Tag: train video reviews

ATVR Reviews Diverging Clear Productions

Then & Now- The Sand Hills Subdivision

Post author By William J. Hudson
Post date November 26, 2013
No Comments on Then & Now- The Sand Hills Subdivision

Producer: Mary McPherson

Timeframe: 1987-89, 2012

Locations: Alliance, Broken Bow, Raveena

Length: 2 hours

Sources: George Redmond, Mary McPherson

A double disc set of BN and later BNSF. Runs about 2 hours. The early 1987 to 1989. George Redmond with the early videos. The later 2012, by Mary McPherson. Then and Now. The same premise as Crawford Hill.

This sub operates from Alliance, Nebraska to Raveena, NE. Powder River Coal is the main commodity.

Disc 1 contains Burlington Northern circa 1987 to 1989. Original video by George Redmond. The videographer did a fine job of shooting the BN. Imagery and composition are nicely done. Above, BN 5116 is a GE C30-7.

Only some yellow skies and minor flares are the flaws. Both programs offer, basically the same railroad equipment. More pacing shots in this show. Flatland running is the major difference. Greater emphasis on close-ups.

Disc 2 contains BNSF from 2010 and 2012. This was shot by Mary McPherson. Pro level camerawork. Above, BNSF 6289 is a General Electric ES44AC locomotive.

Mary has upped her game in all areas. More variety of locomotives and paint schemes compared to Crawford Hill.

The map solution works like a charm. Frequently used and the brief glance keeps pace with the show.

BNSF 9311 SD70ACe. Mary has an outstanding pacing sequence of this train. Check her guitar playing in the background.

The way the locomotives are so well framed and combined with the music. A memorable scene is created. You just know that this person loves trains!

Ravenna is a crew change point. A show highlight which demonstrates just how busy this route has become.

BNSF 5846 a GE ES44AC on the lead. Model railroaders will find Ravenna a location with good possibilities. The overhead walkway for example.

Cascade Green livery looked great on the long profile of the SD40-2. The extra length balanced the large numbers with the cab lettering perfectly.

Comparisons to, Heritage Series: Then and Now- Crawford Hill…

BN 5542 on the right. Another GE C30-7. These were common on Unit Coal Trains.

What is worse then having to sit through a long, 2 disc set of repetitive coal train shows?

Answer: Having to sit through a second, nearly identical set of repetitive coal trains!

BN 5019 was built 5/79. Another C30-7 from General Electric.

Which is better?

A split decision. The BN is more engaging on the Crawford Hill. Helpers and better scenery.

BNSF has more locomotive variety on this Sand Hills show.

Is there a tiebreaker?

Yes. The shorter length of Sand Hills makes a more enjoyable overall view. Compare to the longer Crawford Hill show, that just drags on endlessly.

Burlington Northern and Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Railfans. Y’all probably end up, with both shows!

Rating: 3 Stars

Tags American Train Video Reviews, Burlington Northern, Coal, new releases, Railroad, Train DVD, train video reviews, transportation

ATVR Reviews Clear Block

Vignettes of the Chesapeake and Ohio

Post author By William J. Hudson
Post date May 4, 2013
No Comments on Vignettes of the Chesapeake and Ohio

Vignettes of the Chesapeake and Ohio

Clear Block Productions

Length: 55 minutes

Tine Period:1952 to 1972

Locations: West Virginia and Ohio…

Sources: Vic Ketcham, Joe Slanser, Karl Walters.

Producer: Todd Miller

MSRP: 30.00

Vintage Chesapeake and Ohio, is one of those hard to find railroads. The public roads in West Virginia were tough, and few cinematographers traveled there. Even the later years are not plentiful. While there is limited C&O film in the market, there are no full shows. Clear Block has three main sources for this release. Additional film sources were also used, including Producer Todd Miller.

The late, Mr. Miller takes a whirlwind tour of C&O. Concentrating on Ohio and West Virginia. This fast paced program does delve a little deeper at some key points. Meadow River Lumber is one visit, with Shays and a Heisler.

C&O Train 46 approaches the Maumee River swing bridge behind an E8.

New EMD GP35 engines bracket a GP30 at Marion in 1964.

Barry Goldwater Campaign Special enters Marion, Ohio. Complete with a classic platform observation car. Public address speakers and a campaign sign adorn the rear. Year- 1964.

Appears to have been a direct video to digital transfer. There are some flaws and roughness. Many times, a squiggle is visible, at the very top of the picture. An inquiry to Clear Block informed me, the defect is present in the master. Not a deal breaker to me, just be aware.

Learned numerous facts about C&O power. Here, F7ABA set combines with FP7 engines. The FP7 were usually assigned to freight service. They were ‘protection’ for the E8 fleet.

Uncommon SD18 models at Columbus. C&O 7506 rides on traded-in Alco RSD-5 trucks.

The film quality ranges from fair, to good- very good overall. Appears as 8mm all- color, in original condition. The color balance looks good for the most part. However, there are sections where the balance becomes marginal. No train sounds in this show.

Todd Miller has credits for script and narration. An informative script and a good narrative. This release is an older one, there are no maps or graphics. There is quite a bit of musical background. He points out the uncommon and the usual locomotives as the show progresses. Very good at: locations, cinematographers, years and special highlights.

C&O 3790 is a new GP40 and leads GP30 3034, and GP9 6017 at yard speed.

A multitude of runbys showcase C&O power throughout. Alternative shots from aboard passenger cars and brief loco cab are included, but these are the bulk of camera skake.

Steam is the first order of business and begins in 1952. Glimpses of New York Central, Virginian plus Norfolk & Western steamers too.

Fairbanks Morse was chosen for it’s strong specs for heavy train pulling. Hardcore steam men. Virginian would not give diesels the status of having numbers painted on the body!

Virginian 906 is akin to the C&O Allegheny class. Here is a pan shot of this huge engine which is idle at Princeton, WV.

Virginian has a feature that offers: steam, diesel, electric and an unusual motor car.

Columbus, Ohio celebrated 110 Years of Railroading in 1960. Ten Wheeler: C&O 377 makes a dramatic entrance! Vic Ketchum filmed the event and rode a special. Interesting !

Class L-1 Hudson in streamlined attire. The L-1, will make a case for the New York Central Dreyfuss Hudson as the best looking streamlined Hudson. Kudos for inclusion of the L-1.

Coal dock maritime facility. Detailed segment of the process. Fascinating footage to see.

Plenty of cabooses in a variety of paint and types. Model railroaders take note on this one. Atlas Trainman style with the odd blank door end. One never knows what may be seen in a video. Some freight cars are seen, as they pass on a few trains. Watch for a Shelby Mustang next to a farm tractor on an auto rack.

Vignettes of Chesapeake & Ohio has the rare film factor going for it. The story is well told. Film issues are why the rating isn’t higher. Composition such as lighting, shaky camerawork and source tape problems, are all present. Yet, it is a good show of this hard to find road.

Recommended, this release does cover classic C&O.

Rating: 3 Stars

Tags American Train Video Reviews, B&O, C&O, Railroad, steam train, Train DVD, train video reviews, transportation

ATVR Reviews Catenary Video

Southern Pacific Steam Boxset

Post author By William J. Hudson
Post date May 17, 2012
No Comments on Southern Pacific Steam Boxset

Southern Pacific Steam Boxset

Catenary Video Productions

Format: 4 DVD boxset (Factory pressed discs)

Length: about 4 hours

Time Period: circa 1950

Locations: California- Oregon

Sources: many

MSRP: 139.80

These 4 shows have all been individually reviewed on ATVR.

The boxset has the shows housed in this cardboard case. Each disc is in the normal DVD case. Outer box looks nice, a little thin.

Artwork is nicely finished. The shows are in the standard DVD plastic cases. They match the single releases. The box is the extra feature.

The 4 programs are all excellent. There are many rarities to see. Tight scripts and sharp editing are very professional. Vintage footage has been processed for best possible quality. Narrator has a very dry style, and is the weak spot of these shows.

The reviewed set was the 2007 remasters. Have not seen any previous versions. The remasters are excellent. An uncommon high quality feature, these are factory pressed DVDs. Most production companies use the cheaper DVD-R discs. The factory discs are more durable to own.

A brief overview of the shows. See the full reviews on American Train Video Reviews.

For maximum enjoyment- these screenshots are different, than the full reviews!

Shasta Route: Volume 1

Timeframe from 1940’s to 1957. Scenic Siskiyou Line and desert type Modoc Line.

Plenty of SP passenger trains.

Dunsmuir

Scenic splendor.

Action on the Siskiyou Line.

Cab Forwards galore!

Classic- Southern Pacific Daylight train. The brand new E7 diesels are on a preview run!

Shasta Route: Volume 2

Mostly in Oregon. Cascade, Siskiyou and Modoc lines. Cab rides are included.

Many steam and early diesel locomotives, operating in Oregon.

Alco PA’s were the modern diesel of choice on passenger trains. Shasta Springs at dusk.

A 1949 cab ride aboard a daylight livery Alco PA is a highlight of this show. Cab Forwards are easily found. That’s brake smoke from the oncoming freight train. There is a wealth of cab ride action. Logging also is another highlight.

Dunsmuir.

San Joaquin Route: Volume 3

Oakland to Los Angeles. Tehachapi Loop. Circa 1950.

Many passenger trains in this show.

Ever see the movie Duel? That background gasoline tanker truck looks like the one!

LCL was: Less than Car Load. Many facets are seen, of other operations on SP.

Tehachapi Loop hosts much action in this show!

Freight trains are seen with mostly steam power. Those mid-train helpers are a must.

Coast Route: Volume 4

Los Angeles to San Francisco. SP Daylight trains are found here. Very Colorful show!

SP Coast Daylights are the stars. This is the place for these classic steam locomotives.

Ride on a Coast Daylight, behind steam!

Cab Forwards and doubleheaded steam. There are additional combinations in the show.

The Southern Pacific Coast Route, contains some ocean views, as seen here.

Catenary Video has a high quality series with, Southern Pacific Steam. The 4 volumes are very enjoyable. Any railfan with an interest in steam, will find this a valuable collection.

This set should be considered a deluxe level release. Heavily researched, very detailed, and well written programs. The only weakness, is the narrator: dry and rather boring to hear. Everything else in the shows is excellent, we’ll forgive the choice of the voice.