Cajon Highlights 1976

Producer: Pentrex

Timeframe: 1976

Locations: Verdemont, Cajon, Sullivan’s Curve…

Length: 34 minutes

A look at a busy Cajon Pass, over a few days in 1976. Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, Union Pacific and Amtrak, are here. The variety is what made trainwatching interesting. One never knew what might pass.

The original film source is Super 8 mm film. Good composition. Assorted locations and views. Color balance is fine. A handful of film flaws., Drui on a nearly constant narrative. Train sounds are generally, in the background. Informative script.

Brief pacing scenes. On Route 66, are a pleasure, with 2nd generation power!

Many of the scenes contain some distance. This does put those trains in context. Sullivan’s Curve is hosting, a timetable eastbound Southern Pacific.

Southern Pacific, running a GE U-33-C pair ahead of a tunnel motor. Near Canyon Siding, there are pushers on the rear..

A single DVD-R. There is a detailed Chapter Menu ,with locations. A map. No additional graphics. Pentrex preview section, on a main menu.

Santa Fe is the dominant carrier. At least during this limited, daylight visit. Pinstripes and blue/ yellow Warbonnets abound! Plenty of: GP30, GP35 and SD45 units mix it up. GE U36C units are present.

Southern Pacific comes in second. A Cotton Belt SD40T2, leads this move to West Colton. SP favoring, 12 axle diesels, in the territory.

Union Pacific is third. Although, their locomotive lash-ups are memorable! Check the DD35 with, a DD40AX Centennial.

A scene that is representative of the traffic levels.

The foreground Santa Fe train with SD units, gets the attention. Southern Pacific mid-train helpers roll in the background.

Amtrak Southwest Limited. This model from Electromotive, did not workout for them. Inquire within, for further details.

Generally speaking, Santa Fe was filmed, before the track realignments.

The Super C, is seen. A record breaker, hotshot TOFC. The Los Angeles to Chicago high priority train, was discontinued. Not long after this time.

As a caboose was common in 1976. This film is focused on the head end.

Cajon Highlights. An accurate title. Delivers the goods. No concerns. Sure, everyone and their Brother, will want more. We are fortunate, to be able to enjoy this show. A must see, for fans of the 1970s railroad scene.