Steam Giants Across America

Steam Giants Across America

Green Frog Productions

Format: DVD

Length: 57 minutes

Time Period: 1940′s, early 1950′s + bonus 1991.

Locations: USA (see the review)

Sources: Robert Flack, Emery Gulash, Jerry Carson, E.K. Verlag, Green Frog

MSRP: 24.95 single version. 59.95 for the 7 DVD package deal set.

This show is contained as a bonus disc in The Steam Special 7 Pak, as pictured. The DVD is also available as an individual release. The discs in the set have artwork.

Green Frog has a classic ‘big steam’  highlight show here. Huge articulated locomotives are  the featured subject materiel. A quality production house, Green Frog has plenty of vintage films for this program. They have some additional modern, fantrip footage to round things out. There are numerous shots of steam led trains, in service, back in the 1940′s and 1950′s. I enjoy viewing the steam era freight cars as well.

This is a compilation train video. Some, or perhaps all of the footage may appear in other Green Frog programs. As a bonus disc in the set, it doesn’t really matter. Fun to watch, even with overlap film.

Steam Giants Across America was released in 1996. The DVD is digitally mastered, and edited. No chapter menu or maps on this show. The maps aren’t important on a compilation like this one. The steamers are the subject, not the railroads. Stereo sound.

Jerry Carson filmed the Norfolk & Western locomotive service area at Roanoke.  Great color footage, and plenty of mainline action. A multitude of class A Mallets are shown. The huge articulateds are in mountain service.

They are seen, shoving hard on the rear of trains , doubleheading the front or both!

The 100 car coal trains are something to witness. Some class J locos are included. The long segment closes, with a parade of articulated powered trains, across Virginia and West Virginia. This chapter is a movie within the movie.

Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range, featured the massive Yellowstone 2-8-8-4 locomotives. These behemoths, pulled long strings of ore cars to the docks at Lake Superior. The big yard is at Proctor, Minnesota.

Union Pacific has to be ‘the mother of the biggest steam’. Plenty of Big Boys are on display, pulling freight, in the western United States. Challengers are up next in action. Cheyenne shops are a steam lover’s dream, albeit a brief one.

Logging railroads are represented by Rayonier. Engine #38, a 2-6-6-2, is dramatically filmed on the logging line. Grays Harbor, Washington area and Camp 14. Engine 120 is memorable, as it crosses an old wooden trestle.

Space age Norfolk Southern hosts a contemporary fantrip outing for N&W 1218 in Florida and Georgia. This portion is edited from the show ’1218′. Good stuff.

Railfair ’91 attracted Union Pacific 3985 and 844 doubleheaded to the fair. Much more action, with some spectacular scenery, as in Feather River Canyon.

As usual, the Frog provides a smooth, coherent script. The narration is balanced. Steam sounds and big band ‘steam era’ music, enhance the presentation. Film quality is excellent throughout. Not every scene has perfect light, but remember the era.  The stereo sound it is excellent.

A fine, well-paced program for any viewer. A compilation, it is an excellent study in articulated steam power.  Youngsters will really enjoy the sights and sounds in this show. This will please just about everyone. A great choice for family viewing. Naturally, any rail enthusiast, including model railroaders will want this release. The 7 DVD package deal, is another excellent option. Very enjoyable!

Rating: 5 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

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

New York Central Odyssey Volume 2

New York Central Odyssey Volume 2

Green Frog Productions

Format: 2 DVD set

Length: 2 hours 45 minutes

Time Period: 1963- 1968

Locations: Detriot, Wayne Jct., Town Line Jct., Dearborn, Electric division, Syracuse division, Harmon,Toledo, Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor…

Source: Emery Gulash (16mm color)

New York Central was Emery’s favorite railroad. In this second volume of Green Frog’s Odyssey, we will complete the New York Central Odyssey, as seen through the lens of Emery Gulash.

Emery Gulash was one of the best railroad cinematographers of all-time. He had an unparallelled eye for great shots. The ability to travel far and wide. He has left a legacy of outstanding films for eternity. I call him one of the Original Masters of train videos.

In this set, notice the shots with the camera angle looking upwards, from the ground. This accentuates the size of the train cars and locomotives. See, he was using more viewpoints over the years. Some ground level tracks with high-line, bridge crossings have simultaneous trains. This set is action packed!

The 16mm films are all in color. They are from many different years and trips by Emery. I just love the way, that was once everyday, is captured so very well. He also films in all seasons and any kind of weather. Experienced fans will note that Emery does frequent his favorite locations.

For those who never have seen New York Central operating before Penn Central, this is a good way to get familiar with the Water Level Route. Both volumes of New York Central Odyssey are worthy programs to add to your collection.

Green Frog has done excellent production, with the proper care and presentation of these films. The picture is sharp. The colors are accurate and balanced.  Dubbed sound is convincing. The fine quality enhances the viewing pleasure.

Narration is the high standard that we expect from Bob Carrera and this veteran production house. Descriptions are right on top of the action. Great script!

There are a pair of DVD’s in this set. A detailed chapter menu divides by locations or month and year. Very helpful for navigating around this long playing feature film.

Disc One runs from 1963 into 1966. A few happenings..

Show opens in 1963 at Town Line Jct. with Alco RS32′s. Lightning stripes adorn a GP7, as C&P GP30′s pass overhead, on a bridge. At Ypsilanti, E8A and E7B units in lightning stripes with a long mail/ express train. More at Town Line with lightning stripes.

A wooden caboose can still be found on some freights. Stock car trains were getting outdated. New York Central has one here. Cameos by: B&O, C&O, DT&I, D&TS, NKP.

Pride of the Central has a jet engine mounted on the roof! Emery was there, in 1966.

Toledo and the Maumee River bridge is a hotspot. Many first generation diesels. Slow movements around the bridge let viewers get a good look at locos and freight cars. Some mail/ express and passenger trains. C&O checks in with E8 powered George Washington. Plenty of freights, a great chapter.

As a whole, there is a good balance of freight, mail and passenger trains. The interesting mix of locomotives is a highlight. Viewing the assorted, vintage boxcars is a pleasure.

Disc Two contains 1966- 1968. (My disc 2, displays as Part One on the menu)

The Electric Division that runs alongside the Hudson River has a chapter. Harmon yard was the end of electrified territory. The New York Central shops were located here. Twentieth Century Limited and Empire State Express are shown, exchanging diesel and electric motors.

Wayne Jct. gives us a mecca of NYC freight trains. Moving at slow speeds, past the tower, there are the freight car views, that railfans want to see. Many types of diesels are on parade. Alco FA, FB, EMD F7A, F7B, F3A, GP9, GP20, E8, GP35, GE U boats and GP40 units are some. SW7 locos are a contrast to its’ bigger brothers. A few too many Wolverines, but liveable.

Although built in LaGrange, IL., nothing says ‘Detroit’ like a black GP30. Most of the power appears in the later ‘cigar band’ scheme. That’s fine with me. Those lightning stripes were always, way before my time. The logo looks even better on the nose of F7 locomotives. Speaking of what looks good, the numerous Alco FA units are like cab units on steroids! Doubly so, when filmed tight to the track.

Trains are quite a far cry from the boring, unit concepts of today. The multitude of boxcars provide a cornucopia of classic roadnames. I’ll take a meat train over a unit grain anytime. Unenclosed auto rack trains, like ML12, with over 1500 automoblies are something else. They were moved in daylight, to discourage vandals.

Mail trains with: REA cars, baggage and flexi-vans, are mixed with old Railway Post Office cars. These trains were once, priority service. New High- Cube boxcars for auto parts were all the rage in the mid-sixties. Many are shiny new.  Nearly, every freight has a jade green, bay window caboose to boot!

Passenger trains are present, in 1967, in quantity. They tend to be interspersed with the plethora of freights. There is a long passenger segment here, in 1967.

Epilogue as Penn Central, early 1968, post merger trains are seen. Mail trains now require a caboose. Other Pennsylvania practices and PRR locomotives, are incorporated onto ‘green team’ trains. Finally, Penn Central painted diesels are in the engine lash-ups.

This is one of the best Odyssey releases from Green Frog. Superb filmography, smooth edits, fine audio are combined with an excellent narrative. There are numerous, striking first generation diesel lash-ups. Outstanding, is the attention to those classic freight trains. A trainwatchers dream!

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