Tag: Union Pacific

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ATVR Reviews Pentrex

Big Boys, Cab Forwards Challengers & Daylights

Producer: Pentrex

Locations: Western USA

Timeframe: 1950s – 1970s

Length: 1 hour 25 minutes

Source: Hank Griffiths

Pentrex has compiled two Video Rails shows into a single disc. Notably, Hank filmed nine 16mm color film. Steam to Diesel. Narrow gauge to Standard. Old logging lines, as well.

A single DVD-R. Chapter Menu by Railroad. Narrated. No maps. Previews.

Image quality and Cinematography are excellent. That 16mm film is the ticket for vintage films. Color balance is fine. Dubbed train sounds for the soundtrack. Informative narration.

Filmed primarily in Northwest US States. A jam-packed collection. Some highlights only.

To the Trains…

Oregon and Northwestern

Oregon and Northwestern Lumber Company in January 1955. Mikado 1400 is hauling logs to Edward Hines Lumber. Eastern Oregon.

St. Regis #7 is a Shay operating on Klickey Klack. Assorted saddle tankers are shown.

Colorado and Southern double-header of 2-10-2 types. North of Cheyenne. C&S was a Burlington Route subsidiary road.

Vintage D&RGW narrow gauge steam. Checkout the revenue freight trains. A helper #487 shoves this freight upgrade. Chama to Antonito. Early era Tourist trains. Hank filmed these in 1960-61.

Union Pacific Steam. Transition era. Some wild steam and diesel combined lash-ups!Gas Turbine 64 with Northern 843 nears Green River, Wyoming.

Big Boy 4005 at Green River roundhouse in 1958. Plenty of Big Boy led trains operate on the mainline.

Challenger 3712

Plenty of Challengers are seen. The 3712 is on Pusher duty from Riverdale Yard in Ogden, Utah.

Union Pacific Diesels. A Lumber train travels downhill with F3A 507.

Filmed in Idado 1970. Ski special with a 5 unit lash-up. Consist of 23 cars. Portland Rose and Ski Specials behind E units receive coverage.

Southern Pacific.  April, 1955. San Joaquin Valley steam powered Daylights. 4-8-4 GS class locomotives. Passenger and non streamlined freight service models.Cab Forwards in 1955. 4183 gets going on Alturas trackage.

Northern Pacific circa 1956. A behemoth Z8 class. Laurel- Billings Montana line. Other Z8 locos are shown.

Milwaukee Road. Electrified.  1970-1971. Little Joe’s on Avery Helper District. Rocky Mountain Division. Boxcabs, as well.

Milwaukee Road. Electrified.  1970-1971. Little Joe’s on Avery Helper District. Rocky Mountain Division. Boxcabs, as well.A Little Joe meets waiting boxcabs on St. Paul Pass at East Portal.

Big Boys, Cab Forwards Challengers & Daylights

Hank Griffiths is among the top railroad cinematographers of his era. Residing in Idaho, he captures some rare action.

Northern Pacific is hard to find,  especially steam. Logging lines are also uncommon. He was present at the right time for Union Pacific in the transition years.

Solid entries for Rio Grande, Milwaukee Road, and Southern Pacific steam. Freight trains dominate. Excellent, as many others shot mostly passenger service.

There is much more within this fine collection.

A must-have for anyone with interest of 1950s to early 1970’s railroading. That 16mm all color film is great!

Rating: 5 Stars

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ATVR Reviews Pentrex

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

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ATVR Reviews Pentrex

Columbia River Gorge Volume 2

Producer: Pentrex

Locations: Portland, Biggs, Hood River, Viento State Park, Cascade Locks, Multnomah Falls, Mosier, Troutdale

Timeframe: 1996 to 2000s

Length: 2 hours 18 minutes

Source: Will Hollaway

Union Pacific’s Portland Subdivision.

The Columbia River Gorge is very scenic. Union Pacific runs along the Columbia River’s Southern Shore to Portland, Oregon. Iron Horse America shot this video.

A single DVD. Main Chapter Menu is location based. David Drui is the narrator. Maps. Previews.

Now, Pentrex has Volume 1 with BNSF on the opposite shore in Washington in a previous release. Hence, Union Pacific is the subject of Volume 2. Many natural highlights. A good amount of BNSF is included here. Chicago Northwestern in UP lash-ups. Canadian Pacific seen on Spokane International freights. Potash trains, as well.

Image quality is very good plus. A slight softness on the 1996 footage.  Videography is excellent. The audio is excellent.  Overall, the soundtrack is louder than many Pentrex shows.

Many popular locations are included. Goff to Hood River and Mt. Hood Railway. Continues through Viento State Park, Multnomah Falls, Troutdale, and Portland. To name several. UP Rails are on the Oregon side of the Columbia River. Interstate 84 parallels along the route.

To the Trains…

Extra 3594

Starting at Goff by John Day Dam. Grain Extra 3594 is Eastbound. IT pulls forward with two SD engines.

Potash cars

CEFX SD90 units are on a Canpotex Potash Grain train at Biggs. Spokane International move, which also runs freights with various leased locomotives.

A BNSF auto rack from Bend, OR about to enter a tunnel. The UP tracks nearest the riverfront. A few miles from Biggs. What a dream scene for Model Railroaders.

Spokane International trains have various power. UP 5768 leads a mixed bag, including Canadian Pacific units.

Dalles Yard

The Dalles Yard has 9730 and 9104 moving out with a freight.. GP38-2 834 with 507 are back from local work.

4 unit lash-up

In 1996. At McClure Lake on the causeway. A Westbound is powered by two SD60M and two SD40-2 engines. Additional 2002 footage here.

Chicago NorthWestern 8617 at a rock cut with piggyback and containers is traveling Westbound. The 1996 footage includes plenty of CNW locomotives.

Eastbound UP 3594 / 3733. This empty grain train is too long for the siding. It eases past a Westbound.  A seesaw move at Mosier siding. 1996.

Mount Hood GP9 is ex: Southern Pacific

Mount Hood Railroad with a UP blowing by on the UP mainline. The tourist line is visited. Up

APL move

A UP stack train with many American President Lines containers at Viento State Park.

At 630 foot Multnomah Falls. A Westbound speeds through the scene.

7528 leads at Tunnel Point. Portland, Oregon is the final show destination.

Columbia River Gorge Volume 2

Excellent coverage of this attractive looking route. Many natural highlights are included. A fair amount of BNSF is viewed from across the river.

It’s a fine show that should satisfy not only Union Pacific fans but anyone interested in touring this remarkable line.

Rating: 5 Stars

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ATVR Reviews Pentrex

The Best of the Midwest Volume 2

Producer: Pentrex

Locations: NE, MN, IL, IA, SD, WI

Timeframe: 1990s

Length: One hour 30 minutes

A second compilation in The Best of the Midwest series. BNSF, Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific  are the featured class ones. Shortlines: Nebkota, Dakota Southern plus Minnesota Central. Covers six States. Available in a 3 Volume set or individually.

A single DVD-R. Main Chapter Menu. On-screen graphics. Maps. Previews. On/ Off narrative. Narrated by Dave Drui.

Usual Pentrex high-quality show.

To the Trains…

F units in revenue service

Nebkota operates on the former CNW Cowboy Line in Nebraska.

SD9 leads a train to Missouri River bridge

Dakota Southern is on ex: Milwaukee Road rails. Kadota, SD. to Mitchell, South Dakota. This begins at Chamberlain Yard and is headquarters. An Alco C-420 and EMD SD-9 are the power for today. The 4427 leads an empty Hopper move past their Union Pacific Centennial.

Morton, Minnesota

The third shortline is Minnesota Central. Trackage is ex: Minneapolis and St. Louis. A trio of first generation Electromotive geeps with a Clay Train at Morton.

Illinois Zephyr

BNSF Mendota sub. This former Burlington Route line goes from Chicago to Galesburg, Illinois. Amtrak Illinois Zephyr blows by Sandwich.

Galesburg

BN 2770 is a GP39e at Galesburg with mixed freight.

Z train

BNSF St. Croix sub is next. More former CB&Q trackage. St.Paul to LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Z-CHCSTP9 at Bay City, WI. This being a Chicago to St. Paul Intermodal.

H-NTWBRC. A high priority Manifest from Northtown to Belt Railway of Chicago. BN painted 8079 leads.

Rum River

More BNSF on the Staple sub in Minnesota. Here is ex: Northern Pacific from Minneapolis to St. Cloud. Action at Anoka. S-CHCSEA1 over Rum River. A stack train routed Chicago to Seattle.

Medina, Minnesota

Canadian Pacific on the Paynesville route. This was Soo Line. Westbound from Minneapolis area. CP 5731 in front at Medina. This 565 move is St. Paul to Winnipeg. A long chapter.

Iowa has Union Pacific on the Boone sub. Chapter. Mainline to Chicago. Ames, Iowa.

Ames

Speaking of CNW. A pair of GP38 locos at Ames and going to Boone. The 4706 leads 4711. Plenty of CNW paint on this sub.

Work caboose

This former MoPac caboose had it’s attractive red paint traded for a Maintenance of Way dip job. Union Pacific.

The Best of the Midwest Volume 2

A diverse entry with 1990s entries. The timeframe offers unrepainted power from mega mergers. Also, some Shortlines.

Interesting show. Good for Railfans and Model Railroaders. The frequent maps are excellent. Simple but effective.

A fine show with variety.

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