ACE Altamont Commuter Express

Producer: TSG Multimedia

Locations: Stockton, Altamont, Niles Canyon, San Jose

Timeframe: 2005- 2006

Length: 1 hour 36 minutes

Sources: John Abatecola, Dan Cortopassi

ACE Altamont Commuter Express. Stockton to San Jose. Never viewed a TSG show. Let’s try it out.

FYI. Railfan Depot had this show as a free bonus choice on a sale. Never would have bought this. Modern commuter service is not the focus here. It is a perfect way to sample an unknown producer. Appreciate their offer!

ACE is the abbreviated name. The show begins in Stockton, California. Union Pacific owns the trackage.

A single DVD. Main Chapter Menu with a map! On-screen graphics. Bonus section. Previews. Gallery. Narrated by John Abatecola, he is also a co-producer.

Picture quality is excellent. Videography is pro level. Live environmental audio. The train sounds are exceptional on a stereo!

Rebuilt F40PH-3C locomotives are the power. This is a Commuter line. Three trainsets cover trains, 1,3 and 5. Former Southern Pacific and Western Pacific tracks. Now, all Union Pacific.

Every ACE station is included! There are plenty of freight trains that balance this program. Brief historical references with pictures.

To the Trains…

ACE uses Bombardier built passenger cars. The day starts early and is seen at Stockton, California.

BNSF freight with a 3 unit lash-up. The 5408, 5159 and a Santa Fe Warbonnet is the third motor. This Manifest rolls on Union Pacific rails. Stockton is a busy place with more freights.

ACE 3101 on Train 5 begins in the morning hours at Lathrop- Manteca. Modern stations are simple in design.

GP15 #112 on a California Northern move with an Eastbound freight is paced near Tracy.

The ex: Western Pacific Greenville Bridge. Altamont Pass is a scenic highlight.

Livermore siding the ACE meets an Eastbound Union Pacific Manifest.

Hillside Cut along Hearst siding.

Niles Tower former site is a busy intersection. Union Pacific 4357 winds its way through pulling a container move.

Amtrak California Capitol 521 behind F59 power is tardy while crossing Alameda Creek.

Centerville in Fremont. An historic old Southern Pacific station. ACE and Amtrak serve here. Train 5 arrives.

Drawbridge is a ghost town. ACE 3 travels past.

This ACE travels along a causeway at Alviso.

Santa Clara Tower. Share with Cal Train here. Cal Train #208 passes it. Santa Clara has a vintage station.

San Jose / Diradan is busy with various trains. ACE, Amtrak, and Cal Train.

Bonus Chapters include 2 1/2 minutes of the Niles Canyon Railway with an old Western Pacific GP7 #713 pulling passengers in 2005.

Gallery section is a collection of still photographs. All subtitled with details.

ACE Altamont Commuter Express

An excellent documentary of this Stockton to San Jose commuter line. Great camerawork. Audio is well balanced. Narrative and intelligent script are fine.

Enjoyable historical aspects. Would have preferred some more of the freight consists. However, fortunate to see any as it is a passenger show. So, it is still a positive.

Bonus Chapters are, ACE to the A’s. Special to an Oakland Athletics game. Niles Canyon Railway with a little bit of a WP GP7 tourist train.

Nice bonus material. Thoughtful to include this for those with interest another good reason to purchase.

Overall, an excellent release from TGP Multimedia!

Rating : 5 Stars