I am a retired CSX engineer from new castle pen. I worked with mike when he was a CSX conductor at the time ,he later got promoted to engineer . I loved working with mike then he left and moved down south . I sure did miss him . we had good times together .a true gentleman .!
Hi Burt, you were one of my favorite engineers in New Castle. If I had a dollar for every great conversation we had in the pool I'd have a pocket full. Burt Fitzgerald my friend how are you ! Thanks
@burt fitzgerald I was totally surprised to see a fellow co-worker in my comments and feel truly blessed to have a gentleman like my old friend Burt respond. I look up to you Mr. Fitzgerald for how you kept me safe and helped me mature, while I was quite young when I first started working out of New Castle Pa. Hi Ball to you and all the great RR family out of OA Tower ❤️
@@locomotiveengineermikebarn8042 Well Mike I retired in 2010 was glad to get out when I DID they had remotes and cameras pointing at engineers in cab so it was time to move on I love your videos they are very professional you always had a knack at photography you will always be a bright spot in my career HI BALL MIKE YOU ARE ALL LINED UP!!!!
@@burtfitzgerald2935 thanks again Burt you know after so many years RR is in your blood and you never forget the yrs past ... but it's so good to have great memories of the times when railroading was fun. Hi Ball
I’m a truck driver for 16 years and counting. For some reason I always thought you can just kick your feet up relaxing and enjoy the ride and had a bed or whatever in there. This video is very informative for those of us who are ignorant to your job.
Driving?...Where's the steering wheel just in case he wanted to pull in to a Burger King or drive it up to a convenient store? Driving? You don't something on tracks.😂🤣
Great to see it from the perspective of the engineer at work. The for us Europeans, impressive American trains with their bells and horns and impressive diesel sounds. It feels a bit like being there. A sincere THANK YOU from the Netherlands!
Fun fact, the glass in the cabin is bulletproof. For reasons you can probably surmise. Some people dont like the horns at 2:30 in the AM. Heard stories of engineers getting shot at, 2x4s thrown at them, etc.
I love traveling on trains in Europe but there's nothing like the raw power of American freight trains. I still remember seeing my first really big freight train in TN when I was a kid. We didn't have real big trains where I grew up. So when I lost count of the cars, I just couldn't believe it.
@@teeceedeecee they can be hypnotic. I have a place in Bulgaria and before I had a car there I used to travel by train a lot. Everyone thought I was crazy because the bus was faster and nicer. But the clickety clack of the tracks used to put me to sleep and because people using the train were trying to save money so first class was usually empty. But believe me it's a stretch calling it first class 😆
As an American from Ohio. I truly fell in love with Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and the Dutch people when I visited. I would recommend anyone visit the Netherlands before doing the usual Paris or London vacation.
Captain X im 14 r now man i feel u 1000000% i wanna go out to reading and norther eventually. I road in GP38-2 admiral cab 2013, which is an ex NS unit they own!
@@jed-henrywitkowski6470 next year im actually going to apply to our local s.t.e.m. program in diesel tech, so who knows, maby il rebuild diesels someday!
Reminds me how much I miss being an engineer, my railroad career didn’t last the full 30 as I wanted, but I did live my childhood dream job. Thanks for sharing Mike!
@@hoghead3368 there was a time when i told people what i did for a living, and their reply was wow what a cool job. it reminded me ya it was cool only on day one. looking back , had the time of my life . so much power in my hands . and some one trusted me with a $$$$$$$$ loco.
@Pumpum Pum Where I worked we had about 6 female engineers out of 50 on the roster, more females were conductors than engineers. It’s not impossible, thick skin is a must and a willingness to learn and not be afraid to ask questions.
Wait how did you become one? I’m an engineer working on designs behind a desk and I hate it. I wanted more hands on but didn’t think engineering was all office work. I’m considering this as a profession
I can tell who’s captain of this ship! Nice running! I can tell you’ve mastered your craft my brother. I’m retired CSX Engineer, Albany Division. Buffalo To Albany was my route 300 mile run. Sure miss the thrill of wheeling them trains around. Stay safe brother.
98% of the train ride depends upon the rail itself I cannot emphasize that enough and I'm grateful to the men and women who help keep the rails safe to ride upon , the other 2% becomes the most important factor and can even become more important at moments of high excitement and anxiety in the case of an immediate need for action on behalf of the locomotive engineer. Our skills can save the trip or destroy the town. I salute all of my fellow locomotive engineers world wide. Have a safe and enjoyable day.
Mike, you seem to have the same passion and love for trains that I do for airplanes. I just retired after flying for a major airline after 34 years of service. Love the video Mike. Thanks for sharing!
The way you interract with your conductor brings me back to many of the trips I had while I was a conductor with NS. Its moments like that that make me proud to be a railroader. Awesome videos and congratulations on retirement!
Really enjoyed this. I'm a railwayman of over forty years in the UK - not as a Driver/Engineer - so anything like this is of great interest, and I model US railway in N scale. Done a few cab patrols in my life, would have loved to have done one, in this loco. Thanks for posting, really enjoyed it.
Mike, there is no doubt in my mind that you love your job and are proud to go to work everyday. All of your videos are well done. Love your channel. Stay save!
I will be 67 years old in a couple of months hopefully and I love anything to do with trains and planes. I have built a model railroad and with the help of a computer, I have flown my desk all around the world. I spent 36 years in the fire service and would let you drive or tiller my ladder truck if I could drive your train. Oh wait we are both retired never mind. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your service to the public I was a fireman on a class 1 fire department along the way in my working career al well I worked in a pumper co. Eng. #4 along with being a damage control man on board ship in the USN 192-1975 .
Locomotive Engineer Mike Barnett, I started my career at Eng co.4 on a class 1 dept. myself. I was a ladder man for 33 of the 36 years. Tillering a ladder truck is by far the most fun you can have driving fire apparatus. The Vietnam war was still going on and I didn't get drafted so I wasn't in the military. Like Ali said I don't have a beef with those people they never called me names. Thank you for your service and enjoy your retirement from one badass profession..Locomotive Engineer.
The power. The magestry! You being the captain of that ship fascinates me and I have deep respect for you. As a trucker I used to deliver parts to your repair shops at such places at Morrill, North Platt and Barstow. I also worked the crew shuttle back in the day when your crew was four. God bless you, brother!
I thank you so much for the videos. It's not often you get to see this POV. It's so relaxing watching this, especially the night rides. You're a great engineer, i've listened in on some of the conversations and they're hilarious. I think awhile ago I saw your retirement video, happy retirement and best wishes!
Excellent video! Always been my dream to be a locomotive engineer and this has been a great experience to watch. Love the soundtrack too! Keep on doin what you do and congrats on earning that spot on the right side. Truly is an honor to work your way up to that position.
Mr. Mike I just discovered your channel....and im happy that i did...i always wanted to be a train engineer ever since i was a kid growing up in NY....and i STILL want to drive a train....these videos will motivate me to make my dream come true....Thank you
Everyone here that thinks the railway is a dream job, be ready for little sleep at some points, calls on your holidays and days off to come in (Optional). The negativity and politics are nuts.
Mike that was the best compilation of cab rides I have ever viewed. Only way it could get better would be there in person. Thanks for sharing your work with us. Will be watching for more.
Mike this is soooooo uplifting! Those of you who watch this, PLEASE STAY WITH IT TILL THE LAST 10 MINUTES. I love it!!! You're a great man. If you have children they are lucky. I see from a comment below that you are highly respected going back. BRAVO on making your own luck and not letting people telling you you're a victim. 1976 onward. Out-f***ing-standing!!!
First of all, I LOVE this perspective and I can see now why an engineer would get nervous when someone blows a crossing in front of you , I know I'll never do it again. We've got a big problem in northern Indiana with CSX blocking the crossings sometimes for over 30 minutes and even longer. I can understand successive train movements but when they are just sitting there it gets pretty frustrating. Anyway, love your professionalism and your video's, keep up the good work.
Its not that hard though. You just drive and have a talk with your colleagues all day. It would be impressive if he would have to steer. Driving a train is kids play.
I see now that being a Locomotive Engineer isn't as so much going down the track as it is stopping and controlling down the track. Reminds me of downhill skiing, when I was younger and first did it, I didn't realize the whole trick is controlling your speed down the hill, not going down the hill! Thank you Mr. Mike for the video and the nice ride on down the rails!
Hey I enjoyed your video tremendously. My big brother has been working for KCS in Shreveport,La. Since 1977. He's done everything with KCS but drive the train.
So did I .retired in 2010 on great lakes division .I worked out of new castle jct. M y run was between new castle and willard ohio and ashtabula to new castle I miss the guys and running the trains but had to move on !
@@echo-qe4gw when I hired out on the B&0 in 1967 I hired out as a fireman and worked in the rail yard at haselton ohio when a road train went by my engineer said that is where you should be because you wont learn anything in the yard so I took a pool turn and spent next 43 years on road !!
Love the video Mike. Thank you. Trains were always a childhood dream. Still love to park the car and watch :) My Uncle retired out of Chicago. I have friends that run out of Garrett, IN. God Bless.
Used to drive for a mining company in the NW of Aus. Enjoyed being out on a train but hearing the detector go off it was always "please not my train". Good to see you enjoying yourself.
I know it's childish, however, as a son of a man who has been truck driving for nearly three decades I have such awe at the road and rail logistics of this great nation. Particularly of those that go beyond a certain region.
@Alex Burns Some rail and road logistics companies, only operate within a certain state or states. sometimes, their operations may only be in one or two counties. Hence, why I said what I said, the way I did.
Thanks for the ride along man. Lost my pops to cancer bout 5 years ago. He retired from kcs as a engineer. I never got to ride with him never got this view or a chance to see how he did it. My plan was work on rail road after I graduated highschool but right b4 I did the employment office told them no more hiring relatives which had been a tradition for the rail road hell my paw paw and his brother and 2 of my pops brothers all worked for the Illinois central gulf out of the maccomb ms yard at the same time at one point. Later they said you could hire relatives as long as it was out of different yards. I had my app in at the employment office and had started driving a truck. I missed a call from my rep at the employment office while working found out later from pops they hired a couple guys so missed that opportunity. Still driving trucks now been 25 years. Time Flys. I have a tat on my back of a train and truck meeting at a crossing that says till our paths cross again pops. On it symbolic of both of us moving freight but in different ways. Apple dont fall far from the tree.
Thank you for sharing your videos Mr Barnett. Grew up loving trains and railroads but never got the opportunity. I ended up becoming a professional pilot but will always have a soft spot for those iron horses. Be safe and take care👍🏿
My grandfather was an engineer for Seaboard Coast Line for 40 years, the railroad workers retirement pay was given in one lump sum and he was exempt from the failed big government social security scam. Im still benefiting from his work decades later.
I like the name of his drink--"full throttle". I'd need a whole case of that drink to stay awake! Trains are the ultimate relaxation (for the passenger) but sheer monotony and hard work for the crew. I truly enjoyed watching this.
What an incredible video! The engineer has SO much responsibility navigating these behemoths. There's a lot of physics involved, as I understand, particularly with a heavy load (e.g. coal or grains). It's an amazing view from the engineer's perspective. Thank you so much for this!!
I would LOVE to see just a full video of him driving the trains. Only edited to hide the confidential stuff. As a teenager who dreams of being a train engineer, especially for CSX, I’m having the time of my life watching this. Keep it up!
#366 Thanks for showing, Mike. I worked for the C&O, B&O Railroad and got a chance to ride a switch engine cab, boy was it noisy. My job was a Deck Hand/Car Handler on the Ludington, Michigan Carferrys----many years ago. I'm 72 now and retired. I even wheeled the Carferry SS Badger 43, which is still in operation after all these years.
Good job rolling your train on the curves Mike. I was a SP-Up conductor for 36 years. Loved the job but now I get to sleep at night. Thanks for the trip back in time.
Holy mackerel I've been on that same route as conductor and engineer here in Atlanta. The locations at night look nothing like they do in the daytime and this video certainly expressed that! Love the shots of I-75 at a standstill while you have nothing but open track and clear signals out ahead of you. Also @19:25 Tilford yard when it still had tracks and trains. It's been a minute since it looked like that. Mr. Mike I hope I can retire one day and enjoy the retired life as you have. If you ever do a Vlog where you talk about your career I hope you mention what it was like to work on rails that are no longer there. I've been on the job for 20 years now and I have worked on rails that are not there anymore. I still have 15-20 years yet to go before I can tie em' down and pull the pin but I look forward to sharing those stories someday. God Bless you brother!
I don’t get to see what the inside of a locomotive looks like on the inside, let alone how to operate one. Great video sir, and thank you for what you do!
There are many other videos on YT showing that. Some even show how they start the engine. Check my channel for a CSX new-hire video, too. It's 22 years old, but still should interest you.
My grandfather snuck me aboard one for a couple of minutes in the 50s, and was afraid of getting caught and losing his job, he showed me how you blow the horn.
Mr Mike I wish I could have taken a trip with you sir. I know it takes a lot of dedication to do something so long but I for sure want to Thank you 🙏. Who knows how many things you brought me and I never knew it. Enjoy your family and retirement. Keep posting and educating people about those magnificent machines 😉🤩
I love these videos especially because they are on the W&A and that they are from when the W&A was a busy main route back in the early 2010's and with the old signals too. I've railfanned this line my whole life, and I'm now getting to see some of the areas that I have not seen as a railfan as they are not possible to get to. I hope that one day I will get to do what you do in these videos along the W&A.
You have got the coolest job in the World my friend. You get to run the reins of the original Iron Horse! Thanks so much for posting this awesome video! All the very best from the Great White North!
Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. Many years ago, I was a technician with CN Telecommunications, which was owned by CN Rail. I spent about 2.5 years working in Northern Ontario and often rode freights, at either end, in addition to passenger trains. I even rode a gas car once. Back in those days I was on trains so often the conductors stopped asking me for my pass. In addition to my work pass, I also had as service pass, which took me all across Canada, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island. BTW, the engineers did not like stopping freight trains if they didn't have to. That meant I often had to hop on and off a freight, passing my equipment to/from the conductor, as I walked along side the moving train. There was one occasion when I was standing below the headlight and taking pictures of the scenery we passed through.
Very cool Mike. I love the horn sounds from each engine that you run and I love when you run the trains both day and night and when it’s raining or snowing and I also love when you the trains when you are going over the railroad crossing.
Wow!! These videos are so cool! I didn't know the ride was rough like that! Ive been watching CSX trains at the Portsmouth Subdivision since I was a kid! Thanks for sharing this amazing view!
Hi Mike, great content. I, (and Im sure many fellow viewers) would love to hear some stories of the B&O, back before the CSX days. If you ever have the time, Im sure you have some hair-raising and wonderful tales. I worked at a trolley museum for a single summer and have a few tales of my own so I can't imagine what working on a Class 1 railroad for many years must have brought along. Thanks! -Chris
Great job Mike, Another one here that, this would be my dream job. Understand the lifestyle required. With going through the ranks and training. Hours and being on call. First video of yours that I've seen. Would like to see a video of the whole nine yards from beginning to end. Of the life and days of a modern railroad engineer. Hire on; training through the ranks; walking the train(weather/unusual things/odd experiences). Benefits of job/disadvantages of job. Looks great but with all that power at your hands, it has to add stress. They don't stop on a dime. I imagine once you know the controls it's old hat. And communication is key. I'm 66 now and still wouldn't mind learning to drive a d. locomotive. Looks like a exciting job and even maybe? boring at times. But as you might know boring is good sometimes. GOD Bless, Mike. May the silver ribbons, always take you home.
quick disclaimer before i say this: I'm a frequent train simulator player and have never operated on a real-life locomotive i can second all of these. Peaceful, enjoyable, and satisfying. however if you enjoy any of those too much, you'll find the polar opposite of all 3 in 15 seconds.
Nice! My grandfather on my mothers side worked the Milwaukee road from 1914 to 1972. Switching work Mpls. and St Paul MN. Could you imagine starting at the age of 14 working the railroad, he did and he loved it! As a kid i used to go to work with him on school days off. I was allowed to sit in the fireman seat or the caboose. My great uncle (grandfathers brother) ran the passenger train to Chicago from Minneapolis and I got to ride in the cab with him once. I remember I couldn't go back past baggage car but it was to noisy to go through the engine houses, had main and auxiliary unit behind that. It was cool the thumping of those V16s but to noisy. My grandfather on my fathers side work the Great Northern road in the early 1900's then started his own boiler maker company. Over history the railroads, or owner seem to look down on the guys, and gals now. Like the litigation going on now. I think those folks in the office or management should have to work on the road for a year to see what you guys have to deal with! Nice videos!
Wow. Thank you for creating this channel. I’ve just subscribed, your channel came up in my suggestions. I’ve always wanted to be Locomotive Engineer or a Subway Motorman. I am the latter. And I love what I do. Thanks for giving us a view of your behind the controls and on the road. Keep up the great work
I am a retired CSX engineer from new castle pen. I worked with mike when he was a CSX conductor at the time ,he later got promoted to engineer . I loved working with mike then he left and moved down south . I sure did miss him . we had good times together .a true gentleman .!
Hi Burt, you were one of my favorite engineers in New Castle. If I had a dollar for every great conversation we had in the pool I'd have a pocket full. Burt Fitzgerald my friend how are you ! Thanks
@@locomotiveengineermikebarn8042 YOUR THE BEST MIKE !!
@burt fitzgerald I was totally surprised to see a fellow co-worker in my comments and feel truly blessed to have a gentleman like my old friend Burt respond. I look up to you Mr. Fitzgerald for how you kept me safe and helped me mature, while I was quite young when I first started working out of New Castle Pa. Hi Ball to you and all the great RR family out of OA Tower ❤️
@@locomotiveengineermikebarn8042 Well Mike I retired in 2010 was glad to get out when I DID they had remotes and cameras pointing at engineers in cab so it was time to move on I love your videos they are very professional you always had a knack at photography you will always be a bright spot in my career HI BALL MIKE YOU ARE ALL LINED UP!!!!
@@burtfitzgerald2935 thanks again Burt you know after so many years RR is in your blood and you never forget the yrs past ... but it's so good to have great memories of the times when railroading was fun. Hi Ball
I’m a truck driver for 16 years and counting. For some reason I always thought you can just kick your feet up relaxing and enjoy the ride and had a bed or whatever in there. This video is very informative for those of us who are ignorant to your job.
If Train Drivers did that there would be so many accidents it would be ridiculous lol. Some could argue they need to be more alert than truck drivers
@@eligreg99 more capable of making quick intelligent decisions
@@justingonzalez54not without it being a safety hazard
@@justingonzalez54 Lucky
@made-in-the80s What are you butthurt for? My comment wasn’t an insult
I don’t even know why it’s so relaxing to watch him drive one of these beasts
Everything about Railroading is relaxing
@@Trainman-cw1zl ikr
@@Trainman-cw1zl He better not get too relaxed were he's sitting.
Driving?...Where's the steering wheel just in case he wanted to pull in to a Burger King or drive it up to a convenient store? Driving? You don't something on tracks.😂🤣
I live in Wales GB and every holiday my husband and I took had to include at least one or more steam train rides. xxxx
Great to see it from the perspective of the engineer at work. The for us Europeans, impressive American trains with their bells and horns and impressive diesel sounds. It feels a bit like being there. A sincere THANK YOU from the Netherlands!
Fun fact, the glass in the cabin is bulletproof. For reasons you can probably surmise. Some people dont like the horns at 2:30 in the AM. Heard stories of engineers getting shot at, 2x4s thrown at them, etc.
I love traveling on trains in Europe but there's nothing like the raw power of American freight trains.
I still remember seeing my first really big freight train in TN when I was a kid. We didn't have real big trains where I grew up. So when I lost count of the cars, I just couldn't believe it.
@@southjerseysound7340 after about the 20th car, the sights, sounds and smells sort of lull me into a trance like you've been hypnotized
@@teeceedeecee they can be hypnotic. I have a place in Bulgaria and before I had a car there I used to travel by train a lot. Everyone thought I was crazy because the bus was faster and nicer. But the clickety clack of the tracks used to put me to sleep and because people using the train were trying to save money so first class was usually empty. But believe me it's a stretch calling it first class 😆
As an American from Ohio. I truly fell in love with Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and the Dutch people when I visited. I would recommend anyone visit the Netherlands before doing the usual Paris or London vacation.
Turning the lights off to not blind the drivers on the highway. Solid.
I genuinely oould never remain alert long enough to do this job. I'd end up spacing out or dozing off in the seat.
@@andie_pants then you wake up and wonder why you're not moving because the alerter stopped the train because you didn't reset it lol.
@@maxshelltrack6131 no more run away trains
@@maxshelltrack6131 I'd need to set an alarm that goes off every 15 minutes! :-D
@@andie_pants actually the alerter sounds every fifteen secs if nothing is touched but yeah.
Just like truckers railroad workers don't get the credit they deserve. They keep our country going. Thanks for all your hard work
Love how this guy is totally chill while operating that thing.
I've always wanted to drive one of these beasts of metal, I'll be 14 soon, so its something I will consider as a career. Happy retirement!
Captain X im 14 r now man i feel u 1000000% i wanna go out to reading and norther eventually. I road in GP38-2 admiral cab 2013, which is an ex NS unit they own!
You should definitely go for it as a career. It's the best thing I feel like I ever did and the memories pictures and friends are priceless
Keep your eyes on that goal! My dad wanted to be a truck driver since he was a child. Now he owns his own tractor (truck)!
@@jed-henrywitkowski6470 next year im actually going to apply to our local s.t.e.m. program in diesel tech, so who knows, maby il rebuild diesels someday!
@@jed-henrywitkowski6470 Nice! Thx!
Reminds me how much I miss being an engineer, my railroad career didn’t last the full 30 as I wanted, but I did live my childhood dream job.
Thanks for sharing Mike!
i know how you feel. did for 15 years . never had so much fun on a job
Living my dream also
@@hoghead3368 there was a time when i told people what i did for a living, and their reply was wow what a cool job. it reminded me ya it was cool only on day one. looking back , had the time of my life . so much power in my hands . and some one trusted me with a $$$$$$$$ loco.
@Pumpum Pum Where I worked we had about 6 female engineers out of 50 on the roster, more females were conductors than engineers. It’s not impossible, thick skin is a must and a willingness to learn and not be afraid to ask questions.
Wait how did you become one? I’m an engineer working on designs behind a desk and I hate it. I wanted more hands on but didn’t think engineering was all office work. I’m considering this as a profession
I can tell who’s captain of this ship! Nice running! I can tell you’ve mastered your craft my brother.
I’m retired CSX Engineer, Albany Division. Buffalo To Albany was my route 300 mile run.
Sure miss the thrill of wheeling them trains around. Stay safe brother.
Hey there brother...how's retirement??????? stay healthy man!!
98% of the train ride depends upon the rail itself I cannot emphasize that enough and I'm grateful to the men and women who help keep the rails safe to ride upon , the other 2% becomes the most important factor and can even become more important at moments of high excitement and anxiety in the case of an immediate need for action on behalf of the locomotive engineer. Our skills can save the trip or destroy the town. I salute all of my fellow locomotive engineers world wide. Have a safe and enjoyable day.
@Cayden Webber Thank you Cayden and the many men & women who make the rails safe therefore making America safe !
Mike, you seem to have the same passion and love for trains that I do for airplanes. I just retired after flying for a major airline after 34 years of service. Love the video Mike. Thanks for sharing!
The way you interract with your conductor brings me back to many of the trips I had while I was a conductor with NS. Its moments like that that make me proud to be a railroader. Awesome videos and congratulations on retirement!
Thanks 👍
Was it your conductor sitting next to you and talking to you on that trip?
Really great video Mike!! So glad I came across this one. The music was perfect with it as well.
Thank you for your service to all of us brother.
You have one of the coolest jobs. Playing with trains all day. 👍
Really enjoyed this. I'm a railwayman of over forty years in the UK - not as a Driver/Engineer - so anything like this is of great interest, and I model US railway in N scale. Done a few cab patrols in my life, would have loved to have done one, in this loco. Thanks for posting, really enjoyed it.
I have n scale as well. N scale is awesome. Kato power
Mike, there is no doubt in my mind that you love your job and are proud to go to work everyday. All of your videos are well done. Love your channel. Stay save!
I will be 67 years old in a couple of months hopefully and I love anything to do with trains and planes. I have built a model railroad and with the help of a computer, I have flown my desk all around the world. I spent 36 years in the fire service and would let you drive or tiller my ladder truck if I could drive your train. Oh wait we are both retired never mind. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your service to the public I was a fireman on a class 1 fire department along the way in my working career al well I worked in a pumper co. Eng. #4 along with being a damage control man on board ship in the USN 192-1975 .
Locomotive Engineer Mike Barnett, I started my career at Eng co.4 on a class 1 dept. myself. I was a ladder man for 33 of the 36 years. Tillering a ladder truck is by far the most fun you can have driving fire apparatus. The Vietnam war was still going on and I didn't get drafted so I wasn't in the military. Like Ali said I don't have a beef with those people they never called me names. Thank you for your service and enjoy your retirement from one badass profession..Locomotive Engineer.
Thank you for your service Mike. Interesting to see details like this that lead you to where you are.
I'll also be 67 soon
DOBERMAN PAC, not to worry I have been on vacation since the day after my 59th birthday.
The power. The magestry! You being the captain of that ship fascinates me and I have deep respect for you. As a trucker I used to deliver parts to your repair shops at such places at Morrill, North Platt and Barstow. I also worked the crew shuttle back in the day when your crew was four. God bless you, brother!
Thanks Truckngirl !
I thank you so much for the videos.
It's not often you get to see this POV.
It's so relaxing watching this, especially the night rides. You're a great engineer, i've listened in on some of the conversations and they're hilarious.
I think awhile ago I saw your retirement video, happy retirement and best wishes!
Next best thing to a cab ride!! Thank you Mr. Barnett.
I agree
Excellent video! Always been my dream to be a locomotive engineer and this has been a great experience to watch. Love the soundtrack too! Keep on doin what you do and congrats on earning that spot on the right side. Truly is an honor to work your way up to that position.
Great video, thanks for the ride Brother Mike, Blessings to you and your family.
Mr. Mike I just discovered your channel....and im happy that i did...i always wanted to be a train engineer ever since i was a kid growing up in NY....and i STILL want to drive a train....these videos will motivate me to make my dream come true....Thank you
I worked for the Alaska Railroad for years and enjoyed every bit of it. Love your video Mike!
Everyone here that thinks the railway is a dream job, be ready for little sleep at some points, calls on your holidays and days off to come in (Optional). The negativity and politics are nuts.
Only railroaders know
@@joelwolfe7579 my dad works for panam railways and he is only awake at home for a few hours
@@district2productions very hectic some times
@@joelwolfe7579 yep
I'm ready
Thank You for allowing us to ride along.
Can't express my gratitude enough.
Love to see more.
Thanks High Rail enjoy.
It’s so calming to watch Him drive because he’s so happy and he handles the trains so well
"And here, you can see a rare glimpse of a Mike Barnett in his natural habitat. Absolutely stunning"
What an awesome job, Thank you for taking us along with you!
Mike that was the best compilation of cab rides I have ever viewed. Only way it could get better would be there in person. Thanks for sharing your work with us. Will be watching for more.
Love these videos! I could sit and watch for hours
Mike this is soooooo uplifting! Those of you who watch this, PLEASE STAY WITH IT TILL THE LAST 10 MINUTES. I love it!!! You're a great man. If you have children they are lucky. I see from a comment below that you are highly respected going back. BRAVO on making your own luck and not letting people telling you you're a victim. 1976 onward. Out-f***ing-standing!!!
First of all, I LOVE this perspective and I can see now why an engineer would get nervous when someone blows a crossing in front of you , I know I'll never do it again. We've got a big problem in northern Indiana with CSX blocking the crossings sometimes for over 30 minutes and even longer. I can understand successive train movements but when they are just sitting there it gets pretty frustrating. Anyway, love your professionalism and your video's, keep up the good work.
When ever I can I enjoy watching CSX coming up from Florida. You go right through my work area in Ariton, Al. Mike, be safe and stay focused.
I'm thinking about applying at csx. So watching this video and seeing you roll through my home town made it even better
IT TAKES A SPECIAL PERSON THAT HAS the TALENT TO DO THE WORK
Its not that hard though. You just drive and have a talk with your colleagues all day. It would be impressive if he would have to steer. Driving a train is kids play.
I see now that being a Locomotive Engineer isn't as so much going down the track as it is stopping and controlling down the track. Reminds me of downhill skiing, when I was younger and first did it, I didn't realize the whole trick is controlling your speed down the hill, not going down the hill! Thank you Mr. Mike for the video and the nice ride on down the rails!
Wish there was hours of this video. Love it. Thank you for sharing the experience. 🙏
Love watching these videos Mike, thank you for posting!
I did this job for 40 years. Retired 2009 Great Lakes Division.
Hey I enjoyed your video tremendously. My big brother has been working for KCS in Shreveport,La. Since 1977. He's done everything with KCS but drive the train.
So did I .retired in 2010 on great lakes division .I worked out of new castle jct. M y run was between new castle and willard ohio and ashtabula to new castle I miss the guys and running the trains but had to move on !
@@burtfitzgerald2935 I retired out of Avon, IN. My last runs were Avon to Toledo, OH. Plus I use to run from Avon to St. Louis, Mo.
@@echo-qe4gw when I hired out on the B&0 in 1967 I hired out as a fireman and worked in the rail yard at haselton ohio when a road train went by my engineer said that is where you should be because you wont learn anything in the yard so I took a pool turn and spent next 43 years on road !!
@@martybanks3798 my uncle worked for them as well.
This is so soothing, it’s like listening to a asmr video.
I agree---its very rare to see the peaceful inside footage like this. Great job and thank you for sharing.
Love the video Mike. Thank you. Trains were always a childhood dream. Still love to park the car and watch :) My Uncle retired out of Chicago. I have friends that run out of Garrett, IN. God Bless.
Used to drive for a mining company in the NW of Aus. Enjoyed being out on a train but hearing the detector go off it was always "please not my train". Good to see you enjoying yourself.
I know it's childish, however, as a son of a man who has been truck driving for nearly three decades I have such awe at the road and rail logistics of this great nation. Particularly of those that go beyond a certain region.
Hey mike love your videos , whats the top speed you at ??
@Alex Burns Lame.
@Alex Burns Some rail and road logistics companies, only operate within a certain state or states. sometimes, their operations may only be in one or two counties.
Hence, why I said what I said, the way I did.
Always, always, always look forward to finding another Mike Barnett VDO, He is so Cool and his videos are Great!
love this this guy, thanks for the show & god bless you sir!
Thanks for the ride along man. Lost my pops to cancer bout 5 years ago. He retired from kcs as a engineer. I never got to ride with him never got this view or a chance to see how he did it. My plan was work on rail road after I graduated highschool but right b4 I did the employment office told them no more hiring relatives which had been a tradition for the rail road hell my paw paw and his brother and 2 of my pops brothers all worked for the Illinois central gulf out of the maccomb ms yard at the same time at one point. Later they said you could hire relatives as long as it was out of different yards. I had my app in at the employment office and had started driving a truck. I missed a call from my rep at the employment office while working found out later from pops they hired a couple guys so missed that opportunity. Still driving trucks now been 25 years. Time Flys. I have a tat on my back of a train and truck meeting at a crossing that says till our paths cross again pops. On it symbolic of both of us moving freight but in different ways. Apple dont fall far from the tree.
RIP to your Pops
The closest I could get to this is train simulator 2020 and train sim world.
Try Run 8
True
TRAINZ Simulator Android.
@@SKumar-fk6tj no
TSW2 for me... looks fun though... and complicated. LOL
Thank you for sharing your videos Mr Barnett. Grew up loving trains and railroads but never got the opportunity. I ended up becoming a professional pilot but will always have a soft spot for those iron horses. Be safe and take care👍🏿
Thanks Jimmie
One of the best train videos I seen on CZcams. Please keep up the good work and stay safe.
I knew a friend when I was in high school. His uncle was a train engineer. He told me it is fun. You get to see many places. He retired in 2016
My grandfather was an engineer for Seaboard Coast Line for 40 years, the railroad workers retirement pay was given in one lump sum and he was exempt from the failed big government social security scam. Im still benefiting from his work decades later.
This is so awesome Mr. Barnett! I always wondered what it was like to ride in the locomotive. WOW! Love it!
A man who loves his job and it shows. Great videos!
I like the name of his drink--"full throttle". I'd need a whole case of that drink to stay awake! Trains are the ultimate relaxation (for the passenger) but sheer monotony and hard work for the crew. I truly enjoyed watching this.
What an incredible video! The engineer has SO much responsibility navigating these behemoths. There's a lot of physics involved, as I understand, particularly with a heavy load (e.g. coal or grains). It's an amazing view from the engineer's perspective. Thank you so much for this!!
Thank you for such beautiful moments & sharing...
Keep well..... :)
Man, what a great video glimpse at your carrier as a "Locomotive Engineer." I'm sure there's more to share! 💯
I loved this video, first person is a lot different than the railfan types. Thank you for keeping america moving.
I would LOVE to see just a full video of him driving the trains. Only edited to hide the confidential stuff. As a teenager who dreams of being a train engineer, especially for CSX, I’m having the time of my life watching this. Keep it up!
#366 Thanks for showing, Mike. I worked for the C&O, B&O Railroad and got a chance to ride a switch engine cab, boy was it noisy. My job was a Deck Hand/Car Handler on the Ludington, Michigan Carferrys----many years ago. I'm 72 now and retired. I even wheeled the Carferry SS Badger 43, which is still in operation after all these years.
Good job rolling your train on the curves Mike. I was a SP-Up conductor for 36 years. Loved the job but now I get to sleep at night. Thanks for the trip back in time.
Holy mackerel I've been on that same route as conductor and engineer here in Atlanta. The locations at night look nothing like they do in the daytime and this video certainly expressed that! Love the shots of I-75 at a standstill while you have nothing but open track and clear signals out ahead of you. Also @19:25 Tilford yard when it still had tracks and trains. It's been a minute since it looked like that. Mr. Mike I hope I can retire one day and enjoy the retired life as you have. If you ever do a Vlog where you talk about your career I hope you mention what it was like to work on rails that are no longer there. I've been on the job for 20 years now and I have worked on rails that are not there anymore. I still have 15-20 years yet to go before I can tie em' down and pull the pin but I look forward to sharing those stories someday. God Bless you brother!
Thanks Clawdya.
That's a good observation of you noticed how things look at night vs day.
Watch these movies on a big screen with stereo sound awesome !!!!!!!
Agreed! 👍
Mike whats it like to be a train engineer?
Enjoyed you my brother and the music is off the chain!!!! Loved it subscribing!!!
@@danbedford5419 It wan an awesome adventure.
How many years were u an engineer?
Awesome, thanks Mike for taking us along the ride 😀 👍
Thanks for filming this mike, I've always wondered what it was like in the drivers seat of a locomotive.
I don’t get to see what the inside of a locomotive looks like on the inside, let alone how to operate one. Great video sir, and thank you for what you do!
If you played msts or any of those simulators.
There are many other videos on YT showing that. Some even show how they start the engine.
Check my channel for a CSX new-hire video, too. It's 22 years old, but still should interest you.
My grandfather snuck me aboard one for a couple of minutes in the 50s, and was afraid of getting caught and losing his job, he showed me how you blow the horn.
God Bless you Engineer Barnett. May your retirement be long, healthy, and happy.
Mike, you encouraged me to apply for the railroad. Thank you, Brother!
Mr Mike I wish I could have taken a trip with you sir. I know it takes a lot of dedication to do something so long but I for sure want to Thank you 🙏. Who knows how many things you brought me and I never knew it. Enjoy your family and retirement. Keep posting and educating people about those magnificent machines 😉🤩
I love these videos especially because they are on the W&A and that they are from when the W&A was a busy main route back in the early 2010's and with the old signals too. I've railfanned this line my whole life, and I'm now getting to see some of the areas that I have not seen as a railfan as they are not possible to get to. I hope that one day I will get to do what you do in these videos along the W&A.
You get to do what he do?
You have got the coolest job in the World my friend. You get to run the reins of the original Iron Horse! Thanks so much for posting this awesome video! All the very best from the Great White North!
Thanks for the nice comments.
Awesome video....I could watch these videos all day long. Great work Mike!
This my dream job, it's really relaxing to watch a train engineer driving these big locomotives, this is a great video
Imagine having this job and seeing all this beautiful scenory
God bless this man!
Congrats on retirement!!
Thank You For The "Railroad" Rides You Have Givin' Us.
A channel I can actually see a train engineer drive a train definitely getting a subscriber
I’m a TrainBuff and I’ve had Engineers loss me water and wave. Nice guys.
" i thought somebody was back there on that second engine"
🤣
Cracked me up. Great vid. Look fwd to more
These videos are amazing! Now I know even more about a typical day in the train industry!
Simply Awesome Sir! I really enjoyed this video. This gave me a Completely New Perspective on Railroading! Keep Up Your Good Work!
Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. Many years ago, I was a technician with CN Telecommunications, which was owned by CN Rail. I spent about 2.5 years working in Northern Ontario and often rode freights, at either end, in addition to passenger trains. I even rode a gas car once. Back in those days I was on trains so often the conductors stopped asking me for my pass. In addition to my work pass, I also had as service pass, which took me all across Canada, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island. BTW, the engineers did not like stopping freight trains if they didn't have to. That meant I often had to hop on and off a freight, passing my equipment to/from the conductor, as I walked along side the moving train. There was one occasion when I was standing below the headlight and taking pictures of the scenery we passed through.
Very cool Mike. I love the horn sounds from each engine that you run and I love when you run the trains both day and night and when it’s raining or snowing and I also love when you the trains when you are going over the railroad crossing.
what sound track is that playing?
Wow!! These videos are so cool! I didn't know the ride was rough like that! Ive been watching CSX trains at the Portsmouth Subdivision since I was a kid! Thanks for sharing this amazing view!
Brought back memories of my NYC rail yard work at Albany on 2-6-2 Hudsons and later at Selkirk depot. Thanks
Hi Mike, great content. I, (and Im sure many fellow viewers) would love to hear some stories of the B&O, back before the CSX days. If you ever have the time, Im sure you have some hair-raising and wonderful tales. I worked at a trolley museum for a single summer and have a few tales of my own so I can't imagine what working on a Class 1 railroad for many years must have brought along. Thanks! -Chris
Great job Mike,
Another one here that, this would be my dream job.
Understand the lifestyle required.
With going through the ranks and training.
Hours and being on call.
First video of yours that I've seen.
Would like to see a video of the whole nine yards from beginning to end.
Of the life and days of a modern railroad engineer.
Hire on; training through the ranks; walking the train(weather/unusual things/odd experiences).
Benefits of job/disadvantages of job.
Looks great but with all that power at your hands, it has to add stress.
They don't stop on a dime.
I imagine once you know the controls it's old hat.
And communication is key.
I'm 66 now and still wouldn't mind learning to drive a d. locomotive.
Looks like a exciting job and even maybe? boring at times.
But as you might know boring is good sometimes.
GOD Bless, Mike.
May the silver ribbons, always take you home.
i love the raw video and the camera placement really well done love to see more vids !!
Thanks for the ride. My Dad was a 40+ year man with Southern.
Keep an eye out for Hobo Shoestring!
Dude needs all the luck he can get :)
Lol he's probably out there some where
Lol
Knowin him he was probably ON the train! LOL
Good ol shoestring! He’s a legend
This is the first thing that poped up on my home page :D
Thank you for posting this, Mike! My dad's cousin worked on the ATSF for many years.
Well, at least CSX has the same blue and gold yellow as the old Santa Fe. Born and raised in California, the Santa Fe was my favorite railway.
Thanks Mike for all those years of keeping that steel beast running straight and true!
That looks like one of the most peaceful, enjoyable, and satisfying jobs on the planet.
@JDTX .JDTX I can imagine in urban areas being super stressful.
I was thinking that the rural areas out in the countryside must be nice and peaceful.
quick disclaimer before i say this: I'm a frequent train simulator player and have never operated on a real-life locomotive
i can second all of these. Peaceful, enjoyable, and satisfying.
however if you enjoy any of those too much, you'll find the polar opposite of all 3 in 15 seconds.
@@thetreedemoknight4827 as with anything.
Nice! My grandfather on my mothers side worked the Milwaukee road from 1914 to 1972. Switching work Mpls. and St Paul MN. Could you imagine starting at the age of 14 working the railroad, he did and he loved it! As a kid i used to go to work with him on school days off. I was allowed to sit in the fireman seat or the caboose. My great uncle (grandfathers brother) ran the passenger train to Chicago from Minneapolis and I got to ride in the cab with him once. I remember I couldn't go back past baggage car but it was to noisy to go through the engine houses, had main and auxiliary unit behind that. It was cool the thumping of those V16s but to noisy. My grandfather on my fathers side work the Great Northern road in the early 1900's then started his own boiler maker company. Over history the railroads, or owner seem to look down on the guys, and gals now. Like the litigation going on now. I think those folks in the office or management should have to work on the road for a year to see what you guys have to deal with! Nice videos!
Thanks for this. It was an absolute joy to watch.
Thanks Bob.
Wow. Thank you for creating this channel. I’ve just subscribed, your channel came up in my suggestions. I’ve always wanted to be Locomotive Engineer or a Subway Motorman. I am the latter. And I love what I do. Thanks for giving us a view of your behind the controls and on the road. Keep up the great work