Allegheny Rails Volume 1 – Baltimore & Ohio

Producer: William C. Brown

Timeframe: 1953-54

Locations: Sand Patch, Cumberland, Salisbury Viaduct, more…

Length: 55 minutes

Source: William Price

A notable photographer from the time. William Price was shooting in 8mm color film. In this problematic show, viewers will see, non stop action of B&O. In and around, Sand Patch Grade.

Larger classes of the B&O steam fleet are what worked the mountainous area. Diesels were making inroads. They appear as : helpers and sometimes, handle a train.

Rege Cordic is the familiar narrator. A serviceable script is from 1987. This show  has characteristics, of it’s era.

This soundtrack has not aged well. A 1987 synthesizer soundtrack. It doesn’t fit the steam era. 

Rege’s voiceover is too loud over this, as well. Sounds unbalanced.

WB Video advertised the film as ‘Broadcast Quality’.

Pentrex description,”Now, through the use of state-of-the-art broadcast quality film to video transfers, this historic motion picture collection is available to all on DVD”.

A large portion of this show has glowing, green rails. Gravel that is snow white.

These artifacts are enhanced on a larger screen. Unwatchable on a 55″ TV.

Not, Broadcast Quality.

Now…

Outside of those ‘Post Production’s problems. The entire show is not affected. There is enough to ruin the experience!

The Cinematography is excellent.

B&O crews enjoyed mugging for the movie camera!

McKenzie Tower. Here is one you don’t see often.

Viaduct Tower action. EM-1. Cumberland.

The Washingtonian, is frequently seen.

Check the progression of the diesels. At first, they help the traditional steam locomotives. Those Alco FA units look sturdy. Yet, the Electromotive power dominated.

Diesels would appear with increased frequency. By 1954, they have some of their own trains. Now, the steam engines are the helpers!

Double headers always create an awesome spectacle.

Again,with the green, glowing on top of the rails. The gravel looks strange. 

The classic Wagontop caboose. Unique to B&O. Note the green overtones.

Allegheny Rails – Baltimore & Ohio

This show certainly held great promise. WB Video fails to deliver a Broadcast Quality show. This film needs a remaster. This master is likely used up.

( Pentrex said they do not have any master tapes. Therefore, no remaster).

Further explanation. The new Pentrex did not receive the master tapes. Not their fault. Was not transferred, when they purchased the Company.

Casual viewers will likely be extemely dissatisfied.

Hardcore fans, decide for yourself.

The original, Cinematography is great. So, it becomes a mixed bag. Check the reviews. There are choices.

Historical value of Price films, is obvious.

Clear Block, also sells William Price. B&O films of steam and diesel era. Four volumes.

I recommend that you explore the various products. Decide what works best for you.

This show did not work for me.