction bearing journal boxes and rarely get a hot box. They have covers to keep dirt out of the bearings like hub caps on an auto. Also, they had a diesel fueled steam generator for passenger service. I road the PRR GG1's from Washington DC to New York. In the 1980's I saw them at South Amboy NJ working for NJ Transit.
Thanks for the info. I have heard people call it slave as well (b unit being controlled from a unit). Awesome memories. Not many people can say they've ridden behind a GG1.
Great video brother and great photos at the end of this video and beautiful piano music with the pictures.
There were 3 of them in Cooperstown junction next to the CN track from Binghamton to Schenectady.
Two. Still there.
@@RussellNelson thank you.
Well not exactly forgotten- as pointed out there have been several attempts to relocate or cosmetically restore . Once the track siding at the junction was pulled the chances of relocation went to probably zero. Was hoping the ‘scenic museum’ mentioned would pull them up to their location and at least get a nice exterior restore effort done as they are beautiful pieces of machinery. There is a rumor one at least still has the original transformers intact , although drained of its oil .... great video
The GG1 was past my time, but my Dad LOVED the GG1s, and I was exposed at an early age to them by a VHS recording of "GG1: An American Classic." The song in that has been permanently etched in my head. These things are mammoth, can't help but stand in awe when you see one in person (visited 4935 and 4800 at the museum in Harrisburg PA)
There's 2 of them at the railroad museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Pa as well.
Great find. Sad to see it just rotting away. I wonder what the back story is on this equipment.
I’ve been looking at those on google earth for years, they used to set, separated, on the spur track just off that mainline track about 1,100 feet (according to google earth measurements that is) to the southeast of where they set now. I’d like to go see them someday, but I live in Arkansas. Oh well. Great video, thanks for posting..
I was told that NS had them moved to their current location so they can disconnect access from the mainline.
@@JPVideos81 The other end of the track is still there but you'd have to do a lot of work to get them moved to it. And not to sure on the bridge condition though. The rest of the track is in bad shape but not gone. But once you get to town, that was the end of the line. The Wye was what was removed and that was the railroad connection to the outside world. Doing so isolated the line and made it no longer a common carrier or subject to the rules there of.
Hello! I've seen these on Google Earth before (year or so ago) and when I looked at them withing the last few months, I realized they have been moved. The rolling stock including the gg1s used to be on the track closer to the road. Don't know how or when they were moved, but they were recently.
I was told that NS asked for them to be moved further back so they can disconnect the wye that used to connect to the mainline.
Excellent video and thank you for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
Nice Video!..Love GG1's..My Fav..I guess the Train Ghost are there watching over things eh?..