Steamin’ In 2013

Steamin’ In 2013

Producer: Mary McPherson

Length: 60 minutes+ previews

Time Period: 2013

Locations: Monticello, Strasburg, Chattanooga, Enola, Altoona, Horseshoe Curve

Sources: Mary McPherson, Kurt Jensen

This show highlights 4 steam locomotives, that they filmed in 2013.

Southern #401. Strasburg RR #475. Southern #630. Nickel Plate #765.

Three of the engines were featured in previous shows from this past year. All of these shows were reviewed on this site.

Titles are in the preview section. Note, the Strasburg loco will have a show in early 2014.

Kurt Jensen has the too sparse narrative. His style is: relaxed, and likeable. The remaining majority of audio, is all natural live sound.

Everything is very clearly heard. That includes children in the background or crossing bells. Fortunately, the noises are at a minimum. Yet, the lack of a solid narration weakens the set.

The narration is in an introductory format. Background and some info to set the scene, After that, it is all environmental sound.

No other information is offered. Didn’t care for this style. There could be more discussion.

Southern Railway 401 is first up. The engine is seen operating at Monticello Railway Museum. Mixture of some decent trackside runbys. Also the cab ride that doesn’t really work. A soft steam whistle stands out on this steamer.

Shot during a crowded Railfan Weekend, the museum has plenty of equipment in service. See the replica of an Illinois Central interlocking tower. Note the crowd around the station too.

The camera jerks around too much, as I wait to get a view like this. Annoying and should have been deleted. This chapter has an amateur quality.

Strasburg RR 475 at Strasburg, Pennsylvania. This 4-8-0 was from the Norfolk and Western. Baldwin built in 1906. These passenger cars are on the ugly side. No information is offered, but they are an odd looking collection.

Weather conditions on this visit from good to heavy overcast. Some nice looking scenes.

Southern 630 is the best filmed of the bunch, overall. Same with the full length show. Serious railfans would be happier, to get the 630 combo and pass on this compilation. Seriously!

Southern Railway 630 is shown in the Chattanooga area. Tennessee Valley Railway Museum at Railfest 2013. The 2-8-0 gets to strut her stuff on the Norfolk Southern mainline. Recently restored and looking sharp! Another great steam whistle. No diesel helper on the main.

Each chapter runs about 15 minutes. There is heavy sunlight bouncing around in the morning scenes. The Pennsy heritage diesel has a classic livery.

Nickel Plate Road 765 on the old Pennsylvania main with the classic locations. Enola, Altoona and Horseshoe Curve. The biggest and most powerful power on this show.

This latest release goes back to amateur level. Here, the 765 rounds Horseshoe Curve- behind the crowd of weekenders. The close up ‘money shot’ is blocked by a tree.

There you have it. A non essential sampler of still operational steam. Should be good for younger children, as the train sounds dominate. This one hour show might appeal to kids.

Rating: 2 Stars