Producer: John Pechulis
Locations: South Bend to Fremont
Timeframe: 1980
Length: 59 minutes
Source: Jonathan Reck
Classic Midwest Rails Volume One. This series contains trains that were active, from large to small.
This series has, different Railroads featured by geographical area. All types. There are 4 Mainline Class One lines highlighted here.
Chicago and North Western, Burlington Northern, Union Pacific and Grand Trunk. Several more are included along the way. Throw in, some run through and leased units. A nice assortment.
Jonathan’s trip was originally to record Rock Island in July, 1980. He missed that window. The ROCK had already closed in March.
Here, he traveled from South Bend, Indiana to Fremont, Nebraska.
Still, there was plenty to Railfan and film. Union Pacific DD40 Centennials were still operational out of Bailey Yard, in North Platte.
Chicago and North Western was running hot, Falcon Service piggyback moves. CNW/ UP lashups were common.
A single DVD-R. Detailed Chapter Menu. One basic map at the start. Preview at end.
Live audio. Narration by Jonathan Reck. Levels are well balanced.
Original Super 8mm film with sound. JPM is well known for high quality restoration. Image is generally excellent.
South Bend, Indiana Grand Trunk. Three GP38 units, move freight Eastbound on Chicago mainline.
Leading a Conrail train from Elkhart. This Santa Fe 8501, a GE U-33-B. Pouring rain. Jonathan, would be dodging Tornadoes and Thunderstorms. Sometimes, getting wet!
Wellsboro, Indiana. A southbound Amtrak on ex: C&O. Crosses former B&O, at Wellsboro. F40PH 323.
A Norfolk and Western Grain train is crossing the Grand Trunk line.
Aurora, Illinois The SD9 lash-up is the Eola turn. Has an SW type switcher too. Note the ex: GN boxcars. Additional action with BN E9 led Dinkies. Local, Road, MOW trains.
At Nelson, Illinois. CNW passes with 4 locomotives. A still painted, Rock Island GP38 323 is last.
Sterling, Ill. New GP50 trio on Falcon train is stopped. The 5061 is on the point.
Beverly, Iowa 4543 at the yard.
Fremont,Nebraska UP leads past station. Generally, the CNW engines led joint power until here.
This Volume 1 ends before attaining Bailey Yard. That is in Volume 2.
A CNW caboose rolls past the Fremont, Nebraska station.
Classic Midwest Rails Volume One
Advertised as 4 Class One Railroads. Chicago and North Western is the star of the show. Burlington Northern gets a nice feature around Aurora.
Union Pacific is back in the lash-up. There, but definitely not higher. It’s alright. See Volume 2.
Grand Trunk has several moves back East. Actually, Norfolk and Western does too.
Jonathan Reck provides a detailed narrative. Focused more on the operational side of railroading. Quite informative. So listen up.
Chicago and North Western fans, shall be highly satisfied with this show. Any Railfan can find this an enjoyable hour.
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 