Category: Miscellaneous

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ATVR Reviews Miscellaneous

Extreme Trains: Circus Train

Extreme Trains- Circus Train

History Channel

Format: 2 DVD set

Length: 44 minutes. Single Episode

Time Period: 2008 and some vintage circus film.

Locations: Baltimore to Washington, Steamtown USA, Palmetto, Fl.

Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus

Episode From Extreme Trains- Season One

Host: Matt Bown

As a fan of both railroad and circus, this title does get my attention. Does the presentation mix the two subjects together well? Do we get the desired mix of circus animals and iron horse?

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A Ringling Brothers train is a long one at nearly 60 cars..

spare tire

Matt Bown is our energetic host. He’s a hands on, let me try that type of guy. In this episode we see Matt shovel both manure and coal. Wow Matt!

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Final performance night with the Ringling Brothers Circus at Baltimore.

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These programs are packed with behind the scenes action. The Trainmaster is the man who is in charge, as far as this private train goes. The amount of work to prepare and move the circus is formidable. Time constraints add pressure to maintain the schedule. Maintenance and emergency repair tasks can be unexpected. Professionals , the Ringling crew gets it done.

up

The night loading includes horses and elephants being loaded. We find an elephant with a mind of its own.

A brief visit to Steamtown is the centerpiece of the historical aspect of the circus train.

This is a fun and informative program. There is quite a bit to see here. We are carrying some livestock. The Ringling Brothers are sidelined for a CSX freight. Decades ago, a circus train with animals would have had priority. Matt misses this point, so you readers are one up on him. Yes, livestock transportation had many rules and could rate higher than even passenger trains! Matt does a great job of telling the stories of circus trains and educating the audience about this one.

pie car

We get back underway and a hungry Matt visits the piecar. Check that tasty looking food.

Another sidebar visit shows the circus mechanics with old car shells that will be rebuilt for the train.

off

As expected, we make it to DC. Now, we need to unload the train. Setup is a huge production.

pusher

This program is fast paced and balances history with the modern era.

walk

The Greatest Show On Earth parades down city streets… Love the elephant walk!

matt b

Enjoyable program for all ages. One of the series best episodes.

Rating: 4 Stars

#Circus

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ATVR Reviews Miscellaneous

Extreme Trains: Overnight Traveler

Overnight Traveler- Extreme Trains

History Channel

Format: 2 DVD set

Length: 44 minutes

Locations for episode: Chicago to Seattle.

Source: Extreme Trains- Season One

Host: Matt Bown

Updated and illustrated review.

Here is a single episode from the series called, Extreme Trains. Matt Bown hosted various shows in this set on railroading. A good collection of programs that are fine for beginners. Additional information that sometimes, can keep veteran railfans interested as well.

This is the story of the Amtrak Empire Builder. The modern version of a former Great Northern, premier passenger train. Viewers will experience the trip from, Chicago to destination at Seattle.

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Comprehensive look at the contemporary era Amtrak passenger train. Coverage that features: equipment, employees, and the journey.

chicago union station tower

Chicago Union Station tower view.

james hill

A fast-moving and varied presentation. Historical aspects and modern operation are both well researched. This is very informative and fascinating journey, over a classic train trip. Rich in history with some great scenic vistas! A sidetrip to Steamtown for good measure.

Monocoque

Compare the 4250 horsepower of a single Genesis, to the 1500 hp of a 1950’s EMD F7A.

Mono diagram

Matt kicks off the show with a segment on the power for the Empire Builder. Two General Electric Genesis locomotives. The design is called a Monocoque. A single, lightweight shell that mounts to the chassis. The shell is akin to a load bearing aircraft fuselage. Check one of the diagrams shown.

loco pit matt eddie

At the Chicago Amtrak facility. Matt walks with an Inspector, underneath the eleven cars in the inspection pit. Safety is first and foremost. An overview of the preparation for the soon to be outbound train is complete.

The conductor is ready for an on time departure from Union Station in Chicago.

cab

A cab ride contains a discussion on speed and safety features on the locomotive.

snow

Another fun sequence is Matt on a snowmobile, on the original (abandoned) Cascade Tunnel line. The early switchbacks are discussed with some more history of building the line.

cascade tunnel

A feature on the 8 mile long Cascade Tunnel is a highlight.

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A nicely done program. Good for the whole family. Quite different from the majority of standard train videos. Matt is a lively and hands on type of host. The many tasks that he tries do convey the hard work and care of Amtrak employees.

Rating: 4 Stars

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ATVR Reviews Miscellaneous

Extreme Trains- Season One

Extreme Trains- Season One

History Channel

Format: 2 DVD box set

Length: 6 hours +

Time Period: 2008

Locations: USA

This is a complete television series, on DVD. Bonus footage included.

Host Matt Bown is a train conductor in Maine. In this modern look at railroading, Matt indulges in his passion… trains. This series has basic episodes about trains. To say the presentations are lively, is an understatement. Matt is an energetic and dynamic host.

The show has our host examine a train subject. Simple explanations, graphic illustrations and slick camerawork are all used to convey information. There are historical elements, and these can have old black and white films/ photos.

A few detailed reviews of some random, individual episodes are posted on ATVR.

A good amount of knowledge will be presented in a show. There will also be Matt getting into whatever he can! Entertaining with his ‘Let me try that’ attitude.

In Circus Train for example, Matt wants to help out. He gets to shovel; both coal and manure! Of course, our hero gets hungry after that workout. He takes a walk over to the circus train ‘pie car’. A fun episode with circus performers and the animals adding more fun. The circus train will journey from one city to the next. The operations are viewed. Some circus history as well.

In Empire Builder, there is snow in the high country. Matt gets on a snowmobile, he is on the abandoned original right of way, for the first Cascade Tunnel.

Steam Engine, has Matt onboard the Union Pacific #844. A solid and fun show.

Amtrak gets featured on ‘High Speed Train’. Matt travels on the fast, northeast corridor. This is an electric, overhead power train. Catenary power wires and pantographs mounted on the power car are the basics. The custom built trainsets are explained, in detail. The 6000hp power cars can attain 150mph!

Matt has an ultimate backstage pass for what goes on, behind the scenes. This all access format, allows us to see many jobs and operations that normally are not on public view.

Here is a brief report on a single episode…

Freight train. Matt rides a BNSF train loaded with millions of dollars worth of consumer goods. It is a double stack train. Travel from Los Angeles to Ft. Worth Texas in 48 hours. Not only do we join the engine crew in the cab of a 4400 hp locomotive.

Matt will take sidelines to: Cajon Pass construction. BNSF heavy maintenance at Barstow, And operate various pieces of heavy equipment. Oh, throw in a quick visit to see a steam engine at Steamtown. Fast pace and Matt is stoked up!

Maps and more graphics illustrate many things. An excellent program. That rock soundtrack might be a little too extreme, for some viewers.

Episodes do vary somewhat. Some shows can be too simple for the veteran railfan. Should usually have points of interest, even for knowledge train heads.

Most shows will have something for everyone. Fast paced episodes that rock and roll with interesting sidebars to go with the main theme.

The kids will like this updated style of presentation. There is a massive amount of information on how things work on a railroad. All kinds of equipment, machinery, operations, and geography.

History is intertwined on the episodes.We visit many other places such as: locomotive simulator, high-tech dispatch centers, lift bridge controls, construction sites, ocean docks, intermodal facilities, and much more. Most of the major class ones are part of the series. Big 3rd generation locomotives are standard.

These are fun shows overall. While, Matt is living on his dream trains, the viewers are included like a group of good friends.

Railroad men will talk to us too. They will discuss what they are doing, and why. Matt often asks, How does this work?

You will find that, Matt is a: loud, noisy, busy and amicable host. The man does communicate a wealth of information. At times, he can be ‘over the top’ excited. At first view, he can be a little too much. Give him a chance and watch a few episodes. You’ll get used to him. He is a man on a mission. The guy loves trains.

The camerawork is excellent. The quick shots and racing speed edits can get excessive. The music is rocking and some scenes resemble mtv. After a couple of shows in a row, you may need a break from it all. But, you’ll be back for more.

Bonus footage is a collection of fully developed outtake segments. Equipment and trackwork are some features. You can recognize some episodes that these segments were created on.

This is an amazing amount of material on a pair of DVD’s. An outstanding value. Highly recommended, modern look at railroading.

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

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ATVR Reviews Miscellaneous RonRail

The Key System/ Bart: The Early Years

The Key System/ Bart: The Early Years

RonRail Pictures

Format: DVD

Length: 1 Hour 54 Minutes

Time period: Late 1930’s to 1958

Location: Bay Area

Sources: Mitch Dakelman, Frank Miklos

Here is a mostly color look at old Oakland area, Key System Electric Lines, and across the bay to San Francisco. A wide array of years, scenes and trolleys. A RonRail Production, my first for this company.

This program seems to be sourced from alot of 16 mm color film. It has that clearness. The films appear original. That means not digitally restored. Overall, it is very watchable. The lighting itself and color balance varies, Some imagery is too dark and sometimes it’s a bit washed out looking. Some of the old black and white is just…ancient. Considering the years and rarity of the subject… ok, let’s see it.

There isn’t any dubbed ‘natural sound’ here. It’s some old dixieland jazz, sounds like vinyl playing as our soundtrack. The announcer has an open microphone and narrates it live. I don’t sense much in the way of a script. He calls out as necessary. In fact, it is a low-budget affair. I’ll give him credit fir straightforwardness. You can here him clear his throat, move a chair a little. Doesn’t detract from the program much. Adds some organic quality to the thing.

The narration is pretty sparse. He often just let’s the music play. Would have like some years mentioned. The attempt at a map is useless. No restoration means; grain, streaks, dust specks etc..

Bonus footage appears , courtesy of Western Railway Museum.

Early BART footage is of lower quality. Appears to be 8mm and has color balance issues. Again, unrestored film. I don’t see where this adds anything to the show, except the running time. The music is updated here. The live mike is still on, and you’ll here the narrator being qued. He seems to have known the older material better. I think this whole BART segment would have not been missed. Even the music loops.. This rather uninteresting chapter, actually drags down the overall program. If you are BART type of railfan..YMMV. It also runs, way, way,  way, too long.

Still, as far as the vintage material, it is a big supply of film in one DVD.

Rating: 2 1/2 Stars

Categories
ATVR Reviews Miscellaneous

Extreme Trains- Transcontinental- History Channel

Transcontinental Extreme Trains

History Channel

Format: DVD

Length: 55 minutes

Locations: Council Bluffs, Omaha to Sacramento

Source: Extreme Trains Season One

Host: Matt Bown

This episode features the Union Pacific Transcontinental Route. This is a 1700 mile trip!World’s busiest freight line. C45AC is a Union Pacific workhorse locomotive. A tour of the locomotive shows highlights of this third generation power . Trios of these locos pull 150 car freights!

We get a ride in the cab of one of these modern monsters. UP4162 has a sweet cab, with plenty of room. The triple track section is the busiest freight line in the world!

UP employed, are 369 dispatchers who are briefly seen at Harriman Dispatch Center.

Shown is the famous Union Pacific and Central Pacific photo that completed the transcontinental line at Promontory Point.

Bailey Yard is 8 miles long and is the busiest yard in the world. It is at North Platte. Locomotive servicing is featured. Our man, Jimmy, has 45 minutes to service the power set. Matt wants to help… clean that toilet! Uh-Oh… we need a new traction motor. the maintenance shop has 735 employees and will get it done. This is something to see…

Donner Pass gets a nice segment. If you want more of this area, there are other shows with complete coverage.

This is a fine episode in the series.

Rating: 4 Stars