Vignettes of the Western Maryland Volume One

Producer: Clear Block

Timeframe: 1940 – 1975

Locations: System

Length: 1 hour

Sources: Multiple

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A large collection of films. Steam to mostly diesel. Preponderance, of color footage. Wide coverage of this railroad.

Todd Miller performs the narrative. Good script that he wrote. It moves geographically across the territory. A well organized show.

Steam era.

Hence, the timeline jumps as the program progresses. A production decision. One could argue the continuity of time. I would make the argument, the sensibility of time progression. No matter. Let’s go!

Maps are used judiciously. Excellent, to have these frequently referenced. This show really moves around.

We will visit Pen Mar Park, circa 1940s. Jump in a locomotive cab, here and there. A tiny amount of interurban service. See the odd loco in Chessie paint.

Film quality hovers around mediacore. Some scenes are a bit less. Some later scenes, are a little higher quality. Much of it, looks dull or unbalanced. The collection sure could use restoration.

In the year 2019. These old, unrestored 8mm film collections are wearing thin. Historical value is obvious. Consumer value can be, less beneficial. Seek the best quality films first. Read the reviews.

Cinematics themselves are much better! Good camera skills, by about a dozen men. Filmed over many years. Nice work.

The commoners can be found in higher quality, in other programs. It is then a question of rarities, or completeness for collectors. They are here.

Audio is surprisingly excellent. In this case, almost astounding. Considering the general viewing standards. Locomotive sounds are matched to types. Obviously, much effort was put forth. Resulting into an accurate environmental soundtrack.

Alco locomotives are out on the mainlines. RS-3 units, as well. This program has plenty of variety.

A rare BL- 2 set operates in yard service.

New circus paint, first appeared in 1969. This SD40 trio illustrates the schemes.

The now vintage, Northeast caboose was a staple on Western Maryland.

Vignettes of the Western Maryland Volume One.

An interesting show. It covers the railroad as advertised. The visuals are weaker than expected. The audio is much stronger than one would expect. Some rare items within. There you have it.

So… Do you need it?

Depends…