Producer: Warren Haack
Locations: San Francisco, more…
Timeframe: 1954
Length: 58 minutes
Sources: many
A comprehensive look, into the circa 1954 Southern Pacific operations based around the San Francisco Peninsula Route.
* Catenary Video has previously released four volumes on Southern Pacific Steam. Each one has a focus. They are available individually or a complete set. All are reviewed on this site.
This is a DVD. 16×9 Widescreen color. Narrated. A non narrated option, on main menu. Full stereo soundtrack. Short preview section of Volumes 1-4 at conclusion. Mixture of 16mm and 8mm films.
This program is arranged by Chapters. Films are from the Transition Era. Diesel was replacing Steam. Hence, former headliner Steam power, was bumped down to Commuter Service.
Highlights only…
SP GS-4 4430 with Train 96. The Noon Daylight in 1949. Number 96 is passing by, the 7th Avenue Car Shops.
The big GS class are used in the San Francisco Commuter Service. Pacific’s and Mikado’s are still in general service. Additional, smaller engines, mostly in yards. Cab Forwards are seldom seen in this locale/ show.
Early history begins with still photos. Maps , documents and illustrations. Soundtrack enhances the show. A PBS style presentation. Frequent map references are very helpful.
Bayshore Cut-Off construction, and the Great Earthquake are covered.
Above, is the 2829 Consolidation. Most common light duty power, used at this time.
Mission Bay Roundhouse
The Mission Bay Roundhouse area is seen. Numerous locomotives are viewed here.
Commuter Parade at 3rd and Townsend
A large, Feature Chapter. Outstanding quality 16mm color film coverage. 3rd and Townsend.
This is the heart of the San Francisco Commuter Service. Many trains operating on tight Headways. Train 130 leaves with engine 4305.
The Way to San Jose
Commuters achieve 79 mph to maintain demanding schedules out here. Various trains are reviewed. The GS class 4370 can easily make time.
Santa Cruz Suntan Special
The San Francisco residents enjoyed these, Suntan Specials to the beach! Great scenery. Smaller locomotives and busy ridership. Sometimes, required doubleheader steam.
Monterey Branch
Del Monte train, with loco 2458. Historical significance with train name. This line, no longer exists.
Los Altos and Los Gatos
Los Gatos and Los Gatos, are branchlines to small towns. Pacific 2400s are still in service on these lines. Above, Pacific 2476 is in charge of #132.
South Bay Shops
South Bay had a unique turntable. Above, the 3305 is a 2-8-2 Mikado engine.
Mail Trains were also important. Above, #71 speeds through College Park.
San Francisco Municipal Railway 40 Line
The San Francisco Municipal 40 Line. This is seen in rare, early paint. Goes to the downtown and Daly City.
Rare stripes on a show full of rarities. There are additional Special Excursions. SP outings with special locomotives. Much more to see!
Southern Pacific Volume 5, S.F. Peninsula Route – 1954
An intriguing collection that takes viewers back to circa 1954. Most of the 16mm film is pristine. The Cinematography is excellent.
Audio has many small extra effects. Background, they are movie like. Natural, Enviornmental. Might go unnoticed. Listen carefully on a second time. Skillfully done.
An educational and interesting script. Requires a few viewings to get all the information. Especially, if one is unfamiliar with most of the material.
This release is top tier. Continues the high level of the series. Raises the bar, from the previous shows. A must have, for Southern Pacific or Steam Era Railfans.
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 