Category: Broken Knuckle

ATVR Reviews Broken Knuckle

BNSF Return to the Arizona Forest

Post author By William J. Hudson
Post date April 6, 2024
1 Comment on BNSF Return to the Arizona Forest

Producer: Broken Knuckle

Locations: Northern Arizona

Timeframe: 2004

Length: 2 hours

The original show was filmed in 1996. Broken Knuckle went back 8 years later for more! The BNSF transcontinental across Northern Arizona. Packed with beautiful scenery. The former Santa Fe route is worthy of this return trip.

Second show in this 3 disc set. Two DVD-R for this one. Chapter Menu. On-screen graphics. Narrated. No maps.

Videography is excellent. Live audio with a strong mix. Sounds like you are there. Some wind noise at times.

To the Trains…

Disc 1 of this show. #2 in the set. 1 hour 10 minutes

The narration is good, although more detail on train symbols would be welcome.

October 13, 2004. Flagstaff, Arizona. Milepost on the BNSF Transcon line. Seligman subdivision. DPU power is widely used now.

Cosnino, Arizona, at a signal bridge. A plethora of Intermodals traverse the territory. Milepost is 333. Mostly, 3rd generation GE units in BNSF colors dominate now. More foreign power is in this sequel. Occasionally, Norfolk Southern is on the point.

Flagstaff Switcher

The Flagstaff Switcher. Two engines. Check the fried paint on the silver Warbonnet. Performing some Mine service at Darling Cinder Pit.

Eagle’s Nest

Eagle’s Nest is the Western end of the show.

October 18. East Williams Jct. Kaibab National Forest. It splits the signals. The consist should be: 46 loads, 0 empties, 2950 and 4268 for tonnage and length. Kansas City, Kansas to Los Angeles, California, my best guess.

Eastbound travels towards the Arizona Divide. Milepost 371.4.

Disc 2 of this show. #3 in the set. 1 hour 16 minutes

October 18, 2004. Train is S LBTCHI1 17. Long Beach Terminal to Chicago Intermodal… my guess. BNSF 5311 is a General Electric C44-9W locomotive. It leads at Supai Summit. Milepost 370.5. Travels on track two and is Eastbound. The location is 4 miles from Williams. Local time at 14:22 hours.

H train

Train H DENBARI 16. It has a 6 locomotive lash-up. Boxcars and mixed freight. The consist of 31 loads and 49 empties. Should be a Denver to Barstow move.

Oct 19. Electromotive power works upgrade. Notice the sound of these. Santa Fe 6748 leads the three blue and yellow Warbonnets. The Seligman Local.

Z train at Arizona Divide

The Elevation of over 7,000 feet is at the Arizona Divide. The highest point on this vast system. Z LACWSP8 19. Should be a Los Angeles to Willow Springs Intermodal move.

Norfolk Southern power on the head at East Darling. Cross country action. New York to Los Angeles. Engine 9892 is in chargeof the 4 unit lash-up.

The program continues in a similar fashion. The modern era is less interesting than earlier times. A sameness of trains. Railroads have been moving towards standardization for decades. A Wal-Mart and McDonalds in most towns, if you see the similarities.

BNSF Return to the Arizona Forest

This release is fine for the contemporary era. Professional videography. A soundtrack that puts viewers trackside. The narrative is minimal and highlights train sounds. One narration improvement would be to decode symbols. A few are obvious, and many are strange. Inclusion of a map or two would have been helpful.

If this material rings your bell. It should satisfy with a high volume of over the road trains.

By the way. This double feature set is well priced and the way to go. The early merger first show is the hot ticket.

Rating: 4 Stars

Tags American Train Video Reviews, Arizona, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Chicago railroad, non-fiction, Railroad, trains, transportation

ATVR Reviews Broken Knuckle

A Railfan’s Adventure in The Cornbelt

Post author By William J. Hudson
Post date February 1, 2024
No Comments on A Railfan’s Adventure in The Cornbelt

Producer: Kenneth Buckman

Locations: LaGrange, Galesburg, Terre Haute, more

Timeframe: 2003

Length: 3 1/2 hours

Source: Kenneth Buckman

An eight day tour of some Illinois and Western Indiana action. A cornucopia of trains.

No main Chapter Menu. Hidden chapter advance. Detailed on screen graphics. No maps. Narrated by Kenneth Buckman.

A 2 DVD-R set. Video looks very good. Live environmental audio. Excellent sound. Typical hazy skies. One of those horizontal distorted bars along the bottom edge.

There are many trains over the double disc release. We shall view a small sample. He films a good amount of the freight consists. Hence, the long run time.

To the Trains…

Kenneth took an Amtrak to Chicago in May, 2003. Underdressed for the chilly temperatures. Guess he I didn’t know that it can snow there until summer! Buys a cheap sweatshirt. Good job! Why Chicagoans move South…

LaGrange

He begins at the BNSF overpass of Indiana Harbor Belt. This is in LaGrange, Illinois. Checkout all the train data on-screen.

LaGrange Road

LaGrange Road Station is next up. SD40-2 and 2 SD9 on a junk train. Plenty of action on the BN Racetrack.

Pimento, IN.

Effingham, IL is a well-known hotspot. He vestibules on the rear of The Illini. Driven to Terre Haute, Indiana. A CSX Intermodal passes this waiting Wisconsin Central Coal Train led by 7517 at Pimento, IN. June 1, 2003.

Union Pacific 6869

Plenty of trains from Union Pacific, CSX, and some Wisconsin Central in the general area includes Terre Haute. UP 6869 on.a Unit Coal at Midland Jct., IN.

Soo Line on the lead

A Canadian Pacific powered #889. Empty Coke Train is led by a Soo Line engine. Lafayette to Jasonville, IN. The Spring Hill Interlocking Tower has been moved.

Effingham 2716 switcher

Effingham Railroad. Extended visit. Ride an end cab switcher. Spot cars at Krispy Kreme. 58m.

Train M338

Effingham Depot yields a Southbound Illinois Central powered freight. Train M338 behind 6141, 6122, 6251- OLS and CN 755 on 4 units. Waterloo, IA to Centralia. IL.

Huge Galesburg Yard. Santa Fe renumbered 6205 is a remote control locomotive.

Disc Two

Edelstein Hill

BNSF Z – WSPNBY – 9. Willow Springs, IL to North Bay Yard, CA. Edelstein Hill. Chillicothe subdivision. A busy place with BNSF and CSX traffic.

Chillicothe sub

CSX with 5 engines on Houlihan’s Curve. One of the heaviest and longest moves on CSX.

Auto racks

On former C&EI Rails. Union Pacific 4790 goes to Proviso Yard.

Norfolk Southern on ex: Wabash line at Philo, IL. . Train 196 is KC, MO. to Bellevue, Ohio. Here on the ‘auto artery’ are the NS freights.

Ends up back in LaGrange! At LaGrange Road. Much BNSF action of Freight and Passenger. A flurry of Amtrak. It does get a bit much on crossing bells.

That’ll do it. Naturally, there is much more. Surprises, too. A fair idea of the type and variety of content has been shown.

A Railfan’s Adventure in the Cornbelt

This 3 1/2 hour set should satisfy those with interest. A ton of BNSF and CSX action! Throw in some Shortlines and run through power.

Videography is well composed. There are times where overcast skies are not helpful. That’s part of Midwestern weather.

The steady display of train information is great. Audio is lively. Good narrative.

Again, some map references would rate this show a little higher. Same with the constant distortion at the bottom of the screen.

For those who want a quick expansion of railroad video. This one has the length.

All in all, a nicely documented 8 day tour.

Rating: 4 Stars

Tags American Train Video Reviews, Amtrak, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, CSX, Illinois, Indiana, non-fiction, Norfolk Southern, railroads, trains, Union Pacific

ATVR Reviews Broken Knuckle

The Best of the Mohawk Valley -2005-

Post author By William J. Hudson
Post date January 10, 2024
No Comments on The Best of the Mohawk Valley -2005-

Producer: Broken Knuckle

Locations: Amsterdam, Fonda, Little Falls…

Timeframe: 2005

Length: 100 minutes

Mohawk Valley features a variety of locomotives and road names. CSX Mohawk sub in upstate New York. A packed show.

A single DVD-R. Main Chapter Menu. Subtitle graphics. No maps. Narrated.

BNSF, Canadian National, Illinois Central and Union Pacific are frequently see. Additionally, leased power in assorted paint.

MAPS are needed in this rural area. No reference points. It becomes annoying. A ton of runbys in unfamiliar locations.

Videography and audio are fine. Narrative is fine.

Q381 at Little Falls

Q381 at Little Falls. BNSF 4812 on the lead. Leased power is common on this line.

Canadian National power on Q621, along the Mohawk River at Randall. Never heard of most locations. Need map references.

Note the CNW nose mounted bell

Union Pacific 3069 on a couple of ex: CNW SD40-2 locomotives. This is L157 at Palatine. A surprising amount of UP power is seen on the trains. Although these are likely to be run through units, instead of the leased power terminology.

Illinois Central Operation Lifesaver 6018

Illinois Central freely mixed with CN units. Train 366 at Palatine. 6018 out front.

HLCX tunnel motors

HLCX lessee pair are former Southern Pacific tunnel motors at Randall.

Train Q118

CSX numbered 7481 on a Conrail C40-8. Q118 at Nelliston.

Amtrak along Mohawk River

Amtrak P048 at Big Nose.

Train Q626

Train Q626 sporting: Norfolk Southern, Wisconsin Central, CSX and Illinois Central power at Big Nose.

Q386

Q386 at Amsterdam Depot behind CSX 8614.

CN 5700 with Wisconsin Central units

Q621 at Palatine Bridge. Note the Wisconsin Central units with Canadian National power.

Q119

Train Q119 passes through Little Falls with CSX 687. Hauling TOFC and COFC traffic.

Train G398

Train G398 meets opposing traffic at Fonda. CSX 7533 on the point. One of numerous freights in snow.

The Best of the Mohawk Valley 2005.

Locomotive aficionados who prefer variety shall find it within this release. Well filmed with live sound. Good narrative.

This show is in direct need of maps. These far flung, rural locations are meaningless names. Hence, it is a deduction for lack of geographical references.

Outside of that issue. It’s a good program. Some rarities and explanations.

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

Tags American Train Video Reviews, CSX, Union Pacific

ATVR Reviews Broken Knuckle

Autumn on D&H

Producer: Broken Knuckle

Locations: Delanson, Oneonta, East Worcester

Timeframe: 2005, 2007

Length: 76 minutes

Upstate New York is beautiful in the Fall. Canadian Pacific on former Delaware and Hudson. Broken Knuckle has this treat for Railfans and Model Railroaders here.

A single DVD-R. Chapter Menu (pictured) by dates. Onscreen graphics. No maps and this show needs them. Narrated.

Videography is excellent. Live audio is fine overall. There were a few loud crossing bells, but not enough to annoy.

The D&H has a rich history. We shall view the segment from Delanson to Oneonta, New York. Worcester area as well.

A variety of locomotives along with leased and run-through units. Assorted railroads and paint schemes across the board.

To the trains…

CP train 164

CP Rail with #164 a mixed freight train leads off. This has 54 loads and 12 empties. Tonnage at 7046. Train length is 6134 feet. An example of the high level of consist detail. Although, the locomotive lash-ups are usually neglected.

Norfolk Southern #168

Norfolk Southern with Intermodal 168 pulls 40 loads across the bridge with 2 locomotives. This is a scheduled Chicago- Albany Intermodal service. Notice the train details on the graphic!

Upgrade at Howes Cave

NS 9746 is upgrade with 168. Howes Cave Hill.

St. Lawrence & Hudson leads 413

CP train 413 with a St.L&H leading. Dispatched from Enola Yard. Hauling 44 loads and 44 empties at 7555 tons. Delivery to Guilford at Mohawk Yard, and Saratoga Springs.

Train 165

CP 9009 SDF ‘red barn’ out front. Note the remaining UP paint on a CEFX leased engine 2804 in the lash-up. Train 165. Freight of all kinds. Delanson.

Schenevus… Yes, Schenevus. Never heard of it…

At Schenevus, NS #931 in morning light. 8854 leads the three units. Hauls CN traffic. Here are 4 loads and 52 empties.

Soo Line heads this #252

SOO 6018 on 252. Montreal to Binghamton. Mixed bag of power.

Train 413

Cp 5640 with Soo Line and a Guilford unit, rounds the curve at Schoharie Jct. This 413 has 57 cars total.

East Worcester and fall colors in the background. SD40-2 6031 w/ GP9u 1652 and 2 CEFX rebuilds plus another CP engine.

Canadian National 930

Train #930 with Canadian National 5643 power in front. East Worcester.

2007

Train 930 at Richmondville Summit

In 2007, at Richmondville Summit. Locomotive 8568 in charge of 930. Action continues to East Worcester and Oneonta.

Autumn on the D&H

A plethora of highly detailed runbys. Enough operational and consist information for anybody. Lengthy views of most all of the freight cars, as they roll past. Foamers choice!

Trackside and well filmed. Model Railroaders should enjoy the train consists being included. After the lash-up passes. Plus, the equipment is not too badly degraded by early graffiti.

Speaking of train consists. Notice the original Railroad paint on most boxcars.

The fall colors are a slight letdown versus expectations. Not much of prime fall colors.

This show seriously needs some map references. Where are these places? Better attention to locomotive types would be helpful.

Overall, it is a fine show of a Route that is uncommon in the marketplace.

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

Tags American Train Video Reviews, Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, Delaware & Hudson

ATVR Reviews Broken Knuckle

KCS Finale

Producer: Kenneth Buckman

Locations: Meridian, Shreveport, Vicksburg,

Timeframe: April 2022

Length: 2 Hours

Source: Kenneth Buckman

An 8 day visit to the Kansas City Southern. Meridian Speedway on the KCS railroad. Joint operation with Norfolk Southern. A distance of 320 miles to Shreveport. This is before the Canadian Pacific merger. Train symbols were accurate, as of April, 2022.

A single DVD-R. Chapter Menu with locations. On-screen graphics. Maps. Narration by Kenneth Buckman is informative.

Widescreen with excellent image quality. Live environmental audio. Strong soundtrack with mostly good balance. Sometimes, the Horns could have been leveled better.

BKN does not have an Introduction. Straight to the Chapter Menu. There is a chapter advance function.

To some Highlights…

KCS 2901 drilling cars at Meridian

A pair of KCS are sitting in the Meridian yard. Switching cars is 2901, an ex: CN wide nose GP40 type.

NS at Meridian

Norfolk Southern Train 345 entered and is led by an SD70 wide nose 1168.

Train IATDA

A Meridian Speedway known train. IATDA is Atlanta to Dallas, Texas. Double-stack scheduled move. KCS 4145 on the point. This move gets chased. FYI, Meridian is a busy location with additional freights.

High Oak Yard

GP38 1909 is ex: Milwaukee Road at Pearl, MS. The GP38 2010 is ex: B&M. It trails on this yard job. High Oak Yard.

KCS and CN power

Bridge at Jackson. End of Meridian Sub. Start Vicksburg subdivision. A Sanchez Yard, Mexico to Jackson, Mississippi Train. Joint KCS and Canadian National power this one in a rainstorm.