The Day Western Maryland No. 502 went up in smoke!!!!

[jdoggybizzle]

Had that been a Patriots locomotive it would have been just fine.

[deloreanman14]

And steamers carry diesels for backup? Looks like it should be the other way around.

[TheStrasburg90]

Why the HELL did they try to restart it????

[pastorgeorgem]

LOL 502 Got owned

[cvrnut09]

Looks like the batteries bit it when they tried to restart it

[bigboy4016]

Heh... nice. Not only did the turbo go, the batteries look like they are on their way out lol, and goes to show you, steam still has life.

[pennyf9]

this video should be named "The day 734 showed 502 who's boss."

[Conrail6370]

pennyf9, You said it! Steam is still King!

[pennyf9]

@Conrail6370 yeah, steam is REAL power!

[justin10347]

Sooo wait a minute the 502 blew it's turbo or what??

[BigUnitBeef]

LOL....turn the 2-8-0 around on the turntable anf bring it back to the shop!.....with the deisel in tow of course....lol.

[locomotive131whistle]

but the turbo is what give a extra boost of strength

[steamman5320]

No way a blown turbo cost 1mil to rebuild. You can get a totally remanufactured engine to go in there for less than a couple hundred k.

[yerkees9891]

@steamman5320 exactly. its always cheaper to buy something new than it is to restore it

[AlexR47x]

I guess A Steelers fan must've sabotaged the diesel haha

[GoldenCreekValleyRR]

thats what you get when you paint RAVENS on the side of it. not natural. those colors burn through anything.

[MrTrainFan3985]

not to be hateful or somthing against the ravens but... serves the ravens right.

[ELMSLines]

its engine No. 734

[318Captain]

Silly diesel, smoke and steam is for real steam engines. lol. Personally I think they fried the electronics. Any clue as to what happened? More to the story?

[Conrail6370]

318Captain , They fried the Turbo. and some rich guy donated the million dollars to restore it that year.

[318Captain]

@Conrail6370 oh wow, that was nice of him. :)

[CGiordano464]

hahahaah i thot the fire in the loco went out wen i saw all that smoke hahahahaha. why they need the diesel anyway? cant the steamer and train make it up the grade im sure it has before!

[trainlover479]

down with deisiels! STEAM FOREVER!

[guilford681]

jesus what did they do to it

[jimmydcap]

Oh that looks like it going to cost a ton of money to repair...

[Steam501]

After watching this clip again, I think #502 wants to become a steam locomotive. Look at all the (white stuff) rising into the air. Whee do they shovel the coal ? Ha... Ha...

[Steam501]

Steam Rules. Looks like the story about the " hunter becomes the hunted. " Payback by the Gods of Steam , baby !!!

[Mrhelicopter]

Thats me at the first vestibule on the 6th car.

[mlavender480]

Why in God's name did they try to re-start that engine???

I'm guessing they blew the turbo, from the way that GP30 was blowing black smoke when it passed the camera...

[thomasVSstewie]

You know what else is stupit? Making a Baltimore Ravens paint job on a train. It's an excursion, not a superbowl express

[troy12n]

@meccaturbo

Unit was repaired and repainted into black WM paint

[jackjackthebomb]

someone got alittle too carred away with over kill

[vettebecker]

HOT FLASH

[rboffill]

this justs goes to show another great example of why steam rules

[trainmandan05]

Arent some of the cars here from the NS excursion fleet? I can see that the ex-CofG combine Man of War is present and the ex-Sou coach "Cresent" is here.

[OldHowlingHound]

Were they actually trying to re-start the engine or were they trying to work oil into the turbo charger bearings? If you listen shortly after 502 passes you can hear the Diesel engine bog down. OVERLOAD

[extremeweather09]

When they try to restart that engine it sounds like there is no compression to it either. That dont sound like a GEEP that Ive ran start like that!

[extremeweather09]

U can see that GP running hard after they went by just by looking at the smoke. That steam engine has more then enough power to climb that grade without the help of the GP. But yea in that case i would not have tried to restart that engine with all that smoke coming out of it. i grew up with 2 railroads in MA. the one i worked for was Cape cod railroad. So i know if a engine like that smokes. I'm not gonna try to restart that. They are just idiots for doing that.

[Conrail6370]

scottandbonnie

I went on a WMSR excursion back in the summer of 95 and is was a JOKE! The damn train spent more stopped than it did moving. Almost 6 hrs. of being literally locked up in the cars that were filthy and smelled like a wet diaper we finally returned with about 150 very angry passengers, that were promised refunds at the Frostburg turn table, then rudely told at the depot no refund would be issued and if "we didn't like it don't come back" then had the guts to ask for donations.

[starbearry]

They called the Frostburg Fire Dept but the firetruck wouldnt start

[Conrail6370]

The fire Co. did come to the locomotive I was the one who open the gate for them to come down to the track. I have video of the fire Co. too.

Len.

[xxHaloVidsxx]

dumbasses

[4freespeech]

Being from that area and acquainted with those in "authority" over that mess it's been a constant source of amazement that they haven't managed to burn up, wreck or explode the steam locomotive yet. Proof that God has mercy on fools and children.

[maz323se]

First rule of railroading,. If it starts to smoke when and where it shouldnt, bad order it, and park it. Seriously, If the prime mover is smoking that much when its not cranked over, Why would you even think of trying to fire it up?

[birdturd11]

could they have had the diesel helper to supply the passenger cars with power, and for safety reasons, like air for the car brakes and stuff, in emergency situations?...

[WMtrains]

Ya I don't think they really need it

I mean i've seen videos of 2-8-0s in the

50s pulling frieght trains twice as long as that on that same route.Nice video:)

[Conrail6370]

Thanks.

Len.

[gaycowboy31]

that was my exact same reaction the first time I saw the 734 in action

[ChrisC1]

What I cant figure is why they even have the diesel engine on the string, like its helping. Im sure the steam engine could handle it just fine. Why do they need it?

[WMtrains]

Why is that painted in Ravens colors?

[iceman977th]

I think it was a prediction of the Playoffs 3 years later.

[FireCaptE9]

Speaking as THE #1 Pittsburgh Steelers fan---LOLOLOL

[charlie8575]

I can't tell diesels apart. What is that poor suffering engine, a GP-something? Beautiful steamer, I always liked the fireball logo, and the coaches are lovely. Looks like a trip to Maryland's in order.

[Alcochaser]

It's a GP30. Former reading.

[60103Henry]

Great video, 5 stars! whats wrong with the diesel?

[ohiosouthern]

Its smoking more than the steam engine.

[Dockshund]

Bad day. How did that big guy get on the roof? I believe this was God's work, punishing the Railroad for painting a diesel in the "Baltimore Ravens" scheme.

[kirbygrubb]

either that or it just commited suicide.

[tenthovi]

First of all it looks and appears to be problem with the Turbo. It appears not to be a serious fire. Problem with local fire departments responding to incidents like this is there first action is to soak the entire engine including the high volatage cabinet that is right next to the turbo. Also if you look where the engine is at it is fouling the switch so 734 can not get into position with out side swiping the 502. That is why they run with power on the end when they run large trains.

[TPM75108]

I thought the fire was bigger than that and that's why they had to repaint it.

[Conrail6370]

The heat from everything melting is why they repainted the 502 Ex Reading Company Unit.

Len.

[trainboy911]

BURN DIESEL BURN is all I got to say about that. I don't give a care for diesels. Go back to steam I say.

[dylansparks5152]

Thats Sad A Diesel Cant Keep Up With A Steammer. I SAY GO BACK 2 STEAM!!!!!!!!!!!

[KZ1993]

What was that I heard about diesels being more efficient and needing less maintenance than a steamer? hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?

[Alcochaser]

Forget the Diesel blowing up. This is some of the best stack talk I have heard.

[Conrail6370]

Yes I agree on the stack talk, you should had heard it before they even got to this point on the grade. 734 was slipping a lot and you could hear the echo's 2 miles away. It sounded like thunder.

Len.

[OldHowlingHound]

They should have uncoupled 502 and let 734 pull the train on to Frostburg. In addition they needed to have 501 come and tow 502 to the shop. What sounds did 502 make just before the heavy smoke? Any exhaust howling or any pops and a blast of steam sound?

[Wehategod]

No wonder the Engine went up in Smoke it was a Balitmore Raven's Engine like the team this engine too went up in smoke.

[dylansparks5152]

Just Goes 2 Show. Steam Is Better Than Diesel.

[himfan2215]

ooh **coughs horribly **

[SR722]

Should rename this video "Irony".

[pwwoodring]

You can't start/restart a locomotive without the isolation switch being isolated - doesn't matter what position the reverser is in, although I've never tried without having it in neutral. Yeah, not a good idea to try and restart a unit with smoke pouring out of it. I can understand the crew's desire to salvage the trip if they could. If the cause was crankcase over-pressure, pistons could come flying out the top of the block.

[smutpuppy65]

stick it with a fork... its done lol

[GP9railfan]

BTW, that was a great catch!

[Conrail6370]

Thank you.

You just don't know what your going to see when you go out to railfan. I thought when I first started to film that 734 was really working hard. well I guess 502 was, because she had a melt down. lol.

Len.

[Conrail6370]

Can we say, people don't know what the heck they are doing? I saw quite a few things they didn't do. I members at a local fire company near to where I live. and they broke a lot of fire codes. and in dangered a young child too.

Len.

[GP9railfan]

Yeah, why was that kid on the engine during an emergency?!?!?! You can actually hear a pop from the front traction motors while they were cranking it (while still in reverse), & then the smoke started rolling. Probably from the traction motor overloading from excess draw. I'll bet a couple of their so called "Engineers" got fired for that. Should have been paying more attention to the amp levels/draw,etc. I'm no engineer, but I've been "trained" on how to operate a loco, & know what (not) to do!

[chikenpicken123]

give me a break. how come every steam train in this country needs a diesel hooked on to it. the 734 is one of the most supreme locomotives in the country. it can pull a few coaches fine without some dimebag diesel breaking down on 'em.

[WhyAyeMann]

well dude, trust me not every steamer has one. The engine is there just incase there is a problem. But more than often stuff like this will happen.

[chikenpicken123]

yeah, you're right. and it's not EVERY steam engine. but there's always diesels hooked on to the daylight, sante fe 3751, reading and northern 425, UP 844, and this one- 734. i'm sure that day was a sweet, sweet day for steam lovers, watching this diesel breaking down behind a steam locomotive.

[WhyAyeMann]

i dont exactly like seeing diesel engines breaking down or wrecking cuz, well... ITS NOT GOOD. However, i laugh at the irony of it.

[canadiantimberwolf1]

My 2nd concern,WHY the heck was the engine still coupled to the PASSENGER CARS? Why was it not uncoupled?Plus why is there a CHILD on the engine with it smoking like that steamer up front? There's alot of work that was put into this program and someone is not useing thier heads to ENSURE PASSENGER SAFETY. The Diesel,as much as it is my favorite,is replacable....PEOPLE ARE NOT. Think before someone pays in the wrong way.Best of Luck for the Future.

[EastPennProductions]

Locomotive No. 502 was reapared and is now working again. It's an Ex Reading Company unit.

Eric

[canadiantimberwolf1]

Hi Eric, Listen too see that old steamer running along is always fantastic to see.One day coming down to see and ride this Railway,would be something I would love to do.

My passion has always been Diesels and too me an Ounce of Prevention with a few minutes in the morning,saves embarrassing moments like what I saw and then a quick little check later in the day,speaks volumes.Passenger Safety is Paramount as they pay the BILLS & FUEL.That is FANTASTIC NEWS and ALL THE BEST TO THEM.

[canadiantimberwolf1]

Actually Eric,I would love too see a video from the Cab of #502.There is nothing better than that powerfull 16 Cylinder windup from Notch 1 to 8.Plus just the look of an EMD GP or SD is just perfect. Would you have any more Information on her.I would love to see more video on Locomotive #502 in action from doing the job she performs to just looking round her and listening as she rolls by.

[canadiantimberwolf1]

I'm a Diesel Man through and through.I do enjoy the Steamers,but there is just too much work involved.A burning engine could be a dozen reasons,but the one area that is in the fore-front for me!Who did not do the inspections to see if the Diesel had any possible for-seeable prblems?If I was running the program and my diesel went up in smoke,someone would have a butt that would be smokng just as much.$100.000.00 worth of junk because someone did not notice a lose clamp.Yeah I'm Impressed...NOT.

[Enginer12]

That steam locomoitve can do just fine with out that grungy old diesel. The diesel just takes the thirll out steam when you see it on the end of the train. Yeah the fireman made a dirty fire, if you aske me a white clean smoke look's a whole lot more thrilling than drak dirty smoke.

[4freespeech]

An old friend of mine who was a steam locomotive engineer for 30 years said if your fireman allowed such a "dirty fire", (a coaling over at slow speed where the draft isn't enough) he would be "called on the carpet" because it cokes up the flues in the boiler and causes more downtime for maintenance. You anticipate the grade and feed your fire several minutes before the hard pull, then add coal slowly as the engine lugs down. But that thing's strictly pu**y

now anyway; just for looks, not work.

[Hickthu06]

looks like the lil' man is gettin' his railroad career started early. What the hell happend? That motor looks to be done for..lol

[GSpro]

You were able to see the steamer had trouble by the way it was just spooling out smoke like all hell, and the wheel slip also. I probably wouldn't of been that close when they tried to refire it though. It makes a loud popping noise at about 2:06.. kinda sounds like a backfire.

But I sorta find it funny.. me being a Steelers fan, lol.

[Conrail6370]

Most funny thing about 502 is it's a former Reading Company locomotive, it should be a Egale's fan. lol.

Len.

[Shield1751]

any idea what number it was as a reading unit?...and YES it should by all means be an eagles fan! E. A. G.L.E.S.!

[Hiei2k7]

Bears fan here. Chicago (LaGrange) built locos for years, and i'd have to say that white smoke under the damn carbody = ELECTRICAL SMOKE which = BAD!

Also, the white that's rolling out of the diesel at the beginning would have to be overheat or simple loss of oil pressure/loss of lubricant/PISTON LOCK which = TERMINAL FAILURE!

[LocoCyc]

Two things: One, 734 was having absolutely no trouble at all. The reason for the black smoke (which I belive was never questioned on a COAL fired steam locomotive) was due to the fire being recently coaled over and thus, the colder areas in the fire igniting the coal, before proper ignition temperature. Two, that "popping" noise was nothing near a backfire. If you listen again in the video it'll happen again. All it is, is the air dryers on the main air pressure reservoir, that drain moisture

[bstep13]

that is historic!!! Very Nice Train!!! Love the Old Locomotives!!!!

[choirboyfromhell]

Did we bother to open the isolation switch before trying to start again? Thought so. I'd say the generator is cooked too, along with the traction motor.

[gw90isback]

Is it running now?

[Conrail6370]

yes 502 is working again , they had it up and running by October of 2005.

502 is a former Reading Company locomotive and noe one donated the money to get her working again.

Len.

[TVRM610]

What was wrong with them crazy Yankees trying to start the stealth leader back up?

[Polybun]

hmmm, doesnt' look totally fatal, just looks like a traction motor called it quits, which pushed the load through the sky on the prime mover, got a lil warm, vented a little bit of coolant. Look repairable. Typically, you know when its catostrophic problems, as it A. goes up in flames, or B. sends chunks of metal flying through the air, but most often, both A. and B. That was smoke, they come back from smoke usually.

[Wehategod]

wow thats all i have to say

[WMProductions83]

RustyMetalBoxes is correct but the 502's turbo got so hot that the oil on the bottem of the turbo caught fire.

[predsfan08]

heh it was a Baltimore Ravens engine that's funny.

[DASCO2136]

just like the 502 the ravens went up in smoke this season.

[devildog947]

No kidding

[gw90isback]

Ravens still ROCK! just not this season.

[DASCO2136]

They rocked 8 years ago. Like every superbowl winning team they always go through a down year. Example: The 49ers won 5 Super bowls in the 80s and how are they doing now? terrible. Your ravens are possibly heading in that direction. I say maybe because there's a new head coach this year and you dont judge good head coaches in their 1st job. Look at Bill Belichick for instance he had 4 losing seasons & 1 winning season in his 1st stint. Now he has 3 Super Bowls and todays dynasty.

[gw90isback]

yeah! But I live in baltimore so I can hope can't I?

[DASCO2136]

yes. By the way you guys have a nice stadium. I was down in the Baltimore area about 3 weeks ago and i went to the B&O museum in downtown and i passed by the place. Definitly looks nice from an outer apperance.

[roadwolf2]

it looked to me like a fuel fire coming out of the hood

[SPUPRR]

actually,That might be the wires to the batteries or the batteries themselves.The bats are stored under the cab about where that smoke came from.

[THandBfan]

Damn she was an old GP too. What a shame. :(

[WSOR10C]

why the heck did they try to start it up again

[RustyMetalBoxes]

They tried to restart it b/c the turbo charger itself is cooled by an oil pressure system via an oil line tapped directly off the crankcase.  With the engine running, oil could reach the bearings on the turbine and cool the unit down.

[Conrail6370]

If the Turbo overheated, then how come they tryed to restart the locomotive?

I do know they were working the 502 very hard that day climbing the grade, you could hear the wheels slipping on 734.

[Spooler734]

The turbo on the 502 overheated and caught fire.

[Conrail6370]

The motors shorted out on the wheels. I was told this by Mr. Carl Franz.

[JWall416]

No, it probably overheated. The smoke when they tried to restart it was most likely a "hot box", or something. More pressing... that is a REALLY crappy head of steam in the 734.

[greywolf45]

It wasn't a "hotbox". A hotbox is an over-heated bearing. The smoke came from the traction motors on one of the trucks on 502, and didn't start smoking till they tried to restart it.

[Spooler734]

Poor 502, never been the same since. :(

[TECHKLEC]

Hey, wait a minute...isn't that a little kid leaning on the handrails at around 1:51???

[Conrail6370]

Yes it is. He is a son of one of the crew members.

[BigBoyCarlos]

and they say thay have the diesil if the steam engin stop working in this video the tabes truned

[Conrail6370]

What time your going up?

[Hickler90]

Len, i got some good footage of my trip back, go check it out!

[Conrail6370]

Did you go out tonight and chech night hawks?

[Hickler90]

Nope, Too rainy tonight, but tomorrow im going back to the reading area and catching all the Jcts and whatnot, so ill have some good action tomorrow!

[Conrail6370]

It had a mager melt down. All I know I smeld melting plastic as it went past.

[Hickler90]

Wow, sucks for that crew

[Conrail6370]

well you would had too. lol.

[Hickler90]

Yeah, but do you exactly know what happened? It looks like at the end the traction motors burned out

[southern2716]

The smoke from the burned up turbo is getting sucked out of the carbody and down the traction motor blower ducts. Not real good for the traction motors!

[Hickler90]

What happened to it? Damn there was smoke coming from every crack on it, i like youre commentary at the end, "oh thats not good, im getting the hell out of here" lol