Producer: Greg Scholl
Locations: Portage la Prairie, Winnepeg
Timeframe: 1959
Length: 47 minutes
Source: Maynard Laing
The third and final Greg Scholl entry with Maynard Laing films on 1950s era Canadian Steam. Maynard filmed all-color in 16mm. Another highlight is live sound as recorded by Elwin Purrington.
Much of the show is centered at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada. This being a spot where Canadian National and Canadian National transcontinental lines meet. A map illustration clearly displays the trackage and some structures.
A single DVD-R. Color 16mm film. Fullscreen 4×3 aspect ratio. Live environmental audio. Due to the rarity of the authentic audio, the narrative is 2nd to the train sounds
Chapter Menu. Hidden chapter advance function. On-screen graphics. Narrated by John Hingsbergen
To the Trains… 👉 The last run of a CN passenger train on the Virden to Winnipeg branchline with 4-6-2 #5612. Not good lighting on the beginning trains. Fortunately, the weather improves and sunshine appears.
The last run of a CN passenger train on the Virden to Winnipeg branchline with 4-6-2 #5612. Not good lighting on the beginning trains. Fortunately, the weather improves and sunshine appears.
There. are numerous trains at Portage la Prairie, which follow here. CP 2428 departs Portage la Prairie.
CN 5628 eases past the camera here. 1807
CN 6050 (2-8-2) leaves town on a westbound passenger train. July 1, 1959.
CP 2446 east stops for passengers.
CN 2426 (2-8-0) is westward into Portage la Prairie.
CN 5620 Pacific (4-6-2) is en route to Winnipeg.
CN 3535 (2-8-2) with a Vanderbilt tender is at West Tower.
CP 2854 (4-6-4) is a Royal Hudson. Crossing Eastbound. Both CN lines to Edmonton and Dauphin at West Tower. Authentic audio is a highlight here.
CN 3599 Mikado (2-8-2) hits the diamonds at West Tower.
East Tower action at Portage la Prairie. CP 1214 gets going with a freight.
A final view of Portage la Prairie in 1959. Westbound CN 2142 (4-6-0) is stopped at the Canadian National East Water Tower. Note the large Coaling Tower at right.
Canadian Steam 1959
Rare Canadian steam action from 1959. The final year. Picture quality ranges around good, more or less. Backlit scenes are numerous. The authentic audio raises this show up a notch.
A well put together release. The soundtrack prioritizes the steam locomotives. Narration is informative and perfectly placed. On-screen graphics contain details.
The films are a testament to Canadian steam in 1959. Although not always the best. They document the last major steam operations in Canada.
Canadian fans, this is an obvious must have. Any Railfan or Model Railroader may find this an enjoyable show. Bump up the rating for outstanding live audio and the rarity.
Rating: 5 Stars
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