Steam to Spokane SP&S 700

Producer: Pentrex

Locations: Vancouver, Pasco, Spokane

Timeframe: 2001

Length: 63 minutes

The SP&S 700 is a large Northern type steam locomotive. It was restored in 1990. Uncommon for the 700 to be featured for an entire show. The DVD includes 3 minutes of unreleased bonus footage of Day 2.

A single DVD. Main Chapter Menu with routes. On/Off narration. There are on-screen subtitles. Route maps. A few minutes of non narrated bonus footage, aka outtakes.

Aspect ratio is in 4×3 full screen. Live environmental audio. Production is high quality. Excellent colors and soundtrack.

On this program. The 700 travels on Spokane, Portland and Seattle trackage. It hauls 18 cars. BNSF employee special. Four days are covered.

Baldwin Locomotive Works, built in 1938. It was in a Portland park on display. PRPA hauled it out in 1985.

Vancouver- Pasco

The 700 crosses the River at Vancouver, Washington.

Amtrak Empire Builder. The Portland section exits a tunnel. This is seen before the Steam Train passes through.

Maryville siding had a train in the hole. Our Cameraman shot the 700 from their viewpoint on a pass. This freight is an El Stinko with a consist of garbage.

Photo runbys at Avery siding.

The Columbia River Gorge is on this route.

Columbia River Bridge at Pasco.

Pasco- Spokane

Meets a waiting BNSF freight on Providence Hill.

BNSF SD40 6308 has to help the Special over Providence Hill, due to a mechanical issue. It continues to Spokane. Seen here at Linde.

Former Northern Pacific tracks are used, as SP&S rails were abandoned. Ritzville has a celebration.

Spokane- Pasco

A Dash 9 is behind the 700 today. A bridge over Highway 90.

A full thottle runby at Ritzville! Arrives at Pasco.

Pasco Problem

The locomotive moves out and back at SPS Junction. Oh no! Tool and Power cars had derailment in the Pasco yard.

Steam to Spokane SP&S 700

Here we have a seldom seen SP&S steam locomotive on several outings. Also, the routes are not often traveled for Railfans.

The scenery is good, if not spectacular. Excellent videography and a strong soundtrack.

This is a fine selection for those with interests in vintage Steam Power, operating in the modern era.

Rating: 5 Stars