I have watched the movie Unstoppable numerous times as I find it entertaining. I know Hollywood uses artistic license freely, but something in this movie that gets to me is Frank stating that his SD40-2 has 5000 HP. Am I missing something? Was there ever a SD40-2 made with more than 3000 HP?
Assuming there wasn’t, why would they exaggerate that much? I suspect most of the viewing public wouldn’t know the difference anyway.
hbgatsf,
To the best of my knowledge all of the EMD 40 series diesel locomotives powered by the 645 V-16 engine–F, GP, SD, SDP, -2, T2,–all of them were 3000 traction horsepower. Remember, to get an additional 600 horses, EMD had to stretch the 645 to 20 cylinders in the SD-45.
The 5000 horsepower was just Hollywood BS. Enjoy the photography, ignore the dialogue.
Given the choice: 5,000 always sounds better than 3,000. It’s what our media (& The Weather Channel) thrives on…
I think the movie facts compared to the actual facts are even a little more loose . . . The runaway was an SD40-2, but I think the loco that chased it was an SD60. I’ve seen photos of the real-life conductor and engineer. They look kinda like Sam Sheppard and Vincent D’Onofrio and not Denzel Washington and Chris Pine. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Hollywood: based on a true story.
I would suppose that if they said 3,000 horsepower, most of the viewing public would not believe it. I mean, that is only 10 Ford Mustangs… a locomotive must be more powerful than 10 Ford Mustangs.
A lot of what gets said in movies is there to bring the audience into the picture, and even if the truth is accurate, but seems unrealistic, it might be an obstacle.
-Kevin
I wonder if, instead of a movie, this story appeared in book format, would the same misrepresentation have been made. Not to worry, H-wood lost me 40 years ago, and has continued to decline.
The thing that bugged me the most about that movie was when the diesels went up on the wheels of one side around a corner. I really had to throw my brain out the window for that scene.
Now I need to make sure I never see that movie!
For me, the biggest groaner in a train movies was in Dark Territory where the engine hood door were bullet-proof! However, I almost purposely avoid any train movies because the fantasy will be lost for me.
I have since seen that in several movies, where any stamped-steel door is impervious to projectiles.
I should also avoid crane movies. I cannot stand in when someone just jumps into a crane and starts operating it with no prior experience.
-Kevin
There comes a time when you just have to watch a movie to enjoy a movie.
Doctor Who, as well as The Martian (enjoy the comedy)
After 40 years as an aircraft mechanic, a railfan, a western history of the American west and, World War II student, H-wood has no place at my table. If I feel the need to experience the truly ridiculous, there’s always the Cartoon Network.
There’s been some good stuff on CN over the years. Not so much lately - but ebb and flow.
I’m always curious though - if someone doesn’t watch anything hollywood, how do they know its quality continues to decline?
Umm… Teen Titans Go?
The funniest show ever!
What about The Amazing World Of Gumball? Also very funny.
We Bare Bears is always worthwhile.
-Kevin
I could never get into Teen Titans Go.
Regular Show was my jam (until the last season or so). Gumball had its moments.
Edit: almost forgot Sonic Boom. That was the best.
Disney had some good ones, too.
Gravity Falls, Star v. FOE, Phineas and Ferb, Milo Murphy, etc*.*
Zugmann,
If the Hollywood types have become the national conscience figuring THEY know best how WE should live OUR lives, what kind of movies do you presume they are making? Now, these people who make their livelihoods pretending to be someone/thing they really are NOT, are getting into politics??? No thanks. They have nothing to say I want to hear, and my dollars are too precious to donate to them. I will leave this discussion at this point in order not to bring the wrath of the forum overseers down upon myself.
Ok then. You do you.
Mustang?
Here’s MY car:
https://carbuzz.com/news/listen-to-the-3000-hp-twin-turbo-dodge-viper-from-hell
And your giant locomotive better have more HP than my car! Dude!
Ed
I had two V6 Mustangs, a 2011 and a 2019. Both were advertised as 305 horsepower, so that is why I used them as my example.
No need to exceed 80 MPH, so a larger engine would be a waste.
I’ll take a slinky fit beauty over brawny muscle every time.
-Kevin
The fact dodge never made a factory Viper Defender disappointed 10 year old me.
It’s still a good movie and all things considered the railroad scenes are pretty accurate.That scene going around the curve is silly, but most (all?) Hollywood movies are exaggerations of reality anyway.