Into the 90’s GT-2

Producer: Todd Miller

Timeframe: 1993- 94

Locations: Battle Creek to Port Huron

Length: 2 hours

Source: Todd Miller, Dale Devene, Paul Geiger

The official description is a stretch. I was deciding, between this and GT-1. Both at two hours. This GT-2, had a few things going in its favor. I chose this, based on the advertised inclusions.

Steam, 1980s footage and Battle Creek. Does it include those items? Barely!

We have several scenes of steam. A couple of scenes that is the 1980s. A few minutes total.

Major GT yard at Battle Creek. I expected this to be a show highlight. Wait for it… A single aerial flyover!

Not a good start. There is more. Getting ahead of the review.

The show is narrated by Todd Miller. He seemed to be self sufficient. His Videography is pretty good overall.

His post production work has good points. There are other areas needing help.

The good. Maps are included in the program. Timely referenced. On screen graphics, with locations and milepost.

Weak are the lighting. Some scenes need the brightness lowered. Early on, this is annoying on the 1994 video. It settles down. No Chapter Menu.

Another area is the audio. Edit the volume on some of these crossing gate scenes. Fortunately, locations are included that are away from crossing gates.

Worst issue is the DVD transfer!

Ever wonder what it would be like to see your old worn out VHS tape on a DVD? Step right in.

Constant, roll and flutter is a distraction. A couple of sections, I thought the tape was being eaten! Only to remember, this is on a disc.

The former 2 tape set, is loaded with flaws. Wonder, why they could not have sourced a set of tapes in better condition?

Now, after all these issues. The actual show, is a decent visit to the Grand Trunk.

The beginning is at the throat of Battle Creek Yard. A train exiting the area. Program travels towards Canada.

Durand is one of two extended show highlights. This visit overstays.

A long lash-up at Durand.

This connecting line provides some relief. Central Michigan. The sound of these General Electric locomotives, is a sweet symphony.

Unexpected, are the amount of online grain elevators.

Flint, the famous Grand Funk bridge.

Canadian Pacific rolls through the territory.
Not mentioned in the narrative. Several Amtrak trains, are joint USA and Canadian.

CSX appears, with connecting trackage and various moves. Again with their yard and action, at Port Huron.

Port Huron contains another extended segment. A fascinating look at those: yard, ferry and tunnel operations!

This GP15 looks dwarfed by the auto racks. Too tall for the current tunnel. They need the river ferry.

Three Railroads operate ferries here.
Focused discussion of yard operation. Details given a detailed look. Plenty of Canadian National movement here.

The single GT caboose on a train. This from the 1980s freight, constituting one half of that feature.

Into the ’90’s GT-2.

The description fails to deliver on the advertised. A reasonable expectation would be more time on the items, I brought up.

The VHS transfer quality is a dog. Seems like, better tapes could have been applied.

I would have chosen Volume One. Had this been described more accurately.

It is still a good show overall. Lower rating for the sloppy source and transfer.

Rating: 3 Stars