The Trains We Missed Volume 1

Producer: Catenary Video Productions

Locations: California – Nevada

Timeframe: 1929- 1959

Length: 62 minutes

Sources: Stein, Kirkland, Sappers, Phelps, Alter, Savage

To paraphrase the formal Catenary lines. They are producing a unique series. A theme based on the classic Lucius Beebe book, The Trains We Rode.

This initial release, is of obscure Northern California and Western Nevada operations. Coverage includes more than only Railroads. 1929 San Francisco Cable Cars for one example.

Top shelf 16mm film sources! Catenary has partnered with the Western Railway Museum. Digitally transferred to wide screen HD. Mostly color.

A new narrative form in train videos, as well. Character voices. Viewers become the traveller! Experience a fresh perspective. All of this in the years, between 1929- 1959.

This show has a Main Menu. Detailed Chapter Menu. Musical augmentation. Frequent map references. On-screen graphics. Stereo Soundtrack. 16×9 Widescreen. DVD-R.

This program is in a PBS style presentation. Warren Haack is the Host Narrator. Additional credits for Guest Appearances.

There are many locations. A variety of subjects. I have formatted this review, to follow the menu.

Highlights only. Too much to show everything here.

A few short sequences, have been previously released. Other Producers do this, as well. Original films are limited. It is part of telling a story. What re-appears here, is in a higher quality. Plus, the benefit of newly added sounds.

Part 1: Shortline Excursion Loop- North to South: SF Naps & Calistoga, SP Roseville 1947, NCNG, V&T, SP Narrow Gauge.

Pacific Avenue Cable car ride in 1929. Black and white. You are there! Voices, footsteps, vehicles. A serious upgrade over anything, previously done.

The Enhanced Soundtrack Adds A New Dimension.

San Francisco Napa & Calistoga. Electric Street cars. Black and White film. Large cars, not trolleys.

SP Roseville 1947. Yard and vicinity. Plenty of action here.

Nevada County Narrow Gauge. Colfax. A mining Railroad for 68 years. Carried gold. Black and white, plus color film by Al Phelps. Ken Yeo is interviewed.

Virginia & Truckee. Historic Virginia City. Carson City. Lucius Beebe varnish. Beautiful film. Closed in 1950.

Southern Pacific Carson and Colorado. The Slim Princess #18 . SP Keeler Branch was the last of three Narrow Gauge lines. Owenyo transfer footage.

Shortline Excursion Loop- South to North: Santa Fe, YV, Bay Area Electrics, State Belt.

Santa Fe. Steam at Raton, New Mexico. #2901 is a 4-8-4, Northern type. Super Chief diesels. Other name trains introduced by ATSF.

Yosemite Valley Railway. A short line began in 1907. San Francisco origin point. See and ride this one.

Incline Lumber Operation film. Sugar Pine Lumber is discussed.

Santa Fe Dieselized. Warbonnet F units. Mainline is cutback at Richmond.

Standard Oil Flatcar. Electrified Line. Ran on private property. Checkout that homemade equipment! Model Railroaders take note.

Richmond Shipyard. Former New York City el cars from 1890 on this Interurban electric line.

State Belt. Served 67 miles of San Francisco wharf areas. Alco S2. Exhibition trains used the trackage too.

Part 2- Kirkland Southern Pacific.

John Kirkland films. He was a Manager for Baldwin Locomotives. Fine Cinematographer. Used 16mm film. This section alone, is worth the admission.

Baldwin AS 616, demonstration unit #1600. BLH now. He also shot Steam and other Diesels. Assortment of trains. A brand new, Baldwin S-12 is delivered.

He films the Modoc Line, with big Steam. Some of this, has been previously released. Oakland finale. Outstanding quality!

Part 3- Sacramento Northern.

Oakland. Freight on the Electric line. Street running, as we follow along. Circa 1957. We continue to visit the area in the early 1950s. A combination of Riding and Viewing this operation.

The Trains We Missed Volume 1.

A fascinating tour, of many uncommon rail subjects. The singular soundtrack is special. Film quality is excellent overall. Plenty of extras. Informative and entertaining narration.

Everything you need, in a well thought out show. Has something for everyone.

Rating: 5 Stars