Producer: John Pechulis
Locations: New Jersey
Timeframe: 1970s
Length: 70 minutes
Sources: multiple
A Collection of Super 8mm color films. While done in New Jersey, it seems to be a large area covered. Seriously, it needs some map assistance to make any sense of the many locations. I am not going to Google any or check spellings. So, if you feel lost in the Garden State, join the club.
A single DVD-R. Soundtrack is dubbed train sounds.
Main Chapter Menu by locations. No extras. No maps. Main narration by Mike Bednar.
John gives an informative background on Jersey Central. Interesting couple of minutes with various film clips.
To the Trains… 👉
Begins like many other CNJ shows, at Comminipaw. Across from New York City. The CNJ provided ferryboat access to the Big Apple.
CNJ 1528 crawls past the shops at E-Port. I suppose Mike means Elizabethport.
B&O/ Chessie with Reading train 681. Perfect shot for Model Railroaders here. Excee Tower. Varied action at this busy location
Cranford Station. Two red units meet about 1973. Red Baron SD 3067 is coupled to an Erie Lackawanna locomotive with a freight. The high nose geep pulls a Commuter job.
CNJ 11 (F7A) and B&O 6600 (GP9). The two railroads pooled locomotives and cabooses. A surprising amount of B&O work the trains.
Eastbound led by CNJ 2504 (SD) with a torpedo B&O 6604.
Plenty of Budd RDC commuters, but who cares to see those things? Instead, checkout CNJ 1542. A classic Alco RS-3. Second in a lash-up at Bound Brook.
Sharp red repaints on a Commuter at Bound Brook.
A lone GP7 crosses highway 22. Chimney Rock local.
Red Baron 3067 on a freight.
Caboose with a fine, weathered finish
The Anthracite Roads in the 70’s Volume 5 CNJ
Rating: 4 Stars
A large assortment of CNJ in New Jersey. Includes a couple of branches. The power is interesting in this time period. Seems to be about 1971 to pre- Conrail. Seven cinematographers in the credits. All of them with excellent skills.
The film restoration is stunning! Viewers may think it is 16mm, although it is 8mm. Soundtrack is nicely balanced. Mike Bednar gives a relaxed narrative. This Volume is perhaps the best looking one of the series.
Passenger service is dominant. More RDC cars than one ever needs. Many Commuters are similar. Locomotives provide good variety. Takes a while for freight moves to arrive in any quantity. Eventually, there is some worthwhile freight action.
A top shelf release for image quality. The narrative is on the generic side but adequate. Sounds are nicely done. Some maps would have rated this one higher. The bouncing around leaves a viewer feeling lost for the most part. This release gets by on looks. Bump it up for the supply of Jersey Central and Chessie/ B&O powered 1970s trains.
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 