WP Vintage West

WP Vintage West

Charles Smiley Presents

Length: 90 minutes

Time Period:1950’s- 1980’s

Locations: Systemwide and more

Sources: 18 includes: Gary McClain, John Illman.

MSRP: 29.50

The history of Western Pacific is covered in depth. There is a plethora of additional subjects, connecting roads, shortlines and Oro Dam construction.

Sacramento Northern and Key System are part of the story. Rio Grande has a large chunk as well. For those who want to delve into a historical Western Pacific program, this is your ticket.

Utilizing 18 different film sources could be a challenge. Digital restoration has everything looking nice. Mostly appears to be 8mm color film. Cameramen are generally excellent. Steam, early diesel, traction continues into Perlman Green.

Audio has a high percentage of varied musical background on this show. The variety of music is interesting. Less train sounds then some other CSP shows. This release is more of a PBS style program.

Custom maps and on screen graphics are frequently used. Here, the High Line is introduced.

Charles conveys a wealth of information. As subjects, stories and locations change, the WP sometimes gets lost. The deviations can get long. This takes away from some of the punch.

Extensive coverage of the California Zephyr is here. Burlington Route and Rio Grande also have plenty of time for their parts of this famous train. The show within the show in 2 chapters.

Ride the California Zephyr on Western Pacific and Rio Grande- classic style!

Rio Grande is looked at in detail. Quite a bit of time is on Rio Grande. Fans of that railroad will enjoy the amount of: history, locations and more. Another show within the show.

Oro Valley Dam construction is a key point of that area’s history. Plenty of that too.

A GP7 is performing some street running.

Early diesels. These FT units are part of the original wave that replaced steam engines.

At Keddie and in the rain. The rear facing GE U-23B, is part of a scene that is good for model railroaders, Note the Chevy Camaro SS. Old water tower and more.

The Burlington Northern provided run through power. These rare Alco locomotives and tons of BN freight cars, display the solid relationship of WP and BN. The Inside Gateway.

Plenty of classic rolling stock on freights. You can’t beat the scenery either.

Four axle power was used by WP. The GP40 and GP40-2 models were favored. The last third of the program covers 1960- 1980. Great chapter.

Classic Western Pacific caboose.

Greenway, California. The High Line.

WP Vintage West is a fine program. All of the extra coverage of associated railroads is excellent. That does go pretty far off the Western Pacific story. A quality show, but not in my top rank for CSP.

Western Pacific is one of those railroads that are hard to find on film. This one is geared towards the history of this road and those other subjects. A must have for those so inclined.

Rating: 4 Stars