Steam Over Donner

Steam Over Donner

BA Productions

Format: DVD

Length: 54 minutes + previews

Time Period: 1999

Locations: Sparks, Truckee, Donner Pass, Colfax, Soda Springs, Roseville Yard, Railfair ’99 and much more..

Sources: Film crews at 40 locations.

Here we have two famous Union Pacific steam locomotives. UP 844 and UP 3985 are the co-stars in this film from 1999. The Northern (844) and Challenger (3985), are doubleheaded in a fantrip to Railfair 1999. This is seen in a broadcast quality show. Natural, environmental live audio transports viewers to the scene. You can hear some occasional  helicopter noise and crowd noise. The locomotive sounds are dominant. Mainly, you hear the train sounds, unobstructed as the engines traverse the route.

                                    Actual screenshots from this program.

There is a narrator, who sets up some scenes. Cuts to actual Union Pacific personnel add an inside perspective throughout the program.

Bob Krieger is an Engineer on 3985. He has interesting commentary. Mr. Kreiger is a wealth of information and personal experience, which really helps make the program work so well.

Alan Shelly offers an insightful, and personal viewpoint. He was a Cab Forward Fireman.

No extras on this show. That is maps, chapter menu, or hidden chapter access. Given this an older production, that will have to do. It does not detract from the presentation. A single basic introductory map shows the general area.

The old Southern Pacific/ Central Pacific route is the mainline over Donner Pass. The special excursion train does have some unexpected difficulty on the trip.

                                           Northern 844 is the lead locomotive.

Union Pacific Challenger 3985 is the second loco in this lash-up. Diesel UP9460 is behind the steam engines for additional power. Those dynamic brakes will come in handy.

Much to the Engineer’s chagrin,the train has a big problem, while in a tunnel. The crew stops at Norden . The engineers convey the story of what happened at Tunnel 11.

Spectacular scenery provides the perfect setting for this outing. Even in the month of May, snow is on the mountain.

Cinematography is excellent. Those 40 locations do take viewers along this wonderful journey. There are many vantage points with a nice variety of views. Close-ups, onboard, scenic wonder shots, with crowds, or isolated in the wilderness. You will be entertained.

Sequences like this inside a tunnel shot, are an element of what sets a BA Productions show into a class by itself.

The towns along the way offer more views of the passing train. It is a great looking consist with solid UP colors. Dome cars and a tail car sporting an open rear platform give that vintage vibe!

This train was going to California with a dual purpose mission. First stop was to rededicate Roseville Yard. A muti-million dollar renovation had been deemed worthy of the special visit. Richard K. Davidson, UP President is viewed speaking at the dedication.

Railfair 99 was the second destination for the steam train.

Steve Lee is a household name among railfans. He is Locomotive Engineer on 844. Mr. Lee did serve as the head of the UP Steam Program for years. See BA Productions title called, Big Steam 844 for much more from Steve Lee.

The 844 had a mechanical problem. Steve explains the problem and action plan for repair. So, the 844 is towed in the train on return to Cheyenne. A diesel leads the train on the return. The 3985 is still operating and supplies a good head of exhaust plummage.

The return trip does present the train in a different light. Here there are a prevalent amount of natural audio and musical  interlude scenes. This portion is very much like the current BA Productions releases. Speaking of that, the whole show has a similar overall style, that match well with the documentary type show. In many ways, this resembles a PBS style program. Compare with the newer Big Steam 844 and see how the elements have been used to an even greater level of integration.

Steam Over Donner is an enjoyable look at two magical steam locomotives. The high quality film, fine audio and employee commentary, do result in an engaging show.

Steam fans, UP nuts, Railfans and anyone with an interest in railroading, will find this an entertaining and informative show.

Rating: 5 Stars

Steam In The ’50′s: Volume One

Steam In The ’50′s: Volume One

Green Frog Productions

Format: DVD ( Steam 7 PAK )

Length: 58 minutes

Time Period: 1950′s

Locations: Chicago, West Virginia, Green Bay, Canada, Indiana and more

Source: Jerry Carson (16mm films)

Steam Package

This show is included in a 7 DVD package, by Green Frog. This program is also sold separately. Steam in the 50′s. is the first of a three volume series.

Jerry Carson was another of the classic era cinematographers. In this extraordinary collection of films, we will view 14 railroads. Filmed in the 1950′s, these are of high quality.

There are 14 different railroads covered in this exceptional collection of steam. They include: Chicago & Northwestern, Canadian National, Canadian Pacific,Missouri Pacific, Erie, Chicago & Illinois Midland, Pennsylvania Railroad, Northern Pacific, Grand Trunk, Illinois Central, Baltimore & Ohio, Norfolk & Western, New York Central, Rock Island.

When it comes to vintage, 1950′s railroad films, Jerry Carson is among the best of the era. A fantastic array of many steam powered trains are seen in this program. Some screenshots will demonstrate the caliber of cinematography.

Green Frog is well-known for maintaining high production standards. Excellent in all areas, this collection features: fine editing, nice audio and crisp narration. The show has a quick pace. Local freights with short trains are present. Big, mainline steam locomotives haul the road freights. Passenger trains are viewed with heavyweight cars.

There are eleven chapter selections, via the next button on your remote. No maps, they are not needed anyway. Some railroads have additional coverage, as noted. All of the scenes are competently filmed.

Chicago & Northwestern heads up this wonderful program. A good supply of steam is found. CNW is already using some of the first double decker passenger cars. Coverage is west of Chicago area, plus Green Bay!

Grand Trunk Western has an excellent chapter. Mostly shot east of Chicago. Great freight action. Watch for the F7/ F3 diesels in green and gold. No worries, the other GTW locos are all steam.

Chesapeake and Ohio, is a hard to find steam era railroad. A very brief segment.

New York Central Hudson class, and Rock Island passenger trains near Chicago.

Norfolk and Western has some double headers in West Virginia. See some Y class pulling some heavy coal trains, with a Y6 pusher engine! There are 0-8-0′s that have the strong N&W appearance. Rare 4-8-2 streamlined, K-class steamers, that closely resemble the famous bigger J-class power. Many trains are viewed on the N&W. Passenger action too. This busy and plentiful N&W chapter is a highlight of the show.

Jerry Carson has some interesting camera viewpoints. The doubleheaded pair at the front is also filmed from this hillside. Easily could have included over a dozen different screens of Norfolk and Western here. This chapter alone, is worth the price of admission.

Canadian National and Canadian Pacific are shown, with a nice assortment of steam. They have older small power, also shiny modern steamers.

Check this mint condition 4-6-0, with a build date from 1910. Yes, Canada has interesting power in the 1950′s.

Illinois Central also provides much fine action. Classic trains around Kankakee. The 1457 is paced from Route 45. An occasional first generation diesel will sneak into a few scenes, in random points of the show Just like real life, back in those days. Freeport is another ICRR location, with the yard and facilities in the background.

Olympia Fields is farmland, in the 1950′s! Many various IC trains pass the busy Winery Road location. Some high priority meat trains are seen at Freeport. Chicago has even more IC. New York Central has trains running on the IC trackage. The period freight cars are a treat. The Illinois Central feature is another great, extended chapter.

Pennsylvania Railroad is viewed on it’s West End. Indiana hosts this steam parade. Slow speeds give some sweet views of the varied PRR trains.

Northern Pacific has a Heavy Mikado at a roundhouse, with a turntable spin.

Missouri Pacific steam ended in 1955. Jerry filmed some MoPac steam near St.Louis. What is about Missouri Pacific steam engines? They look exactly like a beautifully designed steam locomotive should appear.

Baltimore and Ohio has some of it’s big league steam engines operating near and in Chicago. B&O fans have plenty of freight and passenger trains. B&OCTRR has an 0-8-0 at work. T-1 class Mountains pull some freights. Doubleheaders are included, in a cool sequence.  A  memoranle look at the B&O.

The show is mostly color. Some brief black and white footage rounds out the presentation. Actual recorded steam sounds augment the show. Concise narration outlines general locations, locomotive info and some train operations. The steam audio is used frquently.

Steam in the 50′s is a first class production. Action packed, this will be highly enjoyable trainwatching for everyone! A great choice to play at a public train event as well.

Rating: 5 Stars

Electric Rails around the Bay

Electric Rails around the Bay

Charles Smiley Presents

Format: DVD

Length: 1 hour 07 Minutes + previews

Time Period: 1907- 1957

Locations: Bay area and more

Sources: 20 Cinematographers

Charles Smiley has a three for one program of classic traction. This show features electric lines around Oakland, California. If you have enjoyed his comprehensive series on The Key System, this one adds much more to the story, around the Bay Area.

For those who have been considering a traction video, regular freight service on Sacramento Northern is a major highlight. More on this later…

Southern Pacific’s famed ‘Red Trains’ are prominently viewed. Operations around Oakland and SP ferry boat service in San Francisco Bay.

Penisular Railway is the first, of the three major lines here. This line is shown from early 1900′s to 1938. A combination of film and still photos, illustrate the history. Early views of towns, such as Los Gatos are seen.

Charles spends much time, and effort on the custom maps for each program. These maps help with understanding, the scope and scale of an area. The maps are plentiful. Frequent references are useful to keep up with the storytelling.

SP Red Trains are up next. Ferry boats are an integral part of Bay Area operations. Of course, this pre-dates the bridge! Alameda shops are viewed.

Alameda in 1939. This demonstrates the type of high quality cinematography present throughout much of this program. Film quality ranges from excellent to very good. Much of the color footage is in 16mm. Black and white film is also used. The many sources span 8mm to 16 mm formats. All of the films are viewed in the best possible state. The show looks fine. Some train sounds are included. It is a relatively quiet soundscape. The musical portions do liven things up.

As a whole, the presentation is in a PBS television style format. A wealth of historical information and some period music, balances the vintage film. Charles has a highly informative narrative. You will need multiple viewings to absorb the large amount of detail.

Street scenes are abundant. On screen graphics are nicely integrated.

Backgrounds are as fascinating as the time machine effect, of viewing a world gone by.

There are many sequences filmed from onboard these heavy electrics. The Southern Pacific Red Car operations have a familiar railroad feel to them. For any newcomers to interurbans, this line is an easy transition from regular railroading.

Sacramento Northern is seen in the 1950′s in rural Contra Costa County. This is a great look at the line. Regular railfans will delight in the SN freight trains shown.

This map provides the southernmost SN lines. Many locations are visited on SN. Both passenger and freight service are reviewed extensively.

Charles Smiley has a big winner in Electric Rails around the Bay. The all vintage film is fascinating to watch. His sharp narration moves the story at a brisk pace. After viewing numerous ‘interurban/ trolley’ shows, this is one of the best!

Any railfan who is interested in exploring this type of railroading, will find this show satisfies. Southern Pacific and Sacremento Northern, do contain enough regular railroad character to have some familiarity.

An outstanding and comprehensive program about the three electric lines.

Rating: 5 Stars

The Wisconsin Central Remembered: Parts 3 & 4

The Wisonsin Central Remembered: Parts 3 & 4

John Szwajkart

Format: 2 DVD set

Length: 2 hours 12 minutes

Time Period: 1999- 2001

Locations: Lake Villa. IL., Byron, Neenah, Green Bay, WI.

Source: John Szwajkart

The Wisconsin Central in a series of seven parts. Here we have Parts 3 & 4 in a two disc set.

John Szwajkart spent two days of train chasing for each DVD in these volumes.

This is a ‘no-frills’ railfan style program. No narration or maps. A few title pages do identify the dates and lines visited. The film and audio do provide fine rail entertainment. A handheld camera with a live microphone were the equipment used to record the action.

Image quality is excellent. There is some camera shake present. Pretty steady picture, overall. Natural audio sounds good. Most of the locations, are isolated from other ambient noise. A bit of wind noise, at times, the soundtrack is generally clean.

Mr. Szwajkart began filming trains in the 1950′s. Check his vintage shows for more. In this set, he demonstrates an experienced hand with cinematography. The trains are nicely framed. Zoom is used accurately, and with sensible restraint.  Viewers will enjoy a couple of hours of fun railfanning.

As he chases trains on Wisconsin Central trackage, there is a sense of being on the trip! The numerous freights include views of: the passing boxars, hoppers,tankers etc. A mixture of locations have the unifying theme of a specific area. Yet, the different locations, and some return trip repeats give the sense of a journey.

Disc One: Train Chasing on the WC- 60 minutes

Lake Villa and across the stateline, we are seeking Wisconsin Central trains in 1999. Although there are plenty of trains, many are not WC. Instead, BNSF, UP, CSX, W&S and NS trains are operating. Some WC action, but not in the numbers sought.

Quite a few trains on day one, a small supply of Wisconsin Central.

Here is a ‘close, but no cigar’  Wisconsin & Southern freight.

Wisconsin Central does have some first day trains, such as this SD45 pair.

The second day, we are relocated to Byron Hill. This is where the real WC begins to be seen in quantity. This location does include a variety of WC power. Helpers are in use, ‘on the hill’. Great trainwatching location. It all ends well in Part 3. 

Disc Two- 72 minutes

Part Four has more train chasing in 2001. Fond Du Lac to Neenah starts things off.

A nice variety of Wisconsin Central and foreign road power are seen.

A lone GP30 rolls up to a turnout and stops before a grade crossing. The brakeman must board the engine. You will hear this diesel wind-up, before the train begins to move. Must be a local freight, not all WC freights required multiple units.

A chopnose GP9 performs switching duties.

An EMD GP35m, leads a freight train. What about this switching at Neenah? Great for model railroaders too.

The film quality and composistion are improved in Part 4. Between the 2 discs, this one has a tighter focus on WC. This one also has more of that ‘train chase’ feeling.

Wisconsin Central Remembered: Parts 3 & 4. Another enjoyable set in the series.

Rating: 4 Stars

Early CSX: The Rainbow Years

Early CSX: The Rainbow Years

Producer: Diverging Clear Productions

Format: DVD

Length: 1 Hour 40 minutes

Time Period: mid 1980′s to 1990′s

Locations: Mt. Vernon, IL. Huntington, WV. Birmingham AL. , Anchorage, KY. and more..

Source: George Redmond

Heritage Series

Diverging Clear has just released this show, that features early merger CSX. Chessie System combined with Seaboard System to create CSX. This videotape source had recorded the merged but not repainted fleet in the 1980′s. Extra predecessor railroad liveries add even more color to the locomotive fleet.

Early segments have Chessie System and Seaboard System appearing and operating separately. As the years pass, many combinations, including full dress CSX schemes are seen. A wide variety of power and cabooses keep the interest level high. Time does progress, towards the end of the program, we see mainly CSX paint, and no cabooses.

There is a main menu on the DVD. Chapters are accessible from the menu. The chapters are numerous.

Narration is provided by Mary McPherson. Subjects covered such as: locomotive models and locations. Additional commentary as needed, the narrative is on the minimal side. Plenty of natural, environmental audio is the main soundtrack.

No maps are included. It would be nice to get an idea where places such as Delafield are.

Video quality is very good overall. The usual issues with aged videotape are present. Green tinting, pink skies and odd yellows are some issues. Considering the scarcity of the material, it is acceptable. Appears to be a direct tape to DVD type transfer. No digital enhancements. The imagery improves during the program.

Multiple locations and varying years do add enjoyment. It is akin to a time machine. Having original paint progress to CSX renumberings and eventually full repaints, plus new CSX engines all in a single show!

                                          This is an action packed program!

Clinchfield SD40 carries newer SBD identification. This is one of several great pacing sequences of assorted CSX trains. Shot without green vegetation, the views are excellent!

By 1988, the new CSX livery is becoming visible on the trains. A rare GP35 is in a lash-up of mixed EMD locomotives.

There is a cornucopia of predecessor roads that are sure to satisfy! Chessie System, Seaboard System, B&O, Seaboard Coast Line, Louisviile & Nashville, Clinchfield, Family Lines are all present. CSX is viewed in various incarnations. Mostly second generation power from EMD and GE. Some rebuilt engines are also in service.

The inclusion of cabooses is another good factor in this show. They are seen in assorted types and roadnames. Freight cars of the time are also seen in the consists.

This is a fun program to watch. Early CSX: The Rainbow Years should make a railfan smile. Plenty of trains for the model railroader too. This is the best one yet, in the Heritage Series. Chessie, Seaboard and CSX aficionados will all enjoy this program!

Rating: 4 Stars