Donner Combo DVD

Producer: Pentrex

Locations: Roseville, Truckee, Sparks

Timeframe: 1992

Length: 3 hours

A pair of Southern Pacific shows on this DVD. The Battle for Donner Pass, plus Across Donner Summit. Circa 1992.

Southern Pacific fights heavy snowfalls to keep the route operational. Snow Service crews utilize specialized equipment to do the jobs.

A single DVD. Main Chapter Menu. On/ Off narration.

To the Trains…

Battle for Donner Pass 1 hour 16 minutes

Producer: Bill Lambert, Video Rails

Cameras: George Llamas, Bill Lambert

Narration: John Leslie

The Sierra Nevada Mountains are where Donner Pass is located. Truckee is the local base for Snow Service. Snow Service Employees add insider commentary.

The Spreader is a key piece od snow fighting equipment. Crews are experienced in these demanding positions.

A derailment! The Spreader and one truck of an SD40T-2 #8237  are grounded. Get the shovels going, men. The snow continues to fall. A helper set arrives behind SP GP40 7130. Amtrak runs on a slow order and bears witness to the scene.

The Spreader is covered next. It pushes tons of snow away from the tracks. One unit on each end.

Ice must be cleared from inside the tunnels. Much manual labor is necessary. A shotgun is used for icicles. Det cord for stubborn formations. Chainsaws and shovels are also used.

Hardcore Snowfighting! An SP Rotary Plow is called into the battle.

Rotary can throw snow 200 feet. Awesome piece of equipment. Checkout the signal bridge. Unique show.

Across Donner Summit

Producer: Pentrex

Length: 2 hours

Narration: David Drui

Roseville Yard is the initial location seen. Richard Steinheimer appears in this show. He has additional commentary. Some of Richard’s vintage photos are interspersed.

Four units round the curve at Rocky Point.

5 units on an upgrade with 6871 in front. Blue Canon.

Model railroaders take note. Train exits a tunnel or snowshed structure. Cut rock retaining wall. Earth and rock on the frontside. Add trees to taste.

6802 with a faster train routed over the sidelined freight.

A trio of tunnel motors on the lash-up. Haul a consist of mixed freight through stunning scenery.

A freight exits at Norden. Plenty of action around the snowsheds. The summit is at 7032 feet in elevation.

Snowfighting is the last chapter. Remember,  these are two seperate shows combined on this release. Different coverage compared to the mass snow in the other show.

Donner Combo DVD

Donner Pass is toured in good weather and during a heavy snowstorm. The contrast is striking.

A bargain 2 for 1 release! Both shows are excellent.

Great for Southern Pacific fans. Much here for Model Railroaders, as well.

World famous Donnar Pass can be a highlight in anyone’s collection. Family friendly viewing. The snowfoghting can amaze most people.

Rating: 5 Stars