Producer: Clear Block
Locations: Gallitizin, Horseshoe Curve,
Timeframe: 1990s
Length: 1 hour 40 minutes
Sources: Paul Geiger, Todd Miller
One show from the Conrail Conclusion series by Clear Block. Highlighted territory is Pittsburgh to Altoona. Interesting route with scenic mountain settings.
A single DVD-R. No Chapter menu. Hidden Chapter Advance. Maps are included. On-screen graphics convey ALL information.
Extremely limited narration by Paul Geiger. Consider it an introduction. Three minutes total does not constitute narration over a long program. Suddenly, the narrative quits. Live train audio for the remainder. Hence, this is like viewing a half produced show.
Image quality is soft. The videotape source also exhibits flaws from the source tapes. Quality ranges from fair to good. Minor tape flaws at random. Bottom distortion wave appears at times, throughout the show. Audio is live. Good levels as the trains come and go.
Unsatisfactory maps are displayed with some location changes. Viewers shall need to pause the show to have enough time to read the display. Not even an indicator, where the camera is setup.
* IMPORTANT * This program quickly sinks into a NON- NARRATED one. They fail on the advertised of a narrated show. Subtitles convey information. Yuck!
Pennsylvania has a rich railroad history. A narrative is a must-have. This makes a single release from this series, as more than enough for me to sample. Very disappointing show.
Here are a few scenes from this timewaster…
Some trains near Alto Tower. The subtitles are the entire information source for the remainder. Some other trains are only identified as Eastbound or Westbound.
Horseshoe Curve is filmed from a distance. These scenes offer little to see.
Helpers on a Piggyback.
Much action at and near the tunnels at Gallitizin. 5603 exits. Wintertime scenes are abundant.
Helpers with SD40-2 6381 and 6385. This pair just having cut-off from pushing a gondola freight at UN Cut (Gallitzin).
Action at Big Viaduct.
Are we there yet? Taking a long time to conclude. This plays boring…. More mindless runbys on this 2nd viewing. Yawn! That’s enough.
Conrail’s Conclusion… Pittsburgh Line – Volume 2 Pittsburgh to Altoona
The failure to include a narrative, as advertised, is deceptive. Major failure!
It is like getting a half a program. The narration being the missing half.
The Videography has good points and weak. Trackside views work the best. Unusual on Pennsylvania Mountain lines. Telephoto shots can get too grainy. It seems like original video equipment limitations.
Conrail shows are hit or miss in the market. Wasted money here! Choose carefully…
NOT RECOMMENDED. A half-baked release. Hesitant on the entire Conrail Conclusion series now…
American Train Video Reviews 