Producer: Pentrex
Locations: Columbia River Gorge, Deschutes Canyon, Portland
Timeframe: 2002
Length: 0ne hour
The famous Southern Pacific 4449 stars in this show of the patriotic event. The identity for this excursion is the Columbia -Deshutes Special. Class GS-4 is a 4-8-4 locomotive, which was first restored for the original 1975- 1976 American Freedom Train. There are some former Amtrak Heritage Fleet cars included in the consist.
A brief history leads off. The American Freedom Train was again customized as a post 2001 project. Previous 4449 SP paint schemes are included with vintage films in the history. The engine is outfitted for this AFT version. It travels on Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific tracks.
Beautifully filmed presentation. Fullscreen 4×3 aspect ratio. Live environmental audio. Excellent colors and a balanced soundtrack. High quality production by Pentrex.
A single DVD. Main Chapter Menu. Maps are included. The narrator is David Drui. A preview section. Bonus pair of vintage 1976 by Interurban Films at 24 minutes total.
To the Train… 👉
The colors look fantastic as 4449 rides the turntable.
The American Freedom Train departs as Columbia-Deshutes Special. Routed from Portland on March 23, 2002. This 2 day roundtrip excursion is the main feature. Day One is from Union Station in Portland, Oregon to Bend, Oregon by way of Vancouver on ex: SP&S trackage.
The Special runs alongside the Columbia River and is East of Dalles on BNSF. It will cross the river to Union Pacific tracks at Wishram Drawbridge.
The train is Southbound as it crosses the bridge into Deschutes River Canyon.
The train traverses through Deshutes River Canyon.
Crossing at the Crooked River Bridge. Once the highest railroad bridge in the USA.
Bend, Oregon is the stopover for the 1st day.
Sunday, March 24th has the Special running the same route on the return to Portland. Northbound now. The engine smokes it up at Deschutes.
Crosses Columbia River to BNSF rails.on the Washington side on a lift bridge at Wishram Drawbridge.
Paced from the highway. The Columbia-Deshutes Special exits the short Drano Tunnel. Conclusion is back at Portland Union Station.
Daylight Freedom Special
This Daylight Freedom Special is exceptional. What sets it above most others is beautiful scenery throughout this show. High quality Pentrex production in all facets.
Too many steam special shows quickly get too repetitive and boring. The common thread is plain flatland scenery. See what a difference maker interesting scenery is here.
The Daylight Freedom livery is stunning to see. Again, the fantastic scenery is memorable. Excellent narration. Great picture and soundtrack.
The 1976 films for the bonus is a nice addition. The first show includes the Tehachapi Loop and is the best one. Historical value.
Here is a must watch for steam fans. A fine choice for family viewing. The one hour length is perfect. One of the best Pentrex steam shows!
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 