Producer: Mike Clayton
Locations: California
Timeframe: 1998-1999
Length: 1 hour 57 minutes
Source: Dave Busse (Air), Mike Clayton, K. Johnson, G. Llamas, S. Waller
Pilot: Larry Welk
Two for one combination. Above Southern California Rails at 42 minutes in length. Above 3751 Over Cajon runs for 75 minutes. Preview section features, Union Pacific Big Boy Collection.
A single DVD. Master movie select. Main Chapter Menu. No maps. David Drui narrative. Narration has on/off option.
Fullscreen aspect ratio. Stereo soundtrack. Usual high production standards by Pentrex.
To the Trains… 👉
Above Southern California Rails (42 minutes)
A jet helicopter with gyro stabilized video equipment provides a unique viewpoint for railroad action…
Action along the Surfline is near San Clemente. Amtrak San Diegan travels along the oceanfront near Trestle Beach.
BNSF unit Grain gets chased out of Oceanside. Heritage One paint on leader 1109 on a 5 unit lash-up. Parallels Interstate 5. The BNSF’s Hobart Yard gets a flyover.
A Chicago NorthWestern unit leads a double-stack from the Union Pacific East Yard.
New Dash 9-44CW 4771 leads out of Hobart Yard. Proceeds to pass the Locomotive Shops at City of Commerce.
Engine 467 is on the head of this Amtrak Cascades Talgo set. An F59PHi locomotive are on each end of this trainset. Just from Norwalk is chased towards Santa Fe Springs on a deadhead move. Final destination is Seattle.
Southern Pacific locomotives enter West Colton Yard. Crew change is imminent.
Port of Long Beach. Ocean container handling is shown.
Above 3751 Over Cajon (1 hour 17 minutes)
Santa Fe 3751 journeys to Railfair ’99. A 4-8-4 that was built by Baldwin. The trip was routed: Los Angeles, San Bernardino to Sacramento. Cajon Pass is included. Onscreen graphics with locations.
Beginning at the Amtrak owned roundhouse in Redondo. Filmed at ground level here. The 3751 gets prepped for duty. The Excursion is scheduled to run from LA, San Bernardino through Cajon Pass, with a Barstow end. A route map displays the trip.
Lively live audio captures some great sounds of the steam locomotive working. Balanced levels with bits of railroad radio traffic. This show balances air and ground cameras. On-screen subtitles.
The Los Angeles origin has led the train through Ana Canyon. BNSF 4419, a General Electric C44-9W, provides extra power and braking.
San Bernardino station crowd.
As the train moves in Cajon. Check the amount of onlooking vehicles.
Sullivan’s Curve has different viewpoints. Including this shot from onboard the train.
Ground view at Victorville.
On this trip. Victorville Fire Engine is going to fill ‘er up, with water.
The train traverses across the Mohave Desert to Barstow. Conclusion at Barstow.
Above Southern California Rails
A fascinating air tour of mainline railroads in Southern California. The high tech equipped helicopter avoids ground level constraints. Unrestricted access as trains and facilities are viewed from the air.
The presentation is as smooth as glass. Excellent Videography! Fine soundtrack that highlights the train sounds. Levels are balanced.
The time flys by! This looks like it pre-dates common usage of drones, and you can’t beat the speed of the helicopter. It seems to end quickly… But wait! There’s more. Second, helping in the form of steam locomotive 3751 follows this show.
Rating: 5 Stars
Above 3751 Over Cajon
An additional show that uses the hi-tech video equipped helicopter. This one has a mixture of: air, ground, and trackside views.
Dependable high-quality Pentrex production. Excellent in every area.
Memorable views and a fine soundtrack. The scenery and various shots keep the trip interesting.
At times, it resembles watching a model railroad. The eye in the sky does that.
Railfans, Steam lovers, and Model Railroaders may all find satisfaction in this release.
Rating: 5 Stars
Combined Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 