Wire, Wings and Warriors 
A&R Productions
Length: 31 minutes
Time Period: around 1915- 1960’s
Locations: Avery, GE Factory, Harlowton, Pipestone Pass and much more..
Source: The Blackhawk Film Collection
MSRP: 30.00
Milwaukee Road electrified operations are the main feature in this show. Little Joe and early Boxcabs are the locomotives that get the trains over the mountains. Normal diesels are included, as the electrics were added to the road freights. The Olympian Hiawatha is seen as a separate entry, later in the program.
A&R Productions has a solid script, which is very descriptive. Ted Daluku is the familiar narrator. The Milwaukee Road Historical Society was involved in this presentation. Train sounds are heard in the background. Everything is well organized.
The Blackhawk film collection used, is all black and white. Fine for the really old material. However, some of the Little Joe engines are operating much later. Also, the cinematography within is very good overall. The films are clean. Realize, this is 100% black and white.
A 1919 Westinghouse Quill. A bipolar is in the show too.
Ride an EP-1 boxcab on the Rocky Mountain Division. Early era, when they were painted black!
Locations are referenced throughout. A handful of basic maps are helpful. Both the Rocky Mountain and Coast Divisions are covered.
Visit the General Electric plant at Erie. See Boxcabs.
Avery Yard
Wire, Wings and Warriors. The black and white film era was over in the 1950’s. However, The Olympian Hiawatha and earlier footage is fine with b&w. The detailed narrative is the strong point here. Milwaukee Road fans should be satisfied.
The sum total is the show is pretty good. If you can overlook the b&w factor on the Little Joes, an informative 30 minutes are viewed. Smooth and full of action, a fast half hour.
Rating: 3 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 