Producer: Mary McPherson
Timeframe: 1940s to 2023
Locations: Durango, Chama, Antonito, Windy Point, Hermosa, Cumbres Pass, Silverton…
Length: 3 hours 56 minutes
Sources: Jim Adams, Don Morice, Kurt Jensen, Tom Dunn, Mary R. McPherson
An interesting entry in Diverging Clear Productions, Then and Now series. Begins with vintage 1940s era black and white film. Continues onward. Color film becomes common in the 1960s. This release was a year in the making. Comprehensive coverage. True dat!
A two volume DVD-R set. Chapter Menu. On-screen graphics. No maps. Narration by Mary McPherson. She presents a detailed history.
Film quality from good to excellent. Naturally, newer is finer. Live audio sections are fantastic. Sharp editing.
Travel back to the 1940s to start and progress to 2023. Limited screenshots of this long set. Just a taste of the comprehensive coverage within this set.
A long freight is hauled around Tanglefoot Curve in the 1940s. Chama to Antonito line.
Freight in the 1950s. Uptick in traffic until 1956. K36 488 with 499 helper near Highway 388.
The Silverton Mix. Trains 461 and 462.
Popular mixed freight / passenger trains which ran along the Animas River.
Rocky Mountain Club Trains 1961.
Now, we get into color films. These Club Specials were well attended. Trips exceeded 100 miles. Jim Adam’s film.
A 1962 trip included a mounted ex: Illinois Central steam whistle. Train plus onboard scenes. What a deal for $20! A freight is seen at Pagosa Jct. Photo runby at Elk Park. Another at Windy Point. Of course, footage from aboard the trains!
1963 with Jim Adam’s film.
Rio Grande was now into the Tourist business. A double header 498 488 at Windy Point. Jim Adam’s again in 1964. RMC specials ceased by 1967.
Illini Railroad Club sponsored train in 1962. Don Morice film.
Sixties Freight
Weather issues, expenses and declining freight traffic result in some abandonment.
Preservation…
About halfway through the first disc. The focus is on what was preserved.
Durango and Silverton
Startup and upgrade background. Coverage from 1990s into the 2000s. Durango is first. Some Mixed Trains add interest. High Line and onward to Silverton. Additional action on the return.
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic
Cumbres and Toltec is featured next, in the modern era. Outstanding footage! Live audio is great with a soundbar.
Chama is first up with a departing double-header tourist train. Location based route from a decade timespan of film.
Disc Two
Cumbres and Toltec Specials
Galloping Goose #5. Lettered Rio Grande Southetn. Almost sounds like a lawnmower.
A 2005 shot photo freight gets chased. Rio Grande 488. Check those Livestock cars. The freight assortment is cool. Perfect for the Model Railroaders!
The program continues with tourist train action. Cumbres and Toltec. Durango and Silverton. Minimal narration. Excellent scenes are abundant!
At Siverton. This scene is for the Model Railroaders. The station, road crossing and siding. A tight curve is behind the train. Checkout the structure placements. Your Welcome.
Bonus! Chama Yard yields extra details for Model Railroaders! Caboose, extended pipe load that requires 3 cars. Water Tower and Coaling Tower. How cool is this shot?
Then and Now Rio Grande
At nearly 4 hours in total length, there is something for all Narrow Gauge railfans. Mary McPherson includes a knowledgeable and professional narrative. From the 1940s to 2023, give a complete overview of the featured lines.
Outstanding film on the second half. A live soundtrack that sounds great!
First disc contains the historical portion. Very well done.
Diverging Clear has the bases covered in this family-friendly extravaganza.
Is this the definitive show for Colorado Narrow Gauge?
You decide! 😀
As far as this review goes. The rating offers added insight. Sum total = A Must Have!
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 