The Soo Line in the Late 1970’s

The Soo Line in the Late 1970’s

C Vision Productions

Format: DVD-R

Length: 78 Minutes

Time Period: Late 1970’s

Locations: Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota

Source: Fred Crissey

C Vision program featuring classic Soo Line.

This railroad is not a common subject in train videos. The 1970’s is a good time period to see this action. Locomotive variety and assorted freight cars, keep the show interesting.

This entry contains: vintage color footage, narration and music. The music has the option of being switched off. There is no live sound of the trains. A detailed Chapter Menu. The narrative is by Don Grant.

A few trains are seen crossing this high bridge over the St. Croix River.

We begin with a map, that outlines the trackage that will be presented. The music is generally from acoustic guitars. It is all instrumental and well-played.

Locations are frequently listed with on-screen graphics. The narrator announces the locations. At times he announces locomotive types, direction, and/ or a locomotive number. Presentation is good overall.

There are 1st and 2nd generation locomotives. They are decorated in the classic SOO scheme. Logos are mainly traditional. A few variations: red hood lettering, slant logo. Seen are FP7, F7A/ B. GP9, GP30, GP38, GP40, SD40, GP35. Caboose on every train. All freight trains.

The shots themselves, are reflective of the videographer. Many of the shots are on the distant side. Looking across a field. or too much foreground. His angles get a little to steep at times. The approach looks fine, as the lens swings around. the image gets too flattened to view the cars. The distance does work fine on some views. Like watching an HO train move thru the scenery. Just don’t expect to pull a ton of numbers from the equipment.

Long gone, are scenes with long strings of Soo Line boxcars.

Appears to be original, unrestored 8mm film. Film quality is good. Color balance is good. Most of the film has the sun at the proper angle. Winter snow is present, at times. Much rural scenery, farms, woods, some hill and dale country.

Some stations are shown. He gets closer to the trains. Possibly he filmed closer in later years. I prefer the larger images of equipment. Editing is well done.

The action is road and local trains. These are shorter rural trains of the era. You will not see bunches of SD’s dragging a long train. You will see 2 to 3 locos frequently. A fine assortment of EMD motive power, in interesting combinations. Modelers will love the shorter consists.