Tehachapi Remembered

Producer: Charles Smiley

Locations: Tehachapi area

Timeframe: 1988 – 1996

Length: 90 minutes

Source: Harvey S. Laner

Charles Smiley has produced a show featuring the films of Harvey Laner. Tehachapi Loop is the subject matter. Unusual for a CSP release. Harvey also performs the narrative.

A single glass mastered DVD. This is aka, a silver pressed disc. Higher quality and more robust than DVD-R, which is common. Same facilities that manufacture for official Hollywood shows.

A numbered Chapter Menu. On-screen subtitles with assorted information. Custom made map with a high level of detail. Preview section.

Charles always does film restoration. Best viewed as recommended. Adjusted to 4×3 screen. Really tightens up the images.

The viewing quality is excellent overall. The newer videos appear better. Solid colors. Outstanding for the era.

Harvey Laner delivers an informative narrative. Plenty of historical and locomotive details. He speaks clearly.

Audio sounds good. Balanced levels. Trains sound great on the soundbar.

Laner’s Videography skills are excellent. He has some uncommon viewpoints. Creative as well.

Locomotives are from: Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, and Cotton Belt. Kodachrome units, as well. Some foreign power, though limited.

The Electromotive 12 axle diesels are dominant. GE and GP units do appear.

Harvey recalls early efforts to film. He had filmed Santa Fe F units and missed the sounds. He became serious in 1988 with his new RCA camcorder .

He seeks out cowl unit Santa Fe engines on this visit. SDF40-2 5263 creeps onto the mainline.

Shell Oil Tank Train. Seen as it loops across the tunnel. Harvey’s main interest were these tankers. Although he records plenty of additional trains.

Harvey returns later to catch the new Santa Fe Superfleet power.

1990 had Santa Fe Superfleet scheme SDP40f with new GP60s.

December At Woodford. Very busy location. SP 9209 SD45t-2 Tunnel Motor with the locomotive number on the nose.

Cotton Belt SD45-T2 in a mid-train helper set. There are Cotton Belt units. Tunnel motors are present. Look deep in the lash-ups.

The Santa Fe 5192. An EMD SD40-2 in Kodachrome paint scheme.

November 1993 and an improved camcorder. SVHS is an upgraded tape format. Noticeable upgrade on visual quality.

Santa Fe 539 with improved reds. He is correct.  This color is problematic on old videotapes.

Southern Pacific 7469 SD45 leads a 4 unit mixed bag lash-up out of tunnel 17. Santa Fe 7484 GE B36-7 trails. Intermodal move. November 1993.

In 1996, a new camera. Harvey’s final visit on this program.

Telephoto capabilities are better. SP 9749 GP60 with newer, speed lettering.

Harvey gives chase to this Santa Fe Intermodal train.

This Santa Fe caboose is going into a tunnel. It recalls an earlier era.

Tehachapi Remembered

Harvey Laner has a great collection of Tehachapi area videos. Excellent soundtrack. Good narrative. 

Charles Smiley production is top shelf. Additions of extras and post-production. Hence, it is like viewing a CSP show.

An enjoyable and focused visit to Tehachapi Loop and vicinity.

Harvey stated that his goal was to capture the sights and sounds of Tehachapi. He felt that he had accomplished that since filming the old F units.

Yes, Harvey. You certainly have done that!

Another awesome release from Charles Smiley. Obviously, it is a must-have for Railfans and Model Railroaders. Santa Fe,  Southern Pacific, and Tehachapi fans shall appreciate this fine release.

Rating: 5 Stars