Action at Ayer, MA

Producer: A&R

Locations: Ayer

Timeframe: 2000- 2001

Length: 1 hour 40 minutes

Source: Chester Kamuda

The hit or miss A&R label with Guilford at Ayer, Massachusetts. This was a major city on the old Boston and Maine. It is still a key center in the Guilford era with a classification yard. Featured are Guilford and MBTA railroads.

A single DVD-R. No Chapter menu.  There is a chapter advance. Map. Narrated by Aaron Gonthier.

Hi 8 video is the source. Live environmental audio. Chester shoots plenty of the consists. This enhances the trainwatching experience. Film quality is similar to his other Hi 8 videos. Well composed, albeit a little soft on imagery. Occasional tape flaws. Sound levels are good. Although the wind kicks up at times.

Additional foreign power, CSX, Conrail paint, Norfolk Southern

To the Trains…

B&M 335 leads a lash-up of engines. This freight creeps past the interlocking tower with mixed freight cars.

GP40 MEC 312 with the local waits for clearance as traffic piles up.

1009 stops with a Commuter train.

High Hood SD45 Springfield Terminal is in this lash-up at Ayer.

300 blasts through Shirley. This is West of Ayer.

In Dec 2001, a Springfield Terminal fronts a Westbound.

Springfield Terminal SD26 621 is performing some switching. A rebuilt former Santa Fe SD24 locomotive.

Action at Ayer, MA.

Guilford has the majority of time. MBTA an occasional move. This is a slow paced show. Many scenes are at yard speed. Drilling cars quite often.

The action is trackside. Trains often fill the screen. Model Railroaders should appreciate the close-up views. It feels like Railfanning.

Chester with excellent Videography. The relaxed narration allows the train sounds to be well heard. Yet, Aaron doesn’t drop the narration for too long. Balanced.

Now, there is a limited selection of Guilford on the market. This is a fine release. Some others are marginal shows.

Guilford is available in a fine release. Come and get some.

Rating: 4 Stars