Yesterday’s Santa Fe

Icon Video Productions
Format: VHS
Length: 40 minutes
Locations: Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California
Time Period: Late 1960’s- early 1970’s.
Source: Virgil Staff (16mm film)
Virgil Staff was another classic cinematographer. His films were shot on 16mm. They are all color on this show. The program states that it has ‘authentic’ Santa Fe sound.
Travel westbound from Texas to California on the Santa Fe.
Virgil begins in Texas and has many fine viewpoints to share. His direction westward, then enters New Mexico. Arizona and into California.
Action at Cameron, Texas.
He does include some scenes that contain ATSF stations. Cameron here. This is all vintage first and second generation EMD and Alco power.
Long lash-ups of weathered F units, in the blue/ yellow freight scheme, are seen in Texas. Seven F units on the Carlsbad sub.
Last F units in service, Super Chief’s last year and end of San Francisco Chief. Richmond roundhouse in San Francisco.
Nicely shot and informative narration. Some guitar music in places. The presentation is on the short side at 45 minutes. It is well worth having in your collection.
Rating: 4 Stars