P.M. Rush On The BN

P.M. Rush On The BN

John Szwajkart

Format: DVD

Length: 1 hour 15 minutes

Time Period: early 1990′s

Locations: Chicago, Congress Park, Brookfield, Berwyn, Downers Grove, Naperville.

Source: Rosemarie and John Szwajkart

MSRP: 25.00

The last holdout for EMD E9′s in daily mainline service was at Chicago. Burlington Northern’s fleet was in daily operation until replacement by 1993. These venerable units were pulling double decker passenger cars on the 30 miles between Chicago and Aurora. These E units were originally built by Electromotive Division of LaGrange during the 1950′s. They are nearly 40 years old here. This video documents an average weekday rush hour on the BN.

A select number of locations were picked to film that afternoon’s trains. Just as a normal, busy day, a few freight trains run on the triple track main. Locals will be very familiar with the stops on the route.

The Racetrack, is the nickname for the triple track between Chicago and Aurora. Viewers will get a sense of speed as some trains hustle through a scene. At peak periods, the express runs blow right by the locals. It is something to see.

Burlington Northern’s fleet outlasted the similar E-unit operation on Chicago & Northwestern. Both roads used the locomotives in push-pull fashion. The CNW E8′s were looking ragged in the early 1980′s. The BN engines were rebuilt into E9 class, and better maintained. So they ran for years after the CNW locomotives were gone.

This program is fast paced and action packed! To the trains………

Chicago’s Union Station was the terminal for the BN passenger service. A departing train smokes it up, while taking the commuters homeward.

      Note the tower located in the background, on the right. That tower was a busy place!

      At 16th Street, with the city looming in the background. At this late date, the bi-level passenger cars have Metra signage. The train is turning westbound now.

   Amtrak passes by at 16th Street. The Amtrak maintenance and coach yard to the right.

             Locomotive #9906 is outbound at 16th Street. A bunch of trains here!

                               Without the headlight on, this train is westbound.

The Brookfield Zoo is the reason for the dolphin themed water tank. A unit coal train is led by some General Electric power. Those three tracks would get extremely busy.

At Rush Hour, one could find two trains both on the same heading. The local would be on the side track and the express would blast, right down the middle.

The engineer is seated topside on the control end of this inbound train. He sits in the locomotive, when headed in the other direction.

                                   BN #9913 heading westbound, into the sunset.

Also, Amtrak, VIA and the Metra replacement locomotives make some cameo appearances. BN had plenty of hot intermodal trains. A few are seen moving quickly, to beat the rush hour onslaught of commuter trains. They always squeezed some freight in.

Quality is the usual, interesting amateur shot footage. The handheld camera is pretty shaky at times. Natural sound is fine.No narration, but you don’t need any.  Passenger platforms at the station stops are the main viewpoints. The camera zoom is well done.

The producer says nearly the entire fleet of E9′s is presented in this show. It looks about right. The BN/ Metra commuter service required numerous trainsets to cover the schedule. In previous years, those stainless steel cars carried Burlington Northern lettering and logos. Prior to that, Burlington, during the CB&Q era. In all years, Burlington was known for keeping the line open, even during Chicago blizzards.

Once again, John Szwajkart delivers a show, just as it is advertised. For those who remember, this is a souvenir of Burlington Northern E9′s and the typical high volume commuter traffic. Others who are interested in big city passenger operations, will get a good feel for this extensive level of service provided.

That camera shake prevents this from a higher rating. In fact, it is a video for the hardcore train enthusiast. If you can live with the handheld production, you do get to see the last stand, of the legendary fleet of Burlington Northern E9 locomotives.

Rating: 3 Stars

The Santa Fe In Chicago (Slideshow)

The Santa Fe In Chicago (Slideshow)

John Szwajkart

Format: DVD

Length: 1 hour 37 minutes

Time Period: 1950′s- 1980′s

Locations: Chicago, McCook, Willow Springs, Joliet and more

Sources: John Szwajkart, John Darling-b+w

MSRP: 25.00 or 2 for 40.00

This is a slideshow presented on a single DVD. The Santa Fe is the featured railroad. Many other railroads appear within this show. Time period is highly desired 1950′s to 1980′s. The 1960′s and 1970′s receive prominent coverage. Arranged in a geographic fashion. Locations are highlighted and trains that appear in assorted years follow.

Some special sections highlight Dearborn Station for example. Some maps denote areas that are to be viewed. The maps are a little tricky to decipher, better suited to a large screen. No narration. On screen graphics contain most of the information.

The show is about 85 to 90% color. The black and white shots are generally good. Many color pictures are of excellent quality. Composition and color balance look great on the vast majority of photos. The sound of a vintage slide projector is the soundtrack. Hey, these slideshows will grow on you.

OK. Let us see what this show is all about.

The trip begins at 21st Street in Chicago. Pennsylvania, Monon and GM&O are seen. Santa Fe will be seen in larger numbers later. This chapter is black and white

The show will follow the line out to Joliet. A multitude of other Chicago area trains keep the slideshow surprising. The color slides really look good.

See how the years bounce around? Locations are the dominant theme of organization.

                   The classic warbonnet trains are plentiful. The one you want.

Action at Corwith Yard. A ride on Archer Avenue almost guaranteed seeing Santa Fe.

How do you spell rare? Alco alligator RSD-15 at Corwith. Railfans will be happy with the rarities. You will have to see the rest…

Willow Springs was a great location. Sadly, the station is boarded up in this 1978 view.

Gulf, Mobile & Ohio had The Plug serving Chicago to Joliet. Stopped at Willow Springs on a parallel line (GM&O), though a bit distant from ATSF trackage there. The Plug, ran without heat many times. Those daily commuters knew to bundle up in the winter.

Joliet provides a plethora of trains. Rock Island, GM&O and ICG as well.

                        Amazing! Cat whisker FT’s on freight. The other one you want.

          GP 20 and GP30 locos, in yellow pinstripes, were fairly recent power in 1967.

What’s wrong here? Passenger F7 units demoted to freight service. Amtrak.. Bah!

John prefers steam. This 2 fer shot includes all those US Mail trucks and trailers. Much of the mail used to move on the rails.

                         Dearborn Station At Night. Fantastic shots to be found at Dearborn.

                               A  bonus with Alco PA’s. The one you wanted the most!

This show has over 280 slides. It was tough to narrow down to a select handful. Some other railroads seen: C&WI, CNW, B&O, C&O, Chessie, New York Central, L&N, C&EI, Norfolk and Western, Grand Trunk, Canadian National, Burlington Northern,Belt Railway, Erie Lackawanna, Penn Central, and more.

This presentation captures the feel of Chicago area railroading, as it was. Chicagoans have a tendency to model nearly everything. This slideshow demonstrates why that is.

       We need a caboose for the end. One more thing about Chicago, it is too cold.

The Santa Fe In Chicago as SS7 from John Szwajkart. This is must see for Santa Fe.  fans. Just about any railfan should like this show.

Rating: 4 Stars

Along the Hudson Division

Along the Hudson Division

Pentrex

Format: VHS

Length: One Hour

Time Period: 1992

Locations: Penn Station to Albany/ Rennselear

Ride an Amtrak FL-9 from Penn Station in New York City, to Albany, New York. The route follows the old New York Central trackage, along the Hudson River. This show includes a nice balance with exterior views of trains and locations. Metro North is the railroad that operates the line here.

Using a fleet of FL-9 and F7A units, the cab units are frequently found in pairs. The FL-9 locomotives were built by EMD in 1956 and 1960. They are dual service units. Power can be supplied by the stock diesel engine. Electric, third rail provided power is picked up by specially constructed locomotive trucks. The advantage is no changes are needed, as the engines cross into the electric territory. The F7 diesels are normally aspirated Electromotive prime movers. Their function is to augment the FL-9′s out on the route.

Besides the ugly paint scheme on the Metro North units, we see some Amtrak FL-9′s which look handsome in comparison. The most attractive lookers are New Haven livery, they do have one appear at Breakneck Tunnel. Connecticut DOT owns those classics. Our train has Amtrak #486, an FL-9!

Other diesels in this program include some ex: New Jersey Transit- former Chicago Northwestern F7′s. Conrail has B23-7 locomotives with a specially notched snowplow for third rail clearance. At Harmon, a repowered Alco RS3 and B23-7 are parked. Those two are Metro North units. Additionally, Amtrak Turbos and Metro North mu cars, are included. Amtrak GP40TC and F40′s, as well.

Beginning our journey at Penn Station, the train follows a recently added ‘Westline’. This subterranean route is dark. Soon daylight appears, although we are still below street level. New York City has many street overpasses. The George Washington Bridge is passed.

Northbound, the train follows the Hudson River. Yonkers is not a stop on this train. The scenery opens up as we continue the trip. Spuyten Duyvil gets a brief look. The recently rebuilt bridge is crossed there.

Pentrex has usually has fine, professional narration. The script is well written. Mainly concentrates on the current scenes. Short pieces on locations, and equipment, round out the presentation. The area is rich in history. That aspect can be found in other train videos.

Audio is natural sound. The narrative will override the soundtrack. At frequent intervals, the train sounds such as engines and airhorns are center stage. It is balanced and nicely done.

The scenery is an excellent feature on this cab ride! The omnipresent Hudson River and mountains are relaxing to view. Many smaller towns and their stations are included, with onboard and on the ground cinematography.

An example is at Bear Mountain Bridge. The cameras are passing under the bridge and than a view from the bridge, reverses the action viewpoint. Pentrex is really good at this type of sequence. Multiple shots keep the show interest level high.

Not limited to just a ‘hard mounted camera’, has other advantages. A Conrail local freight is seen with a little switching of it’s train. Many of the upstate exteriors, add up as a collection of scenic vistas. The Eastern scenery is heavily wooded and it is beautiful.

At Poughkeepsie, the train is under Conrail control for the remainder. We watch the engineer as he makes radio contact with dispatch. He eases the train out of the station and works the FL-9 controls.

Albany/ Rennselear station is where FL-9 service ends on our Amtrak Maple Leaf train. The locomotive is cut-off. An Amtrak GP40TC will take the train to Toronto.

Pentrex has presented an excellent cab ride with Along the Hudson Division. The assorted views and informative commentary do result in a fascinating program. Now available as a combination show on  DVD. Perhaps, that will be reviewed someday.

This show is a great cab ride, and the extras make it one of the better rides to experience.

Rating: 4 Stars

Santa Fe Odyssey Volume 1 (Remastered)

Santa Fe Odyssey Volume 1 (Remastered)

Green Frog Productions

Format: 2 DVD set

Time Period: 1954-1980

Locations: Chicago, Joliet, Amarillo, Raton Pass, Willow Springs, Lemont, Las Animas, Emporia, Kansas City, Trinidad, many more..

Source: Emery Gulash

Green Frog has taken a longtime favorite, Santa Fe Odyssey Volume One and digitally remastered the show. This was originally filmed in 16mm, all-color film. Previous releases in VHS and DVD format have always looked good. American Train Video Reviews had previously reviewed the 2001 DVD version of this show. It was a highly rated program . The big question: Does the new release improve upon the earlier version?

Going back to the original High Definition 2D masters, Green Frog has modernized this fine show. The advertised toots the day and night comparison  of the 2011 version.

Having both copies of a non-remaster and the newest 2011 digital remaster calls for a comparison. A note on packaging is important. The outer packaging is identical for both versions! Green Frog has been notified of this, with a suggestion for notification to be added to the newer version. On the inside, both DVD’s are appropriately labeled. Buy from a reputable seller, or you may end up with a non-remastered show.

A highly detailed chapter menu, makes navigation a breeze. You’ll want to revisit favorite locations on this sprawling double disc set. There are also the audio selections. Stereo and Dolby 5.1 surround. Narration is switchable as on/ off.

Narration is the high standard that we expect from Green Frog. An excellent script with smooth, professional narrative by Peter Youngblood. Natural train sounds are present and they sound great.

On both versions, this is an extraordinary look at Santa Fe in 16mm all-color film. Emery Gulash was one of the best cinematographers of railroads. Expert composition, and with a great eye for the perfect shot, Emery’s work is fantastic! A very prolific catalog of film has been distilled into this ‘best of Santa Fe’ show.

A cornucopia of classic locomotives, passenger trains, vintage freight cars, cabooses and classic ATSF stations are all present. Great and varied locations, showcase the Santa Fe in an intriguing fashion. The timespan allows for comprehensive coverage of the railroad.

   Willow Springs is a classic Santa Fe location. Emery shot plenty of action here.

The remaster has some major image upgrades. The colors are more vibrant, without seeming fake. True authentic colors are immediately noticeable. Color balance is enhanced. The subtle shades of foliage, and not so subtle give an improved scenic framing for the trains. Some patches of old snow are another example. At times, there are small branches, and some weeds in the foreground that weren’t very noticeable before. The blue skies with clouds look better.

Santa Fe’s stucco and tile roof station has a mellowness to the color scheme of the buildings, a true to life feeling of being there. Sunlight has an extra warmth to the scenes.

The trains themselves have an increase in sharpness. They just about jump out of the screen, and into the room! The Super Chief, Grand Canyon, Super C and the rest look spectacular.

                                       Alco RSD-15 trio at Vaughn, NM.

Blue and yellow diesel led freight trains. Yes, these are also enhanced now. EMD GP20 and Alco Alligators are some of the classic shots.

Even the old style, brown ATSF cabooses are more interesting color-wise.

Distant shots emphasize the terrain and scenery. As the train gets closer, that gets the visual attention. The passing trains are a delight.

Amarillo, Texas has that great station and EMD F7′s along with the Alco RSD5. The San Francisco Chief arrives and looks superb. Emery has some excellent scenes of dusk and nightfall. The light glistens off the shiny warbonnets. A long lashup of GP30′s roll thru with a freight, at night. Morning has Alco PA’s. Amazing material.

Model railroaders can have a field day with the weathering alone! Many different years, locations and seasons offer a wide array of ‘seasoned equipment’ to study. Passenger trains are worthy of some focus on their various degrees of road grime. Freights are the best, there was an interesting mix of old and new railcars. Check the many shades of boxcar red.

Raton Pass has some action of F3/ F7′s on the point of a freight with an Alco pusher set. A warbonnet led set of F-units are serviced, as more mail is loaded at the station.

Emery gets a great pacing sequence with some weathered F7 units.

Disc 2 has the continuation of this 26 year odyssey. One of the newer inclusions is the introduction of the warbonnet freight scheme. Burlington Northern has pool power on unit coal trains. The Cascade Green paint is a spot-on match. Good action on the Joint Line. Amtrak is also found in part 2. The warbonnet F units serve into the 1970′s. Super Chief/ El Capitan is lettered Santa Fe FP45′s,with an Amtrak unit, on this Amtrak train. Complete Amtrak trains appear, like The Southwest Limited, as the timeline moves forward.

We return to some of Emery’s favorite locations over the years. This is similar to a time machine like viewpoint. As the railroad becomes more modern, much of the rest stays the same. He also visits some new places. Some bicentennial items are seen.

On it goes with the higher quality viewing. One other comparison of note. There are less shadowy shots. Much of that has been brightened up.

Overall, the improvements are dramatic. There is a striking difference with the 2011 release.This is a major upgrade over the last version on DVD. Santa Fe fans, this is a must see program. Any railfan or model railroader will thoroughly enjoy this Santa Fe Odyssey Volume 1.

Green Frog highly recommends the Blu-Ray edition, for those who have that equipment.

Day and night change in the show?  Yes, that is the new 2011 digital remaster.

Rating: 5 Stars

The Santa Fe – Chicago to Joliet

The Santa Fe – Chicago to Joliet  (TW81)

John Szwajkart

Format: 2 DVD

Length: 3 hours

Time Period: 1990′s (more or less)

Locations: Joliet Union Station, McCook, Lemont, Willow Springs, Hodgkins…

Source: John Szwajkart

The Santa Fe line running in a southwesterly direction from Chicago to Joliet, Illinois. This has traditionally been both a busy and an interesting route to watch. Much of this video seems to have been done in the 1990′s. While not a classic era with levels of higher interest. There is a ton of modern ATSF and even some BNSF action. Amtrak runs trains over this trackage as well.

John Szwajkart prefers a highly mobile video setup. His needs include fast setups and breakdowns while chasing trains. The handheld shots are this videographers preferred choice. It can take a little adjustment, as one gets used to the extra camera shakes. This is the main reason that these are recommended for the hardcore railfan. They would rather have this no frills style of show, then the alternative of no show available. That is a valid viewpoint.

The show is completely watchable. Directly transferred to DVD format with no digital enhancements to the source tape. Like the other shows that I have seen, some tape errors are present. The audio is 100% natural environmental sound. What is heard, is what was there. The windy city adds some wind noise to the microphone. Other ambient sounds such as background voices, automobiles and wild birds add to the audio mix. Train sounds dominate the show, as they should.

The locations and some time references (ex: post merger) are seen on some blue screens. There is a chapter menu included.

This is a lengthy pair of discs. There is much coverage of the given route. Joliet in particular, gets extended time on the 2nd disc.

Disc One is Chicago to Lemont. Corwith Yard lead tracks cross the busy I-55 as briefly seen. Was expecting more depth at Corwith. Some business cars can be viewed behind Superfleet power. A few unrepainted Kodachrome engines appear. Sharp eyes will notice an occasional caboose. Other trains with: Soo, CNW,  IHB and Norfolk Southern power. Action continues through McCook, Hodgkins, Willow Springs to the outer Lemont area.

The 90 minute 2nd disc begins at Lemont. The part of the oil refineries are located in Romeoville. Lockport and onward to Joliet Union Station. The rest of the show is centered from there.

There are a seemingly endless amount of Santa Fe trains. Amtrak makes multiple appearances. Iowa Interstate is the surprise, as it crosses the ATSF at Joliet. That would be the former Rock Island line going to Blue Island. Don’t forget Metra.

As was normal for this later era version of ATSF and BNSF, the intermodal traffic is the road’s meat and potatoes. Really, this era, is not my cup of tea. TOFC and COFC doublestacks never were very interesting to me. However, as a reviewer, here you go.

It’s a big world, and if you like this intermodal traffic, you do get a huge supply of it here.

This show is geared for the modern era, hardcore railfan. You know who you are, and if this show, calls your name. John Szwajkart delivers as he has advertised. Modern era Santa Fe and some various BNSF on this specific route.

Rating: 3 Stars