Producer: Clear Block
Locations: Fond Du Lac, Neenah, Steven’s Point, Jct. City
Timeframe: 1999
Length: 2 hours
Source: Todd Miller
Wisconsin Central Volume 2 begins in August, 1999 at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. This is where the first Volume ended that show. Tour the line to Stevens Point and Junction City.
A single DVD-R. No Chapter menu. A hidden chapter advance. On-screen graphics. Maps are included. Narration by Todd Miller.
Picture appears to be video sourced. A little soft on modern equipment. Natural live audio is strong.
To the Trains… 👉
WC 6655 is a rare SD45. It fronts a train from Shops Yard, at Fond Du Lac in August, 1999. Plenty to see around here!
Two units are drilling cars at the yard. 1561 leads the pair past the tower. Various switchers are shown.
Departure at Shops West. WC 586 and 359 Amtrak 359 (F40) which is on lease, pull a freight train at Shops West. This being Train 119. It is routed to Green Bay and gets chased to Van Dyne.
The ancient wig wag knocks and rings at Van Dyne. Train 8 is here. SD45 units and more.
Extra 724 West kicks up snow. Led by WC 724. Milepost 166.
Fox River Drawbridge sees a couple trains. Extra 2005 West. That’s Algoma Central livery in front.
Extra 6555 rolls through Oshkosh in Winter.
WC 6605/ 7509 are on this SD45 pair as it gets going. This Extra 6605 is Eastbound as it exits the siding. Milepost 200.
Passenger Extra 7638 West. MP 242. No narrative information is given.
4009 is ex MoPac GP35 with mixed bag of older EMD locomotives near Steven’s Point. The program continues to Junction City.
The Wisconsin Central Volume 2
What sets this show apart are the mostly general freight trains. This is interesting to view versus generic COFC/ TOFC, unit trains etc … Todd filmed good chunks of the consists. Great for Model Railroaders, as well. Foreign power includes: CN, CP Rail, Conrail, CSX and Fox River Valley on run through trains.
The overall production is well done! Todd Miller was talented. The narrative is good. Some trains only have a graphic and no other information. Fortunately, these are less in number. Location awareness and helpful maps add value.
The Clear Block brand is inconsistent in quality. Source dependent across many varied locations and years. This release is one of the better programs.
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 