Producer: John Pechulis
Locations: Binghamton, NY., Allentown, Philadelphia, DuPont, PA.
Time Period: 1978- 1985
Length: 73 minutes
Sources: Joe Bednar, Jonathan Reck
Third in this series continues the D&H story. A couple of mainlines are featured. Previous: Lehigh Valley, Central New Jersey, and Reading, were given to D&H to operate. Conrail trackage rights added even more territory, for D&H to run trains.
A brief introductory narrative. This is informative. Preferred presentation, had it been given at relevant points throughout in the program.
Narration starts out strong. It is brief. Returns in sparse segments.
This leaves natural audio for the remainder of the soundtrack. For the most part, it works out. A few scenes a little too much wind or background. Levelling could have been used, as well.
Overall, I much prefer to learn more. Operations, an area, or local history. These are some possibilities.
Now. That being said… Shot on Super 8mm film. The high quality visuals are a huge plus! It is a great looking show.
Maps, are such a nice piece to include. Simple, and effective to orientate viewers. Standard maps provide geographic orientation of the rail lines. They get the job done.
On screen graphics denote locations. Train designations are frequently included. The designations are pointless, without a corresponding narrative. Unless, one is familiar with the trains.
One glaring verbal error. Conrail is not a shipper. They are a Carrier. A Rail Carrier.
A shipper is an entity that provides freight. A factory, coal mine or steel mill, for example. A shipper can also be a Freight Forwarder. Container traffic.Another type of Carrier can be a Truckline. See the difference?
Back to the show. Action packed! Trains are non stop. They keep rolling across the screen. Fine cinematography!
By this later date. Electromotive has become a serious player, on the once Alco dominated, Delaware & Hudson roster.
Surprising inclusion, is this Alco RS3M. Would have like to hear details about this Bi-Centenntial unit.
The Boston and Maine! Uncommon in railroad videos. Especially this clean. There are other B&M units to be found, within this program.
Maine Central is another rare bird! The interest level continues to rise on this show.
A cornucopia of D&H diesels to view. No call-outs on diesel designations. Obviously an Alco… I know what is. Do you?
Norfolk and Western units appear frequently. Full sets, and mixed in, with other power. Another missed opportunity, on the narrative.
Pushers are used on various trains. Note the former Reading unit here.
Concluding with an independent line.
Anthracite Road. Former Reading Lines, Perkiomen branch is the operating trackage. An ex: D&H, RS-3 is the locomotive powering the freight.
Delaware and Hudson Volume 3 is a worthy addition to the series. The high level of action, and variety of locomotives, combine to a satisfying visit to the alphabet area.
Excellent visually. Good live train audio. More information via narration, would have rated higher marks.
Railfan only show.
Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 