Producer: Charles Smiley
Timeframe: 1991-95
Locations: Sacramento, Elvas, Roseville, Stockton, Ione, Antelope
Length: 2 hours 42 minutes
Source: Gino Pagliaro
A long look at the 1990s era Southern Pacific. All of this is pre- merger to Union Pacific. Videographer was centered around Sacramento CA. Hence, the locations are centered from that area.
Charles Smiley Presents, has the most comprehensive Southern Pacific coverage overall. This program adds to that fine catalog.
All of the usual, and generous extras are included. A factory pressed silver DVD. Chapter Menu. On screen graphics. A preview section. Venerable SD7/9 units have good coverage.
Plenty of his wonderful, custom made maps!
Obviously, only a small portion is review able here. Should be about what you will expect. High quality in all areas. Predominantly, 2nd and some 1st generation EMD power. Some newer wide cabs. General freight traffic predominates.
The trains are running at City speeds. The slower pace allows for good trainwatching.
Memorable, are these five GP9 locomotives. Nice catch!
Someone always asks, Are there Tunnel Motors? Plenty! These SD40T-2 units, are on the line to Donner Pass.
Model Railroaders will love the long strings of freight cars, as they leisurely pass before the camera. American River is crossed here.
Gino’s videography is excellent! Very aware of lighting and composition. He spent years shooting this footage. There is so much more, than simply pointing a camera.
Much time is spent at Elvas Junction. Shot with the Tower standing, and after it’s removal. An inside look there is interesting. Highly enjoyable Chapter!
Haggin Jct. crosses a former Western Pacific line. A couple of Union Pacific trains are shown, on that lower track.
Sugar beet operations are reviewed around David. California Northern also serves this area.
Last licks for the Amador Central. Finally, behind an Electromotive diesel. See another Charles Smiley shortline show, for the Baldwin era.
Stockton is next. Tower is there. Now gone. Check a Santa Fe move. Purely for variety!
Although many of the locomotives are heavily weathered. Everything runs! Again, note how Gino gets perfect lighting. Textbook examples, on how to film a train.
Roseville yard is visited. The hump operation, receives an up close visit.
There are assorted views at Roseville.
The flat end of the yard, with assembled trains. The Eastern line to Oregon has some trainwatching, as seen below.
Espee Hall of Fame is a long show at over 2 1/2 hours. Naturally, this inclined will still want more. Others, may best view it in chunks. It is a huge amount of Scarlet Grey to digest in a single sitting!
The program is top shelf from end to end. Expert videography. Rather quiet for a Charles Smiley show. Mostly narrative and train sounds. Very little music or even locomotive horns. A high level of detail on the passing trains and locations. Plenty of historical references. Overall, another great entry in the CSP Southern Pacific shows.
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 