Category: Tell-Tale

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ATVR Reviews Tell-Tale

Rails Along the River: White River Jct. to St. Johnsbury, VT.

Rails Along the River: White River Jct. to St. Johnsbury, VT.

Tell-Tale Productions

Format: DVD

Length: 2 hours

Time Period: Contemporary

Locations: White River Jct.,to St. Johnsbury

Sources: James R. Jones

Producer: James R. Jones

MSRP: 25.00

Picturesque Vermont is the setting for this documentary from Tell-Tale Productions. It has some elements of a public broadcasting show.White River Jct., VT. is the start of the show. This chapter does get a balanced presentation of the today and yesterday. The history is conveyed with current, and abandoned facilities.

I have been informed this show was produced, for riders of the tourist line there. As my role is to review train formats, there is a slight conflict of interest here, with this show being an intended tourist souvenir. Where it may not be the focus of a targeted train video, the content is still railroad based material. Naturally, the film itself, revolves around the trains.

This is a quality train video. This video just has a diverse focus, that is reflective of it’s purpose. Please keep this in mind during the review. I have never been to Vermont, this is my basis of looking at the program. The remaining souvenir considerations are noted.

The show progresses nicely and then we leave town and it gradually changes pace …. I  let the whole show roll to the end before forming an opinion about it. The pace is fairly slow. Trains meander down the single track line in a very rural setting.

There has been much attention to the scenic aspects of the area. Excellent views of rivers, lakes and woods. Snow is prevalent during a good portion of the program. The scenes of trains actually plowing snow are great!

James does narrate some good history. Also he tells,possibly a few tall tales. It is all in good fun. Some locals have some stories of their own. Adds to the rural, country flavor.

There are assorted trains to be seen. Most are not identified. The blue one is a busy engine. You’ll see Canadian National and CP Rail as the recognizable ones. Vermont Railway and Green Mountain, are also prominent. There are various shortlines or small regionals too. Numerous shots of trains. Various paint schemes. They weren’t described much. In the many cases, not at all. Tourist souvenir, wouldn’t need the descriptions.

A paper map is photographed to show the towns. A second paper map is better. That one shows the towns. These maps really need an upgrade. It is hard to follow all of these unknown locations. Not a deal-breaker, but good quality maps are handy to have. They would give all the milepost indicators meaning. Again, the tourist will know the locations.

This show, also has the assumption of some familiarity, with the railroads and the area. I do believe, that most folks will look at this and say,” Where the heck am I now?” and ” No dear, I have no idea what that line is”. The tourist will know.

A Hydro-Electric dam gets the highly detailed, descriptive information, that railfans will seek on their beloved trains and railroads. The dam feature is quite excellent. I would have preferred that level of detail on some of the railroads and equipment. Featured for the tourist, who just rode past the imposing sight.

A big plowcar with NHV lettered power, clears some snow. No description of what NHV is or anything offered about that plow. I wanted to hear about that interesting equipment..

This show is well produced. The video looks great. The audio is equally good. Pro production in those technical respects.

The town of White River Jct., gets an extended visit. Claremont Concord operates #105 over former Boston & Maine trackage. An old Alco S- 4 switcher is viewed operating there.

There are miles of Vermont countryside. Old stations and much rural scenery. These slow parts are very ripe for some narrative, about the trains we are viewing.

Wells River is a more substantial town. Here the old timers talk of some local history.

St. Johnsbury is at the end of this trip. Big train station illustrates its former importance. Nowadays, like many others, it houses other businesses. At least, the landmark building still exists.

There are some of the locals reminiscing about the station and yard being busy in the old days. Some black and white photos are presented, throughout the show, of the old days.

This show is one of Tell-Tale Productions top sellers. The first rate photography and many views of scenery are nice. I get the mood shots too. Old bridges, abandoned track, abandoned buildings and the rest. The romantic and the artistic side of old tracks and bygone trains.

Everyone has their own tastes. If you like slow moving rural trains, in some very rural areas, this is definitely, that type of  railroading. A good bit of nostalgia too. This is an excellent souvenir for the tourist rider.

Interested in trying out a busier, more train focused, Vermont show like this one?

Check Rutland Remnants 5, also reviewed on ATVR. That program, has much more going on, and a faster paced program. More railfan oriented types, may prefer the fine, Rutland series.

Rating: 3 Stars

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ATVR Reviews Tell-Tale

Colorado Covered 3: Railroads South

Colorado Covered 3: Railroads South

Tell-Tale Productions

Format: DVD

Length: 2 hours 32 minutes

Time Period: 1987-2000

Locations: Pueblo, Tennesee Pass, Leadville, Alamosa, Cumbres, Durango, Antonito , Malta, Cimarron Valley, Raton, Creede Branch,more

Source: James R. Jones

MSRP: 25.00

This is the third entry in a series, on Colorado railroads. The focus on this volume is Southern Colorado. A best seller on Tell-Tale. Narrow gauge railroading is found here!

Standard gauge trains just run wild across the expansive territory. This is a mecca for Colorado railroading. All the railroads that you would expect are present. Surprises are some lesser known roads, and some remote branches.

James Jones has given us a very long, running time on this entry. There is much to digest. This is a Tell-Tale Productions ‘traditional train video’. They also produce some PBS style documentary programs like, Rutland Remnants 5. That is a very worthy show too.

James has a background as a syndicated radio announcer. His love of trains is obvious. A high level of dedication has gone into all of the traveling to record all of the scenes and many locations shown. A Colorado resident at the time, the advantage is all of the variations that a local can get, versus a weekend or even a week long shoot.

This program has a high level of production. Very well photographed, and crisp audio sound. You can tell, this man loves trains. It shows, definitely.

His smooth delivery makes this a comfortable couple of hours of viewing. One might expect endless babble from a radio announcer. That is just a stereotype. Jim sits back ‘in the pocket’. He lets the trains, and their sounds, often dominate. This gives viewers the feeling of ‘being there’.

James will sometimes give us some history on lines, locations and operations. I would say that his narrative style is; smooth and understated.

There is too much to list in detail. Major railroads: Rio Grande, Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, Burlington Northern, Union Pacific, BNSF and run-thru CSX. Many in pre-merger paint schemes. Some trains have cabooses.

Smaller roads: Cumbres & Toltec, Durango & Silverton, Cimarron Valley, Canon City & Royal Gorge, Rock & Rail, San Luis Central.

Locations are numerous. The settings range from prairie to mountainous. Some spectacular footage in beautiful gorges with colorful aspens and waterways. An extensive chapter menu will help sort it all out. Some computer maps help with locations and showing the direction we are headed.

Motive power varies as much as the scenery does. Late 20th century mainline locomotives had the newer 3rd generation and older 1970’s era engines. There is plenty of 2nd generation EMD to see. Cimarron Valley runs 2 GP30 locos in sky blue paint. Big surprise, are original 1950’s built ex: Southern Pacific GP9’s. They operate in decrepit condition, on a small line, still wearing SP paint! Looks like they were pulled off the deadline and put directly into service. Southern Pacific had some weathered Kodachrome diesels. Steam runs on D&S, C&T tourist lines.

Speaking of Cumbres & Toltec. Fantastic views from onboard the traversing train. An unusual view as the train enters the Chama area. An outstanding feature segment in this show. Durango & Silverton looks great, as well.

You will get a cornucopia of viewpoints on a mega assortment of trains and railroads. A mixture of common and obscure locations. Trackside, Cab Rides and scenic overlooking scenes provide a treasure trove of Colorado railroading. At times some still photos fill in the story. James artistry shines thru, as on the trip in Royal Gorge.

In summary, this is a fine program. Colorado Covered 3 is very comprehensive. The scope and style of this show make for great trainwatching. This is a railfan’s delight! I’ll bet the women will enjoy the more scenic parts of the show, use the menu to get her there. Kids will enjoy the multitude of trains shown, in action, at work. The wide array of trains promise a something for everyone program.

The generous 2 1/2 hour length, sets this one apart from the many single disc Colorado shows, on the market. Enough here for a double DVD set, on a single DVD. Combining the mega supply of fine Colorado trains, and the double-feature length, make this an  excellent value. This one is a ‘must see’ program.

Rating: 4 Stars

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ATVR Reviews Tell-Tale

Rutland Remnants 5: Rutland to North Bennington

Rutland Remnants 5: Rutland to North Bennington

Tell-Tale Productions

Format: DVD

Length: 2 hours (80 minute feature+ bonus)

Time Period: 1920’s- Present

Locations: Rutland, Danby, Manchester, Arlington, Shaftsbury, Wallingford, East Dorset, Arlington, North Bennington, and more.. 

Sources: Ray Haseltine (1920’s-1940’s),           Philip R. Jordan (1960’s-1970’s),                   Gardner Caverly (coal tower demolition + more)                                                          James R. Jones (present day video)

Producer: James R. Jones

MSRP: 25.00

I was seeking some Northeastern railroading for ATVR. Found Tell-Tale Productions from Colchester, Vermont. They have northeastern titles, and a catalog that offers more areas. Have a show on Colorado in an upcoming review. The Colorado Covered Volume 3, is in a more traditional style and has much to offer. See, there are traditional style shows and more artistic, documentaries from Tell-Tale. They are long running programs. Professional.

Producer James Jones has an entertainment background. Was curious to get a look at some of his programs. This show is the first of some from Tell-Tale. Their website is on Featured Links.

This style is in a PBS style,documentary fashion. We will be viewing the present day Vermont Railway, or VTR, as it is now known. Looking back at a wealth of history on Rutland Railroad. We begin in Rutland, VT. Travel by rail and visit the surrounding area, on a journey to North Bennington, VT.

There is an unusual style of narrative. Rather than have a single narrator, a sizeable number of interviews are used. The commentary is smoothly edited into a single, cohesive storyline. Sometimes, the voices change and the story continues, uninterrupted!

Everyone is friendly. They have a great deal of experiences, and knowledge to share.

James Jones, the personable main narrator, offers additional information as needed.

Vermont Railway and Green Mountain are seen in contemporary action. Viewing trains running past the camera, is not the main focus here. Now, keep reading!

On the other hand, there is a large chunk of time spent in cab rides! The pretty countryside makes for compelling locomotive riding in Vermont. A red Vermont GP18 is one vantage point. A Vermont GP38 also gives the fireman’s seat to us.

These cab rides are natural audio sounds, and not narrated segments. On-screen graphics have location and milepost data. Exterior shots of the trains and the scenes, complete our perspective   These sequences are charming.

A bonus section is included. Thirty minutes of a little vintage film and mostly contemporary video from 1929-1999. The brief b&w of old Rutland, a modern-day steam excursion and some more Vermont Railway. Another opportunity to get a cab ride, this time, on a Green Mountain locomotive. More extras include commentary from James Jones. Quotes contains extra interviews.

Maybe some of this is covered in earlier volumes.Railfans will be seeking more detail on locomotive types, and  basic information throughout. I would have liked an understanding of Vermont Railway versus Green Mountain. What is B&R? What is The Flyer? Make that Flyers. Is this the mainline, or a branchline? What’s up with the blue engine? Many viewers will be unfamiliar with the local area. The premise of this show, seems based on some familiarity with, the Rutland and Vermont. That being said, watch this show anyway…

The shows real power is in the historical aspects of the Rutland Railroad . James has assembled many various commentators. Authors, employees, management,historians, photographers, local residents, and even a former Governor. Truly, a fascinating cast to hear.

Noted author and photographer, Jim Shaugnessy, is one of the most widely known. Former Vermont Governor, Phil Hoff led the battle to have the state purchase the abandoned Rutland trackage and find an operator. Philip Jordan has supplied some film and photos, along with insightful commentary. FYI- Ray Haseltine, in the photo credits, was a Rutland engineer, from the 1920’s to 1950’s.

A mixture of: film, video, still photos, and historical artifacts are used to tie the story together. Adding to the experience of traveling the line, segments on many of the old towns. Stations, historical buildings, and plenty of background add interest. The old photos are a treat, and nice comparison to the present day.

Some old black & white movies provide a backdrop for talk of the original Rutland. Late to dieselize, Rutland was run with some ancient equipment, before modernizing.

Another discussion, centers around the end times for the railroad. Assorted rare union artifacts are intriguing to see. Labor strikes, decline of online shippers, and reduced traffic, are some of the factors considered. The President of Rutland had his solution. That was to seek abandonment. Rutland closed in 1961.

Vermont Railway start-up in 1963. Updates to present day. We learn about VTR and Rutland facilities there. There are some patched paint, VTR renumbered diesels. Appears to be former: Canadian National, Helm Leasing, Guilford and some others.. unidentified.

The commentary is much more involved, then I will communicate in this format.            This review just hits some general points of interest.

We traverse the old Rutland line from Rutland to North Bennington. The cab rides transport us from town to town. There are many stops and a boxcars worth of historical information. A basic paper map shows the towns. This map is not comparable to modern shows. An upgraded map would better convey the scale and scope of the line. A railroad system route map would also, greatly improve the overall perspective. These maps would enhance this program. Just felt slightly lost on the unfamiliar territory.

Trains move at slower speeds along the single track. Scenic wooded areas and a relaxed atmosphere.

Each of the rural towns has its tale to tell. No pun intended. Whether the station, a mill, a creamery, or old homes, there is always something.

The storytelling is consistently solid. Here, there is detail and background, on a wide variety of the local subjects. This is the heartbeat of the program. Very well done!

Some surprises were; marble quarries, and a brief piece on a logging line!

By the way, the video imagery is excellent, and has nicely shot scenes. Audio is very clear. Multiple trains with an array of viewpoints, all in beautiful Vermont!

The train portions have natural sounds and no narration. Same on the cab rides. This is an effective counterpoint to the narrative.

Returning to the narrative. This gives a personal perspective from the people. I did get a good feel of the area and some of its personality. This is a result of the producer. Mr. Jones has handcrafted this program.

This is a good one for the whole family. Another PBS style show, that women will like viewing. All will enjoy the ride on the old Rutland, in the locomotive cab segments.

This is a professional and enjoyable production. This show has a unique warmth of its own. Rather then just show us a bunch of steel, James has chosen to give us some of that, and add a plethora of persona. After visiting the area, I am charmed.

Rating: 4 Stars