Along the Hudson Division combo

Producer: Pentrex

Timeframe: 1992

Locations: Penn Station to Albany

Length: One hour 30 minutes

A two for one bonus DVD. Hudson Division, FL-9 type locomotives were the main power. Amtrak’s Turbo Trains is the bonus.

This review shall independently look at the two shows. A combined rating at the end. The release is on a single DVD.

Standard Pentrex professional quality. They are extremely consistent in production. The transfers alone, are worth upgrading from VHS tape. Limited DVD Menu with: only a show choice or previews. Does play all.

Full narration. Usual fine soundtrack. On-screen graphics. Razor sharp editing.

Along the Hudson Division

Here are the FL-9 engines. A one hour show. Basic premise, is a Cab Ride in an Amtrak FL-9. Penn Station to Albany- Rensselaer. The power is swapped out there.

The camera is perched on the Fireman’s side. Perfect view out the large windshield. Augmented by assorted choice external scenes.

The scenery is pretty along the Hudson River. This constitutes the majority of the trip. Plentiful, are stations, landmarks and points of interest. Basic maps outline the territories.

Penn Station is dark and cavernous. We are onboard Amtrak’s Niagara Rainbow. As far as Albany. The locomotive runs on electric power here. Travel through a myriad of underground and daylight passages. The train makes it’s way outbound.

The George Washington Bridge is seen, as we travel Northward. Fast moving show.

One of several tunnels. Many viewpoints.

Poughkeepsie with the old New Haven bridge.

A look around the yard and shops at Croton- Harmon. This was where, New York Central once changed diesels, for electric engines. To use third rail. Today, we see equipment in running and junked conditions. Man, that Metro North paint scheme is ugly!!

Hudson Station, being restored to former glory.

At our final stop. A GP40TC will takeover. The work has been completed by the FL-9. Not requiring a dual service locomotive, any further. The FL-9 will rotate back to New York City. The Niagara Rainbow will continue to Canada, behind the GP40TC.

An excellent program. An extremely busy corridor along the Hudson River. Metro North trains of various types. Successful EMD- FL-9 operations by Amtrak. A bit of Conrail. The show is a smooth one. Appears great on the DVD

Amtrak’s Turbo Trains Cab Ride

The futuristic Amtrak Turbo Trains. Originally built in 1976. These 14 sets are concentrated along the Hudson. Ride one from Albany- Rensselaer station to Penn Station. Accomplish this tour in 30 minutes.

A 2 1/2 trip in 30 minutes? No, the Turbo Train isn’t equipped, with a Star Trek warp drive. Succinct editing, will get us there, in an express-like fashion.

Turbo Trains can be run at over 100 mph!

Similar to the Along the Hudson Division. Travels in the reverse direction. Inbound.

The Empire Connection. Riding through a bridge is one of the best parts. Ties up at Penn Station.

Amtrak’s Turbo Trains Cab Ride

An equally enjoyable ride on the once legendary New York Central tracks. Wouldn’t rate it as a 30 minute single. Call it an excellent show. Roll it into the combined rating.

Along the Hudson Division combo

The combined shows are a perfect match! They go together like peanut butter and jelly. Right down to it being a round-trip. Much akin to taking a short train ride, in the locomotive. Good for family viewing and hardcore Railfans.

Rating: 5 Stars