Producer: Herron Rail
Locations: Attica Jct., Fostoria, Willard
Timeframe: 1950s- 1970s
Length: 56 minutes + previews
Source: Donald J. Krofta
Baltimore and Ohio action from the 1950s to the Chessie System in the 1970s. Donald Krofta filmed in 16mm. His friend, Jim Hawk recorded the audio on many scenes.
A single DVD-R. All films are in 16mm. Both Color plus Black and White footage. Fullscreen 4×3 aspect ratio. Live audio on many scenes. A long Preview section at about 20 minutes.
Main Chapter Menu. Maps are included. Narrated by Danny Harmon.
To the Trains… 👉
Part One – B&O Steam in Northern Ohio 1957- 1958.
Begins at Attica Jct. B&O 751 is a T-4 class. Towerman hoops up orders to the caboose.
Begins at Attica Jct. Mikado 427 then enters a siding.
Pennsylvania Railroad 7431 slows with a Coal Train to Sandusky and receives orders from the Tower.10
Lorain, Ohio 1957. EM-1 locomotives are seen at the yard .Number 671. These were the largest steam engines on B&O.
T-3 class is a Mountain type. Engine 725 is a 4-8-2. The train passes the Hamler Interlocking Tower hauling mixed freight.
Big Six engine 528 (S-1 class) works at the Warwick Coal Dock on the Akron Division.
Engine 717 is switching cars at Fostoria. Many steamers include close-ups of working running gear. Often, at slow to moderate speeds. Occasional slipping drivers may surprise some viewers. Authentic live sound adds an extra layer to the show. Amazing!
Part Two – B&O Diesels 1950s- 1970s
Begins at Lima, Ohio. B&O 4311/3776.
C&O freight in Fostoria 1970.
Don filmed Chessie System action at Willard, Ohio while waiting for a Steam Special.
Wearing Chessie System paint The Reading 2101 is on it’s way to Toledo. He winds up the show in North Judson, Indiana in 1980 for a few minutes. A generous Preview Section follows with more vintage films
Steam and Diesel on the B&O Volume 2
The Steam portion is a little more than half the show. All of that is black and white film. Color for the Diesel part of the program. These are clean and look good on a modern HDTV.
Donald J. Krofta was an excellent Cinematographer. He had great skill with composing scenes. Variety and plenty of action. Fascinating trainwatching. Black and White films are well detailed and properly lit. Nice shots of running gear on steam.
Good narrative by Danny Harmon. Soundtrack is fine. The natural steam recordings sound particularly good.
This is a top tier vintage B&O program. A mesmerizing journey into 1950s era railroading. Railfans and Model Railroaders can find much to appreciate in this fine release. In fact, most any Steam fan should find this a great show!
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 