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

Erie Lackawanna Volume 3 + Memories of Erie Diesels

Erie Lackawanna Volume 3 + Memories of Erie Diesels

Mark 1 Video

Format: DVD

Length: 60 minutes

Time Period: 1950′s- 1970′s

Locations: Scranton Division (EL), New York City to Starrucca Viaduct (Erie)

Sources: John Briggs, Phil Imbro, Tom Nemeth, Joseph Zook

Here is a matching combination DVD from Mark 1 Video. Erie Lackawanna with a third volume of coverage. Erie Diesels contains mostly the old pre-merger railroad, with some Erie Lackawanna. The basic main menu lists Erie Diesels first, that is our starting point.

Memories of Erie Diesels. The first half is the line from New York City ferryboats to Starrucca Viaduct. There are shots of a busy, 1950′s era New York Harbor. The Erie terminal is serviced by Alco switchers. Passenger service is handled by Alco and EMD locomotives. Erie had a large variety of passenger cars. The equipment dates back to at least the 1920′s.

A paper route map outlines the lines to be traveled. On-screen graphics will convey other location information. Many Erie station signs are viewed, to mark the locations, as we traverse the railway, in order. The bonus here, are numerous shots of the train stations. Some of those areas are panned by the cameraman. Puts the station in context.

The next part of the program features travel on an Erie branch. Commuter trains are the action, with a few freight trains. More Erie Lackawanna is present on this branchline.

This show is mostly passenger trains. Diesels included are: Alco PA, RS2/3, EMD E8, EMD GP7/9 and passenger geeps with torpedo tanks on the roof.

Paint schemes run from black/ yellow, two tone grayish green and later EL.

Limited freight train action in this show. It does have a rare LNE boxcar in one train. A caboose on every freight. The black and yellow GP7 types and RS3′s are sharp looking.

Film quality is generally in the good range. Some rather grainy 8mm. Considering that a majority was done in the 1950′s, at least this is watchable material. It is all color footage.

Audio has natural train sounds. Pretty good and adds to the presentation. No narration.

Memories of Erie Lackawanna Volume 3

A Scranton Division Scrapbook

This is the meat and potatoes of this combo. Begins with a Mainline Tour. Orange to Tunkhannok Viaduct. The familiar paper route map outlines the tour. This show will have many locations. On screen graphics do a fine job of listing the locations.

Film quality is better on this show. It is mostly very good and cleaner looking overall. Some scenes are in the good range, though grainy.

The audio has increased volume. It is clearer. Bigger diesels equal louder engines. These locomotives do roar in Run 8, pulling heavy coal or long freight trains, in the mountains. The 1960′s to 1970′s time period did have newer recording media. Locations are listed with on-screen graphics. No narration.

Erie Lackawanna puts on a fantastic show of first and second generation diesel power. EMD has many models in service. Big SD45, and SDP45 ae frequent. Older GP7/ 9 types are all over the place. F7 A/B units are seen on locals, coal trains and helper service. Looks like EL was using whatever was available for pushers. Switchers as NW2 and SW7 in use.

Alco has the strong C424 and C425 Centuries leading freights and coal drags. An S2 in switching moves.

General Electric has U36C class on the point of many freights, along with U25B types.

Jersey Central has an occasional SD40 on the lead of EL freight.

Passenger trains are the realm of the venerable E8. EL matched passenger consists are the main ones here. One has rear markers, The Phoebe Snow.

Nickle Plate Road Berkshire # 759 is briefly featured on a 1970 passenger excursion. An odd place to find that steam engine.

Reading 4-8-4 # 2102 masquerades as Delaware and Hudson #302 on a 1973 fantrip. The graphics also list the chase from Scranton to Delaware Water Gap. Short sequence.

Diesels return with a few train chases to closeout the show.

Erie Lackawanna Volume 3, is a fast paced, action packed program. A wealth of freight trains are the main focus. This is a fun and satisfying show. Sourced from 8mm, with great sound. It is a worthy addition for Erie Lackawanna fans.

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

Memories of the Erie Lackawanna RR: Volumes 1 + 2

Memories of the Erie Lackawanna Railroad: Volumes 1 + 2

Mark 1 Video

Format: DVD

Length: 60 minutes

Time Period: 1960′s- 1970′s

Locations: New York and Susquehanna Divisions

Sources: Many

Erie Lackawanna displays a highly interesting mixture of early and modern era diesels. Set in the 1960′s and 1970′s. There are many locations. On screen graphics denote the locations. Mark 1 Video train videos use multiple film sources for it’s vintage shows. The resulting overview of the large EL is worth a look.

A fine audio soundtrack has been created for the train sounds. Much care has been taken, to give viewers an authentic auditory experience.

There isn’t much else in the way of production. No narration, at all. A few bits of music bookend the shows. A primitive looking menu offers the choice between the 2 volumes. Both of the volumes will display a 6 chapter menu, after you enter that volume. A little clumsy in the menu department.

All trains, with audio. A few spartan features. So, it is classified as another program that is… ‘for railfans only’.

The film sources seem to be 8mm, color film. The viewing quality ranges from mostly good, to very good.  Gets grainy, but this has been assembled from multiple sources. Entirely watchable footage. The views contain enough interest to offset nitpicks about quality. If you want to see Erie Lackawanna, here it is..

Volume 1 ‘Main Line’ runs at 30 minutes, Hoboken to Arden on this single DVD. Erie Lackawanna passenger train action is immediately on the screen, at Hoboken. Here is where many passenger trains are seen. Older RS3, E8′s and new GEU34CH are all here. Passaic is next up. This looks like some Erie RS3′s and an Alco PA appears, around Passaic’s downtown. Out to Passaic Jct., and a few moments with some GP7′s in black and yellow paint, on freight duty.

The years seem to bounce around. Modern EL passenger service is seen at Paterson. A single SW7 has a few boxcars and a red Erie caboose. More old time Erie passengers. This volume gives more attention to locations, than the 2nd one. We seem to be following the route, the trains are inserted at the locations. That is the reason for the many time jumps. Alco RS3 units lead the majority of the commuter runs. There are many of these runs. Hawthorne has quite a few. Ridgewood is another stop.

A favorable selection by the original cinematographer, has left many classic freight cars on some reels of film. The 8mm format was often limited to a few minutes of filming. The men who were shooting trains back then had to conserve the time. This is why the freight cars are not often seen in volume. Naturally, cabooses bring up the rear of the trains.

The New York subdivision is jam packed with vintage EL train action. Original black and yellow winged units are still in daily service. Classic gray, maroon and yellow EL is the predominant paint scheme.

EL sure had a diversified locomotive roster. Railfans and model railroaders will have a field day, when viewing these 2 volumes.

Volume 1 is weighted with far too many passenger train scenes. I always seek out the freights. At Waldwick, some freights finally show up. Early film, with black and yellow RS3 diesels work the yard. back to even more passengers. Yawn… too many and too much time spent on these commuter trains.. We suffer, all the way to Suffern.

Finally, the cavalry arrives with some freight action at Ramapo. Mainline freight trains are led by pairs of diesels. Arden has a quartet of Alco RS 3′s on point. That’s all on the volume 1. This volume was a disappointment overall. Too little freight, too late.

Volume 2 is another 30 minute  ‘Main Line’. New York and Susquehanna Divisions. Moodna Viaduct to Binghamton, NY. A basic paper route map shows us the main line and Graham Line. No further information is given. Is Moodna Viaduct on the Graham Line? This is actually a giant trestle. More freight train action begins this 2nd volume. GP7, GP9, RS3, SD45′s lead some trains. GE U boats and Alco C425′s are used to combine their power. Matched sets of Alco RS 3 engines are a sight! Vintage freights rollby with endless arrays of gray EL power units.The big, dual service, SP45P’s are in the common freight diesel pool.

Non stop El trains parade by the viewer. Some old Alco Fa’s, still in black, lead a train. An E8 handles a short mail train. A lone RS3 pulls a quick passenger train. Back to more heavy, freight trains. More of those classic  boxcars. A nice look around an EL yard facility. A wrecked FT sits upright, though it looks like it was derailed and on it’s side. Unsure of the yard location.Here are some F3 and F7′s on a freight. More action around the yard area.

Susquehanna Division is up next.Delaware River Bridge hosts a lashup of 6 EL diesels with a freight. The trains thunder by, the audio is again, nicely done. GP35′s are seen in a lashup. The constant action continues at a fast pace. Starrucca Viaduct has some EL action too! On to Binghampton and a quick ending.

This is a healthy collection of Erie Lackawanna in the 1960′s- 1970′s, before Conrail. The 2 volumes are jam packed with trains. Even exceeded my expectations. The audio keeps the intensity up. It is fun to watch and hear all of the different motive power. hard to keep up with the various locations. The scenes jump around quickly. Sometimes there is some camera shake. Generally, it is all shot competently.

Volume 2 was the best of the two volumes, by a longshot. It was more scenic, and more interesting overall. The preponderance of freight trains really is what I wanted to see. The 2nd part really saves that day, as far as freight coverage goes.  Old freight car strings are not often seen in video.  Get this EL set for the enjoyable 2nd volume.

Rating: 3 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

Empire Of The North: The Forming Of The Burlington Northern

Empire Of The North: The Forming Of The Burlington Northern (D-121)

Charles Smiley Presents

Format: DVD

Length: 1 hour 31 minutes

Time Period: Early History to 1970′s. Plus some post- merger to BNSF 2001.

Locations: Systemwide

Sources: Many, 15 film credits alone. Charles Smiley has a video credit. Still photos and illustrations.

MSRP: 29.50

A very comprehensive program by the multi- talented Charles Smiley. The Burlington Northern merger of 1970 was a huge merger. Major railroads combined: Great Northern, Burlington Route, Northern Pacific and Spokane, Portland and Seattle into the BN. Subsidiary lines such as: Colorado and Southern, Fort Worth and Denver are included.

Historical aspects and the focus on past rail barons such as: James Hill of Great Northern and E.H. Harriman of Union Pacific make a worthy basis for this story. James Hill became known as The Empire Builder. Teddy Roosevelt becomes a trust buster. The remaining merger roads are effectively covered as well.

The high-flying Charles Smiley is a generous host. There are many assorted views, and often relevant talks about other railroads. EL, GM&O, DRGW,  PRR, WP, MILW, ROCK, UP, SP, ATSF and more! As I was in close proximity to GM&O circa 1972 on, that segment really was unexpected on a BN show. Icing on the cake.

Some people correctly make note of overlapping footage in some CSP shows. This is needed to ‘tell the story’ of a given railroad. As the prototypes connect and interact, so do the stories. As Milwaukee Road interaction is offered, why not see Milwaukee Road?     Any overlaps are small portions of the lengthy programs. As the digitally restored and enhanced films are of very high quality, the additional scenes are fine.

There is a chapter menu on this DVD. All Charles Smiley releases are manufactured  glass mastered DVD’s. Highest quality and better durability are another bonus of CSP.

Charles continues with his winning style of presentation. Much like a PBS broadcast quality program, these shows are some of the best available train videos. His thorough,  detailed discussions provide seemingly limitless information. Inside information often brings points to light of how railroading has evolved. Fascinating!

Subject features are in a plentiful supply. Viewers will come away with historical knowledge of wide-ranging subjects such as: Panama Canal, Ralph Budd, Western Pacific’s Inside Gateway, CB&Q Zephyr, World War 2, California Zephyr, Baldwin, Alco, and plenty of additional.

The cornucopia of trains is nearly overwhelming. You will need multiple sessions of viewing this show, to take it all in. All digitally re-mastered and painstakingly added natural sounds make for great sequences. Mainly color with limited black and white footage.

All the diesel makers that supplied the Hill Lines are discussed and on parade here. Some of the original paint schemes from the 2000 BN locos, are seen in early BN renumbering for ICC compliance. Watch for the small lettered/ renumbered units.The BN roster was vast, and there is just so much to see. Color film from the 1950′s to 1970′s, is very satisfying. Many rare locomotives are viewed on ‘in service sequences’ in all types of terrain. There are terrific mountain railroad shots.

Custom made maps are always a highlight bonus on a CSP release. This show provides looks at system maps for multiple railroads. They are shown as needed, to enhance a discussion. Local maps are used to facilitate understanding of a specific area.  Kudos!

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy has nice coverage. Ralph Budd and his successful introduction of the speedy Zephyr rolls film back to 1934.  An array of vintage film goes right along with the story of the CB&Q. Stainless steel Zephyrs, Black & Gray ‘Everywhere West’ and later Chinese Red color schemes are … everywhere!

Great Northern provides some spectacular backdrops for those trains. James Hill is shown as the force behind the creation of Great Northern and the mountainous crossing   of the line across the wilderness. GN Alcos are seen in the 1950′s- 1960′s. Main supply from EMD were the bulk of the Hill Lines.

Northern Pacific has its share of time too. Big steam and first generation diesels abound. The North Coast Limited was the centerpiece of NP passenger service. Many NP shots.

NP leads a feature set on steam locomotives. Much color footage and a transition to a CB&Q steam sequence with extra screen time.

Spokane, Portland and Seattle is the least known merger partner. It contributed many Alco locomotives to BN.

Cascade Green, Black and White of the Burlington Northern are a change from the complex earlier paint schemes of the old roads. First generation power is abundant. Newer locomotives and repainted cars spread the new BN image.

The special feature on Western Pacific’s Inside Gateway is a movie within this movie. Keddie Wye and area are visited. Old, smoke belching Alcos, mix with 1st and 2nd generation EMD power. Much scenic footage and raw diesel power to savor. Close-up views put you trackside, in this mountainous region. WP plus BN locomotives pulling vintage freight trains.

One late segment showcases Chicago area railroads in the early 1970′s. Packs a punch.

Fast forward to 2001, he provides a quick update to the BN story,and BNSF, in the contemporary era.

Classic freight cars and named passenger trains are the right ingredients for excellent trainwatching. Rare Alcos lead the way on some trains.This is a railfan’s delight!

This program is one that is hard to step away from. You never know what is coming next! If you only could own a single BN train video, this is the one to have.

A fine film for the entire family. Any train enthusiast will love this show. Unbelievably superior film about Burlington Northern. Nothing has been overlooked. Complete.

Also, there are some fine extended previews of other Charles Smiley Presents programs.

Empire Of The North: The Forming of the Burlington Northern  is an instant classic.           It is an instant favorite too!

Rating: 5 Stars