Producer: Pentrex
Timeframe: 1950s
Locations: LA, Pasadena, Cajon Pass, Tehachapi Loop..
Length: 2 hours 20 minutes
Sources: Chet Hogan, Henry Wong, J. A. Hawkins, Leo Caloia, Trevor Clarke
A two for one bonus DVD. Both feature classic action in California. A cornucopia of vintage Railroading!
A single DVD. Master menu. Chapter menus. Previews.
Let’s look at the individual shows.
Railfanning Southern California in the 1950s.
This coverage is organized by the feature set. One hour and twenty minutes show. The Introduction contains excellent street footage of Los Angeles area. Nice maps!
Four notable Railfan’s guest star. Stan Kistler, Richard Steinheimer, Don Sims and Chard Walker. I know, they have additional and varied accomplishments with railroading. All offer mighty fine commentary!
The Railroading begins at Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal platforms. Stan Kistler describes the busy trains of the era. Santa Fe, Southern Pacific and Union Pacific, long haul passenger trains are shown.
Southern Pacific’s The Owl. Scenes from August, 1951. Chet Hogan filmed in a single day! Mission Tower..
Double-header steam locomotives with an ice bunker reefer train.
Amazing views of a snapshot of the transitional era.
Southern Pacific. Richard Steinheimer takes over for this section. Photographer and how he began. Various black and white Steinheimer photographs.
Don Sims chimes in after him.A mixed train is booked by a club. A Santa Fe Mikado handles this train.
Cajon Pass. Henry Wong in June, 1949 is the Cinematographer. Stan Kistler explains. A 16mm camera with limited capacity.
Retired Santa Fe Operation man Chard Walker discusses the end of steam on Cajon. He has authored some fine books!
Banker’s Holiday Special 1954 to Bakersfield. GS and a Cab forward.
Tehachapi Loop is where this excursion stopped. A replacement set of steam locomotives were swapped from Bakersfield.
Railfanning Southern California in the 50s. A fantastic look at the scene in brilliant, restored color film!
Santa Fe’s Pasadena Sub
This show has a short Chapter Menu. There are a couple of previews, as well. Obviously, the story is centered around Pasadena. Runs for an hour. Stan Kistler is the guest star. Map and graphics.
1951 and at Los Angeles Mission Tower. Chet Hogan films. All color and 16mm!
South Pasadena is the beginning. Hogan footage. Steam is still present, but rare. Mostly passenger trains. El Capitan, Super Chief and various moves, going between LA and San Bernardino.
Arroyo Seco Viaduct a scenic highlight.
Pasadena main station was very busy.
Cab Ride. Filmed by J. Allen Hawkins in the early 1960s. Aboard the Santa Fe Chief. LA to Barstow on # 314.
Exciting film, as the Cab Ride continues across Cajon Pass. There have been changes, since the time of this filming.
Assorted views, within and out of the F unit windows. Intriguing footage!
Santa Fe Chief is a star of this delightful show. Pentrex remastered film has the program in stunning visual quality. A winner for all vintage Railfan’s, who have interest in passenger trains.
Historic Hot Spots Combo DVD: Railfanning Southern California in the 1950s, Santa Fe’s Pasadena Subdivision.
This is an outstanding combination! Perfect for fans if vintage, Western Railroading. Great for Classic Railfans and Model Railroaders.
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 