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ATVR Reviews Pentrex

Donner Combo DVD

Producer: Pentrex

Locations: Roseville, Truckee, Sparks

Timeframe: 1992

Length: 3 hours

A pair of Southern Pacific shows on this DVD. The Battle for Donner Pass, plus Across Donner Summit. Circa 1992.

Southern Pacific fights heavy snowfalls to keep the route operational. Snow Service crews utilize specialized equipment to do the jobs.

A single DVD. Main Chapter Menu. On/ Off narration.

To the Trains…

Battle for Donner Pass 1 hour 16 minutes

Producer: Bill Lambert, Video Rails

Cameras: George Llamas, Bill Lambert

Narration: John Leslie

The Sierra Nevada Mountains are where Donner Pass is located. Truckee is the local base for Snow Service. Snow Service Employees add insider commentary.

Spreader moves alot of snow

The Spreader is a key piece od snow fighting equipment. Crews are experienced in these demanding positions.

A derailment! The Spreader and one truck of an SD40T-2 #8237  are grounded. Get the shovels going, men. The snow continues to fall. A helper set arrives behind SP GP40 7130. Amtrak runs on a slow order and bears witness to the scene.

The Spreader is covered next. It pushes tons of snow away from the tracks. One unit on each end.

Chainsaw versus icicles

Ice must be cleared from inside the tunnels. Much manual labor is necessary. A shotgun is used for icicles. Det cord for stubborn formations. Chainsaws and shovels are also used.

Rotary Snow Train

Hardcore Snowfighting! An SP Rotary Plow is called into the battle.

Rotary can throw snow 200 feet. Awesome piece of equipment. Checkout the signal bridge. Unique show.

Across Donner Summit

Producer: Pentrex

Length: 2 hours

Narration: David Drui

Roseville Yard is the initial location seen. Richard Steinheimer appears in this show. He has additional commentary. Some of Richard’s vintage photos are interspersed.

Mountain railroading

Four units round the curve at Rocky Point.

5 units on an upgrade with 6871 in front. Blue Canon.

Perfect for Model Railroad scene

Model railroaders take note. Train exits a tunnel or snowshed structure. Cut rock retaining wall. Earth and rock on the frontside. Add trees to taste.

6802 with a faster train routed over the sidelined freight.

Trio of tunnel motors

A trio of tunnel motors on the lash-up. Haul a consist of mixed freight through stunning scenery.

A freight exits at Norden. Plenty of action around the snowsheds. The summit is at 7032 feet in elevation.

Truckee based Flangers and Snow Service GP38 units

Snowfighting is the last chapter. Remember,  these are two seperate shows combined on this release. Different coverage compared to the mass snow in the other show.

Donner Combo DVD

Donner Pass is toured in good weather and during a heavy snowstorm. The contrast is striking.

A bargain 2 for 1 release! Both shows are excellent.

Great for Southern Pacific fans. Much here for Model Railroaders, as well.

World famous Donnar Pass can be a highlight in anyone’s collection. Family friendly viewing. The snowfoghting can amaze most people.

Rating: 5 Stars

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ATVR Reviews C Vision

EMDs Across America Volume Two

Producer: C. Vision

Locations: AZ, CA, FL, MI, MS, NE, SD

Timeframe: 2000s

Length: 2 Hours

Sources: Mike Savona, Dan Hadley

EMD Across America Volume 2. A continuation of a contemporary look at older Electromotive Diesels still in revenue service.

A single DVD-R. Main Chapter Menu.  On-screen graphics. A map or two. Narrated by Chris Laskowski.

Images are excellent overall. Live environmental audio is awesome. Pro shot videography. State of the art presentation.

This is a compilation show. Contains previously released material.

To the Trains…

Sonoran Desert in Arizona

Arizona and California Railroad. This leads off the show. Attractive SD4O power is followed in 2018. Beautiful Sonoran and Mojave desert scenery.

A&C SD40 leads these units out of Wenden, AZ. Genesee and Wyoming own the line. This A&C visit is almost an hour in length with a plentiful supply of trains.

Downhill action at Granite Wash Pass.

Train B-PHXLAC

BNSF Train B-PHXLAC. Passing through Bouse, AZ. Empty equipment returning from Phoenix to Los Angeles. 8497 is the leader.

Colorado River

Leaving Parker, AZ. this A&C move crosses the Colorado River. The tour continues across California’s Mojave Desert to the Santa Fe Interchange at Cadiz, CA.

KCS in Mississippi

L-GP101 is South of Saucier, MS

Kansas City Southern on the Gulfport sub in Mississippi. Local Train L-GP101. Gulfport to Hattiesburg turnaround. A local Nortbound with a 4 unit lash-up of SD40 types and a gray unit leading. These EMDs rumble by on the stereo!

Saucier, Mississippi

Newer livery on two SD40 types. Pair of old scheme grays at the back of this set. Train L-GP101 is Southbound.  Saucier, Mississippi.

Florida East Coast

In 2014, FEC 226 double-stack travels North. Numbers 711 and 716 are SD40-2 units. St. Augustine. Hialeah Yard, Miami to Bowden Yard, Jacksonville. SN Sébastien River.

Train 101 runs the system length

Newer SD70m pair at Bunnell, FL. Train 101 from Bowden Yard to Hialeah Yard at Miami.

Train 101 at Melbourne. Great chapter.

Great Lakes Central RR

Restored Durand Station

SD35 384 and 386 passing Durand with the Owasso Turn.

RCP&E

Yes, another G&W scheme.

It is a short and quiet chapter with little narration. Train works hard on a grade near Wayside, Nebraska. This railroad runs into South Dakota.

EMDs Across America Volume 2

An emphasis on the Arizona and California. This plays like a show within the show. If you like desert scenery. It delivers!

Kansas City Southern has some SD40 power highlighted. Florida East Coast has the scenic settings. Some 3rd generation locomotives are included. FEC is another longer highlight.

The last two are much smaller operations. The SD35 pair is a rare set on Great Lakes Central.

High-quality presentation throughout. Uncommon subjects keep the viewing interesting. Note some memorable scenery in Arizona and Florida.

The train sounds deserve special mention. Outstanding! Hear those EMDs rumble on a stereo. Wheel clack is akin to standing trackside. A must hear show.

Another successful entry in this new EMD series!

Rating: 5 Stars

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ATVR Reviews Pentrex

Beaumont Hill combo DVD

Producer: Bill Lambert

Locations: West Colton, San Gorgonio Pass, Indio

Timeframe: 1990s

Length: 2 hours 26 minutes

Source: George Llamas

A pair of shows on a single DVD. Video Rails was the original producer circa 1993. Beaumont Hill and Beaumont Hill cab ride. This release was by Pentrex. It features Southern Pacific before Union Pacific merger.

The route featured is on the Yuma subdivision.

A single DVD. Main Chapter Menu by locations. On-screen graphics include elevation charts. Preview section. This show is narrated by John Leslie.

To the Trains…

Beaumont Hill 1 hour 28 minutes

Colton Yard

Begins at Colton Yard Tower. It’s a huge classification yard on 560 acres. The GP60 is often on the point of trains. Note the Cantilever Signal mount. Last of the sugar beet trains. Elderly gondolas in dedicated service.

Some steep grades on the line

SP 8525 fronts the lash-up. Auto racks on an upgrade. These SD40T-2 types are workhorses for the railroad.

Not a Hobo there!

Extra 9737 GP60 leading. Manifest is stalled on Beaumont Hill. A helper set from a Westbound is to be cut off to render assistance. Check the Cowboy SP crewman, inspecting the incoming train.

Dual Westbound moves

The doubletrack mainline section allows action such as 2 trains going Westbound. The faster one can overtake a slow mover.

GP60 units

A pair of GP60 motors with a Passenger Special at the superelevated curve near Beaumont.

Tunnel motors manned helpers

Three Mid train helpers on a rare running wash.

Wind farm

Wind farm at Garnet.

Thousand Palms

At Thousand Palms, this double-stack slows to have helpers added on.

Ringling Brothers Circus Train

Five frontend helpers were added at Indio. Thr Ringling Brothers red train.

Is the movie crew on?… Yes.

We end up on Southern Pacific SD40T-2 8305 for cab ride departing from Colton Yard. Travel aboard this locomotive until the conclusion of the show.

Beaumont Hill Cab Ride 58 minutes

Mountains just ahead

West Colton to Indio for 76 miles. Train is SP LA to Memphis Fast Fowarder. A Priority train. Locomotive is SD40T-2 8305. Minimal narration. On-screen graphics. Some cab chatter and the squawkbox, too.

Rearview of the moving train

A roving camera gives the maximum lead locomotive experience.

Rimlon

A green signal and making good time along this stretch.

Memphis bound. A friendly wave

Indio with the camera crew now de-trained. Bye-bye…

Beaumont Hill cab ride

Does some of the footage look familiar? Video Rails has some scenes in the Beaumont Hill show. Of course, this is an in-depth experience. Chapter Menu lists locations. West Colton to Indio, CA.

After the introduction at the yard. Narration is gone. Subtitles mark locations. A Pilot Engineer offers advice to the Engineer at the helm. The radio cracks in occasionally.

Videography is excellent. Even includes some shots of the locomotive. Often neglected in many cab rides.

The viewpoint moves around. Keeps interest high. Beats the all too common method of a single forward view.

Beaumont Hill combo DVD

The main title has excellent coverage of this route. Full-on helper sets on various sections of the trains. Manned Helper sets. There is plenty of foreign power.

The cameras provide action from a multitude of viewpoints. As shown above. Soundtrack is a fine one.

Cab ride is one of the best to be found. Smart filming and tight editing. This gives the feeling of being onboard the train.

Any Railfan should appreciate this outstanding two for one set. Nicely done!

Rating: 5 Stars

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ATVR Reviews C Vision

EMDs Across America Volume One

Producer: C. Vision Productions

Locations: Montana, California, Colorado, Idaho, Washington

Timeframe: 2016- 2020

Length: 2 hours

Sources: Mike Savona, Marshall Beecher, Dan Hadley

A brand new series that stars Electromotive  of LaGrange Diesels. It is commonly known as EMD. This diesel builder has a long history. The famous F and GP engines were keys to replacing Steam engines.

There are 3 volumes from C.Vision. They do contain compilation footage from prior releases on their YouTube channel.

A single DVD-R. Also available in Blu-ray. Main Chapter Menu. There are plenty of on-screen graphics. Some maps. Narrated by Chris Laskowski.

Image quality is excellent. Format is 16×9 widescreen. Videography is great! Live environmental audio. Good levels. Modern standards. The Trona Baldwins are from 1996 video. Obviously, it is a little different. Overall, the usual C.Vision professionalism.

To the Trains…

Montana Rail Link.  If you have seen the CVP Montana Rail Link Volumes 1 and 2. That gives an idea of this interesting railroad. Last of the EMD power. Detailed graphics offer individual train designations. Dates are mostly 2019-2021. Runtime over 30 minutes.

SD45 pair

R LAUBOZ in 2019. The Bozeman Bullet. Laurel to Bozeman turn. The last two SD45 engines were still active. 346 and 355 are East of Muir, Montana. Model Railroaders, notice the simple scenery here.

A Laurel turn is paced in October 2021. Engines 252 and 251.

Helena Switch

GP9 109 leads 261 on the 840 local. It splits the signals at Helena Switch in Winston. 2017

Central Montana. Like GP9 and GP30 types? CM is the ticket. The attractive livery is obviously BN inspired. Maps display the obscure lines. The GP9 and GP30 have always been vintage favorites. This railroad operates in former Milwaukee Road and Great Northern territory.

GP9 and GP30 power

A trio hauling tank cars is East of Moccasin. Former Great Northern GP9 pair with a rebuilt GP30. Leader is 1810. Trailing are 1814 and 3001.

Rock & Rail. Tennessee Pass line in Colorado. A famous location on old Rio Grande. Former Soo Line power. Relettered with black roofs.

Benawah Lake

St. Maries River Railroad and Columbia Basin Railroad. Two shortlines. The Saint Marie’s crosses Benawah Lake in Idaho. GP9 103 was a Milwaukee Road locomotive.  This route on ex: Milwaukee Road in 2017. This scenic line was part of the historic Pacific Extension.

Union Pacific 1206

Union Pacific GP38-2 runs the St. Maries trackage on the old Milwaukee passenger mainline. Interchange with the St.Maries at Plummer, Idaho.

Foggy Winter Day

Columbia Basin Railway on former BN. These trains are in Washington. SD9 action North of Ritell with 608 in front.

SD9 with GP9

The Connell Turn. Note the ex: Northern Pacific GP9 trailing. It is a long chapter with many trains and varied lash-ups.

Trona Railway. This operation once had fame for operated Baldwin diesels. Footage of these engines is included! This chapter filmed from 1990s to 2022.

The 7 locomotives work upgrade

Trona has former Southern Pacific and Union Pacific power. SD40-2 and SD40T-2 types provide the current power with 7 total units. Trona will run them all. Model Railroaders need to see these desert weathered engines. Interchange with UP at Searles, California.

Trona Pinnacles

Trona Pinnacles are a famous location. All 7 Trona locomotives are in this lash-up.

Baldwin power works the plant

Baldwin AS-616 locomotives shot by Dan Hadley in 1996. This is like a bonus to the end.

There is much more to see. Well, this contains a general overview.

EMDs Across America Volume One

Fans of Electromotive should find this series to be fascinating. Last call on some of these vintage models for regular revenue freight service. Uncommon locations.

Exquisite high quality. High definition picture. A relaxed narrative is informative and allows clear listening to the locomotives. Would have preferred some additional maps. However, clear viewing of the trains is very enjoyable.

This film collection is unique. Loaded with many locations that are rarely seen. A program with a high rerun value.

The soundtrack is outstanding! Play on the big stereo. Train sounds pan as the freights pass the camera. Editing mitigates wind noise. Chris Laskowski presents a relaxed narrative. Informative and prioritizes train sounds.

Impressive. A top tier show!

Rating: 5 Stars

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ATVR Reviews TGS

ACE Altamont Commuter Express

Producer: TSG Multimedia

Locations: Stockton, Altamont, Niles Canyon, San Jose

Timeframe: 2005- 2006

Length: 1 hour 36 minutes

Sources: John Abatecola, Dan Cortopassi

ACE Altamont Commuter Express. Stockton to San Jose. Never viewed a TSG show. Let’s try it out.

FYI. Railfan Depot had this show as a free bonus choice on a sale. Never would have bought this. Modern commuter service is not the focus here. It is a perfect way to sample an unknown producer. Appreciate their offer!

ACE is the abbreviated name. The show begins in Stockton, California. Union Pacific owns the trackage.

A single DVD. Main Chapter Menu with a map! On-screen graphics. Bonus section. Previews. Gallery. Narrated by John Abatecola, he is also a co-producer.

Picture quality is excellent. Videography is pro level. Live environmental audio. The train sounds are exceptional on a stereo!

Rebuilt F40PH-3C locomotives are the power. This is a Commuter line. Three trainsets cover trains, 1,3 and 5. Former Southern Pacific and Western Pacific tracks. Now, all Union Pacific.

Every ACE station is included! There are plenty of freight trains that balance this program. Brief historical references with pictures.

To the Trains…

Stockton

ACE uses Bombardier built passenger cars. The day starts early and is seen at Stockton, California.

Stockton

BNSF freight with a 3 unit lash-up. The 5408, 5159 and a Santa Fe Warbonnet is the third motor. This Manifest rolls on Union Pacific rails. Stockton is a busy place with more freights.

Train 5

ACE 3101 on Train 5 begins in the morning hours at Lathrop- Manteca. Modern stations are simple in design.

Attractive paint

GP15 #112 on a California Northern move with an Eastbound freight is paced near Tracy.

Greenville Bridge

The ex: Western Pacific Greenville Bridge. Altamont Pass is a scenic highlight.

Livermore

Livermore siding the ACE meets an Eastbound Union Pacific Manifest.

Hillside Cut

Hillside Cut along Hearst siding.

Niles Tower

Niles Tower former site is a busy intersection. Union Pacific 4357 winds its way through pulling a container move.

Amtrak California Capitol 521 behind F59 power is tardy while crossing Alameda Creek.

Centerville

Centerville in Fremont. An historic old Southern Pacific station. ACE and Amtrak serve here. Train 5 arrives.

Drawbridge is a ghost town. ACE 3 travels past.

ACE

This ACE travels along a causeway at Alviso.

Cal Train 208

Santa Clara Tower. Share with Cal Train here. Cal Train #208 passes it. Santa Clara has a vintage station.

San Jose/ Diradan

San Jose / Diradan is busy with various trains. ACE, Amtrak, and Cal Train.

Bonus Chapters include 2 1/2 minutes of the Niles Canyon Railway with an old Western Pacific GP7 #713 pulling passengers in 2005.

Gallery section is a collection of still photographs. All subtitled with details.

ACE Altamont Commuter Express

An excellent documentary of this Stockton to San Jose commuter line. Great camerawork. Audio is well balanced. Narrative and intelligent script are fine.

Enjoyable historical aspects. Would have preferred some more of the freight consists. However, fortunate to see any as it is a passenger show. So, it is still a positive.

Bonus Chapters are, ACE to the A’s. Special to an Oakland Athletics game. Niles Canyon Railway with a little bit of a WP GP7 tourist train.

Nice bonus material. Thoughtful to include this for those with interest another good reason to purchase.

Overall, an excellent release from TGP Multimedia!

Rating : 5 Stars