Extreme Trains- Season One

Extreme Trains- Season One

History Channel

Format: 2 DVD set

Length: 6 hours +

Time Period: 2008

Locations: USA

This is a complete television series, on DVD. Bonus footage included.

Host Matt Brown is a train conductor in Maine. In this modern look at railroading, Matt indulges in his passion… trains. This series has basic episodes about trains. To say the presentations are lively, is an understatement. Matt is an energetic and dynamic host.

The show has our host examine a train subject. Simple explanations, graphic illustrations and slick camerawork are all used to convey information. There are historical elements, and these can have old black and white films/ photos.

A few detailed reviews of some random, individual episodes are posted on ATVR.

A good amount of knowledge will be presented in a show. There will also be Matt getting into whatever he can! Entertaining with his ‘Let me try that’ attitude. In Circus Train for example, Matt wants to help out. He gets to shovel; both coal and manure! Of course, our hero gets hungry after that workout. He takes a walk over to the circus train ‘pie car’. A fun episode with circus performers and the animals adding more fun. The circus train will journey from one city to the next. The operations are viewed. Some circus history as well.

In Empire Builder, there is snow in the high country. Matt gets on a snowmobile, he is on the abandoned original right of way, for the first Cascade Tunnel.

Steam Engine, has Matt onboard the Union Pacific #844. A solid and fun show.

Amtrak gets featured on ‘High Speed Train’. Matt travels on the fast, northeast corridor. This is an electric, overhead power train. Catenary power wires and pantographs mounted on the powercar are the basics. The custom built trainsets are explained, in detail. The 6000hp power cars can attain 150mph!

Matt has an ultimate backstage pass for what goes on, behind the scenes. This all access format, allows us to see many jobs and operations that normally are not on public view.

Here is a brief report on a single episode…

Freight train. Matt rides a BNSF train loaded with millions of dollars worth of consumer goods. It is a double stack train. Travel from Los Angeles to Ft. Worth Texas in 48 hours. Not only do we join the engine crew in the cab of a 4400 hp locomotive. Matt will take sidelines to: Cajon Pass construction. BNSF heavy maintenance at Barstow, And operate various pieces of heavy equipment. Oh, throw in a quick visit to see a steam engine at Steamtown. Fast pace and Matt is stoked up! Maps and more graphics illustrate many things. An excellent program. That rock soundtrack might be a little too extreme, for some viewers.

Episodes do vary somewhat. Some shows can be too simple for the veteran railfan. Should usually have points of interest, even for knowledge train heads.  Most shows will have something for everyone. Fast paced episodes that rock and roll with interesting sidebars to go with the main theme.

The kids will like this updated style of presentation. There is a massive amount of information on how things work on a railroad. All kinds of equipment, machinery, operations, and geography. History is intertwined on the episodes.We visit many other places such as: locomotive simulator, high-tech dispatch centers, lift bridge controls, construction sites, ocean docks, intermodal facilities, and much more. Most of the major class ones are part of the series. Big 3rd generation locomotives are standard.

These are fun shows overall. While, Matt is living on his dream trains, the viewers are included like a group of good friends. Railroad men will talk to us too. They will discuss what they are doing, and why. Matt often asks, How does this work?

You will find that, Matt is a loud, noisy, busy and amicable host. The man does communicate a wealth of information. At times, he can be ‘over the top’ excited. At first view, he can be a little too much. Give him a chance and watch a few episodes. You’ll get used to him. He is a man on a mission. The guy loves trains.

The camerawork is excellent. The quick shots and racing speed edits can get excessive. The music is rocking and some scenes resemble mtv. After a couple of shows in a row, you may need a break from it all. But, you’ll be back for more.

Bonus footage is a collection of fully developed outtake segments. Equipment and trackwork are some features. You can recognize some episodes that these segments were created on.

This is an amazing amount of materiel on a pair of DVD’s. An outstanding value. Highly recommended, modern look at railroading.

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

Conrail Hall of Fame

Conrail Hall of Fame                                

Charles Smiley Presents

Format: DVD

Length: 2 hours 20 minutes

Time Period: 1976- 1997

Locations: Selkirk, Altoona, Cresson, MG Tower, Horseshoe Curve, Hudson River, Gallitzin, Lewistown, Reading, Secaucus, Ridgeway Jct., Cleveland, Buffalo, and more..

Sources: Tim Hosey (96-97), Jack Kuiphoff (76-78), Tom Luckey (88-92).

MSRP: 29.50

Newest, 2011 Release

Charles Smiley Presents programs are modern classics.

Most important are the high quality films. Digital processing assures us of the best possible image from the source tape. Synchronized sound, and a natural sounding environment, bring the trains to life. Attention is brought, to a wealth of historical information. Often, he has intriguing information of a railroads inner workings.

Judicious use of his custom-made maps, keep viewer awareness of: location, elevation, routes and direction. Smart and effective narration holds the many elements together. On-screen graphics offer even more information. Extended program lengths . More costly to produce, the glass mastered DVD’s are of highest quality.

The many bonus extras add additional value to the shows.

A scenic area is at MG Tower, as depicted on the map, a highlight segment of the program. Maps are plentiful and frequently referenced, to keep viewers well informed.Focusing on a much-needed Conrail history, this one fills a considerable gap in American train videos. There are many Conrail videos available. This one has the major advantage of including a complete look at this huge railroad. The time span alone, makes the price of admission a bargain.The value of having it on a Charles Smiley Presents is… priceless!

At nearly 2 1/2 hours, there is way too much material to cover in detail, within this review.

This is an extremely comprehensive show. The three sources cover the showcased years with excellent cinematography. There is so much to see in this show. Example: Only CSP would take the time to include a segment of Delaware & Hudson on a Conrail show!

Mainly filmed in Pennsylvania. We also have plenty of scenes in New York, and New Jersey. Even  more, Indiana and Ohio.  There is a chapter menu and a few nice previews.

As we progress through the Conrail story, Charles reviews the history of the four CEO’s. Each one, had to deal with an always evolving railroad climate. His winning formula is much like a PBS broadcast program. As a recent railroad overall, the historical aspects begin in the 1960′s. Additional historical material is included of course!

Charles has a fantastic viewing and an intelligent discussion on early Conrail. All of the merger roads have some locomotives to witness. Many, with hastily applied CR renumber, painted over original logos, the 1976 era version is patchwork city! Wild combinations of any road, any builder, make it impossible to guess what will be next.

This Erie Lackawanna power is from 1976! The early Conrail years have extensive coverage. It is engaging to watch the cornucopia of merger partners locomotive lash-ups.

Alco still had a presence at that time. Big engines like the C630 pulling upgrade on Horseshoe Curve in 1978 are legendary to railfans. The screenshots speak here.

Conrail had some major rebuilding programs, of it’s inherited power. Viewed in active service, former New York Central GP9, is now a GP10. This was one of those rebuilds, seen here. The camera follows this engine, with a local freight in Pennsylvania.

Plenty of General Electric built diesels, in original owner, and repainted Conrail schemes.

Conrail continues to modernize and proceeds to be a success. The 1980′s show how the road has made progress. The 1988-1992 footage documents the improved railroad.

The 1990′s see the release of third generation power. Foreign locomotives are not uncommon. Run through engines in Conrail territory. will sometimes appear. BNSF, CNW, CN and GT are some of what goes blasting by the camera. Lots of live audio and just plain fun trainwatching! Even in this late era, there is enough variety to keep us guessing.

The years of 1996- 1997 show the final years.This was the ultimate, modern Conrail, before its subsequent break-up. A fine look at a great railroad.

Once again, Charles Smiley has outdone his biggest competitor… himself!

An instant classic, Conrail Hall of Fame is the definitive work on the railroad. Action packed film, with the best coverage of: start-up to conclusion, in a single program. Everyone will enjoy this show. Even the kids will find the multitude of live action sequences a ton of fun!

If you have never viewed a Charles Smiley Presents, this is a great one, to get onboard.

If you have viewed a Charles Smiley Presents, this one is just as outstanding, as the rest.

Rating: 5 Stars

CSX Scrapbook

CSX Scrapbook (D-138)

Charles Smiley Presents

Format: DVD

Length: 1 hour 42 minutes

Time Period: 1999- 2001, some 1991-1993

Locations: Deshler, Fostoria, Cumberland Sub, Sand Patch Grade

Sources: Tom Luckey, M Johnson

MSRP : 28.50

Charles Smiley with his latest 2011 release. The CSX on parade at the close of the 20th century. A few geographic areas are shown with busy tracks. Featured locales are: Ohio Hotspots, Cumberland Sub, and Sand Patch Grade. I like the ‘scrapbook’ theme. There are a huge number of trains shown in this program. Shown in all 4 seasons, the wide variety of power, locations, and scenery, equal fantastic railfanning!

Drawing mainly on 1999-2000 footage, also included are some 1991 and 1993 views.

CSP is always one with some bonus features. Here, the earlier film provides a differing viewpoint, with renumbered Chessie units still in mainline service.

High quality is a hallmark of a CSP show. This one, is no exception to that standard.

Diesel fans will have a field day with the vast array of EMD and GE power that is shown.

CSX was power short and leased units are abundant. Some are in the paint schemes of former roads with quick patched paint and logos. Intersecting roads such as Norfolk Southern and even Union Pacific are seen. Run through locos are from roads such as BNSF and CNW are found. Canadian National, Illinois Central add variety. Helm Leasing, FURX are some of the leased diesels.

CSX had a large roster. Many different locomotive types are viewed. There are many assorted CSX paint schemes too. Renumbered Conrail units are included. The head-end never is repetitive on this show. Long lash-ups, Helper Service and long trains are plentiful.

Charles intersperses some individual locomotive history on CSX repaints. He also has discussion, and views of the replacement, of old B&O color position signals.

Deshler, Ohio has the ‘Crossroads of the B&O’. A busy crossing of 2 former B&O lines. Judicious use of the maps keeps viewers aware of the train moves.The old B&O station still stands at the crossing.Some CSX C30-7 locomotives move slowly in town. Other trains are shown in the area,

Fostoria. Ohio has 3 former mainlines from: B&O, C&O and NKP. This is known as ‘The Iron Triangle’. It is a renowned modern hotspot. At this time, CSX and Norfolk Southern cross here. These are all double track mainlines.

Cumberland subdivision begins at Point Of Rocks, MD. We will move west from here, as we tour this subdivision on CSX. Martinsburg, WV. does see many assorted freights. There are enough general merchandise moves to keep up the interest level.

The heavily wooded scenery is a nice backdrop for train-watching.Mountains, tunnels, bridges and rivers all add to the scenes.

Earlier 1991 shots reveal quite a lot of Chessie System painted power was still visible. Before we complain about wanting more Chessie, remember these flashbacks are included as bonus footage. He is not required to do this, Charles likes to give viewers the complete picture of any given subject. His attention to the many small details are part of what sets a CSP show apart.

Charles has a rich supply of detail with on-screen graphics. Locations, direction, car counts and additional info are often listed.

Another consistent CSP extra are the custom made maps. These are important to get a sense of an area, locations and even elevations. They are frequently referanced and add better understanding of the lines.

The scenic beauty of the region multiplies as we travel into Pennsylvania and towards Sand Patch Grade. Contemporary equipment gives some of the best imagery from this area. Digital processing has been used throughout the program.

The footage has been digitally enhanced for improved picture quality. Audio is crisp and clear, as well. Natural sounds of the trains are quite prevalent in this program.

Narration by Charles, is in a more concise style. He still is informative. The trains do take center stage more often.

Sand Patch Grade is a centerpiece of this fine show. There are some excellent, uninterrupted train-watching sequences to see.

The elevation maps are another inclusion that defines the territory covered.

This is an excellent assortment of CSX trains. The extra fine picture and sound qualities are a highlight. Any railfan will find enjoyment in the sheer volume of train scenes.

Once again CSP just does superior work. You just can’t go wrong with a Charles Smiley Presents.

Rating: 5 Stars

Steam On Horseshoe Curve

Steam On Horseshoe Curve

Sunday River Productions

Format: DVD

Length: 50 minutes

Time Period:1930′s- 1960′s. 

Locations: Horseshoe Curve, Enola, Altoona, Rockville Viaduct, Oakmont, more…

Sources: Fred McLeod, Mac Owen. Collections: Walter Keevil, Dr. Jefferson Weishaar Jr.

MSRP: 39.95

Pennsylvania Railroad and Horseshoe Curve, are two icons of American railroading.

Alva Morrison has the original production credit.Some Alva Morrison history is contained within this review. As I learn about Sunday River Productions, their history is a story to be shared. They are a very well established company, and have been around for decades, They might be ‘ the original train video company’. Relevant historical aspects will be included in some upcoming reviews. Some fascinating insights!

This show was updated, digitally remastered in 2009. A main menu has seven chapters and the standard play movie button. I have found the previous Sunday River programs enjoyable.

Pennsylvania steam engines all had the muscular, Pennsylvania Railroad look to them. The Standard Railroad Of The World, was their famous slogan. They needed to have powerful, tractive effort, to get the heavy trains over the mountain grades.

Opening the film is a Conrail freight circa 1989! The 3 track curve is hosting six locomotives. As the narrator explains, that we will now travel back in time…

After some brief glances at some steam in color, the story begins.

It is a black & white segment from the 1940′s- 1950′s. The 4 track mainline is in place. Our railroad sure is a busy one. This early footage was during a time when America was still moved by rail.  On parade are some Decapods and K-4 Pacifics. Travelling further back in time, film from the 1930′s is seen. The film is all quality, ranges from very good to excellent.

The K-4 is a classic, highlighted locomotive featured in this show. The movie bounces around in various years ; 1930′s to the 1950′s. Many other locomotives including; Mikados, Texans and Consolidations. Mountain class 4-8-2 are strong engines at work. Occasional on-screen displays show year or locations. There are numerous runbys. Passenger trains go blazing by the viewer. Some pacing shots do spice things up.

Do not be surprised if your woman does not care for the vintage b&w portion. This is smoky, manly steam era railroading! An action packed, old-time trainwatching pleasure. Action packed and loaded with runbys. Hardcore Pennsylvania Railroad Trainwatching !

Color explodes onto the screen, with the impressive dual service M-1 Mountain type. In its prime, the M-1 was likely, the best all around PRR steam engine. J-1 Texans were 2-10-4 locos, that exceeded the earlier Decapods in power. Another action driven chapter.

The natural sounds take center stage. Narration is sparse and very effective. Alva performs the narration. He was the brains behind this brilliant production.

The natural train sound audio is so well done, it becomes its own character.

Articulated types; T-1 4-4-4-4 and Q-2 4-4-6-4 are both reviewed. Turns out, the Q-2 was the successful design that Pennsy had sought, albeit 2 years before the end of steam.\

Horseshoe Curve is a vital and thrilling look at Pennsylvainia steam power. The Locomotives parade past, with all sorts of trains. Notice how every single engine has its own unique sounds. This extended portion is like time travel back to the 1950′s. This chapter alone is worth the price of admission. An absolute must see for a steam fan and any railfan. Everyone will enjoy this color film sequence combined with the live sound.  Exceptional  Chapter!

Speaking of chapters, listen to this piece of Sunday River history. Alva Morrison was the original producer, narrator and scriptwriter. Long before the advent of vcr home players and vhs tapes, he had made train movies. Started out making copies for friends. The demand grew and so did Alva’s business. Using the super 8mm film of the time, he distributed some of the train films on reel to reel.

The introduction of those vhs tapes was at a time, when Alva was already an active film producer. VHS format did require some updating. He was editing those shorter films into the longer format. Released those tapes, to enter the new market. Sunday River was probably the ’original train video company’.

Those early reel and vhs films, were forerunner programs , of what is now available on a dvd. Alva had titled some of what are now current Sunday River Productions ‘chapters’, as the name of the film. So when we see a chapter title, that could have been ‘the movie’, back in the day. Some of his older movies do have those original ‘movie title segments’. They now are presented, remastered and updated, with additional film, into today’s dvd chapter format.

The final chapter is surprisingly titled : Diesels. Many vignettes of the Pennsylvania, and final scenes at Horseshoe Curve. Again, natural train sounds dominate this section. I enjoyed this part too. Perhaps, this portion was one of the early movies.

We roll-up into the 1960′s. A glance at Penn Central. Conrail closes on Horseshoe Curve.

This is an energetic look at mainline steam in Pennsylvania. The scope reaches outside of just viewing Horseshoe Curve. Being unfamiliar with the area, some maps would have been a big help. Much seems to have been filmed in the HC vicinity. Due to the excellent presentation, the wealth of great film, this one flaw will be overlooked.

This program is a fun one to watch. Suitable for the whole family. Kids will like the smoke and sounds of the trains. Sunday River has a big winner here!

Rating: 5 Stars

Northeast Rails Remembered II

Northeast Rails Remembered II  (D- 137)

Charles Smiley Presents

Format: DVD   

Length: 1 hour  33 Minutes

Time Period: early 1990′s

Locations: Delaware and Hudson

Source: Tom Luckey

MSRP: 28.50

This is the latest release from Charles Smiley Presents. He turns his attention to the old Delaware & Hudson and some other northeastern railroad trackage. A cornucopia of locomotives are heading these trains. A virtual rainbow, in a collage of paint schemes. Many fallen flags are mixed up in the locomotive lash-ups. At over 90 minutes, this will be an extended viewing of, former Delaware and Hudson lines.

Trainwatching was generally, power centered by the time the 1990′s rolled around. Cabooses were becoming extinct. Larger, standardized rolling stock was less interesting, than earlier eras. In retrospect, viewing the non graffiti cars is a pleasure! There are some interesting freight cars. A circus train, general freights,phosphate, coal, and ore trains, are some of what is shown. Some fallen flag gondolas with assorted loads. Still visible, are some of the older road names; on some boxcars, covered hoppers and the other freight cars.

The trademark CSP custom-made maps are used extensively. These are very labor intensive to make. The many detailed maps, are referred to quite often. I like the maps. Many smaller points along the right of way are obscure. There are various scales, dependent on the area depicted. Multi- state jobs for system overviews, right down to single track mainline. It is nice to have a feel of where we are, and with all of these maps, you’ll know! See a pair of these high quality maps at the end of this review.

 There is varied scenery. Some unusual views add interest. Proshot video, consistently provides clear views of the unending action. Tom Luckey certainly has a great eye for composition. Mr. Luckey also has the technical prowness to capture the trains in a pleasing and fun manner. Check his work on Mountain Grades of the B&O, also from CSP. The live soundstage is excellent. Fine editing is always another hallmark of a CSP program.

Memorable extended segment at Bridgeport. Model the stone wall type rockface and the shelf style track. There is a prototype for everything!

This is a contemporary type of program. It is focused on the task at hand. We don’t get all of the historical, and vintage film viewpoints. We do get a large overview of the listed areas trains in a long strech from the early 1990′s. No whining.

Speaking of trains…. An amazing array of road power is on display! This was the age of home road, leased, merger and pool power. Some roadnames: CP Rail, Delaware & Hudson, Conrail, Norfolk Southern, Susquehanna, CSX, Chessie System, Seaboard System, Guilford, Southern, Santa Fe, Soo Line, Family Lines, RF&P, Seaboard Coast Line, Grand Trunk…more. Also leasing companies such as; GATX and PLM are seen.

The engines are in a multitude of paint schemes. Lightning stripe D&H are a welcome sight.  Many models of locomotives from: EMD, GE, MLW (Alco Canada types).

The narration is understated on this show. It’s there, but much of the time, in a backing role. Of course, Delaware and Hudson is discussed. There are some other historical insights, such as Conrail , pre- Conrail, and Palmertown. Natural live sound dominates the scenes. Personally, I am always interested in the intelligent, wide ranging, Charles Smiley commentaries. I do miss the extra information we usually have.

This is a very well done production. Just a shade under the usual high altitude, over the top, CSP show. Still far better than most of what else is available. You just can’t beat the array of locomotives. Will please all railfans. Another winner from Charles Smiley.

 Rating 4 1/2 Stars