Producer: Pentrex
Locations: Cajon sub, San Bernardino sub, Alameda
Timeframe: 2007
Length: 90 minutes
Train meets are the focal point in Volume 3 of this series. The camera is mounted at various locations on a freight locomotive. Action takes place around Southern California.
A single DVD. A minimal Chapter Menu. Previews. No maps or onscreen graphics.
The image is a 4×3 aspect ratio. Pentrex quality in all areas.
Limited narration by David Drui. Live environmental audio. Outside mounted microphones give viewers a unique experience. Sometimes, the shots are from inside a cab.
The action is practically non-stop. Pentrex just edits it down to the meets.
To some highlights…
Approaching the Norwalk Station at Santa Fe Springs. At times, Pentrex has filmed the whole trains! This BNSF double-stack is seen in its entirety.
A relettered Superfleet is East of Victorville.
A local Commuter train. No information was provided.
A rooftop view. Union Pacific meet at Victorville.
At Victorville. Overtaking a UP freight led by UP 4258 is a solid sequence that lets the show breathe.
It is mostly BNSF paint out front. More interesting to see varaints.
Cajon Pass is a scenic highlight! Although a camera mounted higher, would display this area better. Less rail for more scenery.
Camera looking from a Hobo viewpoint . The combined TOFC/ COFC speeds past us.
Back in a Cab and this is a huge improvement! Some location info would be good. Not even a subtitle. C’mon Pentrex.
The excessive wind noise is annoying on some scenes. This has the potential to damage speakers. Mind the volume. Nighttime and cabside view.
Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is encountered in the early morning at Blue Cut.
Alameda Corridor ses a UP with DPU power in mid-train.
At the Throttle Vol 3- Train Meets
A fast paced show. Singular concept of a Cab Ride centric and train meet program. Variety rules in this Volume 3.
Pretty interesting way to spend 90 minutes Railfanning.
Could have used a little more location detail. A concern as to when exteriors of the locomotive microphone plcements. Some better attention to wind noise is needed.
Concerns stated. This show should satisfy.
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 