The Illinois Central: Back In Black

The Illinois Central: Back In Black

Diverging Clear Productions

Format: DVD-R

Length: 90 minutes + previews

Time Period: 1988-1989

Locations: Centrailia, Bluford, Effingham, Edgewood, Mt. Vernon and more..

Source: George Redmond

MSRP: 20.00

The Heritage Series

Illinois Central had a return to it’s roots in 1988. The former ICG had divested most of the GM&O trackage. The core ICRR was remaining. A return to the original black paint, sans ‘the green diamond’ was in progress. Hodgepodge collection of paint schemes, were to be unified with black paint, and a modernized logo.

(This program is a hardcore train video. All hardcore termed shows, are not in the same class, with the professional production companies. They do however, offer sometimes scarce railroad material. Older VHS shot videotapes, are not up to today’s standards. The rating system has been updated, to better balance the star ratings.)

George Redmond was trackside, to record the transition. Diverging Clear has it’s latest release for the Heritage Series. This program is based around southern Illinois. A map is provided on the back of the slimline DVD plastic case. This one illustration does provide a sense of direction. Chapter menu and previews are included.

The new paint flourishes. Repainting takes time. There is much to see, in the IC in 88-89.

In the 1980′s, Illinois Central Gulf had a predominately, antiquated looking roster, of motive power. A fun one to railfan, they had loads of unrepainted locomotives. Liveries of: GM&O, ICRR, plus the original ICG colors. In fact, Gulf, Mobile & Ohio had three old schemes in operation alone! The bland 1979 ICG scheme wasn’t out in huge quantities. Seems that gray paint, was the lowest common denominator for railroads new looks for the ’80′s.

Around Chicago, many thought the CNW was the dirtiest, and most ragged fleet in town. ICG surpassed them, as far operating many raunchy looking engines, and in many colors! Naturally, these same engines traveled in southern Illinois. Back to the review…

A huge surprise, was when the ICG reverted back to IC black paint. The numbers, logo and lettering never quite captured the classic railroad vibe. The logo looked like an AT&T ripoff. Chicago Central had been using a modified green diamond, so maybe that wasn’t an option. It was an improvement over the lame gray paint. Too bad, the remaining caboose fleet was given a neutral gray makeover. CC&P had red cabooses.

              The last 2 official ICG liveries behind the new look Illinois Central black.

George Redmond was the videographer of this show. Using a consumer grade VHS camcorder, he had filmed many railroads. He has a steady camera, and good with a zoom. The man does a nice job of filming trains. Diverging Clear has edited the appropriate tapes to create this program. Amtrak makes a few appearances too.

A short appearance in the actual film sequence. This demonstrates part of what constitutes a hardcore/ amateur level of production. Many issues within the hardcore designation, can’t be compared to the full-time, pro level production companies. The ratings have been updated to reflect the change.

Mary McPherson is the producer. She works diligently to bring these shows out. Age, wear and technological limitations of the source tapes, are present. Seems like some color correction has been applied. Pink skies, green tint, color flaring, and such are minimized. Yellow skies, possibly a weird sunlight reaction, are in too many scenes.

Narration and script are performed by Mary too. She is an understated style of announcer.  Much of the soundtrack is the train sound. Like other videotape originals, ambient sounds, autos, birds and the rest can be heard. The audio is pretty clean and extraneous noise is at a minimum. Back to the narrative, viewers will generally know: locations, heading and some locomotive info.

Editing is smooth. A good pace with plenty of action! An occasional slowdown brings some balance.

Pacing sequences can really bring a railroad to life. Most here have little obstruction.

                                   The paces vary in length, and an array of views.

Comparison of the Illinois Central Gulf, in it’s cheapest ICG attire, and rusting badly…

To the new image of a revitalized Illinois Central, sums up the focus of this show.

The Illinois Central: Back In Black is a nice reflection on the railroad in 1988- 1989. As is the case with the Heritage Series, one has to live with 1980′s videotape shortcomings. The scenes are well composed. Mr. Redmond demonstrates once again, that he is a very capable cameraman. This show falls into that ‘hard to find’ niche.

A good show for hardcore train fans, and another release of a road less traveled. A nice value for the  price. If you are new to the Heritage Series, this is a fine place to start!

Rating: 3 Stars

A Cab Ride Over Donner Pass

A Cab Ride Over Donner Pass

BA Productions

Format: DVD (factory pressed disc)

Length: 4 hours

Time Period: contemporary era

Location: Roseville- Sparks

Source: Donner Rails/ BA

MSRP: 44.95

Cab ride aficionados may find their ultimate long player, with this release.

Travel aboard Union Pacific # 6352. This is an EMD SD60M. Manifest freight leaving Roseville Yard. The train will cross the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Travel the line, thru Donner Pass, Truckee and onward, to Reno- Sparks, Nevada.

Three cameras were used to record the journey.  Main view is an unobstructed front porch mount. A second roving camera inside the cab. A third mounted outside, and facing rearward. Some scenic aerial footage is included. High quality, broadcast level equipment assures a fine picture.

There is a chapter menu, with a twist. A route map serves as the chapter menu! Ingenious method to hop around the Overland Route.

Narration is present at the beginning of the program. It serves to set-up the show. History of the line is reviewed. After the narrative is finished, no more talking is heard. All information is conveyed via onscreen graphics. Numerous pop-ups contain historical information. Other displays have: milepost  location, track speed, severe grades, and more!.

Presentation is different from any other Donner Rails program. BA Productions has a unique combination of elements. The earlier shows from Donner usually contain a special approach as well. While the cab ride is finely filmed, it does lack the magic of the other shows. Was expecting the crew to be heard. See, the insider knowledge is a huge part of those other shows. Here, it is strictly train sounds. That creates a lengthy experience.

However, for those who must see every mile of this route- it is found here. Let’s take a look…

                                            Nice example of one of the graphics.

Engineer Mike Duncan is seen, receives tower radio clearance to depart Roseville. This will be the last piece of vocal information heard.

Another set of onscreen information. Thorough and frequently used to viewers benefit.

                                                     Live Train Cam.

There is a wealth of historical background presented, as we traverse the route.

This represents a fairly typical view on the ride. much curving trackage and the front view.

One more screen with additional info. You will be well informed, if a bit talk starved.

The roving camera does look out the window, once in a while.

Further up the line. CTC, single track and concrete ties.

             Live Train Cam is always ready. Here the train exits a snowshed.

The train and your trip continues to it’s conclusion. Donner Summit, Donner Lake, Truckee and right into downtown Reno. At 4 hours, this may best be enjoyed in stages.

A broadcast quality picture does give an excellent visual presentation. The lack of human discussion is where the program felt a little flat. Compare this to the rest of the BA catalog. It just doesn’t have that usual dose of extra, magical ingredients.

If the original Central Pacific, and early Transcontinental history is of interest, check their Hidden Wonder of the World program. That show is reviewed here, as well.

This cab ride is nicely done, and informative. By the way, the scenery is gorgeous!

Rating: 4 Stars

Steam in the 1940′s, 50′s, & 60′s : Special 7 PAK Boxset

Steam in the 40′s, 50′s, & 60′s: 7 PAK Boxset

Green Frog Productions

Format: DVD- R (7 disc boxset)

Length: 5 Hours 52 minutes

Time Period: 1940′s- 1960′s. Bonus 1990′s.

Locations: USA and Canada

Sources: Gene Miller,

MSRP: 59.95 ( Separate shows value is over 204.00)

The set is housed in a sturdy, hard plastic case. Each disc is mounted on a hard plastic page. Seems very durable.

Green Frog has a tantalizing boxset. This contains 7 discs and 7 complete shows. All of the programs have individual, full reviews on ATVR. A brief overview of each will follow.

All of the shows are digitally edited on state of the art equipment. Each disc has artwork.

Maximum fun calls for many different screenshots from the full reviews. Bonus for you!

The Golden Twilight of Postwar Steam Part 1: The Pennsy’s West End and it’s neighbors.

1947- 1950. Gene Miller 16mm.

                                                     Mountain type. M1

                                           Pennsylvania Broadway Limited.

Early diesels. A quartet of ‘chicken wire’, Electromotive F3 locomotives.

The Golden Twilight of Postwar Steam Part 2: Rails in the Heartland: The L&N, C&EI and IT

Gene Miller. 16mm.

                         L&N Mountain class at Howell Yard. Evansville, Indiana.

                       Steam and diesel are both here. A K-5 Pacific with an EMD E7 unit.

                   Chicago & Eastern Illinois departs the massive St. Louis Union Station.

                               C&EI has these pretty F3 engines. Nice variety on this railroad.

Illinois Terminal once had a sizeable trolley operation. Strange entry for a steam series.

The Golden Twilight of Postwar Steam Part 3: Cajon to Horseshoe- Trains Across Mid-America and the West.

Gene Miller. 16mm. 1940′s- 1950′s. Many railroads are seen. Color, plus black and white film.

Santa Fe steam shown from California, to Dearborn Station, in Chicago.

Union Pacific has an awesome collection. Cheyenne and Denver. Big Boys, Challengers, Northerns, switchers and those big 9000 class locomotives. Plus more!

St. Louis Kaliedescope has various lines. MoPac Heavy Mike 1417 shown. Some fine black and white, plus color in this show. Missouri Pacific has color also. Nice chapter.

                             Horseshoe Curve finishes up the Gene Miller films.

Steam in the ’50′s: Volume 1

Jerry Carson. 16mm. Covers 14 different railroads.

B&O with a pair of big T-1 class locomotives at Chicago. Plenty of classic B&O within.

                                Some great action on the Norfolk & Western.

                                  Chicago & North Western departs Green Bay.

Chesapeake & Ohio is a tough road to find, in the steam era. Like some others in this show, there are only a couple of trains.

Illinois Central Railroad. This one gets extended coverage. Assorted locations and trains.

                        Pennsylvania receives plenty of coverage. Doubleheaders too!

Steam in the ’50′s: Volume 2

Tom Strid. 16mm, mostly color. Shortest length show in the set. All classic.

                            Union Pacific Big Boy is eased across the wooden trestle.

See this locomotive being returned to America, at the dock. The General Pershing.

Circus World Baraboo train move to Milwaukee. Some unloading is shown.

Steam in the ’50′s: Volume 3

Ted Carlson and Maynard Laing. 16mm. USA and Canada.

                                            Northern Pacific excursion chase.

                                  Hillcrest Lumber with Climax locomotives.

                            UP Big Boy pace sequence. More Big Boy action is seen.

                                                          Canadian Pacific.

                              Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Yellowstone steam.

The Bonus Show isn’t listed on the rear cover…

Steam Giants Across America

Compilation steam program. Some repeat footage from these other shows, in this set. Still, it is a fun standalone program, and not everything is from this collection.

             Some circa 1991 bonus footage includes: UP 844 and UP 3985.

                      Norfolk & Western with vintage and contemporary  era footage.

Green Frog has a big winner. This 7 DVD set is an awesome value. This ‘package deal’, is a fast way to build an instant steam collection. A big bargain, that outweighs any issues.

Highly Recommended for anyone with an interest in steam. The early diesels are equally fine. This Steam Special 7 PAK would make a memorable gift.

Rating: 5 Stars

Southern Pacific Steam Boxset

Southern Pacific Steam Boxset

Catenary Video Productions

Format: 4 DVD boxset (Factory pressed discs)

Length: about 4 hours

Time Period: circa 1950

Locations: California- Oregon

Sources: many

MSRP: 139.80

These 4 shows have all been individually reviewed on ATVR.

The boxset has the shows housed in this cardboard case. Each disc is in the normal DVD case. Outer box looks nice, a little thin.

Artwork is nicely finished. The shows are in the standard DVD plastic cases. They match the single releases. The box is the extra feature.

The 4 programs are all excellent. There are many rarities to see. Tight scripts and sharp editing are very professional. Vintage footage has been processed for best possible quality. Narrator has a very dry style, and is the weak spot of these shows.

The reviewed set was the 2007 remasters. Have not seen any previous versions. The remasters are excellent. An uncommon high quality feature, these are factory pressed DVDs. Most production companies use the cheaper DVD-R discs. The factory discs are more durable to own.

A brief overview of the shows. See the full reviews on American Train Video Reviews.

For maximum enjoyment- these screenshots are different, than the full reviews!

Shasta Route: Volume 1

Timeframe from 1940′s to 1957. Scenic Siskiyou Line and desert type Modoc Line.

                                                    Plenty of passenger trains.

                                                     Dunsmuir

                                                         Scenic splendor.

                                                Action on the Siskiyou Line.

                                                  Cab Forwards galore!

Classic- Southern Pacific Daylight train. The brand new E7 diesels are on a preview run!

Shasta Route: Volume 2

Mostly in Oregon. Cascade, Siskiyou and Modoc lines. Cab rides are included.

                        Many steam and early diesel locomotives, operating in Oregon.

Alco PA’s were the modern diesel of choice on passenger trains. Shasta Springs at dusk.

A 1949 cab ride aboard a daylight livery Alco PA is a highlight of this show. Cab Forwards are easily found. That’s brake smoke from the oncoming freight train. There is a wealth of cab ride action. Logging also is another highlight.

                                                                Dunsmuir.

San Joaquin Route: Volume 3

Oakland to Los Angeles. Tehachapi Loop. Circa 1950.

                                              Many passenger trains in this show.

      Ever see the movie Duel? That background gasoline tanker truck looks like the one!

LCL was: Less than Car Load. Many facets are seen, of other operations on SP.

                                    Tehachapi Loop hosts much action in this show!

        Freight trains are seen with mostly steam power. Those mid-train helpers are a must.

Coast Route: Volume 4

Los Angeles to San Francisco. SP Daylight trains are found here. Very Colorful show!

SP Coast Daylights are the stars. This is the place for these classic steam locomotives.

                                      Ride on a Coast Daylight, behind steam!

Visit the Alhambra roundhouse. Hint: it is packed full of Daylight steam!

Cab Forwards and doubleheaded steam. There are additional combinations in the show.

The Southern Pacific Coast Route, contains some ocean views, as seen here.

Catenary Video has a high quality series with, Southern Pacific Steam. The 4 volumes are very enjoyable. Any railfan with an interest in steam, will find this a valuable collection. This set should be considered a deluxe level release. Heavily researched, very detailed, and well written programs. The only weakness, is the narrator: dry and rather boring to hear. Everything else in the shows is excellent, we’ll forgive the choice of the voice.

Southern Pacific Steam boxset is an outstanding collection to own!

Rating: 5 Stars

The Golden Twilight of Postwar Steam: Part 3

The Golden Twilight of Postwar Steam: Part 3 

Green Frog Productions

Format: DVD

Length: 52 minutes

Time Period: 1940′s- 1950′s

Locations: USA (see text)

Source: Gene Miller

MSRP: 34.95 for the single version. 59.95 for the 7 Pak.

This show is available individually or as part of this 7 disc special package deal. The review is the DVD from the 7 Pak set. These DVD’s do have artwork. They are packaged in a sturdy plastic case.

Cajon to Horseshoe: Trains Across Mid-America and the West

The third of a trilogy from Green Frog. Gene Miller has an amazing collection og 16 mm film. He shot the films from the 1940′s into the 1950′s. His use of 16mm film. Plenty of it in color! The Gene Miller films rival, and complement the late, Emery Gulash.

This show is fast paced! Narration is detailed, and delivered quickly. There is a plethora of steam and early diesel locomotives. Locations can jump too. Focus by railroad or location.

There are some rarities to be found. The usual engines too. The early diesels are as fascinating as the steam. Everything is all high quality. Digital mastering has most of the footage looking great. A few pinkish hues. Almost all of the shots are excellent.

Chicago is where the volume begins. Various railroads and locations are visited. Milwaukee Road, Rock Island, Burlington Route, New York Central and Nickel Plate Road!

Rock Island with a homemade transfer caboose. Note the rooftop bench and convenient ladder.  Narrator mistakenly, called it a work train. Chicagoans will know better.

Rock Island TA with side skirts. Check the peepers! A cook and another, in the diesel door. They were likely wondering, why a movie camera was pointed at their Rocket.

Burlington Route action. An S-4 class, CB&Q Hudson with a passenger train. Steam, diesel and Zephyrs. The Q gets some nice coverage!

Englewood has New York Central, J3 Hudson 5430 with a centipede tender.

At Englewood, Nickel Plate has these Alco PA diesels and steam.

The show then features a St. Louis Kaleidoscope. More variety and crossover the river to East St. Louis, Ill.

Missouri Pacific 2112 has perfect lighting to view this locomotive. There is a variety of good looking MoPac power around St. Louis shown.

Wabash gets a look.Granite City and St. Louis. This seems to be the rare one.

                                           At the roundhouse, Paducah, KY.

Illinois Central at varied locations. Paducah, KY. is a main locale. Chicago is next. This is a long way from the later ICRR. Plenty to see.

Union Pacific. The massive 4-12-2 class 9000′s stand tall! They predate the Challengers. Many more UP engines are seen. Big Boys and Challengers included. Denver and Cheyenne visited. Long and satisfying chapter. Predominantly black and white films. All excellent!

Santa Fe. Baldwin 1940 built with 3780 in California. Ride on the rear vestibule over Raton Pass. Chicago: Dearborn Station, Alton Jct., Dearborn again. Long chapter of Santa Fe. Most of the action at Chicago.

                        Yes. Gene Miller is the cameraman who filmed this sequence!

Cajon Pass is next viewed. Santa Fe steam and diesel power. Doubleheaders and helpers used on the grades. Helpers return caboose.

Southern Pacific cab forwards receive much attention. There are more types shown.

Pennsylvania Railroad. Horseshoe Curve with steam. The steam engines parade on the curve. Some very distant shots and close views that give a good feel of the location.

This program has some compelling viewing. One never knows what is going to be shown next. The wide array of: railroads, locomotives and locations keep the show hopping!

Detailed descriptions keep viewers apprised of the action. The sound of the trains is good. Narration does dominate the proceedings, and works well. Good entertainment for the whole family. This trilogy, gives an excellent overview of the 1940′s to 1950′s era.

Rating: 5 Stars