Rails To The Sunshine, The FEC

Producer: Highball

Locations: Florida

Timeframe: 2007

Length: 1 hour

Florida East Coast is a Class Two rail carrier. Focus is on the North end. Jacksonville to Melbourne. Traffic includes; general freight, intermodal and rock trains. Newer locomotives are SD70M-2 class. In blue paint are GP40-2 motors.

A single DVD-R. Widescreen image. Live environmental audio. Shot well and a balanced soundtrack.

Hidden chapter advance. On-screen subtitles. No maps. A choice of on/ off narrative.

To the Trains…

Starts at Borden Yard. In the background is Jacksonville, Florida. Intermodal train 101 led by engine 103 (SD70M) departs and meets inbound train 202.

Train 206

Engine 102 on the point of Train 206.

Train 905

FEC 429 is a GP40 pulling mixed freight.

MP 36 stands for milepost 36. At St. Augustine is Train 107. The milepost markers would be better served if a reference map was included. No maps.

Train 105

Train 105. A trio of former UP SD40-2 engines. Numbers 715, 701 and 709. All relettered Florida East Coast. Hauling auto racks. 1640

SD70M

A Rock Train combined with general freight. Led by FEC 100 (built in 2006) is from Hialeah Yard. Many of the trackside scenes are similar. Various freight like we have been shown as shot along the right of way at mostly track speed.

Engine 517 leads Train 206 as it rolls past at City Point. Listing the town works best. Still, never heard of this place. Need a map or two.

South Pineda

SD70M #101 passes train 916 in the hole at South Pineda.

FEC 101 at South Pineda

Another look at SD70M 101 at South Pineda. Train 208.

Melbourne

Melbourne has several Northbound trains. 709 leads Train 306.

SD70M 102 leads an ex: Union Pacific SD40-2 on Train 206. Also, at Melbourne. Frequently seen on Intermodal moves. These pairs are common at this time.

Rails to the Sunshine, The FEC

Although Florida East Coast was somewhat of an innovator in its’ history. Modern FEC is a mediocre one to Railfan. Limited locomotive models. Zero home road freight cars.

Ends up with many repetitive trackside scenes. While being a basic, nicely filmed show. If one likes the ungainly SD70M model, this is the one for that. Overall,it is a quick look at some of the Florida East Coast.

Rating: 3 Stars