Producer: MVP
Locations: West Chicago, Wheaton, Geneva
Timeframe: 1996
Length: 1 hour 25 minutes
Source: Robert Calvert
Union Pacific’s route out of Chicago. This was Chicago & NorthWestern. Originally this release was an MVP Production. This current version is also labeled as a Highball show.
A single DVD-R. Older camcorder video source. Appearance is similar to other MVP shows that were shot in the 1990s. Historical value, which is not to modern standards. Live environmental audio exceeds the video quality and sounds great. Clear narrative by Robert Calvert is above the train sounds.
No chapter menu. Data screens convey additional information. Narrated with varying details on train movements.
Progression of coverage is noted on data screens. No maps. West Chicago has plenty of rail traffic.
To the Trains… 👉
Begins on April 27, 1996. Geneva NorthWestern Bridge for the Fox River Crossing. Eastbound DMPR-A towards Proviso Yard. More freights are shown here. Too bad the visuals are lacking clarity. The train sounds are excellent.
JB Tower at West Chicago is next. CNW 8603 leads Westbound empty hoppers that originated from Detroit Edison on Grand Trunk. Note the tower in the background. The interesecting rails are EJ&E.
Union Pacific 9482 backs a Coal Train onto EJ&E. Nice view of JB Tower in this frame.
At West Chicago. CNW 6840 leads a pair of leased units on symbol MAPR. Mixed freight. Routed from Madison, Iowa to Proviso Yard.
CHMI-V is a vehicle train from Chicago to Milpitas, California. CNW engine 6907 (SD40-2) is on the point at West Chicago.
Union Pacific Challenger 844 is seen at West Chicago hauling a special in August, 1996. This steam engine makes another appearance later on.
Union Pacific SD90MACs are new. Eastbound at West Chicago.
Wheaton with Metra Commuters.
Flames at the stack on a CNW trailing locomotive! More night scenes than needed, this one is worthy on a priority APL move to Los Angeles. The others are quite dark and below average.
A CNW GP7 4126 switches at Proviso Yard.
UP and CNW on The Geneva Sub Volume 1, East of Geneva
CNW fans should be pleased at the large percentage of unmolested locomotives still at large. Union Pacific had a Chicago area presence of run through power for years, preceeding the merger. The downside is longing for higher quality images.
Editing has a clumsy overall feel. The cuts seem abrupt. Fades and resumes often take just a little too long. Hence, loose and jumpy.
Narrative is good. Soundtrack is fine. Data screens are effective, when used.
The mediocre visuals keep this show rating low. Best suited for hardcore Railfans or maybe some foamers.
Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 