Producer: Charles Smiley
Timeframe: 1970 – 1993
Locations: Cajon Pass, Tehachapi Pass, Colton, San Bernardino,
Length: 1 hour 38 minutes
Sources: Jon Davis and more
Cajon Pass and Tehachapi Pass. They are featured in this new release, from Charles Smiley Presents. This program looks further, than just those two areas. A desirable era, the includes films from the 1970s.
The single DVD is a silver, factory pressed disc. Same facilities, as used by Hollywood.
A numbered Chapter Menu, is included. CSP always provides, highest quality, custom made maps. Frequently referenced, and appropriate close-ups. Preview section of additional CSP shows.
A multitude of on-screen graphics. Providing a variety of information. Sometimes, quite detailed which adds to the discussion.
Sample of one map. Palmdale is being targeted. Color coded trackage.
Three Class One Railroads are all co-stars.
Santa Fe
Southern Pacific
Union Pacific.
Audio has accurate to the locomotive sounds. Laid-back background music balanced the soundtrack.
Charles Smiley narrates. He his always, interesting and informative. Giving a wealth of knowledge, on these subjects.
Film quality is excellent, overall. Digital restoration has great color balance. Appears to be predominantly 8mm sourced. Camera work is highly competent. Clear views of trains. All seasons.
Cajon Pass. There is a good amount of footage here. A welcome change from recent times! By this time, the Pinstripe Blue scheme has been replaced with the popular Warbonnet scheme.
Of course, Santa Fe and Southern Pacific have the rails. Kodachrome repaints are easily found on Santa Fe.
Colton has abundant trains. The yard leads and Colton Crossing. An SP Kodachrome.
Of note. Talk about a pig train! A rare scene, is this move of hogs. Model Railroaders will be pleased. FYI- Charles has a fascinating Model Railroad. A plethora, of vintage freight and trailer on flatcars, roll by the camera.
Double – Diesels are a fine chapter. Electromotive gets the nod. DD40AX. Built in 1969… Centennials. Static photographs augment the show. Earlier, DD35 units are also shown, on movie footage. Learn the background of the Double Diesels. The UP goals, and implementation.
General Electric Turbines get looked at, as well. How did these Big Blows, relate to the later EMD units that followed? Answers within the show.
Tehachapi Pass is well done. Different Cinematographers, with fine views on the scenes.
Tunnels, in particular are a fine assortment.
Good overview of Tehachapi area.
Railfanning Cajon and Tehachapi. Comprehensive coverage of two, world famous locations. Additional areas simply add to this enjoyable show! The three featured railroads are classics.
This Charles Smiley Presents, checks all the boxes. What’s not to like?
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 