Producer: Pentrex
Locations: Petaluma, Willits…
Timeframe: 1989-1992
Length: 1 hour 52 minutes
The Northwestern Pacific is operating under Southern Pacific in 1992. A total of three years went into filming this show. The most scenic part of this railroad did some rare daylight operations in 1992. Hauls bridge traffic from Willits to Eureka. The line transitions to Eureka Southern. Purchased from NWP in 1984.
A single DVD-R. Bonus material. Fullscreen 4×3 aspect ratio. Live environmental audio. Picture quality is very good. Not modern era sharpness. Balanced soundtrack. Preview section.
Main Chapter Menu by locations. On-screen graphics. Multiple reference maps. Narrated by Dave Drui.
To the Trains…
Petaluma is the beginning of the tour. An NWP Sprint Train arrives at Petaluma behind SP 4440. August 2, 1990. Trains are followed on the route from Petaluma to Suisun City.
The train travels through some grape vineyards.
This switcher is shuffling cars at Petaluma Yard.
Brazos Lift Bridge. Crossing the Napa River.
North Coast Railway was still using Eureka Southern painted units. Their freight arrives at Willits Yard for the interchange with NWP on 8.07.90.
Three SD9 locomotives perform switching at Willits.
A freight moves in the Eel River Canyon.
April 18, 1992. A short freight is traveling from Willits to Island Mountain. SD9 4362 handles this train.
Entering Ukiah where a Masonite plant is located. Check that elderly wig-wag crossing signal.
A rarity which is engine 4418. It is still wearing pre-merger SP Kodachrome paint! This lash-up was delivered to Willits Yard overnight. These SD9 units shall be put to work today. Circa 1992.
Having left Willits, this freight travels to Petaluma behind 4432. That lead engine has a snowplow from working on Donner Pass assignments. The trailing 4418 is having mechanical issues. Notice the wood handle red flags are used to jam the radiator shutters open. Third in this set is SD9 #4451, from Bay Area and nicknamed “Puff”.
Today’s Northwestern Pacific
Southern Pacific and SD9 fans can have a field day in this program. Some rare daylight footage from 1992. Eureka Western adds interest. Dependable Pentrex high quality.
Fine videography and a balanced soundtrack. Maps are very helpful in a rather obscure territory. Well-paced show. Good, informative narrative.
Even though this is a Southern Pacific subsidiary, the Northwestern Pacific is interesting itself. Another winner from Pentrex!
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 