Famous Pennsylvania Grades

Producer: Mary McPherson

Locations: Horseshoe Curve, Sand Patch Grade, more…

Timeframe: 2013, 2022

Length: 1 hour 16 minutes

Sources: Kurt Jensen, Mary McPherson

Diverging Clear Productions is a well traveled crew. This show features famous locations on the former Pennsylvania Middle Division. Along with ex: Baltimore and Ohio Sand Patch route. Filmed while working on other projects. Steam is a usual subject. This compilation is of contemporary scenes.

CSX (2022) and Norfolk Southern (2013), are the stars of this modern era program. Producer Mary McPherson is a real-world Amtrak conductor. Knowledgeable with a professional presentation.

A single DVD-R. Main Chapter Menu. On-screen graphics. Chapter advance function. No maps. Narration by Mary McPherson.

Fullscreen aspect. Excellent clear picture. Live environmental audio. Levels are well balanced. A compact narrative is informative and allows trains to be heard.

To the Trains… 👉

Norfolk Southern (47 minutes)

Begins on Norfolk Southern in Altoona, Pennsylvania. DCP was in town for filming, Steam Returns to Horseshoe Curve show. An Eastbound passes the abandoned Alto Tower.

Horseshoe Curve with 512 leading an Eastbound Amtrak Pennsylvanian. Too many people overrun the park, waiting for the NKP 765. Assorted NS freights roll through. DCP waits to film Nickel Plate 765, featured in Steam Returns to Horseshoe Curve.

In October 2013. Norfolk Southern action with fall colors. NS 9186 approaches with the display GP9 looking on.

Gallitzin Overlook is becoming engulfed by the forest. Compare this scene with older, vintage pictures found elsewhere. Major difference.

At Gallitzin Tunnel. NS 7584 exits hauling an Intermodal. Note the other tunnel, which is closed. Only one was upgraded for modern trains.

Helper set NS 7254/ 7287, have passed an abandoned tower. Wonder if that is the old MP Tower?

Cresson is a spot where heavy action is shown. A fine setup with clear views. NS 9495 meets an opposing Oil Train.

Eastbound Coal Train climbs upgrade towards Cresson. 4026 is out front, Unit 9401 trails. follows. Pushers 7240/ 7247 are on the rear. Additionally, high-speed traffic is seen to Cassandra. The Middle Division has always been a winner!

CSX (29 minutes)

The show continues into the CSX portion. Hyndman is up first. This is on the Sand Patch line. Foley Overlook is pictured on the cover.

East of Glencoe. CSX 903 single-handled leader, with a double-stack move. Mid-train DPU’s are the usual extra power.

CSX double-stack stack in early morning at Glencoe. This place sees some trains.

Eastbound stack move. CSX 773 leads this early morning train.

Meyersdale. Capitol Limited has engine 148 as it passes the old B&O depot. Salisbury Viaduct. Historical structure is now a bike trail. The traditional views are overgrown today.

Famous Pennsylvania Grades

This release has combined famous routes to visit. Norfolk Southern has most of the time. Runs for 47 of the 76 minutes. CSX completes the back portion.

For those who have seen older footage of these routes. The views have changed over the decades. Ash from the Steam Era used to defoliate forest growth along the tracks. Nowadays, unencumbered tree growth tends to obscure the earlier vistas. The way it is.

Horseshoe Curve and Gallitzin Overlook are very noticeable. The CSX line, like the Foley Overlook, is also a tougher shoot versus the past.

What can you do? Kurt and Mary make the best of the situation. They have the majority of views filmed in locations with better viewpoints.

Modern era Railfans can find plenty of enjoyment in this program. Sharp production values keep a nice pace. Tight editing and overall well composed scenes. Soundtrack is excellent. Narration is direct and has a minimalist premise. Train sounds are a partner. There is no need to opt of a busy narrator.

Norfolk Southern was the stronger of the two railroads. Seems like greater traffic levels. More advantageous spots to film. Varied train consists, larger lash-ups, and a bit more interesting. The manned helper sets really add to the proceedings.

CSX is still good. Single engines with a mid-train dpu are common. Most of this video was close to trackside. It is passable but somewhat limited, which feels like outtakes.

Fans of both railroads get a piece of the pie.  Contemporary Railfans should like this one. Norfolk Southern carries this release.

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars