The second episode seems a little better than the first. The "host" did seem a little toned=down from the first show - I hope I'm just not getting used to him!! Script still a little juvenile, but overall interesting. If they would stop repeating everything they say it would help. My
Just caught this show for the first time last night. Yes, I know it is not for "railfans". Yes, I know the host has to be enthusiastic, but still, I have one word for Matt Brown, the host:
De-cafe!
Seriously, it seems to be a pretty well put together show. My only real complaint is the constant use of hand held camera angles (used to give the feeling that you are "really there"). This can be effective, if not over done. If done too much it just becomes disorienting. I feel this is the case with the episode I watched.
I like the fact that host is, himself, a railroader. I feel this enables him to be sort of a translator between the railroaders and the non-railroader audience - he doesn't end up asking stupid questions and he doesn't (at least in my opinion) end up talking down to the audience.
Just my $.02 worth. I'll be watching for more shows.
-George
"And the sons of Pullman porters and the sons of engineers ride their father's magic carpet made of steel..."
I saw this show last night, and I don't think the host is way over the top. He needs to be enthusiastic since the name of the show is called "Extreme Trains". Let's face it, a coal train (or trains in general, for that matter) aren't that exciting for most people. If this show's going to be on a major cable channel, then you need a host that's over the top. The producers were right on.
Even though the show is (quite obviously) geared toward non-railfans, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The DVR is set for the series (and the wife will catch hell if she overrides it!).
FWIW, History Channel has a couple of other Train Episodes on Modern Marvels - search for Locomotives, Freight Trains, and Bullet Trains, if you haven't already.
Also, on TV RFD-TV has Trains & Locomotives on...
SC64
AntonioFP45As for the comment from a previous poster indicating that if we complain, the HIstory Channel or the sponsors might not do another train series? I disagree. I think it's a good idea to email this thread to the HIstory Channel. Those producers actually appreciate honest feedback.
As for the comment from a previous poster indicating that if we complain, the HIstory Channel or the sponsors might not do another train series? I disagree. I think it's a good idea to email this thread to the HIstory Channel. Those producers actually appreciate honest feedback.
Maybe if enough people complain to the History Channel, they'll stop making shows with bad hosts, and start making shows about a topic instead of a about a host.
Girls,
There are many other channels to watch if you are offended to watch the Extreme Trains. Its a show that is made for the Non rail buff, not like all of YOU that has worked for the Railroads! If ya dont like it dont waste your time and watch it again. Kevin
Jeff Wimberly wrote: How many "wow, bang, amazing"s are necessary? - end quote
I'm with Jeff on that. I don't mind the host talking so loudly or simplified explanations, but IMHO this guy is way over the top.
Did you all notice the looks on the faces on the "pusher locomotive's" engineer and conductor as the host was going into one of his "Gosh Batman!" type bursts? Their expressions seemed to state: "This guy must have just fallen off of the goofball truck!".
Not trashing the show, and I do appreciate its potential, but IMHO this host is unintentionally giving trains a "Goofball" slant.
I don't know if this will work, but here's the link to submit comments to the History Channel. I already sent them mine:
http://www.history.com/global/feedback/faq.jsp?NetwCode=THC&level_1=nodes_54229&level_2=nodes_54249&level_3=nodes_54386&x=45&y=15#
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
It is worth repeating:
markpierce My girlfriend was a bit irritated on the harping on Horseshoe Curve. "It doesn't come close to Tehachapi," she exclaimed.
My girlfriend was a bit irritated on the harping on Horseshoe Curve. "It doesn't come close to Tehachapi," she exclaimed.
Mark
New Haven I-5 Isn't the next episode on the passenger trains? Edit: The next episode is on frieght trains. They will ride a freight train from Los Angles to Dallas/Ft.Worth. So, Tom you may get your wish. Episode Guide here: http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=60922&display_order=4&mini_id=60798 Scrolling through the episodes, I saw they are doing a episode on the UP 4-8-4 844. This episode premiers on December 9th. I hope to see a cab ride.
Isn't the next episode on the passenger trains?
Edit: The next episode is on frieght trains. They will ride a freight train from Los Angles to Dallas/Ft.Worth.
So, Tom you may get your wish.
Episode Guide here: http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=60922&display_order=4&mini_id=60798
Scrolling through the episodes, I saw they are doing a episode on the UP 4-8-4 844. This episode premiers on December 9th. I hope to see a cab ride.
Luke--
That will be south and east of Tehachapi, but LA to Dallas should prove interesting. I presume it will be on the old SP 'Sunset Route' to El Paso then the ex T&P mainline into Dallas. UP's done a lot of work on that route, I'll be interested to see how it's progressing. Thanks for the 'heads up.'
Tom
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
- Luke
Modeling the Southern Pacific in the 1960's-1980's
santafe347 rrinker Hey now - at least we have a FOUR track mainline (ok, now it's down to 3), vs single track and a siding! --Randy But there's talk about going back to 4. I thought the show was pretty interesting, but the host seemed kinda clueless about some things for being a conductor. Is CSX sponsoring this show, because it seems weird to me if they are that whole train show would be about NS.
rrinker Hey now - at least we have a FOUR track mainline (ok, now it's down to 3), vs single track and a siding! --Randy
Hey now - at least we have a FOUR track mainline (ok, now it's down to 3), vs single track and a siding!
--Randy
But there's talk about going back to 4.
I thought the show was pretty interesting, but the host seemed kinda clueless about some things for being a conductor. Is CSX sponsoring this show, because it seems weird to me if they are that whole train show would be about NS.
Actually, an EXTREME TRAINS show about UP and BNSF jamming just as many trains over that single track Tehachapi line as go over the 3-track Horseshoe Curve per day might be a really exciting show.
CSX is listed on the History Channel web site as a primary sponsor - but then other episodes will be showing other railroads as well.
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
To political correctness.....I rebel. Correct, (and maybe even incorrect) model railroading is much more fun.
cooltech
lvanhenCaps can also be used to emphasize a point. This "politically correct" B S makes me sick!!
Take your own advice Lou, if you don't like the post, don't read it.
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein
http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/
Like most, I enjoyed the show, and the host was irritating, but I'm happy to see a show about trains period. Heck if I can watch those old videos every Saturday morning on RFDTV with no narration and 1940's big band music for an hour I guess I can watch anything.
The bottom line, any train show is a good train show, and some of you guys are too darn finicky.
If I could give it a grade I would give it a C- ... I like the show idea,,,, I did not like the Host ,,,, I thought the show was way to chopped up ,,,, Same overhead shot over and over again ,,,, I thought he could of interviewed more NS staff to give a little history of NS and how they took over the Conrail line ,,,,
I did miss the first few minutes of the show ,,, I will watch again next week ,,,,just my review ,,,,
Arjay1969 jeffrey-wimberly lvanhenThis "politically correct" B S makes me sick!! Political Correctness is for the Differently Brained.
jeffrey-wimberly lvanhenThis "politically correct" B S makes me sick!!
lvanhenThis "politically correct" B S makes me sick!!
Political Correctness is for the Differently Brained.
And accusing everyone one disagrees with of being "polically correct" is the new face of political correctness!
"I Often Dream of Trains"-From the Album of the Same Name by Robyn Hitchcock
markpierce I found the show interesting. My girlfriend was a bit irritated on the harping on Horseshoe Curve. "It doesn't come close to Tehachapi," she exclaimed. I said "now, now, you've got to remember that Horseshoe Curve was constructed decades before the Tehachapi loop, and Easterners have little comprehension of mountains (as if one could compare the Appalachians to the Rockires, Sierras, or Cascades.") Mark
I found the show interesting. My girlfriend was a bit irritated on the harping on Horseshoe Curve. "It doesn't come close to Tehachapi," she exclaimed. I said "now, now, you've got to remember that Horseshoe Curve was constructed decades before the Tehachapi loop, and Easterners have little comprehension of mountains (as if one could compare the Appalachians to the Rockires, Sierras, or Cascades.")
...not to mention that it would be a little strange to feature Tehachapi on a program about Norfolk Southern's coal operations in the Appalachians!
markpierce Easterners have little comprehension of mountains (as if one could compare the Appalachians to the Rockires, Sierras, or Cascades.") Mark
Easterners have little comprehension of mountains (as if one could compare the Appalachians to the Rockires, Sierras, or Cascades.")
Ah, yes, but westerners can't ski on ice.
Is it political correctness to let someone know that folks may not read their post because of a poor choice of fonts and colors that makes reading difficult? I find that it is more polite when posting to avoid all caps, colors, and funny fonts, as they are harder to read.
So by your definition, when I hold a door open for someone, is that being politically correct, or simply polite?
Based on your comments, I'll be sure to not hold a door open for you if we get the chance to meet in person (and odds are you'll call me rude). Ca la vie, you only get one chance to make a first impression.
Per the show, I was able to watch it as well last night on DVR. It was worth watching from my perspective, although I have to agree with the comments on the camera speed and the host. Overall though, for a "free" tv show, I'm looking forward to more editions.
Cheers
I'm trying to model 1956, not live in it.
lvanhen Scarpia davefinger Thanks for your input, but in all honesty, your text is annoying and horrible to read. All caps is considered to be shouting, and is generally not considered good net etiquette. Also,the font, color, and background color you have selected don't encourage the reader to go through your thoughts and respond. Caps can also be used to emphasize a point. This "politically correct" B S makes me sick!!
Scarpia davefinger Thanks for your input, but in all honesty, your text is annoying and horrible to read. All caps is considered to be shouting, and is generally not considered good net etiquette. Also,the font, color, and background color you have selected don't encourage the reader to go through your thoughts and respond.
davefinger
Thanks for your input, but in all honesty, your text is annoying and horrible to read. All caps is considered to be shouting, and is generally not considered good net etiquette. Also,the font, color, and background color you have selected don't encourage the reader to go through your thoughts and respond.
Caps can also be used to emphasize a point. This "politically correct" B S makes me sick!!
Actually this has nothing to do with Political Correctness. The points he made or the words he used weren't being put down, it was simply noted that choosing a huge font - and then putting the entire entry in caps (which indeed is shouting - use bold or underline or italics to emphasize a point) isn't a good choice.
jeffrey-wimberlylvanhenThis "politically correct" B S makes me sick!!
Robert Beaty
The Laughing Hippie
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The CF-7...a waste of a perfectly good F-unit!
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the
end of your tunnel, Was just a freight train coming
your way. -Metallica, No Leaf Clover
cooltech Loved the show and I enjoyed the host! He was totally into all that made the train for that type of hauling work!! Must make a trip to Horseshoe Curve. Did any one watch the bullet train episode afterwards? cooltech
Loved the show and I enjoyed the host! He was totally into all that made the train for that type of hauling work!! Must make a trip to Horseshoe Curve.
Did any one watch the bullet train episode afterwards?
I liked Extreme Trains alot, because I love railroads, and model railroading, and have all my life!
cooltechDid any one watch the bullet train episode afterwards?
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam