Chattanooga Steam Reunion

Producer: Pentrex

Locations: Chattanooga, more…

Timeframe: Nov. 1991

Length: 40 minutes

Norfolk Southern had a 25th Steam Anniversary at Chattanooga, TN. Southern 4501, Norfolk & Western 611, plus 1218 were there.

A single DVD. On-screen subtitles with locations. Preview section. Narrated by David Drui.

Image is very good for a 1991 video. Fine environmental audio. Pentrex quality.

Opener is the Norfolk and Western 611. This J class locomotive is hauling 20 passenger cars into town. November 2, 1991.

NW 1218 has previously arrived. Barely seen throughout the show.

Southern Mikado 4501 makes a memorable exit from Chattanooga. Tennessee Valley currently employs this engine. Above, crossing over I-24.

Steaming nicely on the mainline.

Southern 4501 runs an excursion. Roundtrip to Hollywood, Alabama. Looking sharp in that green/ gold scheme.

A highlight scene as the train passes an old station and small train museum at Stevenson, Alabama. The building is from 1872.

Return journey is filmed. Long segment.

Sunday morning. The triple header with 4501 in front is the weekend highlight! This 28 car train goes to Cleveland, Tennessee.

The triple header is led by 4501. Followed by 611 and 1218. This trip passes quickly.

The 611, 1218 pair shall journey further, towards Atlanta.

At Cleveland, 4501 turns on a wye track. This curve is tight. Appears like a model train in this scene.

A bonus section offers Amtrak President W. Graham Claytor as a weekend speaker. He was formerly with Southern Railway and Steam program history discussed.

Robert Claytor with additional speakers that follow him in this extended section. Some are hard to understand. Audience type recording. Not as fine audio as the main program. Volume needs a boost.

Chattanooga Steam Reunion

There is good footage in this show. The 4501 is Star. The 611 gets decent time. Big 1218 gets the short end.

Sum total is a pretty good main feature. The banquet speakers are more of a one and done. The Claytor brothers, being the best ones.

Norfolk Southern Steam fans should find this an enjoyable presentation. It is fine for general railfans, as well. It’s a bit short on the overall length of viewing trains. A worthwhile show to pickup.

Rating: 4 Stars