Tag: Illinois Central

ATVR Reviews Pentrex

The Best of Midwest Volume 3

Post author By William J. Hudson
Post date April 1, 2024
No Comments on The Best of Midwest Volume 3

Producer: Pentrex

Locations: KS, MO, IA, WI, MS.

Timeframe: circa 1999

Length: 1 hour 21 minutes

The third installment of this Pentrex series. Midwestern area. Class Ones and smaller railroads are the subject material. Coverage is across 5 States.

Union Pacific is the big boy of this show on the Coffeyville sub. Also the Spine Line on the Albert Lea subdivision. Illinois Central is on the mainline in Iowa. BNSF’s St. Croix sub in Prescott, Wisconsin. Canadian Pacific’s River sub at Hastings, Minnesota. Regionals include; I&M Rail Link in Iowa plus Wisconsin Central’s Superior sub. There is enough Southern Pacific paint within for a guest star role.

A single DVD-R. Live environmental audio. Choice of On/ Off narration. On-screen graphics with symbols and further train info. Plenty of MAPS! Previews.

Dependable Pentrex quality. David Drui with a sharp narrative. Excellent Videography. Professional in every aspect.

To the Trains…

North Antelope Mine to Newark, AK

Show leads off with Union Pacific on the Coffeyville sub. Eastern Kansas to KC. At Bucyrus, train C-NANW travels to Newark, Arkansas, with a coal move. Led by SD9043MAC 8032. Early version SD90MAC with 4300hp.

Illinois Central 8732

Illinois Central has a nice extended chapter. Having left Webster City, ICRR GP11 8732 with a local freight. Travels yonder to Fort Dodge Yard.

IMRL Train 377

I&M Rail Link. Marquette to Mason City, Iowa line. Train 377 is followed to Mason City. Number 384, ex: BCOL SD-38 is the lead unit. Trailing is a former Southern in Susquehanna livery. Manifest, Marquette to Mason City.

CNW 8613 with O-MIGV

Leaving Mason City. Action directs Northbound via Union Pacific. The Spine Line is ex: Rock Island to St. Paul. CNW leased the line after Rock Island closed. A CNW C44-9W 8613 is in charge at Manly, Iowa. Minneapolis to Geneva, Utah. O-MIGV is the symbol for this Taconite move. It’s a long chapter.

Albert Lea Tower

Albert Lea Tower is a rare survivor. Another Taconite move with Southern Pacific units leading.

C-NAPU

UP EMDs on a Coal Train to Green Bay. Albert Lea Yard. Gets transferred to WC for final delivery.

Hastings Patrol

Twin Cities leads to Hasings, MN. Canadian Pacific 4599 is resplendent in a fresh Golden Beaver scheme. The ex: Soo Line GP38 is operating in Hastings at the old Milwaukee depot.

Burns on BNSF

4384 in BNSF Heritage premium paint. This Manifest symbol is M- NSINTW1-01. This is Burns on the BNSF trackage. Chicago to Northtown Yard. Norfolk Southern origin. The lift bridge spans the St. Croix River.

Junction City

WC is the final chapter. Junction City, Wisconsin is a hotspot. This Canadian National freight with 5690 leads number 177. The 6 unit lash-up rolls past the camera. Intermodal to Winnipeg.

Wisconsin Central F45 6655 and SD45 6598 on WC Train 18. Wausau to Stevens Point. Led by an Electromotive cowl diesel, these are highlight lineups for Railfans.

The Best of the Midwest Volume 3

An interesting assortment of railroads and locomotives. The high level of detailed information is great! In fact, the subtitles are fascinating. One wonders when trackside. What is the origin and destination of many trains? The foreign power too. Trackage rights, or leased motors?

The combined: narrative, train info, and maps are more intriguing than the ugly graffiti disfigurements on the freight cars.

Notice the contemporary era is best when featuring scenery or a ton of good information.

One would think that map references would be a standard on the majority of shows in the marketplace. They add a sense of geographical awareness and scale to a show. Sadly, this important facet is often neglected so often. Fine work here.

This is a fast paced show. The variety and detail create an enjoyable presentation. Well done Pentrex!

Rating: 5 Stars

Tags American Train Video Reviews, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, Chicago North Western, Chicago railroad, Coal, Illinois Central, railroads, Southern Pacific, Union Pacific

ATVR Reviews Herron Rail

Mid-American Glory Illinois Central Railroad

Post author By William J. Hudson
Post date January 24, 2024
No Comments on Mid-American Glory Illinois Central Railroad

Producer: Herron Rail

Locations: Chicago, Gilman, Paducah, Memphis…

Timeframe: 1940s-1960s

Length: 71 minutes

Sources: 12 Cameramen

Wide ranging coverage of original Illinois Central Railroad. The 1940s up to the 1960s. Steam, Diesel and Electric. Mostly a color show.

A single DVD-R. Narrated by Ralph Morse. The show plays longer at 71 minutes. Nice!

Wide variety of power. Steam years with excellent coverage. Diesel era is narrow. Predominately passenger trains. Limited space for some highlights.

To the Trains…

City of New Orleans

Extra yellow stripes on these E7 locomotives. City of New Orleans.

Memphis, Tennessee

Turntable shots at Memphis in 1940s. The 2510 is a Mountain type.

Tuscola

2550 is a Mountain at Tuscola in 1950s.

Green diamond logo

1956 at Centralia with early geeps.

Mikado at Macomb, MS.

1270 Mikado at Macomb, Mississippi in 16mm color film. Illinois Central fostered over 350 in 1954.

Rock train

A Rock train in Louisiana. Going to New Orleans. A classic steam image.

2613

Action in the 1960s. The 2613 on final special excursions. The show features a long segment of IC named passenger trains.

Gilman, Illinois

1970s with continously passenger coverage. At Gilman. The Governor’s Special.

GP40 leads at Chicago

Chicago at 21st Street. Three Electromotive units haul a Piggyback move.

A modern herald on the nose at Chicago.

Centralia

Caboose 9704 at Centralia, Illinois. These were unique ICRR side door cabooses. FYI- some lasted into ICG orange paint!

Mid-American Glory Illinois Central Railroad

Calling to Transition era Illinois Central fans. This is a varied show that is centered in the 1950s. The long distance passenger trains have a key focus in the diesel years.

The films range from very good to excellent. Audio that has been dubbed works fine. Interesting script with good narration.

On the higher priced side. Maybe it’s worth a plunk if this catches your interest. A bump up for the supply of Illinois Central steam. Most of it is in color.

Rating: 5 Stars

Tags American Train Video Reviews, Chicago railroad, Illinois Central, non-fiction, Railroad, Steam, steam train, transportation

ATVR Reviews Highball

Hot Spots 35 Homewood & LaGrange

Post author By William J. Hudson
Post date May 20, 2023
No Comments on Hot Spots 35 Homewood & LaGrange

Producer: Highball

Timeframe: 2015

Locations: LaGrange, Homewood

Length: 69 minutes.

Source: Crook

Highball has a double feature in this release. LaGrange and Homewood, Illinois. Two well-known hot spots near Chicago. The title has the running order reversed. Nevertheless, it should be loaded with freight trains… right?

A single DVD-R. Main Chapter Menu. Narration option is on/ off. No extras, except a Preview section. Narrated show.

Cinematography is well done. Live audio.

I had high expectations for LaGrange. The famous BNSF racetrack near Chicago. Busy freight line and passenger service. What a huge letdown!

A couple of shortcomings. Too many trackside bells, that are constantly sounding. Doesn’t this guy like Freight on the BNSF? The low hanging fruit is to film at passenger rush hours. Which he does. The freight trains move around the rush hours. Takes more waiting time to catch those. Looks like a quick, in and out job.

LaGrange Road during Rush hour

Heck, this chapter has the BNSF line appearing like Long Island commuter service in New York! Never would have wanted this show. Time waster. Unidentified Amtrak train above.

BNSF unit coal

Several BNSF freights are seen at Hinsdale Highlands station. It is quick and moves into the ultra repetitive evening rush hour. FYI, it’s the same as the morning rush hour.

Tim Walter does an excellent job as a narrator. Although the script dissappears during the afternoon parade in LaGrange. That part is dumb anyway. Also, during Homewood. Would have liked more narration.

Seen one, seen them all Metra commuter at LaGrange

The wheels fall off quickly. Repetitive trains are boring. The Metra paint is not attractive either. All stainless fleet. Everything becomes extremely monotonous. Is this over yet? Film away from the bells. Ugh! Stand away from the bells…

Homewood.

Note the parallel freight and passenger tracks

Originally, this was Illinois Central. Markham yard was once, the world’s largest. Historically, it is an excellent location to see freight trains. A viewing platform was installed here. Electric bilevel Metra commuter service.

Electrified Metra at Homewood

Seen one, seen them all. Electric Metra commuter service at Homewood.

Finally, a freight train. A Norfolk Southern led auto racks. 9323 and 9212. This seems like a railroad quiet zone.

The 4909 is switching back to Markham yard

GT 4909 GP38-2 appears going to Markham Yard. This proves to be a yard switcher. Let’s see the railyard… Doesn’t happen 😦

Repainted Illinois Central 9635 leads here

Illinois Central GP38-2 9635 and EJ&E GP38-2 703. Hauling a double-stack. They reverse direction, to back into the yard. Yes, this pair reappears with different cars. There is a large yard. Perhaps, pick up and move the camera, film the yard.

Interesting CN with BC Rail lash-up

Canadian National 2708 leads an Eastbound double-stack. A BC Rail unit 4616 trails in the lash-up.

The Homewood portion is more of what one would expect. Freight trains and some passenger moves. Better balanced here.

Hot Spots 35 LaGrange and Homewood

The LaGrange is super disappointing. That line is loaded with freight traffic. Instead, 2 featured sections of same- same Metra rush hour trains! Not to mention almost constant bell ringing. Barely any freights. Inaccurate representation of LaGrange rail traffic. Yuck! A dealbreaker. Not Recommended.

Researched for a possible alternative. C Vision has a Windy City Rails Volume 4. Appears to be a better representation of the actual traffic, although includes the entire line out to Aurora. Plenty of freight trains. That one looks like the one to have for the modern era.

Homewood is much better. Still, a bit of missed opportunity. No shots of the actual railyard. The public road runs alongside parts of that. Seems like another fast job. Filming at the yard lead area only.

Overall, it is a disappointing show. By the way, looking at another Hot Spots 15, Willard now. Almost no narration. Save your money.

Even more disappointment in Hot Spots 6 Gary. Basically, it is NOT a fully narrated show. There are a few blurbs on the introduction. Although, it is advertised as narrated. Shall avoid anymore Hot Spots in the series.

There are far better, narrated Productions in the market. Check around.

Rating: 2 1/2 Stars

Tags American Train Video Reviews, Canadian National, Illinois Central

ATVR Reviews C Vision

CN In and Around Chicagoland- Volume Two

Post author By William J. Hudson
Post date April 16, 2023
No Comments on CN In and Around Chicagoland- Volume Two

Producer: C. Vision

Locations: Chicago area

Timeframe: 2011- 2022

Length: 95 minutes

Source: Marshall Beecher

This was over five years in the making. Canadian National has overtaken much of Chicagoland’s railroad scene. Multiple locations are visited.

A single DVD-R. Detailed Main Chapter Menu. On/ Off narration. On-screen graphics. A basic map of the lines visited.

High-quality C Vision modern-day professional aspects. Razor sharp picture. 16:9 Widescreen. Lively natural audio. Balanced sound.

Don Grant with the limited narrative. Train sounds are plentiful. Soundtrack is tasteful. Not an ear bleeder with excessive horns, etc…

Videography is top-notch by Marshall Beecher. Smooth editing by Chris Laskowski.

Former: IC, GM&O, Grand Trunk, EJ&E. Obviously, the Illinois Central Gulf is included.

Wide variety of both CN and many various offline locomotives. Train symbols are often noted.

The assortment of environmental settings keep the viewing interesting. Those who are unfamiliar with Chicagoland might be surprised. It is not all city/ urban backgrounds.

The majority of the time is on the former EJ&E trackage. I am highlighting the overall variety of everything within this release. There is much more to see in the show.

CN train Q197 at Lake Zurich

The former Elgin, Joliet and Eastern trackage starts the show. Far North of the Chicago area. Here, at Lake Zurich Illinois. CN symbol is Q197.

Leafton sub is followed southward to the Matteson sub. Don Grant slightly continually misprounces. Matt-son is correct. Oh well, a local thing.

Kansas City Southern at JB Tower

In West Chicago, the EJ&E crosses Union Pacific. Above, Kansas City Southern and IC units roll by the tower. CN train X342. A mixed consist of general freight.

Matteson sub

Coverage moves over to Joliet. Still on EJ&E Rails.

Intermodal Q198 at Frankfort, Illinois

Q198 at Frankfort with 2116 in front.

CN move crosses Indiana Harbor Belt.

Ivanhoe crossing with Indiana Harbor Belt. Note the unobtrusive graphic style.

CN local L515

At Cavanaugh, CN L515 cross low bridge in 2017 action at Grand Calumet River. Train is going to Markham Yard. It’s a good spot with satisfying freights.

CN SD38 is ex: EJ&E

Lakefront line of EJ&E. CN SD38 is a former EJ&E unit.

Train of Illinois Central at Griffith

The show crosses over to several nearby Indiana locations. Above, a CN move behind three Illinois Central SD70 units at Griffith, Indiana.

Former Grand Trunk Western

CN move exits Clearing Yard

Limited Grand Trunk line coverage. Hayford Crossing and Blue Island.

Illinois Central

January 2014 with a mixed bag of power. Citirail on the lead in Broadview.

Gulf, Mobile and Ohio

Grand Trunk with B&LE at Lemont

L545 a local from Romeoville. Lemont. GT 5012 with a B&LE. This former GM&O line segment is from Joliet to Glenn Yard.

Amtrak Lincoln Service

Westbound Amtrak train 303 at the Romoeville Refineries.

BC Rail 4643 crosses at Brighton Park

BC Rail at Brighton Park CSX crossing with symbol L536. The BC Rail paint scheme appears throughout the program.

Jersey Central Heritage on M337

Jersey Central Heritage unit at 18th Street in Chicago. CN M337. There are several locomotives in special paint in this show. Also, some quickie CN reletters.

CN 9610 is back in the lash-up

CN/ IC GP38-2 9610 at the 16th Street Tower. CN local train L536. Crossing former Rock Island trackage.

43rd Street is the end of the line for this show. Would have liked to visit Homewood, but it’s alright. Chicagoland is huge.

CN In and Around Chicagoland- Volume Two

A contemporary tour of Canadian National trains operating around Chicago. Avoids most of the overused hotspots. Giving viewers a fresh perspective.

The emphasis on trainwatching results in an easy to watch program. Railfans of the current scene should enjoy this very much. Model Railroaders shall see plenty of graffiti (ugh!) freight cars. Many at slower speeds.

All in all, this is an excellent release by C. Vision Productions. It is a quick pace, and viewers will probably want even more!

Rating: 5 Stars

Tags American Train Video Reviews, Amtrak, Canadian National, Chicago railroad, Grand Trunk, Illinois Central, new releases

ATVR Reviews John Pechulis Media

Classic Midwest Rails Volume 3

Post author By William J. Hudson
Post date March 7, 2023
No Comments on Classic Midwest Rails Volume 3

Producer: John Pechulis

Locations: many

Timeframe: June 1984

Length: 67 minutes

Source: Jonathan Reck

Volume 3 with Jonathan Reck traveling from East to West.

A single DVD-R. Main Chapter Menu.

Narrated by Mike Bednar.

The usual exceptional film restoration. Live audio of train sounds. Everything in its place. The colors are fine. The soundtrack is well balanced.

Jonathan Reck is a fine cinematographer. Nice composition with the scenes.

Railroads covered: Norfolk Southern, CSX, Illinois Central Gulf, Squaw Creek, Missouri Pacific, and more with cameo appearances.

Locations in several States. Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, West Virginia.

This program starts out strong. Loses some power and picks back up again. That Chessie with Norfolk and Western coverage is a high point.

GP30 at Harper’s Ferry West Virginia

Chessie gp30 at Harper’s Ferry West Virginia. More Chessie paint in Ohio.

NW coal on parallel tracks to CSX, at Little Walnut, Ohio.

NW 8082 in maroon paint

Maroon NW 8082 with a parked caboose and a forklift. Model railroad scene potential.

Peabody Coal 415. Linville Mine

Squaw Creek RSD15 pair

Squaw Creek RSD15. Yankeetown as well. Get your lifetime supply of these two lines here. Both are Shortline coal haulers. This chapter runs too long and drags the show pace considerably.

Missouri Pacific at West Vienna Jct

MoPac caboose hop at West Vienna Jct. (He misprounces it) Illinois. Had to research it in order to figure this out. Another good scene for Model Railroaders.