Covered Wagons of the Cascade

Producer: Pentrex

Timeframe: 1970s

Locations: Portland, Chicago, Washington state

Length: 48 minutes

Source: Nick Muff

Burlington Northern F units are the stars of the show. Washington state. Operating in the forests. Near the Canadian border. At the end of their heyday. In the 1970s.

The rest of this program fills out the agenda. Covered wagons vis-a-vis: E-units. Albeit a few Chicago blink and you will miss them! Also, a little bit at Portland station.

Nice restoration of color 8mm film. The post production work makes a huge difference! No comparison to unrestored 8mm collections. Very good to near exellent view quality.

A chapter menu. Minimal effectiveness. Sort is for the 2 terminals and Washington.

Original audio recordings by the Cinematographer. These begin with a primitive cassette, player recorder. Many kids owned one back in the 1970s. Me too.

You will immediately become aware of the  benefits for dubbing. The early tracks are weak. Notice the narrator speaking right over those.

Fortunately, the soundtrack significantly improves. Yet, there are some instances where some alternative would have better.

Portland in June 1971 had some interesting units. That BN F is in passenger, hockey stick paint!

We move onward to the meat and potatoes. Washington state is where the early Electromotive units are operating. This will include some GP9 and brethern.

The F7 units were often seen leading.

Our Cameramen was probably a friendly guy. He received an invitation to ride. Checkout the local tavern!

Pure F unit lash-ups can still be seen.

As can a chicken wire F3B!

Model Railroaders, will find a healthy supply of potential models and consist examples.

Many freight cars are shown as the trains roll by. We are near the Canadian border. Hence, many CP Rail.

Life’s not perfect. Stuck with a GP9 leading! If things only got this bad. Ha! Even this is a winner.

Canadian Pacific is the local interchange partner. A trio of geeps. Check the old paint scheme, on the middle unit.

One has to appreciate the caboose being included on each train. As it should be!

Anyone with an interest in vintage F7 units or Burlington Northern should enjoy this show. Professional production. A little weak on some of the audio, that keep it from a higher rating. No worries. Get it for the film.

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars