Union Pacific 844 with Grand Canyon State Steam Special at Gilbert, AZ. WJ Hudson photo. 2011
American Train Video Reviews
American Train Video Reviews is here to provide, high quality, train video product reviews. There are over 200 train video programs, reviewed on this website. Fast growing and read worldwide, American Train Video Reviews, is the best!
Classic: Diesel, Steam, Electric, Logging Lines and Trolleys.
Specializing in Classic Era with Vintage Film emphasis. Shows that are beyond the specialty focus, may also to be reviewed here. There are my exclusive reviews only. No shows can be purchased on this website. I do not make any money from this site.
The shows are all donated from some generous people. Quite a bit of work, but worth the effort. I want to give the readers a great experience on American Train Video Reviews.
Some Recent ATVR Reviews are further down this page, in the showcase.
Make informed buying decisions.
There is a whole range of train video quality. Great ones, good ones and poorly done. It was after wasting some hard-earned money on bad shows, that I had the motivation to create this review site.
Better for the buyers. Better for the producers. Better for retailers. Nothing will drive an interested enthusiast from the market faster, than getting 2. or 3 unsatisfactory shows in succession. Could be other issues besides quality too. The focus of a given show, the time period, soundtrack, too little color, or not meeting other expectations.
An informed buyer can make better decisions.
Defined review criteria, to help you, with a fair and balanced review.
A general overview of the: train video title, production company, format, program length, locations, time period and film sources,are listed. A description of the content is included. Screenshots from programs are a very popular addition.
Quality is an important factor. Film, sound, and other relevant production items. Content is equally important. Items include: subject matter, narrative, accuracy, and length. Do you get what you have paid for? Is the show a good value? Family friendly railroad viewing? The reviews address these issues.
Long Island RS3 at Olyville.
The Railfan and The Model Railroader connection.
This is great information for: the railfan, model train builder, and collector.
Railfan: DVD’s are great for seeing trains. Modern production enhancements can yield truly enjoyable programs. They are fantastic, for a 24/7 trainwatching fix. Any road, all kinds of locomotives, areas of geography and bygone years, that I couldn’t travel to. Collecting train video programs is an interesting hobby as well.
Model Railroader: The shows are a huge source of information and sometimes inspiration. There are the obvious benefits to see. Weathering, Locomotive lash-ups, Train consists, Stations, Structures, Vehicles. There is also history and insight. Why did that road fail, merge, or become a behemoth? Were 40′ boxcars seen in 1970′s trains? Maybe you find the reasons for peeling paint. Inspiration can come from viewing a railroad you’re not familiar with, or a new era, a new focus. Maybe narrow gauge steam gets your interest, or modeling in the Rockies after seeing a show. There is always something new to learn, even if your era is 50 years old!
I began this website with my personal collection. Most are DVD, there are some older vhs tapes. This site now operates on 100% donated programs.
The ATVR Ratings
Ratings are 1 to 5 stars. Content, film quality, sound, rarity, accurate information and presentation are the main rating factors.
Standards : 5 stars Outstanding. 4 Very Good. 3 Good. 2 Below Average. 1 Poor.
This is a subjective area. Note that any show can achieve a high rating.
The larger companies have bigger budgets. Smaller producers can also have great content. Perhaps not as fancy a presentation, but equally valid material. Many considerations go into a rating.
The overall concept is to level the playing field, to attain fairness and balance.
Adjust the ratings to your tastes. I try to provide a base of information, for you to form your own opinion.
Readers have asked…. Yes, 3 stars are Good shows, and recommended by ATVR.
A rating of 2 does have some major flaws, as noted. However, if it’s rare or your special interest, you may want to purchase it anyway. The rating stars are guidelines only.
Where To Purchase Shows
ATVR reviews are now being used at Train Video Depot. They have linked the ATVR stars to my original reviews. They do sell quite a bit of what is found on this ATVR site. If you find a show reviewed here, on ATVR, you can always look for it at Train Video Depot.
Production Company websites are another place to purchase.
See the Featured Links on the home page.
Extra Information on Reviews
Sources. This is used to identify original cameramen. Useful for giving credit and for those who want to see more of a certain cinematographer. I obtain these from film credits or in certain instances, directly from the producer. I strive for accuracy with these listings.
Maps: A standard consideration with today’s computer graphics. Maps are a great extra to have. Viewers can get a sense of a route and trace the journey. Keep in mind, that older shows were not often produced with maps. It would be unfair to deduct a 1988 produced show, for not including maps. The variety of maps, and map quality, are why this is listed.
The Producers : Consistently high production standards, rate certain producers like: Charles Smiley, BA Productions, Green Frog, Greg Scholl, Sunday River and Catenary Video, at the top. Plenty of other good shows, are available from the other companies.
You will find that ‘hit or miss’, is a reality at many companies. A ‘hardcore railfan’ show has flaws, and often is amateur filmed. Small houses often have limited resources .Some with various priorities (ex: museum/ tourist shows). They still release some very worthwhile shows. In fact, anyone can issue a great show. Careful research should, alleviate most dissatisfaction with unsuitable titles. Credit must be given to any producer, who submits their programs for independent review.
Additional Material : I’m always interested in additional material to review. Vintage and classic train film is always welcome. Have reviewed other material as offered, to maintain a balance presentation for all readers. That has led to expansion beyond the original focus. Building a complete American Railroad overview. See the home page for areas that need to be covered.
Review requests for shows, should be directed to that show’s producer..
Contact a producer, and give them feedback about the reviews. Are these helpful to you?
Production companies or individuals…. Contact confidentially via e-mail, if you’d like to donate. This site provides a large base for worldwide exposure.
American Train Video Reviews is a valuable resource that is: read worldwide, and is always available. Bringing you the best! Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We never close…. 
Fun Stuff….. Trains of Olyville …and….. Rush Hour at Olyville (over 100,000 visitors) …. see the Links
Thanks for your interest!
William
American Train Video Reviews
All reviews and my photographs copyright by William J. Hudson.
