New York Central Big Four Route Volume One

Producer: Herron Rail Video

Locations: Bellefontaine, Marion, Cincinnati …

Timeframe: 1955

Length: 56 minutes

Source: Donald J. Krofta

Don Krofta was a fine Cinematographer who filmed various steam to diesel Transition Era railroads. Specifically, 1950s era trains. He shot assorted Eastern roads with black and white, plus color films. This varies by each individual show. Feature is Big Four action on the Ohio Division. Freight and Passenger moves. January to August 1955.

This program is focused on New York Central Steam. Classic mainline power. Mohawks, Hudsons, Mikados, and early diesels. The main operations  are centered at Bellefontaine, Ohio.

Here is a collection of mostly black and white films. Cinematographer Krofta is quite talented. Don’s friend Jim Hawk was also sometimes on site to make accurate audio recordings of the trains being filmed.

Before you discount a show of black and white footage. Consider this clear and well produced show. All 16mm film.

Ralph Morse was a regular narrator for Herron. A fine performance with some interesting commentary.

Add in the live audio recorded on scene. This has all the elements of a high-quality release. Several previews of other Herron Rail shows are at the end.

A single DVD-R. No Chapter menu. Includes maps of Ohio Division. It does have a hidden Chapter advance. Previews.

To the Trains… 👉

Bellefontaine, Ohio. The center of the Ohio Division. L2 Mohawk on a freight.

Doubleheader with a Hudson and Mohawk on a mainline scene.

Lightning stripe F7A/B set with a freight to Cleveland. Note the livestock cars. At High Tower.

High Tower is quite unusual. Hudson 5394 backs up. Plentiful, are reverse moves around the yards.

Lima diesel assist at Bellefontaine. Note the smoke deflectors on the steamer.

Pennsylvania Railroad Fairbanks- Morse diesels at Crestline. A New York Central and PRR crossing. One of several color scenes.

Bellefontaine roundhouse. Hear the turntable groan.

Hudson 5396 goes for a passenger consist at Bellefontaine.

Mikado 2821 with loaded gondolas on a freight.

Old timer New York Central caboose.

New York Central Big Four Route Volume One

This program is best for Steam and New York Central railfans. Much of it is around the train yards. That means slow speeds. Great for viewing the locomotives operate.

Mohawk are dominant on freight and passenger service. Hudsons, Mikados and some more. Early Diesels from various builders appear.

The cinematographer composes well. Some unusual authentic mixed steam and diesel lash-ups are intriguing to hear. Informative narration.

A fine, mostly black and white collection from the final days of New York Central Steam trains.

Rating: 4 Stars