Soo Line steam train locomotive 353 barks up hill at Rollag MN

This goes to show that a little engine can make a lot of noise! It is an ALCO built B-4 0-6-0 switch engine, built in August 1920, equipped with power reverse, Walschaert valve motion, piston valves, superheaters, and a 5000 gallon tender. It has two whistles, the larger one is a 6 chime and the smaller one is a 3 chime. The locomotive weighs 150,000 pounds, and it has a tractive effort of 31,200 pounds. It was built to operate at a pressure of 180 pounds per square inch and it continues to operate at that pressure today. WMSTR acquired the engine and modified it slightly; the superheaters were removed, and the footboard on the front was replaced with a boilertube "cow catcher". It also got a new coat of fictitious "WMSTR Railroad" paint. I am 17 years old and I helped in making this engine run for the 2006 show. Enjoy this clip, it is worth the loading time.

Please rate, and feel free to comment.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• steam
• locomotive
• train
• 353
• sooline
• rollag
• wmstr
• engine
• 0-6-0

[prosperabovehaters]

when you guys are taping why don't you stop chasing the train and just let it pass.

[spencermcgrew]

@prosperabovehaters Because the locomotive was pulling its guts out and it would be an enormous auditory loss to not do it.

[NonFerrousBueller]

@spencermcgrew Have to agree with prosper... If you don't have a Steadicam, just hold still. The Doppler shift of a passing train is a wonderful thing, shaky footage is not! Thanks for taking the time to post the video though.

[spencermcgrew]

@NonFerrousBueller Thank you for your input. I agree that the shaking is distracting. My goal in posting this video was to raise awareness of steam. That I'm having this conversation with you today seems to indicate some level of success toward that end.  However, there still remains much work to be done. I urge you--and anyone else interested in history and film--to take some time to record these giant beasts. Future generations will appreciate the gesture.

Regards,

Spencer

[quatfro]

Can someone tell me what a Ripkin rod is? I've looked it up and there appears to be no reference to it on the internet whatsoever!

[spencermcgrew]

It differs from the original Walschaert gear in the motion that is given to the lap and lead lever. Instead of being connected with the cross-head, the lap and lead lever, G, is here joined to the connecting-rod by means of a lever- arm and link. The swaying of the connecting-rod has the effect of hastening the motion of the valve at certain points of the stroke, thus giving a more advantageous movement to the valve, especially for the starting of heavy trains.

[4freespeech]

It's old but quite smart technology that a steam locomotive makes its highest torque and horsepower at the lowest speeds, just the opposite from gasoline and diesel engines.

[dutchtrainmanserie22]

Awesome video 5*****

[fluoridekid]

The little engine with a great big heart and what gorgeous sounds. Love those chime whistles and the steam. Awesome! :D

[BUICK925]

it is soo cute

xD

[Gunny761]

@N617A Yes, generally the steamers were more powerful than the diesels of the 1940s. The New York Central railroad actually ran a test that proved this in 1946. Their individual E7 diesels generated only 2,000 horsepower each, but could be easily lashed together to provide more power. Their Niagara 4-8-4 steam engines generated 6,700 horsepower each.

[N617A]

i am a train guy myself i must say this locomotive is very good!!!!!!!! diesel electrics in comparison are more modern... people not used to this sound... i also have to ask werent steam locomotives stronger then a diesel electric with NO B units? i know there heavier but i dunno about stronger.

[NonFerrousBueller]

@spencermcgrew Search for this video - s6Q072tuF7M

(Youtube doesn't allow posting of links, sorry)

Cheapie steadicam.

Keep filming!

[Gunny761]

Whew! Few things say "Get off my rails" like those SOO 6-chimes! Thanks for the video!

[paullubliner]

@spencermcgrew Does that make it an all square set up?

[paullubliner]

@prosperabovehaters: Sounds as though you are a beginner. It's called a "pacing shot." Has been for a while. Over 100 years.