Producer: JMJ, Morty Farcus
Timeframe: 1950s
Length: 68 minutes
Locations: Cheyenne, Sherman Hill, Hermosa Tunnel, North Platte…
Sources: William J. Altheimer
Sunday River, with a remastered steam, and more show. Union Pacific Big Boy’s and Challengers are the stars. Additional: 800s, Turbines and Diesels. The collection is 98% color film, from the 1950s.
The single DVD is in a sturdy, plastic case. A detailed Chapter Menu. On-screen graphics. Technical specifications on display screens. A single map, with filmed territories.
The remastered film quality is excellent! Clear images with fine color balance.
Audio soundtrack is predominantly train sounds. The light narrative introduces the various locomotives. Trainwatching then proceeds, with the lively train audio. Some brief musical interludes, round out the presentation.
The on-screen graphics are targeting the engine numbers. Several locations. The only area where the details are a little light, are the locations. However, it is along the mainline, where the big steam was operating in the 1950s.
This show is divided by locomotive class. Further, sub-divided by types. FEF Northerns for example. There were three. Number 844 is an FEF-3. Detailed specs are given for each type. Above is 837. Inquire within…
Big Boy’s lead-off the show. Individual numbers. Yes, fan favorite 4014 is above and below!
There are Big Boys in a plentiful supply. Big Boy 4014 crew appears to be posing for the camera, as they pass so many years ago…
Each engine he has, is highlighted by number and shown. Of course, an unnumbered section is included.
Sharing a brief personal story…
My Grandfather worked for the steam Railroads as a young man. I was about 5 years old. I asked Grandpa, Did the steam always blow straight up?
Grandpa chuckled, No. It could be brought down by a heavy rain or blown sideways by a strong wind.
A little hard for a 5 year to picture. The above screenshot, illustrates his memory.
The Cinematographer filmed plenty of pacing sequences. Steam and pacing, are a great natural pair. Two Big Boys above.
Challengers are correctly split into the early and late versions. The early models had a slightly homely appearance.
Some redesign on the late Challengers had an improvement in performance. The lowered headlight, was one element to identify and actually looked better.
The 800 series are famous for number 844. Never having left the active roster.
These big Northerns were meant for passenger service. Late in their careers, they were assigned to freight duties.
There is a plethora of freight cars to see! A mine for Model Railroaders seeking period correct consists. Neat, clean and dull, boxcar red trains. Almost uniform, Pacific Fruit Express ice bunker reefers blocks.
Sunday River has a fantastic collection, of Union Pacific big steam and even more! The remaster has it in best possible quality. Enjoyable to hear the huge Articulateds and Northerns, at work.
A must have for Big Boy fans with this unique footage. Union Pacific, Steam train and Railfans, should all find this show, a worthy addition to their collections.
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 