Producer: Charles Smiley
Timeframe: 1996- 2000
Locations: KC, Olathe, Bonner Springs, Holliday, more
Length: 1 hour 52 minutes
Source: David Defendorf
Kansas City is second only to Chicago, for America’s railroad capital. A cornucopia of this era’s railroads pass through this area.
This program focuses upon the diesel power. Viewers will not be put to sleep watching unit trains.
A single silver, factory pressed DVD. These are manufactured at the same facilities, as used by some Hollywood companies.
Chapter Menu is numbered. Plentiful, are the on-screen graphics.
Custom made maps, a CSP standard. Details vary by requirements. Predecessor roads, locating junctions or suburbs. He makes frequent use of various maps.
Video quality is excellent. All of it has been digitally restored. The imagery is top shelf.
Audio is very lively! These trains do sound off. Birds in fields are heard clearly. A few too many crossing bell scenes, but does move on.
Charles does the narrative. He is much quieter, than usual. Above, Cotton Belt SD40t, aka Tunnel Motor. On the point of a freight.
Union Pacific 6756 a GE AC44CW. It fronts a Chicago NorthWestern unit.
This almost 2 hour show extends beyond Kansas City limits. We visit hotspots and some rural looking places.
The Bottoms is recognizable, as the old City section of KC. This scene and below, have details for Model Railroaders. Take note!
Santa Fe Crossing is a classic location. Tower is visible in background.
Modified GP7u locomotives, were still in daily service. Not bad, for Electromotive 1953 built diesels.
BNSF 4573 a C44-9W leads a double-stack.
Some additional hotspots, such as Olathe, Kansas. Very busy location.
The Highline Bridge is unusual. An interesting place.
Soo Line reached Kansas City, as well.
A Chicago and North Western pair, passes by the camera at Bonner Springs.
Kansas City Southern 719 in charge of this SD60 pair. The KCS is a railroad, that was based here for decades.
Gateway Western is a relative newcomer.
Norfolk Southern appears, with various trains.
It is mainly a Western Railroad show. Which brings up the question. What is the railroad that you think of, when Kansas City is mentioned?
Rare find, is this Department of Defense caboose.
Kansas City Diesel Power Review.
Charles certainly delivers on the advertised. A trainload of diesel power! The large assortment of: locomotives, locations and railroads, keep it interesting. Definitive overview of the Kansas City area.
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 