Railroad Machine Shop Tour & History of Miller Machine Works & Miller Brothers: 1885 to the Present

Miller Machine Works presents a machine shop tour and history. Watch how the Santa Fe Railroad machinists and apprentices completely rebuilt enormous steam locomotives. Follow along as the Miller Brothers put their skills to work during World War I, the Great Depression and World War II. Guided by their Swedish immigrant father—a master cabinetmaker working for the Santa Fe in Wellington, Kansas– the brothers moved to Clovis, New Mexico where Carl and Harry Miller later started an auto parts business and machine shop. 

Also see how these skills are put into practical use in my home workshop. Many examples of my own work in model steam engines, cabinet work, amateur radio (KK5IM), model railroading and other things mechanical, electrical and experimental are shown. Enjoy original motion pictures of Santa Fe Railroad and high school machine shops, many vintage machine and hand tools as well as examples of early woodworking craft. A video history of working life in America covering the 19th, 20th and 21st century.For more videos on The Miller Family History Project - eight generations of Texas History and 140+ years of professional photography, mechanics, model trains, amateur radio and more – please subscribe to my channel. 

Jay Miller is a sixth generation native Texan. A professional photographer, he is the author of several books on Collins radio equipment and has published extensive works on Santa Fe railroad history. At his ranch near Crawford, Texas, he built a 40 x 80 “Man Cave” where he enjoys machine shop work, woodworking, ham radio and other very interesting hobbies.

Check my YouTube page for many other videos like this:

[arobatto]

Perhaps one of the most rewarding and enjoyable 22 minutes I had in a very long time!

[kimazbell]

What an incredible family history told by a gifted storyteller. Thank you for sharing.

[jeffmayo]

My Grandfather worked for Charles Lindburg and TAT, I remember him discussing the airplane crash 1929.or there abouts
It really bothered him up to his final days. Charles wife gave him a heart shaped stone, that was from Charles grave.
Watching this video helped me remember these discussions I had with my GF back around 1970.
Thanks for the memories.

[t.d.mich.]

After 3 years of High School Machine Shop, I went through the Federal Apprenticeship program in Tool & Die Making, finishing in 1971 and retiring in 2015. I think it's a tremendous dis service to our country that by in large, the program is on life support. I really enjoyed the tribute to your family. Very moving!

[jeffhosford]

Great video! Without shop class, I never would have made it through school. I hated academics and spent all my time in metal shop, advanced metal shop and teacher's aide (in metal shop). Eventually, I quit school, took the GED and went to work as an apprentice boilermaker/machinist in a steam locomotive shop. For the last 34 years, I've been in the engineers seat on a major railroad and when I'm not at work, I'm in my machine shop at home. It's a crime that most schools have gotten rid of shop classes.

[tomt]

Probably the best thing I’ve ever seen on YouTube! Retired now, I spent 41 years in a Southern Railway/Norfolk Southern Ry. freight car repair shop after completing a 3 year apprenticeship. I always loved my job, but I can guarantee you that the railroad world your family grew up in no longer exists in any way shape or form! You should be very proud of your family’s story and work ethic! Thanks for a fascinating story!

[logan_e]

Journeyman mechanic here, retired now and have to say thank you! I imagine feeling the history when you hold and use a hundred year old caliper or micrometer that was owned & used by your Pop! It brings a tear to my eyes! Edit; My goodness what a wealth of family history, you're so fortunate to have such a collection of personal visual and written works!

[StonesAndSand]

Another journeyman here. Thank you for sharing this wonderful heritage of a craft that has served humanity so very well.

[haroldpeperkamp]

Brought a small tear to my eye. My granddad was a welder foreman at the Dutch Drydock Company in north Amsterdam through WW2 until the sixties. Lovely family history that carries that familiar smell of freshly cut steel and cutting oil.

[WAX]

Jay, your video brought me to tears. What a phenomenal story. Thank you for sharing.

[chrischapel]

While watching this video I thought about Mr Pete and how this videos story mirrored Mr Petes life in several ways and lo and behold Mr Pete was mentioned in the credits...

[jeffsheets]

People like your ancestors made this country great thank you and your family 👍❤️

[brianbickley]

Kim Azbell said it as good as anyone could! Thank you for sharing!

[johnkemas]

I too was a victim of the greatly failed experiment of MODERN MATH !! Thrown in with the fact my math teachers in high school were as boring as paint drying, it took me longer than normal to get decent in mathematics. Seeking the best referred instructors while in college helped a lot. My history sounds just like yours! My greatest influence in becoming a journeyman machinist and electronics tech etc. was my high school shop teacher - Fred Randolph. God rest his soull! He was always a great lifelong friend and many of his former students would always come back and visit him over the years at Avonworth High School.
I liked your video, well done! (I'm 69) 73's W3BUW

[terryhubbard]

As a 70 year old retired manual machinist of 38 plus years cranking has to be the greatest video I have ever seen. What a gift to have those men in your life.

[pbostonRR]

Thanks for allowing us to share your memories. It is a riveting presentation with a message for all.

[bobthefish]

Hello, Mr. Miller:
It is not every day that one is willing to listen to another family's history. However Your exceptional story impressed upon me the value of passing knowledge on to the next generation. Thank you, sir.
Bob Choderker

[manny]

Wonderful. If we don't pass it down, who will? You were Blessed.

[bobocaterpillar]

wow! the old man had quite a life!!! super cool!

[clemwixted]

Excellent historical story with the personal touch that our society so desperately needs now. Thanks for a very well done and educational presentation. You are an excellent example for us to follow. w1cvw