Steamin’ In 2022

Title screen. Not Actual Cover Artwork

Producer: Diverging Clear

Locations: IL, OH, MI, PA, IN, MD.

Timeframe: 2022

Length: 2 hours

Source: Kurt Jensen, Mary McPherson

Diverging Clear has an All Steam Show. Listing Six Locomotives in Two Hours. I expect an assortment of the usual suspects, and a few surprises! Mary McPherson delivers.

This release is a DVD-R, in a slimline case. A Chapter Menu is available. User must right click to access it. This, then has timestamps. Also, has a Chapter Search function.

Beasts in the East. Theme for 2022.

Kurt Jensen is the narrator. No Chapter Menu. Limited narrative. The Steam Engines do most of the talking. On screen graphics, give locations. No maps. These are Special or Tourist Excursions.

Excellent picture on a widescreen HD screen. Sounds great through the sound bar. Colors are vibrant. Whistles and bells are lively.

At 2 hours. Highlights only.

We jump right into the action…

Southern #401. 2-8-0. At Monticello Museum. Illinois Central whistle. This was shot in July, 2022.

Engineer seat of Southern Railway 401.

In the locomotive cab. Let’s take a Cab Ride. Exterior views, show the engine near the depot. Four cameras were mounted on this engine. Mary had donated her ICRR steamboat whistle to the Museum. It sounds awesome!

The Southern 401 at the wooden trestle.

We soon leave the Station. The 401 rolls with 2 passenger cars and an Illinois Central side door caboose.

NKP 765 2-8-4 at Edon, Ohio.

New 2022 deal, has this classic NKP, back in business. Whoa! Louder than the previous engine. Hauling a good consist. Ten cars.

Two separate excursions in August, 2022. Edon, OH., via Indiana, to Hillsdale, Michigan.

The 765 passes a former New York Central depot.

The first day went smoothly. Above, the 765 goes by an old New York Central depot.

Little River has Two Baldwin Locomotives. Broght for the people. These were on the 3 hour layover.

Little River #1 0-4-0. This takes a Westbound out. Saddle tanker.

The #1 is a Tiny Tot!

Little River #110 4-6-2.

This engine is coupled on the opposite end of the short train. It is facing East.

A small Pacific is the 110.

Nickel Plate 765 takes over again. Turns up at Reading, Michigan. Continues, and then Indiana return..

The 765 was raising a ruckus at this curve!

Another day of filming the 765. Replacement with a borrowed whistle. Same trip. Different places for DCP cameras. Beautiful captures of this locomotive. Louder whistle.

Western Maryland Scenic # 1309 2-6-6-2

Ridgeley, WV. Steam returned in 2022. This is the largest steam, East of the Mississippi River. This train quickly enters into Cumberland MD. Filmed in September, 2022.

Train has 8 various passenger cars and a diesel in the rear. C&O H6 class, from 1949 by Baldwin. Restoration complete, and moved under power in 2021.

Do they film in a Rainstorm?

Yes, they film in the rain! Looks like a downpour. No worries. The weather clears up.

This is the largest Steam Locomotive operating in the East.

Travels in The Narrows. Diesel gives help. The modern power shall be needed later…

Creative sequence here.

Sharp eyed viewers will notice some creative Cinematography. This one is a definite highlight.

Many fine shots of this locomotive going in the woods. Very nice! Unable to turnaround the 1309. Diesel shall be on point for the return trip.

Signature Diverging Clear low angle view.

Diverging Clear usually includes low angle views, on what they film. Above, is a really good one.

Reading & Northern # 2102 4-8-4

Port Clinton, PA. The Reading and Northern steam shop. The T-1 is freshly rebuilt. Back in April, 2022 was put back in service.

Really LOUD! They really pour the coal on this engine. This footage was just from October, 2022

A roundtrip. North Reading- Jim Thorpe..

At 1st glance, Appears to be Reading.

The T-1 cruises with a long consist. Looks like 18 cars. A proper, rear end observation, as well.

Bigger than Life! That’s the 2102.

Many, fantastic scenes are filmed in scenic Pennsylvania. The terrain enhances the soundscape. Operating highlights in: Tamaqua, Hometown and Nesquehoning.

The T-1 in the Fall colors.

The T-1 and dating back to Reading Rambles. Much film has been around for decades. This Diverging Clear 2022 release, simply blows them all away.

The observation car on the Reading and Northern.

Steam era passenger trains. At least some of the name trains. They had various observation cars or tail cars. They sometimes displayed a drumhead, with the name of the train.

Steamin’ in 2022

The Six Steam Locomotives are a nice assortment. Largest ones attract the most attention. They have the greatest screen time.

High production values on this show. Excellent picture. Soundtrack to match. All are up to current, modern standards. Chapter functions add easy access to favorites. A smart program.

While, I would have preferred a simpler Chapter Menu. Each Locomotive. Parts 1 and 2 for the 765. Little River combination in-between that. Mary gets a Dealer’s choice, on the menu.

This release, is one of the best, from Diverging Clear Productions. Beautiful picture and a knockout soundtrack.Great for any Railfan. Family friendly, as well. An enjoyable show!

Rating: 5 Stars