Producer: John Pechulis
Timeframe: 1940s – mid 60s
Locations: Jersey to Laurel Run
Length: 65 minutes
Sources: A. Angstat, C.& K. Bealer, A. Furler, R. Kulp
First, in what has become a larger catalog of anthracite railroads. A fantastic collection of film spanning the decades.
John Pechulis is the extremely capable, restoration producer. He brings these old films to life! They are colorful and amazing to view.
Mike Bednar is a former railroader. He is knowledgeable in all areas of Lehigh Valley! That includes the railroad personnel.
Mike spent years as a towerman. Rough in voice. Hard to understand at times. Full of great stories!
Apparently, Charlie Bealer worked in the towers, years earlier. Hence, some of the great footage!
He often calls the trains by: locations, desiginations, nicknames, purpose or scheduled compliance. Late: due to blizzard, flood or construction, at the time. Amazing recall on live narration!
John supplies custom maps. Effective, to keep viewers informed of locations. He even includes some history on yard areas.
A Chapter Menu breaks it by geographic areas. Easton, Bethlehem, Allentown, Lehighton and more. Obviously, this is how he proceeds with the story.
There is comprehensive coverage. Everything in here, is beyond the scope of this review.
This is Bound Brook, New Jersey actually. This is in 1965. The timeline jumps, in deference to location. One time review accuracy for max effect!
Mike Bednar jumps right in, and continues the main narrative. John will outline the maps.
This first release moves along at a good pace. Smooth editing. Filled with trains. The Black Diamond, rounds a curve at speed in 1946.
JM1 by East Penn about 1950. Allentown area.
Audio tracks sound excellent overall. Effort has been made to match diesels. Steam sounds play well. Balanced audio levels in the show.
The Asa Packer in 1958. Allentown and those Alco PA locomotives are showing some weathering. Several name trains, are seen at this location. Model railroaders will find plenty of details in this program.
Mauch Chunk Station just east of Bear Mountain. A model railroader’s scene. Sharp, 13 degree curves and a small town!
A major blizzard hits in 1958! Catasauqua Tower. Mike talks about school being closed for 3 days!
Steam engines work hard in mountainous terrain.
Lehigh Gap afforded a bird’s eye view, from the Lehigh New England line.
Packerton Yard has a brief, but detailed tour.
Ends up in 1965. Fresh white paint, with a red flag on that one caboose. In a little over ten years, there shall be Conrail blue. Still, there is plenty of Cornell Red…
Lehigh Valley Volume 1
This is an excellent program. No disappointments. All good things here. Great for family viewing. Plenty of rerun value.
If Lehigh Valley gets your interest. Start here.
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 