Producer: Pentrex
Locations: USA
Timeframe: 1990s
Length: 1 hour 57 minutes
First, in a series of three volumes. Early Alco diesels. Surviving locomotives are seen in operation. Shortlines, Tourist, Museum. and Industrial settings.
A single DVD. Detailed Chapter Menu with 24 selections for various models. On-screen graphics with diagrams.
Narrated by David Drui. Live audio and a little music. Good levels. Pentrex quality throughout the program.
An education on the vintage Alco diesel power. Prime Movers 244 and 251 are mainly used in this volume.
Chronological order. Sensible choice, as newbies can trace the diesel evolution.
Let’s see some highlights…
S-1 on the Maine Coast Railroad. A tourist line at Wicasset,Maine.
Yes, there is a Hobo Railroad! Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad is located in Meredith, New Hampshire. A Tourist Train.
S-2 had a 539T engine. Rated at 1000hp. Most popular of their Switchers.
Tioga Central 14. Lehigh Valley style livery. Tourist train. Blunt trucks.
RS-1 was America’s first road switcher. Livonia Avon & Lakeville. Built in 1949. In short, a redesigned S-1 for road service. At work, drilling freight cars. Cab scenes.
RSD-1 Tennessee Valley 8669 is at Chattanooga, TN. A rare model that works the local Tennessee Valley Museum. Note the odd rounded cab. US Army on the builders plate.
FA-1 had the 244 Prime mover. No 244 models operated. Canadian FPA4 is similar, with a 251 engine. Potomac Eagle 6793 in a MoPac style paint scheme. Excursions in New River area.
PA-1 shown in Mexico. Built for Santa Fe. Sold to Delaware and Hudson. The D&H were shown in Mexico. Wrecked to Serviceable conditions. DH-17 runs, and FNM 19 is operating on an older video.
RSC2 was another 244 original engine. Milwaukee Road 688. Mid-Continent Railway Museum at North Freedom, Wisconsin. Cab ride scenes, as well.
S4 is working freight on Connecticut Central. Middleton, CT. An ex: New Haven RS1 0670 is also on this line. Note the modern headlights. This road was sold in 1997.
RS-3 another 244 engine model. Prime mover at 1500 horsepower.
This RS-3M was modified for Delaware and Hudson. The 506 on Tioga Central. A chop nose, upgraded power, and dynamic brakes.
Magma Copper 3 is working at San Manuel, AZ.
RSD-5 was featuring the upgraded trucks. Western Maryland ‘fireball’ paint on a former CNW. Original Western Maryland trackage in Ridgely, West Virginia. Cab ride scenes included.
Some quick, preview footage from Volumes 2 and 3 conclude this program.
Those Incredible Alcos Vol. 1
A Diesel Dinosaur Delight. Early Alcos.
You bet it is a delight. This is an interesting and educational Master Class on the early Alco diesels.
Pentrex cameras have excellent scenes. Viewers can hear these engines operating with a well-balanced narrative.
Even veteran Railfans may enjoy this show for the plentiful ‘at work’ scenes. Model railroaders shall see these locomotives in many close views.
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 