Locations: Johnstown, Gallitzin, Summerhill, Cresson
Timeframe: 1990s
Length: 58 minutes
Source: Rob McCormack
Conrail in the pre-merger era. Route covered is from Johnstown to Galliltzin, Pennsylvania.
Available individually or in this extensive multi-disc set. This review is sourced from the set
A DVD-R. Fullscreen 4×3 aspect ratio. Sharp videography from Rob McCormack of Canrail Video. The synchronized soundtrack is well-balanced. Green Frog quality production.
Main Chapter Menu. Some map references. Narration by the familiar Bob Carrera.
To the Trains … 👉
Johnstown leads off the proceedings. This bridge was built in 1881. It survived the devasting Johnstown 1889 flood. Three engines have high cube boxcars.
First Slope location is Park Hill. This begins the West Slope. Scenic vistas include Mineral Point.
Summerhill is busy. It hosts multiple moves over the old bridge.9400108106244176454709 A Conrail double-stack is led by an SD50 . Notice the newer (1980s) concrete reinforcement.
CR 6376 is paired with 6365. They are operating in Helper Service at Summerhill.
Sonman Mine is East of Portage. Two Unit Coal Trains meet in Wintertime. The train in the foreground is briefly shown during the loading process. In the distance, Engine 8085 (GP38-2) has hoppers and is waiting for clearance.
Lilly has a crawling train going upgrade. It is led by 5558 under the signal bridge with general freight.
Unusual, is this GP38-2 pair 8073/ 8083 as the helpers at Lilly.
Cresson is near the summit of the Allegheny Mountains. Engine 6740 leads the lash-up as it hauls this Intermodal past a standing helper set with 6402 in Cresson Yard. The consist has JB Hunt containers and various Piggyback cars.
Night photography in the Cresson Engine Facility. This set proceeds to be serviced.
The Station Inn looks over to the mainline. Railfans are welcome here. Conrail 3318 eases past the motel. with a train. The 8077 is awaiting clearance with a Coal Train. A RoadRailer follows. Amtrak is next. A bounty of action is here. Nice hotspot! Cresson also has an observation platform for the Railfans.
Amtrak 278 is Eastbound rounds a curve just before the tunnel entrance.
Galliltzin is a traditional bottleneck. The one tunnel has recently been enlarged and double- tracked to accommodate modern freights. Westbound Conrail 6381 exits the modernized double-track tunnel. The other tunnel now is a service road.
Conrail 1 The West Slope
This initial Green Frog Conrail 1 sets the bar for quality coverage. A cornucopia of heavy mountain railroading. Helpers galore on the challenging track profiles.
Rob McCormack has done an excellent job of documenting the Conrail traffic. The great videography is matched by a professional soundtrack. Brisk pacing and the active camera make for an intriguing program.
Bob Carrera has a very clear voice. Solid narrative. Some script errors on locomotive types. None are deal breakers. The script is informative.
Conrail 1 is an awesome show! Railfans and Model Railroaders should get onboard.
Rating: 5 Stars
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