I worked on these when I was paying my way through college as a Hostler with their original owner's, Canadian National Railways. If I recall correctly , 4 of the class were upgraded from FPA=2 to FPA-4 by having the original 244 prime movers replaced with the more reliable 252 series. They were actually built by Montreal Locomotive Works with prime movers built/assembled by Dominion Engineering of Lachine Quebec.
So, they shoved blind out the door to couple into the engine that was outside. They also didn't stretch to make sure the pin dropped. That's a dangerous thing to do.
I last saw these in regular mainline passenger use on VIA Rail in the mid-1980’s. They would be paired in kind, with FP9’s, and with LRCs before they were withdrawn. Watching and hearing them accelerate out of Bayview near Hamilton was always a treat.
The Victorian Railways here in Australia adopted the Erie style livery when we first got diesel electric locos in July 1952 EMD ML2 model B class locomotives " B60-B85"
Yes, it's the MU cable...it carries the digital information of where the 8 notch throttle is set from the master locomotive to any locomotives in trail...it also carries other information, like alarm bells from trailing units, reverse setting, and dynamic brake information. If you noticed, before hooking up the MU cable, he connected three air lines (not the main train line under the couplers), which control the sander and independent brake (for the locomotives only)
@@brentboswell1294 thank you. That’s very informative I suppose it is similar to how we do it in England. I know more about buses and DiamondT’s but have always had a fondness for Railways.
@@ddpeak1 in fact, the UK class 66's use the same MU (multiple unit) system-it's the North American AAR (Association of American Railroads) MU standard, but I believe that it's called multiple working on the other side of the pond 😉
Your thinking of the PA variant. Six axle, passenger units. These are the FA variant. Four axle, freight haulers. Very similar styling, easy mistake to make.
What a beautiful machine. I wish I could go back in time and see Grand Central Station filled with them. America travelled in style back then.
Grand Central Terminal rarely saw diesel locomotives. Electric locomotives were used for passenger service North of Washington D.C.
I worked on these when I was paying my way through college as a Hostler with their original owner's, Canadian National Railways. If I recall correctly , 4 of the class were upgraded from FPA=2 to FPA-4 by having the original 244 prime movers replaced with the more reliable 252 series. They were actually built by Montreal Locomotive Works with prime movers built/assembled by Dominion Engineering of Lachine Quebec.
I've operated 539, 244 an 251 engines as an engineer, I never heard of a 252. Could you enlighten me please?
Never heard of a 252 series engine. Did you mean 251!
@@gordonvincent731 there's an ALCO PAhistory on here. It covers the generations of prime movers used in the PA/FA series
@@bobkohl6779 That is a glib response. How about a web URL?
So, they shoved blind out the door to couple into the engine that was outside. They also didn't stretch to make sure the pin dropped. That's a dangerous thing to do.
Big 4 stroke sound captured very well - for a change. Thanks for that.
Warms my heart to see FAs and PAs running. Wish there was more can footage
Love these engines, I used to work on that railroad. It was only for like six months but it was a blast every day
I last saw these in regular mainline passenger use on VIA Rail in the mid-1980’s. They would be paired in kind, with FP9’s, and with LRCs before they were withdrawn. Watching and hearing them accelerate out of Bayview near Hamilton was always a treat.
The Victorian Railways here in Australia adopted the Erie style livery when we first got diesel electric locos in July 1952 EMD ML2 model B class locomotives " B60-B85"
I love it, its like watching a cartoon from the 70s depicting life on the 50's.
Awesome, it’s great to see these iconic relics have survived !!
Yes thay are the coolest.
Alcos are great!
You can't beat that Alco sound!
love to see theses big old locomotives running again
Great video, Alex. Thanks for sharing.
be great to see these on the mainline
A thing of beauty.
Good to see some oldies , been a while !
Super vidéo, merci.
Thanks for sharing
Never seen a train start up that fast beforr
It's because they're air-started like commercial trucks are. EMDs and GEs are mechanically or electrically started in comparison.
Awesome!
i like the video
way fun!
What a beautiful locomotive.😍
Was the horn in the video a Nathan M5?
Greetings from switzerland.😎
Nathan m3
Hi
Would it be ok if I used some of this footage for an upcoming CZcams video I'm putting together?
Sure if I get credit I would love to see it
Sorry I am just seeing this comment now
Wasn't this RR used in the filming of the motion picture "The Natural" - a baseball flick with Robert Redford??
Yes, and TRAINS,PLANES AND AUTOMOBILES.
What’s the cable the driver plugged in on the corridor connection? Is that to link the locos so one driver works both locos?
Yes, it's the MU cable...it carries the digital information of where the 8 notch throttle is set from the master locomotive to any locomotives in trail...it also carries other information, like alarm bells from trailing units, reverse setting, and dynamic brake information. If you noticed, before hooking up the MU cable, he connected three air lines (not the main train line under the couplers), which control the sander and independent brake (for the locomotives only)
@@brentboswell1294 thank you. That’s very informative I suppose it is similar to how we do it in England. I know more about buses and DiamondT’s but have always had a fondness for Railways.
@@ddpeak1 in fact, the UK class 66's use the same MU (multiple unit) system-it's the North American AAR (Association of American Railroads) MU standard, but I believe that it's called multiple working on the other side of the pond 😉
What does the "u" stand for in FPA-2u ? Thanks for video!
Might be UPGRADED.
*Thought only 1 or 2 of these were still operational - Ex D&H down in Mexico...*
Your thinking of the PA variant. Six axle, passenger units. These are the FA variant. Four axle, freight haulers. Very similar styling, easy mistake to make.
@@ivertranes2516Thanks...
What is the purpose of the bell that rings as the engine is turning over?
I believe it's the low oil pressure alarm