Ed,
Do you really think anyone else besides railfans were tuned in last night? I like your take on the matter, however, I beg to differ.
Very informative? Yes... Although, not entirely accurate. The segment on how dynamic brakes work had me shaking my head in disapproval.
Ted M.
got trains?™
See my photos at: http://tedmarshall.rrpicturearchives.net/
RJ
"Something hidden, Go and find it. Go and look behind the ranges, Something lost behind the ranges. Lost and waiting for you. Go." The Explorers - Rudyard Kipling
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I knew someone would notice! LOL! While I didn't get to work on this show, I did screen it in my Avid at work last week and saw the backwards shot. I tried to get it changed but the higher ups vetoed that idea. You would be surprised what goes into a simple fix like that when you're a couple days before air.
I had some free time tonight at work, and found a nice surprise digging around our Avid Unity Server. BNSF - Freight Trains. Looks like Ep 5 has become next Tuesday's Ep. 2. I was looking forward to this one, as BNSF has recently caught my eye, and is the first non-subway really pulling at me. I loved the show. Those of you that enjoyed the first episode, I think will like this one even more. Those of you that didn't like it...well it's trains. A bad train show has to be better than a good non-train show but personally I really enjoyed this episode. I learned a lot about the Badger Lift Bridge in Ca., great stuff going through Cajon Pass, a cool segment on swapping out a turbo charger and much more. A few spots where I cringed at Matt's over-excitement but overall I liked his enthusiasm. Not your father's train show, and I think that's a good thing! I think this show will be a winner, and has a good chance to bring non-train people in. After watching this, I am ready to order a couple BNSF AC4400's from MTH or Lionel!
Now step into the Wayback Machine and tell me how many of you caught the same thing happen in the movie Biloxi Blues? Remember near the beginning of the movie the train crosses a bridge at the end the train comes back across the same bridge but this time the lettering is backwards.
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NYSubway18 [clip] A bad train show has to be better than a good non-train show " . . . [clip]
Yessir, you betcha ! Especially when the "non-train" shows aren't that good, either these days.
Thanks for the "heads-up" on the BNSF epsiode for next Tuesday, too. Maybe I'll do what my Dad used to when watching ball games - mute the TV's volume, and listen to it on the radio instead !
- Paul North.
BigJimNow step into the Wayback Machine and tell me how many of you caught the same thing happen in the movie Biloxi Blues? Remember near the beginning of the movie the train crosses a bridge at the end the train comes back across the same bridge but this time the lettering is backwards
When that engine was being moved to the location for filming it had to go around a wye leg. The railroad management insisted that the rails be greased to get the steamer around the wye. I pointed out that the driver wheelbase of the 4-6-2 was shorter than the wheelbase of an EMD 6 axle engine and that during steam days, the railroad operated 4-8-4's and 2-10-2's around that wye every day, without grease. They still greased the wye.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
The show to me was alright. Never knew which train he was on. Either they showed the train with the 3-unit lash-up or the 2 unit-lash-up on the head-end. Or they showed the 2 unit helper set or the 4 unit helper set.
The coal loading segment was neat. Never saw one in operation so that was new to me. Even the off loading of the coal was imformative. I wish they would have went into the loading (how the coal got to the chutes, where they stored the coal, ect) of the coal hoppers.
The shops at Junaita (sp) are massive. You can tell the seriousness when they lifted the WHOLE ENGINE off the ground by looking at the employees faces.
The wheel change-out at North Platte was impressive. I wish i wasnt so confused on which wheel they actually changed. First it was the first wheel, then they showed the second wheel being changed and then when it was all said and done, it was the first wheel changed out. They never explained what they were torching when they first showed that segment. Im assuming some kind of pin but later when the car was being set down, he said that the car just rested on the wheel. Im confused on that one. Maybe ill start a thread on that one.
All-in-all, i would rate it as a C-minus. Somewhat informative, somewhat entertaining, but confusing. Even coming from a rail buff. I'll watch the other shows just because they have to deal with trains. Not that often you see shows about the hobby that we all like.
I'll be the first to say (write) this, the host needs to take his Ritalin before he does these shows.
Paul
http://www.youtube.com/user/pavabo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulvbox
It was nice to see rail operations in a part of our country I'll never get to visit. But, like many of you, the host was to rah-rah for me. He'd be a good fit on ESPN as a "color analyst".
Soo 6604but later when the car was being set down, he said that the car just rested on the wheel. Im confused on that one. Maybe ill start a thread on that one.
I may not know the exact terms of the parts but generally, the axle and wheel assembly with the bearing assembly parts in place....is set on the rails and the truck assembly {on the rail car}, is lowered down onto the axle...wheel...bearing assy., and it fits together and held in place by it's design and the weight of the rail car and load.
Quentin
ModelcarSoo 6604but later when the car was being set down, he said that the car just rested on the wheel. Im confused on that one. Maybe ill start a thread on that one. I may not know the exact terms of the parts but generally, the axle and wheel assembly with the bearing assembly parts in place....is set on the rails and the truck assembly {on the rail car}, is lowered down onto the axle...wheel...bearing assy., and it fits together and held in place by it's design and the weight of the rail car and load.
James
The Butler Modelcar Soo 6604but later when the car was being set down, he said that the car just rested on the wheel. Im confused on that one. Maybe ill start a thread on that one. I may not know the exact terms of the parts but generally, the axle and wheel assembly with the bearing assembly parts in place....is set on the rails and the truck assembly {on the rail car}, is lowered down onto the axle...wheel...bearing assy., and it fits together and held in place by it's design and the weight of the rail car and load. That's interesting. I was under th impression the entire truck assembly was one unit and the rail car sat on the truck's bolster. The weight of the car keeps it in place. I'm more than likely wrong.
Modelcar Soo 6604but later when the car was being set down, he said that the car just rested on the wheel. Im confused on that one. Maybe ill start a thread on that one. I may not know the exact terms of the parts but generally, the axle and wheel assembly with the bearing assembly parts in place....is set on the rails and the truck assembly {on the rail car}, is lowered down onto the axle...wheel...bearing assy., and it fits together and held in place by it's design and the weight of the rail car and load.
It is just like it showed,thats why at derailments you see wheels and trucks separated,they come apart when they come off the car bolster...
The Butler That's interesting. I was under th impression the entire truck assembly was one unit and the rail car sat on the truck's bolster. The weight of the car keeps it in place. I'm more than likely wrong
Yes, the truck assy. does allow the car to set on it's bolster and a pin fitting up into the car structure to keep the truck assy. in place and of course allowing it to rotate thru curves, etc....
The Axle has the wheels permanently pressed in place and then making that ready to be installed to a "truck assy", the bearings / fittings assy., must be in place...on the axle ends.....and that is designed to properly fit into the truck structure as it is lowerd down onto the wheel / axle assy. The weight and bearing fittings and truck design serve to keep the axle assy in place.
I'm not the expert, just believe that's the way it is designed and how it fits together....Hope we're close in describing it.
Thanks Modelcar,
Im glad you explained like that !
No, unfortunately I didn't get to work on this show. I'm an editor at the network level, and these shows come in from a supplier pretty much done. In a case like this, we are just doing a final prep for air. There are nine of us though, so I didn't even get to do that on this one - but if its slow I usually have access to whatever is being worked on that day from within our Avid server. I watched the NS episode in my system last week, and the other day I watched the BNSF episode.
For those of you that are so up in arms over the style of the show, it is clear you haven't watched a new prime-time show on History in about 2 years. This is the style that has their ratings up big time for the first time in a long time. Ice Road Truckers, shot much the same way broke all of their ratings records. I also think this show is geared towards guys that aren't as up on how railroading works as many of you. Ask me about the subways and I could give you chapter and verse - although I have a lot to learn there still as well. No matter how much one knows about a subject I think there is always something more one could learn. If I only got one new piece of information out of a show on trains, it's one more thing I didn't know yesterday. I've only recently become big-time interested in mainline railroading, and don't know a lot - just as 95% of History's viewers probably don't know a lot about railroads. If the show does well, and I think it will hopefully it will open the door to more historical or serious railroading shows. Railroading is a huge part of our country's history, and there are a lot of us train nuts out there. If this series can bring in some new train enthusiasts they may be open to more involved show on trains. This is how tv works. If the show gets good ratings, History will see there is a lot of interest in the subject. Then they will start working on other shows on trains. Why do you think there are so many UFO shows or reality-type shows on the network? The first ones did real well, and many more came down the pipeline.Besides other shows on trains I hope they continue this series past the initial 8. I'd love to see a well-done show on the New York City Subways. 2 are really needed. An Extreme Trains episode on NY Subways and an updated subway documentary. It's been a long time since Empire Beneath the Streets - originally done in '94 I think.
NYSubway18For those of you that are so up in arms over the style of the show, it is clear you haven't watched a new prime-time show on History in about 2 years. This is the style that has their ratings up big time for the first time in a long time. Ice Road Truckers, shot much the same way broke all of their ratings records.
Chris I respect your thoughts on the railroad TV presentation.
I have watched occasionally, the Ice Road Truckers and I don't think it has been hosted with such a silly presentation. But that's my opinion. Yes I think there is quite a bit of hype to it but not in such a silly manner as the Tuesday night railroad presentation.
PS: And I too would enjoy seeing a good presentation of The NYC Subway operations.
I agree with you Modelcar. If any of you watch fishing shows around this area, the host almost reminded me of John Gillespie.
Granted I didn't expect the show to be like a Pentrex or other such type show. I'm looking forward to future episodes to see if that was a fluke or how it'll be the whole time.
Ice Road Truckers seemed to mainly feature the drivers doing the commentary (IIRC) and they had a much lower key or more reserved way of speaking. No hosts jumped between rigs and asked questions like "Are you scared?"
Dan
CNW 6000 No hosts jumped between rigs and asked questions like "Are you scared?"
.......Amen.
After following this thread, I had a chance to watch the show last night (thank you DVR). I do not think we are the target audience. The host was very much like the hosts of shows aimed at 5 to 15 year olds. He kept it up and exciting to help keep interest and maybe those watching would learn something with out knowing they did. I know a 12 year old who totally enjoyed it and she kept saying, "I didn't know that!"
P.S She, also, thought the host was "cute."
I spend a lot of time watching The History Channel.
I've grown tired of Ice Road Truckers, but fear and danger were an intregal part of that series. Truckers got lost in the cold, etc. It doesn't seem to be all that dangerous, but they played that part up to keep things interesting.
They also made up a contest to see who could drive the most hours on ice without adequate rest to keep things interesting.
R. Lee Ermy is a HC regular host. He does military history stuff. Last evening he had a show tracing the development of military rifles. In one moment he exclaimed "Yes, Yes, Now we've got some real firepower." Kind of over the top if you're into military history and/or gun collecting. He then went on to explain the details of an '03 Sringfield, the rifle used by US Troops in WWI. He shot a watermellon with an '03. He shoots a lot of watermellons.
He hams it up quite a bit, but he makes the show interesting and gets people to watch. And those that do watch will learn how US forces are armed - which is something relavent in making voting decisions in today's combative world.
I think the HC is doing the same thing with "Extreme Trains". First off, there's nothing "Extreme" about these trains. The are everyday, efficient, safe operations that keep the US going. But not a lot of folks are going to watch a show titled "Plain Old Trains". So they hype it a bit, so what?
They hype the title and the presentation. That's just what they have to do to get people to watch. People can't learn if they don't watch.
I'm really looking forward to the show featuring the Railex perishable trains.
greyhounds I think the HC is doing the same thing with "Extreme Trains". First off, there's nothing "Extreme" about these trains. The are everyday, efficient, safe operations that keep the US going. But not a lot of folks are going to watch a show titled "Plain Old Trains". So they hype it a bit, so what?
Extreme Trains program is welcome to most of us railfans. We say thanks for presenting the subject. Not many {networks do}.
As for the comment of "nothing extreme about these trains":
The first program that dealt with operation on the "hill" from Altoona to the Summit deals with ordinary {heavy}, coal trains. They are not "extreme", but the conditions under which they operate is serious business of operations and if it's not run as such there will be trouble.
There are conditions to follow up and down that 12 mi. of mountain railroading that has lots of fine details of how to control such loading decending and then different details of how to get the heavy train up said grade successfully. Explaining these details would be of great interest to railfans and perhaps some general TV watchers.
And if it was done in an accurate manner it would be very interesting to many who would just like to know how it's really accomplished.
The silly approach that was used {and that we've been talking about}, was over the top and very boring. I suppose, it entertains a certain group and if that is what it takes to keep it on the air, I suppose they will continue to program it as such. It's their show. And money to produce it.
Just my opinion.
Modelcar CNW 6000 No hosts jumped between rigs and asked questions like "Are you scared?" .......Amen.
I dont know if they are aired nationaly or not but does anyone here watch Public TV? (PBS) They were running a program called Tracks Ahead (which Kalmbach publishers sponsored) it is more laid back and the hosts are more reserved..It comes on at 10:00 pm I think every night..I dont catch it to often because I watch the news(Im an old guy.. Ha !)
The programs covered are prototype and model RR's of all kinds..
Also has anyone watched the RFD ch? They also have train shows on Sat mornings..The schedules I gave for both are in CST zones..May be different in other TZ...Catch'm if you can...
videomakerI dont know if they are aired nationaly or not but does anyone here watch Public TV? (PBS) They were running a program called Tracks Ahead (which Kalmbach publishers sponsored) it is more laid back and the hosts are more reserved
Yes, we've seen "Tracks Ahead" in the past. Hosted by Spencer Christian, and I remember he did a very decent job of presenting the program.
It has aired here in our area in the past and perhaps still does {on PBS}, but I just don't know if it's on now. I believe it probably was broadcast via network nationally.
No hosts jumped between rigs and asked questions like "Are you scared?"
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
videomaker Also has anyone watched the RFD ch? They also have train shows on Sat mornings..The schedules I gave for both are in CST zones..May be different in other TZ...Catch'm if you can...
The program you're referring to is "Trains & Locomotives" which airs on Mondays at 6:00 PM ET and re-airs at various times throughout the week. The content is videos produced by many of the same firms that advertise in the Kalmbach publications (Herron, Mark I, etc). I've been watching it whenever I can for over five years and I have really enjoyed it.
Mike
I agree with some of the previous posters that the show is good overall, however, the host (even if he's trying to appeal to a younger audience) was "over the top" to the point of almost being annoying. As I stated on another thread, you could see the look on the Engineer's and Conductor's faces on the pusher unit on the first episode when the host went into a "Golly Batman!" styled tirade.
Still, Is it a good show? Yes, of course it is.
BTW: The History Channel's PR personnel do appreciate feedback on these shows. I emailed them mine regarding the show and the host. This is the automated response that I just got from them.
From: ae.viewerrelations@aetv.com
Thank you for submitting a QUESTION/COMMENT through our automated FAQ Wizard.We will do our best to send your inquiry to appropriate contacts at A&E Television Networks.Thanks again for clicking with us!Truly,Viewer RelationsA&E Television Networks
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BaltACD To even ask the question 'Are you scared?' does a total disservice to not only the host's experience as a railroader, but it belittles the training and experience of those that are being asked the question in connection with operating a tonnage train over mountainous territory.
To even ask the question 'Are you scared?' does a total disservice to not only the host's experience as a railroader, but it belittles the training and experience of those that are being asked the question in connection with operating a tonnage train over mountainous territory.
Very good point; I totally agree. I was thinking to myself: "this guy can't really be a railroader" having asked that. What do you suppose would've happened if the engineer had actually answered "yes, I'm scared"?
videomaker HEADS UP ! While watching the History ch today they ran this ad,showed some eastern rwys smashing cars and stuff...Extreme Train, Tues.11-11-08 10/9 central...
HEADS UP !
While watching the History ch today they ran this ad,showed some eastern rwys smashing cars and stuff...Extreme Train, Tues.11-11-08 10/9 central...
ROUND 2 TONIGHT ! 10/9 CENTRAL ! Freight Train
LET''S DONT FORGET !
videomakerAlso has anyone watched the RFD ch? They also have train shows on Sat mornings..The schedules I gave for both are in CST zones..May be different in other TZ...Catch'm if you can...
Trains & Locomotives is on Mondays 6PM Eastern (and is set in my DVR). They had a really good show of the Super Chief and I saved it. Too bad the Hard Drive in it died.
SC64
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