Big Boy Tours the Midwest

Producer: C Vision

Timeframe: July, 2019

Locations: Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois

Length: 1 hour 20 minutes+ bonus

Source: 16 sources

C Vision had 16 Videographers to record Union Pacific Big Boy’s travels, from July 17, 2019 until July 30th. The Great Race Across the Midwest. Union Pacific’s title for this extended trip.

Mason City, Iowa to the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Travel through rural Wisconsin. Onward to the Chicago area. Outbound into the Illinois farmland to Iowa. There is much to see.

The Union Pacific 4014 was recently restored to operating condition in 2019. It was displayed at Ponoma County Fairgrounds, California since 1961. The world has been surprised at what is now the largest steam locomotive in service.

The many angles keep up the interest. Bridges are as abundant as the water. At least in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Experience The Union Pacific. Step right in…

This show features a detailed Chapter Menu. Reference maps. Overview here.

On-screen graphics. On/off narration. Location awareness is a priority in this show. The graphics never step on the scenes.

Beautiful picture quality. Excellent, natural sound. Narration by the familiar voice of Don Grant. This program is fully up to date, with all the trimmings!

A couple of great bonus extras are included. The first is a Soo Line vintage GP7 led photo freight. A long preview section of recent CVP shows follows. They all appear to be of high quality. Nice addition.

This is a packed show. A seemingly endless supply of nice runbys. We will see some highlights. Here, the 4014 starts up after posing near some display Rock Island diesels at Manly, Iowa.

The train quickly travels into Minnesota.

Dayton’s Bluff is a notable location in St. Paul. Narrative is very light. Natural train sounds dominate the soundtrack. Strong levels that are fantastic, through a main audio system!

Low angle views, best capture the mass of this huge steam locomotive. The overall design belies it’s huge size. A sleekness in the aesthetic appearance.

On July, 19 the engine goes to Wisconsin. On BNSF still in Minnesota.

Kettle River. Sandstone, Minnesota.

This scene nearly looks to be on a Model Railroad. The still water and motionless fishing boat add to the illusion. Fall Creek, Wisconsin.

Crossing the Wisconsin and Southern, at Randolph, Wisconsin.

The extended aerial view at Northbrook, Illinois, is a highlight.

Tour nears the end on this program. Passing through Flagg Illinois. Traveling to Iowa. Where the chase will close.

The GP7 powered photo freight, is painted in vintage Soo Line 559. At St. Croix River Bridge. Good bonus section.

Big Boy Tours the Midwest. C Vision has released a unique show of the 4014. Sharp videography, with a soundtrack to match. Concentrating on the most scenic spots. Avoiding the crowds. Fine variety of views. They have knocked it out of the park.