Producer: Herron Rail
Locations: Rockville Bridge, Altoona, Horseshoe Curve, Columbus, Sandusky
Timeframe: 1940s – 1950s
Length: 42 minutes- feature
Sources: Ben T. Young Jr., Joe Collias
Cinematographer Ben Young films feature a fascinating variety of classic Pennsylvania Railroad transition era steam and Diesel powered trains. Circa 1950s. The emphasis is on freight trains in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Joe Collias films from the 1940s on Horseshoe Curve.
A single DVD-R. All color films were shot in 16mm. Musical soundtrack dominates. Train sounds are blended into the scenes. Ben Young has about 95% of this collection. Joe Collias footage for Horseshoe Curve.
Hidden Chapter advance. Runtime is 42 minutes on the main feature. Previews for additional 10 minutes. On-screen graphics. Narrated by Ralph Morse
To the Trains… 👉
This show begins at Rockville Bridge. A trio of Electro-motive F7 units get underway.
A freshly shopped K-4 travels on the famed Pennsylvania Middle Division. This route is Altoona to Harrisburg.
This M-1 led freight train gets chased at road speed.
Altoona was the heart of Pennsylvania power! Talk about a hotspot. An F7 meets a Decapod (2-10-0)
Mikado L-1 has a local freight at Altoona.
A trio of GP9 engines haul a Pennsylvania Truc-Train Piggyback move out of Altoona. Baldwin Centipedes shove on the rear as helpers. They were regular pushers on Horseshoe Curve.
Baldwin Sharks are among the wide variety of diesel power seen during this 1950s decade.
Columbus,Ohio in 1956. Here was a key in the end times for Pennsylvania Railroad Steam. Santa Fe 2-10-2 locomotives were leased and operated in Ohio. A concentration of Pennsylvania Railroad Steam is seen operating in quantity here.
Faibanks-Morse Erie Built power at Sandusky, Ohio. These were off the roster by 1964.
Attica Jct. intercects B&O. A PRR J-1 crosses here.
A Steam Locomotive, caboose (N6-B) and a full crew define the 1950s.
Pennsylvania Glory, Volume 2, 1950s Middle Division
The Pennsylvania Railroad fielded a huge array of locomotives numbering in the thousands. A staggering assortment of Steam and Diesel engines in this show. Altoona alone is mind blowing.
Freight trains dominate this program. Some movies of this period may contain a concentration on Passenger Trains. The variety of freight is excellent.
A well produced show by Herron. They used a Disney Studio for their production. High quality viewing. Ralph Morse with a solid narrative. The mixture of music and steam works, but is dated compared to newer releases. A product of the time in train videos.
Here is a highly satisfying document of 1950s action in a prime era for the Pennsylvania Railroad. An outstanding show for most any Railfans and Model Railroaders. The jam packed assortment has a time machine-like element. This top shelf release is a fine one that will stand repeat viewings.
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 