Northeast Steam 3 + Delaware & Hudson
Mark 1 Video 
Format: DVD
Length: 60 minutes
Time Period: 1940-1970′s
Locations: Binghamton, Oneonta, Carbondale, Starrucca, Baltimore, York, Ararat, Mechanicville, Lanesboro,
Sources: Many
Mark 1 Video has combined 2 shows that contain 75% Delaware and Hudson Railroad.
The Delaware and Hudson is mainly 1960′s to early 1970′s film. Northeast Steam 3 begins with ultra- rare D&H film and continues with some other very rare, eastern features. The D&H films are the basis for the combined shows. The steam show is an excellent assortment of the hard to find films of steam trains.
Mark 1 Video brings its usual production for archive films. No narration. A few paper route map screens. Locations and a rare date are displayed via on-screen graphics. Minimal and partially effective method. The basic chapter menu is its usual outdated appearing screen.
The audio is the production area where Mark 1 fairs well. They pay much attention to the synced soundtrack. The environmental train sounds enhance the viewing experience.
Delaware and Hudson showcases the Lightning Stripe era D&H. There is a brief segment that highlights some old D&H steam action, in black and white and color film. This gets the show going, but it is not the main focus here.
Into the diesel era with some classic D&H Alcos. This show is an Alco lovers dream. RS3, RS11 and behemoth C-628′s run in trios. The original cameraman really captured the huge Centuries at work. You will notice that a few specific C628 led trains are chased. These engines, in service, are worth the price of admission. Many RS3 types are viewed in yards and on road trains. Some bicentennial D&H power on a passenger train lend some spice. There is much to see in this program. It is a big grab bag of vintage D&H. There are a few old black RS3′s that seem to be from earlier years. It would have helped the viewer to see a few years displayed on some of the scenes.
So, Northeast Steam begins with some spectacular 16mm all color film! Large, D&H articulated Challenger type 4-6-6-4, steam engines are viewed in a mountainous region. The Carbondale- Starrucca line. Pushers are seen, doubleheaders and sometimes in threes, as they shove hard on some coal and freight trains. This big steam feature is the big highlight of this show. No years are provided, there are some location graphics. Starrucca Viaduct is included in this high quality film. Wow!
Maryland and Pennsylvania are the title of a rather diversified chapter. 2-8-0 locomotives are the main power on this line. A couple of fantrips are fascinating. One is around the Baltimore area in 1940. Another travels to York, PA. A visit to a yard displays even more of the Ma& Pa roster. Some cameos from B&O and Pennsylvania are present. Rare and fun to watch.
Huntingdon & Broad Top Mountain Railroad is the third and final chapter. This one is very obscure. Location reads as, Huntingdon, PA. A 1940 fantrip is quite a journey. The Consolidation #37, is handturned, on an armstrong turntable.
The film quality ranges from good to excellent. Most of the early black and white is in the good range. The color 16mm is excellent. Diesel show is mostly very good.
In this case, the 2 volumes really compliment one another. It plays like a D&H show, with the steam of the other lines as bonus footage. The rarity of those films add to the enjoyment of the show. Any railfan will find this collection of films as fun and worth owning. Delaware and Hudson fans will love this program.
Rating: 4 Stars
