Union Pacific Classic Collectors Series

Producer: Pentrex

Timeframe: 1950s

Locations: Cheyenne, Sherman Hill line, Laramie, Green River, more…

Length: 90 minutes

Source: Video Rails

Pentrex has three former Video Rails shows on a single DVD. Hence, The Collection. All vintage Union Pacific Steam. Each feature is thirty minutes.

A master Chapter Menu allows access to the individual shows. Detailed menu on the shows. Narration by Michael Berger.

Film and sound credits, contain notable names. All the elements are top shelf.

Big Boys

An entertaining half an hour. Full color, high quality film. Informative script, that begins with the development of these locomotives.

Big Blow UP exclusive Turbines were sometimes the assistance.

A single F3A is almost comical in appearance, as a front end helper.

Big Boys could also simply help themselves!

Winter of 1956 is the final chapter.

Challengers

Early history leads off with the growing need for larger locomotives. Wahsatch grades required ever powerful engines.

The year 1936, saw the initial delivery of 15 new Challenger class. A second order included some improvements.

1942 . New 3950 to 3969 were the Heavy Challengers. Designed to work in conjunction with, the Big Boys over the Wahsatch Mountains. Last of the series.

Doubleheader with a Pacific. Both in Two- tone gray paint.

In Nebraska the 3936 operated in the snow.

Two tone grey Challengers we’re painted in Portland. Primarily assigned to passenger service. They are shown hauling freights.

Last stand, were as helpers along the Green River. In a classic and rare scene…

The Turbine is assisted by a Heavy Challenger.

This is an outstanding Challenger show! A chase through the mountains is a highlight.

Steam

The venerable 0-6-0 switchers were in service for decades. They were stationed systemwide at Union Pacific yards.

The 1243 is briefly seen in operation. Various UP steam engines are covered.

Former passenger engine Pacific’s were downgraded, until winding out their careers in freight duty.

In 1958, at the Grand Island, Nebraska roundhouse. UP #428 is one of only 2 active steamers there. The Consolidations were used in branchlines service in later years.

Mikado 282 . 1924 is one of the oldest operating in the Wahsatch.

Northern’s. FEF class. 4-8-4. North Platte.

Now in twilight, 833 is now a beater!

A Challenger and Northern 839, are about to depart.

Union Pacific put on a glorious steam show.

Here is a great collection of classic Union Pacific steam programs. Anyone with an interest in steam era railroading should find this an enjoyable look at the Union Pacific steam in the 1950s.

Rating: 5 Stars