Producer: John Pechulis
Locations: Allentown, Sayre, Lehigh Gap…
Timeframe: 1973- 1976
Length: 58 minutes
Source: Bednar collection
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Here is one of the John Pechulis series of Bednar filmed, Eastern Anthracite Railroads. This volume 5 covers much more, then the 10 months preceding the formation of Conrail. Footage dates back to 1973. Locations jump around in a timeline format.
Sounds like this was from Mike Bednar father’s collection. Found after the previous volumes were released. Not having seen any of the previous shows. I do not know if any of this film is Mike’s, or how everything fits together.
Majority of cameras were focused on the larger railroads of this era. Quality footage is harder to find, of Lehigh Valley and Reading Railroad. We are quite fortunate, the Bednar films are available.
There are not any maps to follow. No chapters either. A formal organization is not apparent. The show does play better than it appears, organization wise.
Mike Bednar was an experienced railroad professional. He worked as a Towerman for years. He knew operations cold. Names nearly everyone who appears on film. Knows the designations of the trains. Locations are usually offered. Often, the contents of freight cars are known! This adds quite a bit of interest.
I would have liked to have had some in program,reference maps. Where the heck is Sayre? Lehigh Gap? Bloom?
Strange places. Geographical orientation would have been desirable.
Model Railroaders will love the attention paid to freight cars! Plenty of yard scenes like this one. Freight consists with road trains are viewed. Valuable information of period weathering, as well.
Reading GP30. In case you don’t know. Mike doesn’t do the locomotive call-outs often. Yes, he seems to know them all. At times, he will spit them out. Usually, too busy telling a story or giving an explanation or an opinion!
Film quality is excellent! John Pechulis goes through some detailed restoration process, from what I understand. The results are outstanding!
The high resolution is the high point of this production. Very clean looking film. Accurate colors. Nicely done. Bicentennial paint was seemingly everywhere if you were alive in 1976!
Sound is dominated by Mike Bednar’s very detailed narrative. Expert level commentary.
Occasional humorous comments. Depth of knowledge is fascinating. He spent his life on the railroad. Very apparent when you listen to him speak.
There are natural sound scenes. Other scenes have musical background. Everything is balanced to acceptable levels. Narration is the dominant form.
There is a large variety of motive power to be viewed in Volume 5. Lehigh Valley is the main feature. Reading has plenty to be seen. Delaware and Hudson, also puts in a strong showing. Very colorful era!
Not to be forgotten. Erie Lackawanna.Bednar travelled to record EL F-units operating at Bloom. Wherever the heck that place is located! in this program. Additional EL power is present. SD power history was controversial on this Bloom line. GP35 locos are seen elsewhere on a freight.
Lesser amounts seen are Jersey Central. A few cameos by others. B&O and some steam power.
By this late date. Deferred maintenance has become a serious problem. Bad derailments have.caused some major wrecks! A few are on this show.
Large cranes are shown operating. This demonstrates the type of access that the Bednar’s enjoyed. They were able to get close to the action.
Hulcher equipment is likely rare footage. Mike believes it was the initial usage of them, on a wreck, on Lehigh Valley. Interesting, this show contains the old steam era cranes and the modern Hulcher style of wreck removal equipment. Mike was a proud professional. These men were upset to see their once excellent roads deteriorate.
Railfanning with the Bednars Volume 5
A wide variety of motive power is on tap. Alco Century locomotives are operating on the Lehigh Valley plus the Delaware and Hudson. General Electric is making obvious inroads. EMD is easily found among all the railroads. All in all. This is a great looking collection of the Bednar films.
Cinematography is excellent overall. Nice, camerawork. Colors look great! Everything is well-balanced. A top notch appearing DVD.
Narrative is informative and interesting. Once you become used to Mike’s voice. Well, it is authentic. I do find him entertaining!
Certain items that are not present. Maps and chapter selection, are what keeps this show, from the top rating. A worthwhile look at some action in the 1970s NorthEast Railroads.
A strong and enjoyable, one hour show.
Rating: 4 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 