Producer: Green Frog
Locations: Forest Hills, Brentwood, Central Islip, New Hyde Park,
Timeframe: 2019
Length: 1 hour 50 minutes
Source: Tim Hosey
A tour along some of the heavy Commuter focused Long Island Railroad. This is a busy area in New York.
A. single DVD-R. High Def video. Widescreen picture. Modern videography. Live environmental audio. High quality Green Frog Production.
Main Chapter Menu. Hidden Chapter advance. A map is on the cover. Narrator is Tim Hosey.
To the Trains…
New York and Atlantic engine 270 (GP38-2) is an ex: Long Island Railroad. It leads a freight at Brentwood, New York . Symbol RS71 is Westbound.
Here, on the non-electricfied Montauk Branch at Great River. Motor 401 (DE30AC) is rated at 3000 horsepower, is pushing this train 2773. Routing is Patchogue to Babylon. These and the 500 series were built at Super Steel. The former ALCO factory in Schenectady, NY. The sign is clearly explained. DE is diesel, DM is dual mode and ENG is for Engines.
In a light Winter snow on February 20, 2019. Here is Train 2770. Engine 514 passes at Bright Waters.
Train 2772 behind #405. This one runs from Jamaica to Patchogue. Location at Bayshore Station. Note the overhead pedestrian walkway bridge.
Forest Hills Station in Queens. It has a 4 track mainline. Many Commuters pass here to a wide variety of destinations. Train 656 is a Double Decker to Port Jefferson behind a diesel. Origin was Long Island City.
Motor 7246. Plenty of Eastbounds at Rush Hour! Speed limit is a fast 80mph. Forest Hills is a hot spot with mostly thru traffic. This is within the Queens borough.
Empty equipment move. This old signal bridge dates back to Pennsylvania Railroad days. Final night of service before new color signals begin. Farm Interlocking at Farmingdale.
The Long Island runs some lengthy Passenger Trains. This one pulls out of Farmingdale after 900pm.
March 11, 2019 at Brentwood. Bombardier M7 units stop with a long train. Notice the Conductor stepping over the gap to the platform. PA announcements and signage often alert Passengers to ‘watch the gap’.
Kawasaki M9 test train behind #9010. Arrives at Brentwood. Rides the line, Hicksville to Ronkonkama. Motor 9011 represents the latest and greatest in MU (multiple units) technology.
MP15AC diesels hauling a Work Train through busy New Hyde Park at Rush hour. Filmed in April. Heavy traffic on this 2 track mainline. Electric speed limit is 80mph. Many trains seen at New Hyde Park. Between wind noise, crossing bells and 80 mph trains blowing by the camera. This extended chapter overstays it’s welcome. However, hardcore fans may prefer it.
Finally, it moves along to Mineola. Nassau Tower is here. Although the night videography is well lit. A trade-off are mostly blinding headlights from the trains. Hence, a reverse view of Train 1744 at 9:23. This view includes Nassau Tower. Budd M3 action. Routing is Mountauk to Huntington. Check those old Pennsylvania Railroad position signals! Great detailed scene for Model Railroaders.
Would have preferred some of Mineola in daylight scenes. The nighttime is hard on the eyeballs, when watched on a large screen. Sometimes, less is more.
Long Island Rails Part 1
The first hour is excellent. The second half has some good scenes but it is a bit less enjoyable in comparison.
Tim Hosey is a fine Videographer! He makes the most of filming in tight confines with almost no scenic interest. Notice how there is a nice variety of shots. Soundtrack is well-balanced. A highly detailed narrative. He mentioned a website that provided specific information on each train. Tim has a pleasant narrative style.
Overall, an interesting show on the rarely seen Long Island Railroad. Brisk pacing moves that first half along. The second half at a shorter length would play stronger. The mix of Diesel and Electric trains may surprise some Railfans. Give it a bump up for the detailed coverage on Long Island Railroad. This subject is hard to find in commercial releases. Passenger and Commuter fans should find this a valuable show.
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 