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

The CB&Q Collection

The CB&Q Collection

John Szwajkart

Format: DVD

Length: 1 hour 7 minutes

Time Period: 1950′s-1960′s, 1960′s- 1970′s diesels

Locations: Chicago area, Congress Park, Brookfield, Galesburg, Savanna,  more…

Source: John Szwajkart (8mm color)

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy was fully dieselized in the early 1950′s. The railroad did have stored, serviceable steam engines, held for peak traffic usage. The Chicago to Galesburg mainline was one of the routes, where steam engines are seen in freight service. Burlington Route was renowned for having steam locomotive fantrips. There are a number of those excursions in this collection. Diesels are shown in freight, and passenger service. A special trip Duluth, and the Iron Range vicinity, will include even more!

This is a part of the Vintage 8′s collection. John Szwajkart shot this assortment on 8mm film. A wide variety of trains sure make these compilations, quite interesting to watch.

This series is targeted to hardcore railfans. For those who want to see vintage train films, they will get a plentiful supply. This show has no chapter menu. Title headers do exist at the beginning of each chapter. The chapters are accessible with your remote control’s ‘next’ button. Consider these as ‘searchable’ chapters.

There is no narration. In fact, the show is a silent movie. One sound is present, the projector noise is heard. Some narration, would be desirable. Everything is well organized and the program flows smoothly.

This is a bare bones ‘vintage films’ presentation.

Image quality is generally good, and fair at times. As these are not restored, or digitally enhanced films, they do look to be original condition films. This results in scenes with faded colors, or in need of color balance. The scenes are watchable, just not a modern looking train video.

Part 1- The End of Steam is the first entry. Big steam in the form of: 4-8-4 and 2-10-4 types. Great roundhouse footage with turntable shots. A unique 0-6-0 shop switcher is sporting a small top mounted water tank. This is at Galesburg, Illinois.

The triple track straightaway is recognizable as Chicago area. Congress Park had a standing station there. Brookfield, LaGrange and maybe Berwyn are some of the other locations. You will notice many Elm trees in the old scenes. This looked much different in the 1980′s, as dutch elm eliminated most of those species. Landscape and trains both changed over the decades.

Here is a brief film within the film. Mr. Szwajkart has kindly provided the details. These are actual screenshots. .

CB&Q 6325 arrives with caboose. In steam days, the busy interchange was sent an engine and caboose. Often, a whole train could be assembled and sent westbound.

The locomotive proceeds to back into the small interchange yard, with Indiana Harbor Belt, at Congress Park. In a quick change of viewpoints, John is filming from the locomotive cab. A  few views of the action, from the 6325 cab!

The 6325 heads back to the main, after some interchange switching moves.

Burlington 5600 is shown approaching and continues onward , as the 6325 is back on the mainline. Looks like the engineer was smiling for the movie camera! John has said, that he enjoyed filming this sequence, and hopes that viewers will too.

Part 2- Early Steam Fantrips has CB&Q excursions in the various outings. Numbers 4000, 3001, 5632, and 4960 on the specials ! The 4000 has our cameraman on board the train, and travels to Galesburg. The 3001 is chased across the countryside. All have multiple viewpoints. Backing moves, runbys, on the train, pacing, and a good range of variety.

Part 3 Diesels Take Over.  This starts with shiny E8′s at scenic, Savanna. Classic ‘chicken wire’ F3′s rollby with a freight. FT’s are seen with hoppers, and a wooden caboose. Some E7′s pull the California Zephyr. Next and in only fair quality are: Milwaukee Road F7′s in orange, maroon are see. Union Pacific has E8′s on passenger trains.

Steam returns with 4963 on Bevere & Southern. Intriguing sequence of the coal train operation. This is a departure from the fantrips.The 4960 powers the final CB&Q excursion.

Diesels are a variety of classic 1st and 2nd generation EMD’s. Brookfield is the main location. Check the old water tank- no dolphins. Assorted F units and geeps are viewed. Burlington Northern early merger trains include: Great Northern and experimental BN liveries.

The old and new: two cabooses trail a GN F45 pair on the head of this passing freight. A CB&Q EMD is coming towards the camera. The wooden caboose appears in the 50′s and into the 60′s. The shiny steel cabooses were serving, well into the Burlington Northern era. Congress Park, and Brookfield have yielded many worthwhile scenes. This film collection is packed with ‘classic railroad’ scenes!

Bonus section has 5618 departing Chicago Union Station. Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range steam is next! Articulated engine #222 powers an early fantrip. Grand Trunk Western and Canadian National have steam operating in the area too. Duluth & Northeastern has a steam locomotive here. As with many trains,you will often see, wooden cabooses. The old 40 foot freight cars are plentiful. We are seeing an entire era, that has passed into history.

The CB&Q Collection has a nice variety of 8mm films. Shot over the 50′s to 70′s get many classic trains. This is an amateur filmed video. There is some occasional camera shake, and the original films are not restored. The vintage content is the attraction.

Fans of Burlington Route and steam engines, will find this an enjoyable hour of action packed trainwatching.

Ratiing: 3 1/2 Stars

Steam Previews from Greg Scholl Video Productions

Steam Previews from Greg Scholl Video Productions

Greg Scholl Video Productions

Format: DVD

Length: 1 hour 11 minutes

Time Periods: Vintage to Contemporary

Sources: Too many to list.

MSRP: 19.95

Greg Scholl has 65 of his titles in a short preview format. There is a DVD menu. Chapters list the subject matter by category. This is a handy to have feature.

Chapter list contains: Vintage Film Era, Eastern Contemporary, Western Contemporary, Foreign, Military+WW2. A Play All button is at the head of the menu. Narrow Gauge and  Logging trains are included within the listed categories. A large selection of various railroads in the USA, Canada and beyond are seen here. The World War 2 selections also look good.

These are the same style and the same previews as are included on Greg Scholl DVD’s. They are brief and give the viewer a good idea of what is contained on the selected show.

The shows cover many different years of Greg Scholl. He has been in business since the 1980′s. This being the case, volume levels do vary. This is so noted on the introduction.

Narration outlines the contents of the program. He also has some original source information, such as; film types and cinematographers.  The narrative is custom made for the previews. You do get direct samples of a shows film. Some of the sounds of the show are  heard. It can be natural audio, music track or both. The programs that I have seen are all quality productions. Viewers can look at a show, hear the commentary, and decide if they need the show.

Personally, I prefer both previews and written reviews, of train videos. The previews are extremely helpful to see the appearance of a given show. They are brief at 30 to 60 seconds overall.

The menu is a nice reference tool. Being a vintage type of railfan first, that makes the process of finding the shows a snap! Just click that chapter and let it play.

This is a great method for organizing a want list.

These are some titles and railroads that caught my attention. Union Pacific Steam Classics, Canadian National vintage series with 1957,1958 and 1959. Duluth Missabe and Iron Range. Colorado & Southern, Burlington Route, Pere Marquette 1225. A fine selection of 1950′s era Norfolk and Western. There are many more interesting subjects.

Preview shows are not feature productions. This particular DVD does offer dozens of GSVP shows. It is very well constructed and is fun to watch by itself. The main problem is that you will end up needing even more of the fine GSVP programs.

I have made a checklist for Greg Scholl steam shows . Perhaps, these will appear sometime, here on ATVR. By the way, have you made your list?

Steam Previews provides a good representation of many steam programs within the vast Greg Scholl catalog.

Rating: 4 Stars

Union Pacific Odyssey Volume One (Remastered)

Union Pacific Odyssey Volume One (Remastered)

Green Frog Productions

Format: 2 DVD set

Length: One hour 55 minutes

Time Period: 1952- 1960′s

Locations: Cheyenne, Denver, Chicago, Ogden, Green River, North Platte, St. Louis, Sherman Hill, Council Bluffs, and more…

Source: Emery Gulash

New in 2011, a Digitally Remastered Green Frog Odyssey program.

The combination of Emery Gulash and Green Frog have created a tradition of high quality train videos. Green Frog has released Union Pacific Odyssey Volume One in an upgraded version. The latest technological advance has been a 2011,digital remaster. A  fine original 16 mm film source, in full color. Green Frog has used their broadcast masters and enhanced the film.

Naturally, the big question. How does it look? In short… Amazing! The images are extremely clean. The colors are accurate and vibrant. Armour Yellow can sometimes look too deep or way too light. The color looks just right. The Northern #8444 has a high level of detail. Those rivets are clearly seen on the front of the smokebox. The puffing exhaust has even more of a billowing effect. Burlington Route’s stainless steel Zephyrs really shine in a new way. The reflective steel jumps out from the screen. The scenes have an added depth to them. Scenery is another benefactor of the remaster. Really, the entire program is visually enhanced.  Having seen nearly all of the original Odyssey series , this remastered volume is a major improvement.

Emery Gulash is one of the greatest train cinematographers of all time. He had that great eye for composition. Most Emery shows will have a few mood shots. Spectacular sunsets, fading light, and the resultant silhouettes. Scenic viewpoints are another highlight. Trains up close, 3/4 wedge shots, across the field type views and more. His camerawork is equally as interesting as the classic railroads that he had filmed. We are fortunate that this talent was out in the field, during some very interesting times for American railroads.

His use of the 16mm color film format, has kept the original footage, quite contemporary. Certainly, his sheer volume of footage has left a remarkable legacy. A true master of his craft. Consider for a moment, how important a competent production house plays into a worthy presentation. Green Frog has proven to be the perfect partner for Emery’s work. Their top of the line production standards are splendid, especially with this digital remaster.

Union Station has a variety of passenger trains. Union Pacific, Burlington Route and Missouri Pacific. Norfolk & Western runs the Wabash Cannonball. Crandic EMD SW-type switchers are in UP identical paint..

Gas Turbines are featured throughout the first disc, Rated at 8.500 horsepower, they were the most powerful locomotives of the time. Another name for them was Super Turbine. They sound unique among all locomotives. The viewer will get numerous views of these ‘Big Blows’ at work. Some rooftop views are at a railyard. The 3 part locomotive sets are impressive. UP always favored the big engine concept.

Union Pacific  #8444 is on the second disc in this set. During this time period, it wasn’t assigned the 844, as it would conflict with an in service UP diesel. Emery spent the better part of a year chasing this classic steam engine. Of course, the remastered views of the scenery, locomotive and the trains are exquisite.There are some long passenger trains hauled by the 8444 alone. Various consists are behind the 8444. The matched UP cars look like the steam era never ended!

Other freights and passenger trains are encountered. Some long distance city trains behind multiple E units appear. Huge EMD DD35, Alco U50C and a few more Super Turbines are leading freight trains. Some GP30 units are also seen in mainline service.

Both of the DVD’s are very satisfying. The wide array of locomotives and trains are great on the first disc. The 1944 built 8444 steam locomotive is the focal point on the second disc. There are some other trains in that portion of this program too. A nice comparison for those that have only seen the renumbered 844 in modern times. The entire show has a nice pace.

The DVD case has the: Advanced Digital Software, Re-Mastered and enhanced from original D-2 Broadcast Masters, information on the back cover.  The DVD’s have All New…Digitally Remastered, printed in smaller lettering.

Fantastic, is the appearance of the newly remastered films. Details are easily discerned. Computer enhancements have the picture looking like it was shot more recently, than the 1960′s.

The script and professional narration are both excellent. The train audio is also high quality.

Green Frog has given us, a super nice version of, Union Pacific Odyssey Volume One. They highly recommend the Blu-Ray version, to those that have the equipment to play it.

This is a fine vintage view of much classic Union Pacific action. Any railfan would be pleased to have this in their collection. If you are wondering if this is worth upgrading from previous VHS and DVD editions. This is the premium edition that is available now. A very noticeable, enhanced program. A must have for Union Pacific fans.

Any viewer should find more fun in this enjoyable edition.

Rating: 5 Stars

Chicago Odyssey Volume 2

Chicago Odyssey Volume 2

Green Frog Productions

Format: 2 DVD set

Length: 2 1/2 hours

Time period: 1962- 1973

Locations: Chicago area

Source: Emery Gulash (16mm)

This program picks up where Volume One left off. Emery Gulash and his cameras are at Chicago. The later time period offers up a timeframe that many will remember. If the 1950′s is before your time, by a decade or so, this will be the one for you.

Emery Gulash is an original master of train videos. He was out doing these splendid films at just the right time. Who knew that so much of all this, would pass into history? Maybe Emery knew, having witnessed the disappearance of steam. An extremely well-traveled man. Here we visit Chicago in multiple trips. Various years have us see some of the changes in the ten years of railfanning at this mega hub of United States railroading.

These are top shelf films from this master cinematographer. As usual, Green Frog has excellent production values. A fine script, good edits, and lovely film.

By the way, there are quite a few Odyssey titles that are reviewed on ATVR. Fine series!

Bob Carrera’s narration is informative and interesting. Natural sounds are included at the right moments. A few missed identifications on locomotives. Only noticeable to those that are aware.

A chapter menu divides by years and locations.

Film quality is superb. Besides the clarity of the 16mm film, it is all color. The colors are well balanced. The images are very clean. Excellent audio compliments the film.

Many of the classic roads that served Chicago are presented in this volume. ATSF, BN, CB&Q, CNW, GM&O, IC, Rock, Milw, GTW, C&O, B&O, EJ&E, PC, ICG, Soo, IHB, South Shore, and Amtrak. Others get cameos like Southern Pacific and Union Pacific.

Let’s begin with the first disc highlights of this 2 DVD set.

April ’62 begins with Milwaukee Road and Chicago and Nortwestern action at Noble Street Tower. Some old ’400′ CNW equipment is seen. The CNW commuters looked about  the same, up until the early 1980′s. At Deerfield, Milwaukee Road freight with orange/maroon F-units and an RS-3. Rondout Jct., with Milwaukee Road and EJ&E centercabs.

January of 1963 and zero degrees show why Chicago is too cold in the winter.

March of ’67 at Joliet. GM&O Abraham Lincoln and a Santa Fe freight on a cold, March day. GM&O, The Limited climbs a grade.

May ’70 at Morton Grove. Milwaukee passenger trains. This part drags the show. CNW at Wilmette. More passengers and double deckers. Repetitive.

Milwaukee Road F7′s in orange/ black lead a thru freight. A local with an SW7 moves next.

Burlington Route passengers are now BN, but you can’t tell. A BN painted E8 leads a mixed consist, at Hinckley. More BN freight trains, in various paint are viewed.

At Lemont, the GM&O with the Abraham Lincoln rolls thru town. The stone station dates from 1853.

Grand Trunk Western puts on a parade at Oak Glen. Old green/ gold runs with newer black/ orange. Both resemble owner Canadian National paint schemes.

Blue Island is a very busy crossing. Much action is seen here. Indiana Harbor Belt, Grand Trunk, and B&O. Rock Island shows up too. A Milwaukee Road freight, a Penn Central train and a couple of B&O switcher transfers. Lots of first generation power. Classic freight cars complete the satisfying chapter.

Back to Gulf, Mobile & Ohio in Lemont.

Burlington Northern is still a new entity. The renumbered units are still in original owner paint.

Emery frequented Lemont. Santa Fe was another railroad that ran through Lemont. Emery picks up some warbonnet F’s on a passenger train. Joliet was further out on that line. Emery shoots plenty of action at Joliet. He gets the El Capitain behind some FP45 units. The San Francisco Chief arrives behind F7′s. A trio GP20′s were on point of a freight. A classic Santa Fe caboose brings up the markers. There is more at Lemont. Check the ATSF train sattion there.

Willow Springs is a short sequence. This was the next town up the line from Lemont. Five GP20′s on a manifest freight train. Super Chief behind FP 45′s. Yes, they are warbonnets.

Illinois Central green electric cars look like antiques! Illinois Central provides a surprise, with a freight. A South Shore electric crosses this Kensington Junction. Another surprise is an IC E8A, lettered for Central of Georgia, with a passenger train.

Griffith Jct. has some more action. Grand Trunk trains and C&O GP9′s on a freight.

Amtrak in Transition shows the ragtag collection off cast off equipment in early times. Back to ICRR in Chicago. New and old electrics. Passenger cars, and freight. Good chapter.

That concludes this great first disc. This is the best one in the set, by a longshot!

Here is most of disc 2…… Passenger trains.

A long segment of the old CTA on the Dan Ryan….yawn.                                                  Soo Line has a single freight train, with a single locomotive.                                             Soo Line has one more freight, much later.

Illinois Central Gulf in ’73, provides some badly needed balance here. Even the vintage TOFC train looks great. SW’s pull a transfer, with a red ICRR side door caboose.

Burlington Northern at busy Clyde Yard, not Cicero yard with a single freight.

Back to the passenger trains around the city. Some fine shots, Rock Island, Penn Central E8′s with refurbished Amtrak cars. A few impressive bridges add interest on this otherwise, excessive passenger segment. Light engine moves are sweet!

While the first disc is well balanced with some passenger emphasis. The second disc almost lacks freight entirely! Too bad. The freights in those years are real classics.

The breakdown on this set. Great first disc. The second disc is much too heavy on the Amtrak transition. A rather repetitious second disc. Still, it is all Emery Gulash.

Rating: 4 Stars