A GREAT "new" old video worth watching

[tstage]

Hi Everyone!

Since the MR forum is locked down for a undetermined amount of time, I thought I'd venture over here to the CT forum for a change. This post will be relevant to everyone here anyhow.

Probably many of you hardcore "railheads" have either already seen this or have this in your collection. But for those of you who haven't and don't, there's a terrific video that you should all see, if you are into railroading of any size, type, shape, or form.

Let me first start out by confessing that I LOVE documentaries - or anything that even remotely resembles one. A friend of mine recently lent me a 6-volume video called:

America's Railroads: The Steam Train Legacy
(Marathon Music & Video, c. 1995 Dastar Corp.)
WOW!!! What a GREAT source of old train footage, history and information! Whether you are into steam or diesel, it's a definite MUST SEE! (Apparently, there are two volumes out now. I believe the one I saw would be considered "vol 1".) The series is a compilation of PR films not only by NYC, but also PRR, UP, B&O, NY, NH & Hartford, SP, and others.

Even though some of the "recreations" and RR "promotionals" just reak of the 40's/50's, it's still a lotta fun to see. The footage on how a hump yard works and operates, car and rail maintenance, how signaling came into being, as well as daily locomotive maintenance and operation - even from inside the cab - is absolutely priceless! I never knew till I watched this video that they used steam to blow the "semi-crushed" coal around the firebox in the larger trains, like the Challenger and Big Boy.

In particular, I REALLY enjoyed watching the footage of the backshop in operation. They showed a huge, semi-dismantled 4-8-8-4 Big Boy hoisted up in the air, ready for maintenance. There's also footage of the shop guys (and gals) lubricating, checking for and locating leaks, and turning and re-tiring a locomotive wheel using the "circle of fire" method. Absolutely fascinating to watch! THOSE guys knew what work was. The MOW segment was also very good. I learned that you have to "clean" ballast on a regular basis - and they had machines that would do that - even back then. Good stuff!

And, although the portions on the "current" moderization and updates to the railroads is hard not to chuckle at from our persepective, it is still pretty amazing the things they were able to accomplish - even WITHOUT computers!!! That's right kids - the days before MTV and PCs! (Great......Now I'm starting to wax nostolgic.) Any of you guys that are into electronics and evoke Pavlovian responses at the sight of relays and switches, THIS is the video for you.)

BONUS (for me): I'm particularly fascinated by the old ball signals and would love to model one on my layout So I was pleasantly surprised and pleased to see a (albeit brief) shot of a ball signal being manually operated at a crossing.

The price for the 6-volume/6 hour bonanza from Historic Rail is $29.99(DVD)/$39.99(VHS). When prototype picture books from Morning Sun normally run you $50-60 a pop, you can't beat the price.

Anyhow, I wanted to pass along this great find. Happy viewing!...

Tom

[trainboyH16-44]

Sounds great!!b Haven't seen it anywhere, though. Where can I get ti besides the internet?
Matthew

[tstage]

Matthew,

I know that Historic Rail has it in their catalog. I'm not sure who (e.g. Borders, Barnes & Noble, etc.) might have it in stock. You could check their respective web sites, and they can tell you which one of their stores in your area has it in stock.

Matthew, here's a direct link for the AT:TSTL series from the Borders web site:

http://www.bordersstores.com/search/search.jsp?srchTerms=America%27s+Railroads%3A+The+Steam+Train+Legacy&mediaType=3&srchType=Title

Hope that's a help...

Tom

[poppyl]

A "must have" for anyone who is a steam fan. Love the Big Boy footage and the PRR segment that shows the old Enola Yard as well as the main running north along the river.

Poppyl