Producer: A&R
Timeframe: 1988-89
Locations: Deerfield Yard, Montague, Lowell, more
Length: 1 hr 40 min
Source: Rolly Osmun
Boston & Maine. Shown over 2 years. Guilford paint covers most of the power. Chronologically proceeding. The blue scheme survivors of predecessor B&M will diminish.
The Videographer does a fine job, of recording the action. The original tapes have been well preserved. A good looking program. Considering it was a video source.
Note: There is a small, horizontal video distortion. Runs along the bottom of the picture.
Live audio seems to have been microphone recorded simultaneously. Wind noise is present sometimes. Most scenes are fine.
The narrator sounds flat, as well. I do not enjoy critical analysis here. Sorry. It is what is. The script is already fairly lame. This choice isn’t helping matters. Everything ties together to create a final product…
Has a few introductory map screens to outline the program. Nothing offered, after this very fast intro. Would have been far better, to have mid- program reference points.
Vocal location, for the remainder. Marginal effectiveness. Schenectady Airport? Are we in New York now?
Maps are helpful! Include more maps. No chapter menu is included.
The narration is only offering; location and train designation. This sounds fine while you are reading this now. Try it over the full length of the show.
It becomes tedious and fairly boring. Too simplistic to have much entertainment or educational value. A glaring weak spot.
In fairness, small tidbits are given. A Conrail train interchange, for example.
Broad subjects such as the Guilford takeover. Guilford’s used locomotive acquisitions. These points, would have been a far more interesting narrative.
The end result, is a rather flat and dry, presentation. Sure, the trains are here. Good quality in fact. It quickly becomes too repetitive.
Especially, as there is little other relief. To offset the dull grey paint, and equally unexciting, late 1980s freight consists. Not a caboose in sight either!
That all being stated. This is a review remember. It is not all bad news.
The somewhat slow paced presentation. Yes, it could have moved along somewhat faster. Many sequences were dragging….
The actual footage was nicely shot. Some handheld shakiness, at times. Overall though, it is a good view. The major, saving grace. Huge, in fact.
Smart composition. Not crossing gate laziness, that one encounters in the video era, all too frequently. He doesn’t suffer from chasing one train, for too long either. So there is some balance.
Although, the editor should have made many of the scenes shorter. Created a livelier show, in that process.
There are blue units to be found. Small quantities. Only single scenes on a few.
Let us look at the sum total. Add it up.
Videography is the strong suit. Audio and ambient sound, is largely fine. Good foundation for the studio to work magic.
Production side of this program…
Script is weak. They do not even mention the ex: Santa Fe SD-26 locomotives. Zero call-outs on any locomotive type, either. Again, missed opportunity to add interest.
IF I did miss an identification. Perhaps, an ex: Norfolk and Western SD45. Maybe, I fell asleep for a minute!
Editing: Generally smooth, but too long, at too many scenes. Drags the show. You may reach for the fast forward button. Move that train! Leave the train. Yawn… Pacing…pacing…good pacing.. Not here!
Some good points. Some negatives. Rates it right in the middle. Sort of…
The Boston and Maine Years of Transition Volume 1
A very watchable, but slow moving show. Flat narrative, added to it…had me wanting to reach for the fast forward button. The good is in there. Production has an amateur vibe.
Rating: 3 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 