Producer: A&R Productions
Locations: Sand Patch, Fairhope, Hyndman, Cumberland…
Timeframe: 1954-56
Length: 1 hour 25 minutes
Source: Ed Birch
Witness vintage Baltimore and Ohio Steam and Diesel as filmed by Ed Birch. He recorded this material in 1954, 1955 and 1956.
A single DVD-R. Fullscreen 4×3 aspect ratio. Color films. Audio is dubbed and sometimes silent. These are original and unrestored. The collection starts out grainy and sometimes stained. His framing is too high and wheels/ running gear, are often neglected. However,the image quality greatly improves on the Sand Patch line. It is variable visuals later. Rates from very good to excellent original all color films. Hint… Recent HDTV models may have settings to improve quality.
Hidden Chapter advance function. A map is included. Narrated by Aaron Gonthier. There is a sound only 12 minute bonus, after the main feature. An EM-1 departing with a heavy coal train. Should one take a nap near the video end, it may appear that your equipment has broken. A weird presentation there
To the Trains… 👉
Begins in Philadelphia. Here, a B&O excursion is behind engine 5315. The B&O Passenger Station. This Special is going to Baltimore. The journey includes scenes from onboard the train with rear end vestibule scenes.
The Narrows West End. An F7A/B/A set leads a steam engine Mikado Q-4 (#4430) as a helper with a freight train. Notice the high angle of the framing. Ed is often missing the tunning gear, which is frustrating.
At Fairhope. EM-1 7615 is working hard on an upgrade. Again, the upward angle isn’t the best camerawork.
The Shenandoah is Eastbound. Electro-motive E8A is number 84. Still at Fairhope.
Alco FA/ B diesels are led by 823 with an S-1 #6185 (2-10-2) uphill at Fairhope.
Triple-header helpers with 6201 smoke it up. Note the steel caboose C-2477 on this Coal Train.
S-1 engine 6154 (2-10-2) is shot from a bridge at Sand Patch. This on the approaching route to Sand Patch Tunnel. A lone GP7 moves in the background. Near SA Tower here.
Helper is an S-1. These were the 2-10-2 engines in the 6000 class. They were known as Big Sixes at the time. GP7 hangs out on another track.
Action on the summit of Baltimore and Pittsburgh Sand Patch line. Engine 7614 is an EM-1 “Yellowstone”. The wheel arrangement is 2-8-8-4. It is hauling a Mineral Train past SA Tower. This tower had control of rail traffic at Sand Patch Tunnel. The EM-1 was the largest and heaviest steam locomotive operating on the Baltimore and Ohio. It could exceed over 6000 horsepower. Compare it to a four unit Electro-motive F7 diesel set replacement. The railroad had 30 of these big steamers. None were preserved.
Interesting sequence is at Q Tower in Hyndman. An F7 A/A pair led by 273 are on a Westbound freight running on the mainline. Steam helpers are hot in the yard. The S-1 helpers at left move about as they get ready to push this train.
Railfans delight. Helpers galore on the Cumberland Division. B&O big sixes are often used as Pushers. Two 6000 class locomotives on this move. A caboose is on every train.
B&O Steam in Twilight
Ed Birch has documented an intriguing time of B&O steam and early diesel. All the locomotives are generally working hard across mountainous territory.
Cinematography is all color films. The image framing can come up a bit short at times. As if, he is looking up at the trains. Fortunately, this improves somewhat. The dubbed soundtrack is fine overall. Levels are variable, but reasonable. Clear narrative from Aaron Gonthier.
What a fascinating collection of B&O in the Transition Era! The mixed power seen among Steam and Diesel is astounding. A must see for Railfans and Model Railroaders.
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 