Category: Diverging Clear Productions

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ATVR Reviews Diverging Clear Productions

Then & Now – The Rio Grande Narrow Gauge

Producer: Mary McPherson

Timeframe: 1940s to 2023

Locations: Durango, Chama, Antonito, Windy Point, Hermosa, Cumbres Pass, Silverton…

Length: 3 hours 56 minutes

Sources: Jim Adams, Don Morice, Kurt Jensen, Tom Dunn, Mary R. McPherson

An interesting entry in Diverging Clear Productions, Then and Now series. Begins with vintage 1940s era black and white film. Continues onward. Color film becomes common in the 1960s. This release was a year in the making. Comprehensive coverage. True dat!

A two volume DVD-R set. Chapter Menu. On-screen graphics.  No maps. Narration by Mary McPherson. She presents a detailed history.

Film quality from good to excellent. Naturally, newer is finer. Live audio sections are fantastic. Sharp editing.

Travel back to the 1940s to start and progress to 2023. Limited screenshots of this long set. Just a taste of the comprehensive coverage within this set.

Tanglefoot Curve 1940s

A long freight is hauled around Tanglefoot Curve in the 1940s. Chama to Antonito line.

K-36 488 leads in the 1950s

Freight in the 1950s. Uptick in traffic until 1956. K36 488 with 499 helper near Highway 388.

The Silverton Mix. Trains 461 and 462.

Popular mixed freight / passenger trains which ran along the Animas River.

Rocky Mountain Club Trains 1961.

Now, we get into color films. These Club Specials were well attended. Trips exceeded 100 miles. Jim Adam’s film.

Elk Park

A 1962 trip included a mounted ex: Illinois Central steam whistle. Train plus onboard scenes. What a deal for $20! A freight is seen at Pagosa Jct.  Photo runby at Elk Park. Another at Windy Point. Of course, footage from aboard the trains!

1963 with Jim Adam’s film.

Windy Point

Rio Grande was now into the Tourist business. A double header 498 488 at Windy Point. Jim Adam’s again in 1964. RMC specials ceased by 1967.

Illini Club Charter

Illini Railroad Club sponsored train in 1962. Don Morice film.

Sixties Freight

1960s at Wolf Creek

Weather issues, expenses and declining freight traffic result in some abandonment.

Preservation…

About halfway through the first disc. The focus is on what was preserved.

Durango and Silverton

High Line action

Startup and upgrade background. Coverage from 1990s into the 2000s. Durango is first. Some Mixed Trains add interest. High Line and onward to Silverton. Additional action on the return.

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic

Triple header!

Cumbres and Toltec is featured next, in the modern era. Outstanding footage! Live audio is great with a soundbar.

Doubleheader beyond the bridge at the big tree

Chama is first up with a departing double-header tourist train. Location based route from a decade timespan of film.

Disc Two

Cumbres and Toltec Specials

Goose #5 operating

Galloping Goose #5. Lettered Rio Grande Southetn. Almost sounds like a lawnmower.

Photo freight in 2005

A 2005 shot photo freight gets chased. Rio Grande 488. Check those Livestock cars. The freight assortment is cool. Perfect for the Model Railroaders!

Along The Animas River

The program continues with tourist train action. Cumbres and Toltec.  Durango and Silverton. Minimal narration. Excellent scenes are abundant!

The 488 departs Silverton

At Siverton. This scene is for the Model Railroaders. The station, road crossing and siding. A tight curve is behind the train. Checkout the structure placements. Your Welcome.

Chama Yard

Bonus! Chama Yard yields extra details for Model Railroaders! Caboose, extended pipe load that requires 3 cars. Water Tower and Coaling Tower. How cool is this shot?

Then and Now Rio Grande

At nearly 4 hours in total length, there is something for all Narrow Gauge railfans. Mary McPherson  includes a knowledgeable and professional narrative. From the 1940s to 2023, give a complete overview of the featured lines.

Outstanding film on the second half. A live soundtrack that sounds great!

First disc contains the historical portion. Very well done.

Diverging Clear has the bases covered in this family-friendly extravaganza.

Is this the definitive show for Colorado Narrow Gauge?

You decide! 😀

As far as this review goes. The rating offers added insight. Sum total = A Must Have!

Rating: 5 Stars

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ATVR Reviews Diverging Clear Productions

5 Years of 21st Century Steam

Producer: Mary McPherson

Locations: Tennessee, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Virginia

Timeframe: 1987- 1994, 2011 – 2015

Length: 1 hour 34 minutes

Sources: McPherson, Dunn, Jensen, Redmond

Four Steam locomotives are featured. All of the engines that were in the Norfolk Southern 21st Century Steam program are within this show!

Actually, it plays like a Then & Now type show! Earlier footage and a contemporary set that follows.

A single DVD-R. Main Chapter Menu, Play and Locomotives. Hidden chapter advance. Subtitles with many locations on 21st Century. Narration by Kurt Jensen.

A brief history with Vintage film clips and photographs. As with most film collections, quality improvements upward until the newest souces.

The 21st Century is your modern style video. Soundtrack of live audio on the main section is excellent. All good balanced levels.

Let’s see some highlights…

Original Steam Program…

Southern 4501 departs Chattanooga

Graham Claytor had green Southern 4501 as an original headliner. The venerable 2-8-2 was performing excursions from Chattanooga, Tennessee.

N&W 611 a J class locomotive.

Norfolk and Western 1218

The year 1987 had N&W 1218 a 2-6-6-4. It was added by Robert Claytor. This restoration is out on the rails.

Frisco 1522 appears in the Steam Program

Frisco 1522 a 4-8-2 type, was out guest appearing in 1988-1994.

Last licks in 1994

Doubleheader pair of the 611 and 1522. December of 1994 was the end of this program.

21st Century Steam…

It took a new NS President to restore a new, 21st century steam program. Now, using museum maintained power. Four locomotives were used.

Southern 630 making trips to Cleveland, Tennessee

Southern 630 is the 1st up here. Tennessee Valley Museum engine.

Southern 630 runs to Cleveland , Tennessee

2012 Annual Railfest. The 630 towards Cleveland at Chattanooga without any diesel helper. Many scenes with 630.

Southern 4501 at Trion, Georgia.

Southern 4501 is next. A 2-8-2. Enters the 2014 Railfest. Fresh from restoration. Now in black paint. Also, from the Tennessee Valley.

NKP 765 2-8-4 Berkshire type. Rolls from Ft. Wayne club on ex: Wabash in 2012. Long Chapter.

The 765 on Wabash at Decatur, Illinois

Nickel Plate 765 is tracked across Indiana. Here, at Decatur, Illinois.

Nickel Plate Berkshire 765 on Horseshoe Curve

Nickel Plate 765 on a trip into Pennsylvania. Horseshoe Curve. Diesel assistance from a Pennsylvania Heritage and Conrail unit.

July 2015 and 765 is back in business. Tours Indiana.

Nice extended pacing of 765 through a part of Indiana.

2014 saw 611 a 4-8-4 in the shop. By June, 2015 there were Lynchburg to Petersburg, VA. excursions. Long Chapter. The Norfolk Southern Steam Program ended in 2015.

N&W 611 on Cotton Mill Trestle

Cotton Mill Trestle at Lynchburg, Virginia.

N&W 611 blasts by near Concord

The 611 roars by near Concord, Virginia.

There you go.

A Special Mention…

Diverging Clear Crew in 2013

Producer Mary McPherson sent this picture of: Tom, Kurt, George, and herself. Horseshoe Curve in 2013. It is not included in the show.

George Redmond is now in his seventies. Takes care of his wife.

She mentioned that Tom Dunn has passed away. Tom shot the 4501 in green paint. He also was a Videographer and Driver on some NKP 765 outings, as in Pennsylvania and St. Louis. Rest in Peace, Tom Dunn.

Kurt Jensen and Mary McPherson are the two active Diverging Clear Productions crew.

5 Years of 21st Century Steam

One has to applaud Diverging Clear for providing all of the 21st Century Steam Program in a single show.

Top it off with historical footage and background. Crisp filming and sharp edits.

The soundtrack focuses on the trains. It is a lively one to hear. Narration is limited and effective.

Anyone with an interest in Steam power should find this a fine show. Diverging Clear offers full programs on many Steam engines. This is one of their top releases.

Rating: 5 Stars

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ATVR Reviews Diverging Clear Productions

Then & Now Centralia

Producer: Mary McPherson

Location: Centralia

Timeframe: 1950s – 2021

Length: 2 hours + 42 minutes

Sources: George Redmond, Kurt Jensen, Mary McPherson

Another entry in the Then and Now series. Centralia is the location, featured by Diverging Clear. This city has seen, significant Railroad related changes over the decades. Historical and Current scene.

Two DVD-R set. Chapter Menu. Narration. Vintage and Current films. Live and dubbed audio. Maps are included.

Comprehensive coverage of this traditional hot spot. Tracing back to Steam Era. The Heritage Railroads histories here, are individually done.

Contemporary scene. Three Diverging Clear cameras are out filming. Todays trains are in modern standards.

Currently: BNSF, Canadian National and Norfolk Southern. These are the main railroads that are running through Centralia, Illinois.

Highlights only.

Disc One

About 69 minutes long. Mary McPherson narrates. Short movie clips from Steam Era. This Disc ends in 2003.

This Disc contains Historical films. Old Steam is Black and White. Nineties videotape is a bit a soft on HDTV. The colors are good. Historical value. The 2003 looks best.

Illinois Central Steam at Centralia.

An example of high quality still photograph. Steam to Diesel era. Mary augments the narrative, with an assortment of visuals. Nicely done!

Mary begins with history. A mixture of still photos and vintage films. Overhead Route view. Illinois Central Mainline is first up.

CB&Q, or Burlington Route. Black and White movie film. Various brief bits, from Steam Era to illustrate discussion.

Southern 4501 and NW 1218, are both shown on fantrip films, at Centralia.

SL-SF 1522 at Centralia

Frisco 1522 visits this city, in the 1990s twice. Least common of those touring Steam locomotives. Here it is.

New image Illinois Central with older units.

Illinois Central black paint unified the fleet. Some earlier ICG units are seen. The new image IC is featured here.

Southern scheme looks better!

Plenty of Norfolk Southern appears. Old Southern looks better. This was the St. Louis line for Southern Railway.

Burlington Northern has limited views.

Burlington Northern is mainly limited to Unit Coal business here. Powder River Coal, to be exact. Hence, a distant third in screentime.

Missouri & Illinois is a forth railroad, that entered Centralia. Absorbed into Missouri Pacific.

Centralia Yard from Cab.

It’s 2003 now. Take a cab ride on Canadian National tracks. Above, Centralia Yard, as seen from the locomotive cab. This was the former Illinois Central facility.

BNSF with various paint.

Continuing in 2003. Railfanning. BNSF has superceded BN. The usage of a caboose has been discontinued. Norfolk Southern has some restenciled Conrail power. Above, BNSF in assorted paint.

Closes with a rearward view from an Amtrak. Again, looking at Centralia trackage (CN). We already saw this area, on the cabride. Unnecessary, but there you go…

Disc Two

Length shows as 93 minutes. The factory cover has the main Railroads on display. Could end the review right here.

Let us continue…

We are now in 2021. Same three Mainlines. Union Pacific owns Missouri Pacific. Updates in locomotives and equipment. This goes for Video gear, as well.

An hour and a half of trains. Much more traffic from BNSF in 2021.

Kansas City Southern on CN.

Kansas City Southern power on Canadian National rails.

Amtrak 390 departs, as Norfolk Southern slows into town.

Norfolk Southern eastbound, meets Amtrak 390. Checkout that Amtrak Charger power!

* Show Producer Mary McPherson is also an Amtrak Conductor. Keep a sharp eye. Like an Alfred Hitchcock movie. You may catch a glimpse!

As far as the new Amtrak Charger. Mary gives that one a thumbs up.

Illinois Central 1007 leads mixed Canadian National units.

Southbound A408. This Illinois Central 1007 SD70 led train. Note the CN GP7, buried in the lash-up. Mixing old IC and newer CN. Even a GP7! This train best represents the Then & Now.

Three Camera Crew day.

April 29, had 3 Camera Crews called out. Nice flowers. Canadian National units. CN 5670 leads this Northbound Oil Train, which is empty.

A DPU, if you need one.

Here is a DPU on a Coal Move. Some of you need one. Centralia Crossing action.

Norfolk Southern Coal Move.

Plenty of great action at busy Centralia Crossing. Norfork Southern above. Many moves back here. BNSF coal is abundant. A show within the show!

BNSF GP30.

The local BNSF ‘switcher’, as she calls it, is too cool. A GP30 in 2021.

The 2nd Disc is professional in every aspect. Stand alone as a Centralia Hot Spot in 2021.

Nicely filmed by the three Cameras of Diverging Clear. Chapter count is 27. Live audio to match. In Dolby 2.0. Sharp editing. Mary’s narrative lets trains be heard.

Missouri Pacific caboose.

Let’s revisit Disc One for a moment. Yonder were those cabooses! Every railroad used them. Missouri and Illinois, hosted this road worthy, transfer caboose. Mike and Ike, to Mary. Missouri Pacific to most others. 🙂

Then and Now Centralia

This is a double feature. Majority of the first Disc is vintage. Second Disc is all 2021. Both are fine players.

As with many DCP releases. Shorter running time, would work better for me. Apply that mainly to the second Disc.

To be fair. Disc One is Excellent. Disc Two is Excellent. Even if the second one runs long. Maybe, fans of the current era, can’t get enough of 2021.

Then and Now Centralia. A traditional hot spot. Diverging Clear has delivered a solid release. Between the Then and Now, a great addition to anyone’s collection.

Rating: 5 Stars

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ATVR Reviews Diverging Clear Productions

Steamin’ In 2021

Producer: Mary McPherson

Locations: Stasburg, Hill City, more

Timeframe: 2021

Length: 1 hour 57 minutes

Sources: Kurt Jensen, Mary McPherson

A 2021 Steam Engine highlights release. Six Locomotives filmed by Diverging Clear Productions. They range from small to largest operating. That would be the Union Pacific Big Boy 4014.

The package. A slimline case with a DVD-R. Detailed Chapter Menu. Current video and Audio Standards. Narrator is Kurt Jensen.

Norfolk Western 611 and 475. Both in Strasburg, Pennsylvania.

Appearances at Strasburg were in early fall.

Norfolk & Western 475.

The 475 , a 4-8-0 is giving separate rides. Puts on a good show.

Canadian National 2-6-0, 89 on Strasburg Railroad.

Canadian National 89, on Strasburg..

This Canadian National 2-6-0, 89. This locomotive, shared duties with the 611.

Norfolk & Western 611.

The 611 is a 4-8-4. A mainline locomotive. Capable of high speed operation.

Obviously, no 100 mph running here. Perhaps, limited operations on this visit. Not much time given to this engine. The 611 was only doing cab rides on one day. We do not see the cab interior.

Black Hills Central 110. Hill City, South Dakota


A compound Mallet locomotive. Saddle tanker. Actually, a 2-6-6-2T. The only survivor of it’s kind, in the world. Baldwin 1928. Looks like a late 19th Century trip! Tackles a tough grade leaving town. Traverses the woods. Hear this one work on the tour. Amazing sound. A must hear segment!

Black Hills Central 110.

Tin Mill Hill Summit. I know, corny name. Wake your dog, with a sound system! lol..

Yes, this engine operates in reverse!

The return has the 110 operate in reverse. This locomotive is a show highlight. Overall, this runs a bit long, on the anti-climatic trip backwards.

Little River 110 in Coldwater,Michigan

This Pacific was a Baldwin build in 1911. Smallest Pacific ever built in United States. Lettered for Smoky Mtn.

Little River 110

Celebrating 110th birthday. Going 46 miles to Hillsdale, Michigan on a Special Excursion.

Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 in 3 States

August had the Big Boy back in business! Appears in Arkansas. Boogies right on through the place.

Excellent pan shot of Union Pacific 4014.

The State of Missouri is next.Nice broadside view at North Dexter. A pan shot, to boot! Continues onward.

The Big Boy Train at Thebes.

At Thebes, Illinois. Crosses a huge bridge. One stop is scheduled at Chester.

Great sideview across Illinois cornfield.

The 4014 works a bit, on an upgrade.

Again, even more runbys of the 4014. Kids will like this part.

A classic Diverging Clear angle!

Big Boy fans, get about a half hour of non-stop action. If that’s your bag, the water is fine.

Big Boy Excursion is the Star of 2021.

The Union Pacific Big Boy Train is the Star of 2021. Mainline Steam appeared to be somewhat sparse. Note the Museum and Tourist Trains. Still, viewers get 2 hours with limited narration. Plenty of action.

Steamin’ In 2021

A good roundup of Steam action from 2021. Six locomotives. Some received more screentime than others. Several were pretty interesting here. The narrative was relaxed, and allowed the trains to be heard. Professional quality program.

Most shall probably say, Big Boy is their highlight. I will go with the rarer, Black Hills Central 110. To hear the 110 working in those woods, is memorable!

Rating: 4 Stars

* Be sure to check their Steamin’ In 2022.

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ATVR Reviews Diverging Clear Productions

Dolton Junction: 1993

Producer: Diverging Clear

Location: Dolton

Year: 1993

Length: 45 minutes

Source: Kurt Jensen

Kurt Jensen has been a regular with Diverging Clear for years. He visited Dolton Junction in 1993. This release is under their Heritage Series label.

A DVD-R in a slimline case.  Chapter Menu. Brief Map reference. Site Diagram.

Mary McPherson is the Narrator. Live sound from the microphone. The audio has the steel wheels, as they hit the crossings clearly.

Video quality is consistent for a 1990s era release. Colors are better than average. Picture ranges from good to very good. Overall, a little soft on a modern HD screen. Historical value.

Belt Railway Alco S-6 at Clearing Yard.

A short visit to the Belt Railway at Clearing Yard. This opens this program.Viewing the older power in use, at that time. BRC #420 is an Alco S-6 above. Consider it as bonus footage.

CSX ‘Racetrack’ paint scheme at Dolton.

CSX had two main paint schemes seen commonly, at this time. The above was known as the Racetrack scheme. Considered an improvement, over previous paint jobs. Better visibility and aesthetics. SD40-2 above.

The traffic for CSX is on B&OCT rails. Barr Yard is the focal point for CSX. Barr is a former Chessie System yard.

Conrail has regular moves, of hot metal trains.

Conrail GP15, on ex: Pennsylvania rails. Regular moves with hot metal pot train.

Interlocking Tower visit here. Armstrong Levers and the boards are shown. Of course, this was all removed years ago.

Indiana Harbor Belt SW1500 pair.

Indiana Harbor Belt SW1500 pairs are viewed from the Tower. Viewers will notice, plentiful IHB moves. Kurt’s visit sees good interiors of the Interlocking.

Union Pacific GP15 pair from Dolton Tower.

Several freights are viewed from inside the Tower. Union Pacific paint has replaced Missouri Pacific, at this point in time. MoPac was infamous, for blocking auto traffic!

Amtrak’s Hoosier State.

Amtrak’s Hoosier State moves slowly at Dolton Crossing. Producer Mary McPherson, is a real world Amtrak Conductor. A knowledgeable Railfan. She loves trains, both new and vintage.

A new day or two. Back on the ground. IHB, CSX, Amtrak’s Hoosier State, and more in this show.

CSX GP15 approaches the Junction.

The CSX GP15 model was the modern replacement for earlier Electromotive GP 7/9 units. You’ll see other Railroads using them. Note, this was the earlier choice for the CSX colors.

IHB dominates with transfer runs. Variety of EMD switchers. All in uniform paint.

Indiana Harbor Belt NW2 trio hits Dolton Junction.

The NW2 IHB trio is interesting! The 8824 in the lead. These Harbor switchers, ran the Chicago area for decades. Various models and paint schemes over the years, in daily transfer service.

An old Clinchfield No Graffiti Hopper.

Check the old Clinchfield hopper. It’s been re-lettered for WC. That’s Wisconsin Central. Note, that it remains free of Graffiti. Been in service for many years. A rolling piece of history.

This aspect of Railfanning. To be trackside. Witness, original parts of old Railroads. Unmolested and in factory paint. This used to be common. Ancient 40′ boxcars with billboard logos, were my favorites. Whatever the case, one main reason, veteran Railfans’ often prefer no graffiti. We could see the history, roll right in front of us. That was a blast!

CP Rail M636 4711 is a rare find in the USA.

CP M636 4711, leads this Westbound Intermodal.

Santa Fe Warbonnets in both flavors.

Santa Fe Warbonnets. 537 on the point. Newer Red/ Silvers, with the Blue/ Yellow units. Double stack train. 

Chicago NorthWestern SD50 with a long Lashup.

Chicago NorthWestern finally appears! 7004 leads 5 unit Lashup.

Hot metal train, always good for the Caboose!

In 1993, a caboose is nearly extinct. Conrail does provide a dependable one. The Hot Metal Train.

Dolton Junction 1993

Kurt Jensen has a nice time capsule of a few days in 1993. Dolton Junction is a Hot Spot. The brief Belt Railway visit is a great bonus. Tower visits are always a plus.

Videography skills are excellent. He is a reliable source. Audio is problem free. Narrative is fine. Colors are good. A bit soft on an HD big screen. Typical for these shows. Historical value. Overall, a solid show of it’s time.

Rating: 4 Stars