Producer: Mary McPherson
Locations: Stasburg, Hill City, more
Timeframe: 2021
Length: 1 hour 57 minutes
Sources: Kurt Jensen, Mary McPherson
A 2021 Steam Engine highlights release. Six Locomotives filmed by Diverging Clear Productions. They range from small to largest operating. That would be the Union Pacific Big Boy 4014.
The package. A slimline case with a DVD-R. Detailed Chapter Menu. Current video and Audio Standards. Narrator is Kurt Jensen.
Norfolk Western 611 and 475. Both in Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
Appearances at Strasburg were in early fall.
The 475 , a 4-8-0 is giving separate rides. Puts on a good show.
Canadian National 2-6-0, 89 on Strasburg Railroad.
This Canadian National 2-6-0, 89. This locomotive, shared duties with the 611.
The 611 is a 4-8-4. A mainline locomotive. Capable of high speed operation.
Obviously, no 100 mph running here. Perhaps, limited operations on this visit. Not much time given to this engine. The 611 was only doing cab rides on one day. We do not see the cab interior.
Black Hills Central 110. Hill City, South Dakota
A compound Mallet locomotive. Saddle tanker. Actually, a 2-6-6-2T. The only survivor of it’s kind, in the world. Baldwin 1928. Looks like a late 19th Century trip! Tackles a tough grade leaving town. Traverses the woods. Hear this one work on the tour. Amazing sound. A must hear segment!
Tin Mill Hill Summit. I know, corny name. Wake your dog, with a sound system! lol..
The return has the 110 operate in reverse. This locomotive is a show highlight. Overall, this runs a bit long, on the anti-climatic trip backwards.
Little River 110 in Coldwater,Michigan
This Pacific was a Baldwin build in 1911. Smallest Pacific ever built in United States. Lettered for Smoky Mtn.
Celebrating 110th birthday. Going 46 miles to Hillsdale, Michigan on a Special Excursion.
Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 in 3 States
August had the Big Boy back in business! Appears in Arkansas. Boogies right on through the place.
The State of Missouri is next.Nice broadside view at North Dexter. A pan shot, to boot! Continues onward.
At Thebes, Illinois. Crosses a huge bridge. One stop is scheduled at Chester.
Great sideview across Illinois cornfield.
Again, even more runbys of the 4014. Kids will like this part.
Big Boy fans, get about a half hour of non-stop action. If that’s your bag, the water is fine.
The Union Pacific Big Boy Train is the Star of 2021. Mainline Steam appeared to be somewhat sparse. Note the Museum and Tourist Trains. Still, viewers get 2 hours with limited narration. Plenty of action.
Steamin’ In 2021
A good roundup of Steam action from 2021. Six locomotives. Some received more screentime than others. Several were pretty interesting here. The narrative was relaxed, and allowed the trains to be heard. Professional quality program.
Most shall probably say, Big Boy is their highlight. I will go with the rarer, Black Hills Central 110. To hear the 110 working in those woods, is memorable!
Rating: 4 Stars
* Be sure to check their Steamin’ In 2022.
American Train Video Reviews 