End of Steam | The New Age of Railroads

The 1940's and 50's marked the end of steam on most class 1 railroads. With the onset of diesels which were cheaper and easier to operate, steam was slowly being phased out. However, some would argue that this era is when steam locomotives peaked in performance. With more freight needing to be shipped than ever before, steam traction had to be put to its limit to keep up, with some of the most powerful engines ever built made during this time. Big Boy, Challengers, Cab Forwards, The GS Class, and the 9000 class were just a few of the many mighty engines that once ruled the rails and have since faded into history.

Music: “Deep South” by Biddy Sullivan

Video Footage By:

Fmnut: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1apGMREzx11VjBJPuXhJGg
Charlie Dean Archives: https://www.youtube.com/@UCuX0poHk--DqZIVh_O9G5rQ
Sunday River Productions: https://www.youtube.com/@UCUbxF3uNCliHC4T8E7X9sug
Greg Scholl: https://www.youtube.com/@UCUEPH2fkCijkPon6U_ugNHQ
Southern Pacific
Union Pacific
Milwaukee Road
New York Central

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