Southern Memories

Producer: Main Line Motion Pictures

Timeframe: 1950’s- 60’s

Locations: South

Length: 49 minutes

Sources: Marvin Clemons, Tom Rock, David Driscoll

This was going to be a hit or a miss attempt. Assortment of vintage films, on Southern Railway. No narration. Something I usually avoid. The rarity of anything from this era and Southern states had my curiosity.

Mainline Motion Pictures was an unfamiliar producer to myself. Let’s see. A bare bones release. No Chapter menu. Zero maps. No narrative. They do advertise that sound has been added.

The actual film collection is nearly all 8mm color. It appears to have had some restoration. Most looks very good to excellent! A small black and white section, from one cameraman
Much of the sound has been dubbed. It sounds, very good to excellent. Beat my expectations, by a country mile. At the end they have some live audio. All in all, the audio is fine.
The on-screen graphics label many locations and trains. Original film sources, as well. General years when available. So, pretty good in the basic information department.

Alco switcher is doing it’s job.
You still cannot beat a well written script. Give me a solid narrative everytime. There is so much to learn about Southern railroading. What a missed opportunity!

We are at Saluda, North Carolina in the above frame. This one, is actually a more recent Norfolk Southern train. Triples the steep grade, on this tough hill. Definitely worth inclusion!

This movie sure gets around. Alabama, North Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee.

A large variety of diesel locomotives. Alcos and Electromotive.

Rare E6A type above. Passenger and freight. Through trains and locals. Some rare paint schemes, for sure!

I am always watching backgrounds. Check those flatbed trucks. I know trucks, of all types. Except those. My best guess. Based on the area… Tobacco?

Carolina & Northwestern Alco RS-3.

See…a narrative. Also, is that then a Philip Morris plant or similar? Study the scene as it gets switched. My case for narration. FYI- This is an Alco RS3.

A matched SD-24 lash-up this long… No way! There are numerous surprises.

Another surprise. Birmingham, with this much trackage. Looks like Chicago. If only for a moment.

The passenger ride journeys were fun! Happy faces encountered. The trips gave a good slice at looking out at the local scenery.

We stop at Tuscaloosa. No time for a long lunch? Maybe that beer truck is open for business!

Central of Georgia trains make some unexpected appearances.

Even more to enjoy. A caboose lettered, Central of Georgia. Rare!!

Southern Memories

This show turned out to be a nice surprise. Despite being a no frills package. It does contain an enjoyable show! The material is very rare.

Not much film has been released on any Southern railroads from the old days. Few were shooting there. Not much else has turned up. So, if this is of any interest. This is the move.

Old slogan was Southern Serves the South. Southern Memories- Serve Yourself!

Rating: 4 Stars