Producer: Clear Block
Locations: Milwaukee, Chicago, Twin Cities, more
Timeframe: 1950- 1980
Length: 58 minutes
Clear Block features Milwaukee Road. This Vignette is another show that contains a collection of older films. Todd Miller had produced this program, in the VHS era.
The locations range from the Chicago area to Milwaukee area. A cab ride aboard an SD9 to Slinger, takes viewers further. Return to Milwaukee.
This is a pop and play DVD-R. There are maps in the program. Original, unrestored film. Appears to be from 8mm sources. Dismal viewing on a modern high def screen. Watery images. Appears to be a direct transfer from a VHS tape.
Chicago at A2 tower in 1980. Passenger service. CNW scoots. A Milwaukee freight rolls past too.
Bensenville yard. Predominantly, Aerial shots. Several ground views, with weird color balance.
Northbound to Milwaukee… Arrive on Southside. Poor quality film.
Streetcars in 1950. Music soundtrack.Ends at boneyard. No information.
Hiawatha steam engine. Heavy weight cars. Mixed Steam and Diesel action, at Milwaukee depot.
A rarely filmed Milwaukee Road unit. Fairbanks -Morse Erie built locomotive.
Milwaukee Road depot under construction is shown. Opening in 1965.
Early Amtrak trains behind assortment of road power. Rainbow consists. Drab color effects, from unrestored film.
As with some other Clear Block shows. The soundtrack is stronger. Todd made certain, the train sounds were very good. Some sequences, like brief Streetcars, music is dubbed.
Airline Hump Yard visit sees various areas. Pretty good, except viewing quality. No information though.
A 1963 cab ride from Milwaukee to Slinger. This on an SD9, on a cold day in March. No talking on the ride. Not narrated. Only, the obvious turnaround.
Pig’s Eye Yard in St. Paul is quoted as being in 1950. That footage appears at a Roundhouse.
Additional action by: CB&Q, CNW, Soo, seems to be from nearby. Dayton s Bluff for example. Includes some freight cars. Better quality film, apparently in 16mm.
Northern Pacific steam pulls passenger cars. Rides a turntable. Diesels at a Roundhouse.16mm. Additional locomotives are viewed. No further information given.
Great Northern steamer 2555 and a bit more! GN diesels too. No narrative. GN passenger cars.
A Milwaukee Road ribside bay window caboose.
Vignettes of the Milwaukee Road Volume 1
As with many other Vignettes, the film quality is the weak point. Todd Miller seemed to have made effort to add elements, for a good show. This one is mostly, hard to watch. Although, the last section of Hill Lines, was from a superior film source.
Hardcore Milwaukee Road fans may want it. It’s not a necessary one for the casual fan.
Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 