Featuring 2 Shows on 1 Disc! * Amtrak Across America: 25th Anniversary* Amtrak's X2000 DemonstrationFrom the early years when a rainbow mix of motive power and passenger cars pioneered its debut service, Amtrak has been a subject of avid interest to railfans. We celebrate the first twenty-five years of Amtrak history with two special documentaries. Included on this Combo DVD are: Amtrak Across America; 25th Anniversary. Climb aboard for a tribute to the first quarter century of America's national passenger train service. Amtrak's colorful history rolls across the screen, from the earliest years to the Genesis locomotives and high-speed corridors of the 1990s. Historic footage of passenger trains prior to Amtrak sets the stage. Then you'll see great views of Amtrak as it evolved. Highlights include the Southwest Chief, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, Desert Wind, Sunset Limited, and other well known trains as they travel on the Northeast Corridor, the Hudson Division, Horse Shoe Curve, Chicago Hub, and other famous routes. Travel to scenic locations across the country to see Amtrak at its finest! Amtrak's X2000 Demonstration.Amtrak's search for new equipment to serve the Northeast Corridor allowed ABB-Traction to demonstrate its futuristic X2000 trainset. After initial testing, the X2000 began scheduled revenue service in February 1993, running from Washington, D.C. to New York City and occasionally on to New Haven and back. The sleek, high-speed train amazed everyone with its looks, speed, and ride. Pentrex takes you aboard the train to see how its radial self-steering trucks, car body tilt functions, and regenerative braking systems operate. A cab ride gives you an idea what it's like to zip down the corridor at 135 mph. Then we go trackside and airborne for shots of the train racing through the countryside. Join Pentrex for a ride on Amtrak's X2000 Demonstration! by Pentrex 60 mins * colour * Narration Regular Price £ 25.00 NEW RELEASE OFFER £18.00 until 19th April |
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The Milwaukee Road was a Class One railroad that operated until 1986. The Milwaukee had most of its presence in the Midwest with many branch lines and secondary routes. This classic railroad sported many different locomotives on its roster and played an important part in the Midwest economy. Photographer Fred Crissey captured several Midwestern Milwaukee Road lines in the 1970's, and in Volume 2 of The Milwaukee Road, C. Vision features Fred's films in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota and North Dakota. Enjoy the sites of trains on Milwaukee's main line from Montevideo, Minnesota to Hettinger, North Dakota along with the New England Line. Fred even captures Milwaukee Road's Bicentennial painted SD-40 dash two as it leads a train across northeastern South Dakota! Then we view several scenes of Milwaukee Road trains running via trackage rights on the ex-Northern Pacific's Skally Line from Superior, Wisconsin south toward the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Then several trains are seen around St. Paul and St. Croix Tower in Minnesota along with the branch to Stillwater, Minnesota and the main line along the Mississippi River! Also, trains encounter the tunnel at Tunnel City, Wisconsin. Finally, we view Milwaukee's Rapid City line from Mitchell to Murdo, South Dakota. Great Milwaukee Road action is here for you to enjoy in "The Milwaukee Road, Volume 2." by C. Visio Productions 76 mins * colour * Narration Regular Price £ 21.00 NEW RELEASE OFFER £20.00 until 19th April |
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The Milwaukee Road was a Class One railroad that operated until 1986. The Milwaukee had most of its presence in the Midwest with many branch lines and secondary routes. This classic railroad sported many different locomotives on its roster and played an important part in the Midwest economy. Photographer Fred Crissey captured several Midwestern Milwaukee Road lines in the 1970's, and in Volume 1 of The Milwaukee Road, C. Vision features Fred's films in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. You will be amazed when you see 4 SW-1 locomotives pulling a local freight between Rushford and Austin, Minnesota. Also, GP-20's are in charge of a train between Marquette and Mason City, Iowa. Then we capture trains along the Mississippi River from Savanna, Illinois and northward in Iowa. It is on this line that "F" units were charge of freights! Fred also followed the Milwaukee Road from Kansas City, Missouri to Ottumwa, Iowa just after the Soo Line purchased the Milwaukee in 1986. Finally, you will enjoy the action on two Wisconsin Branch Lines from 1978. An SD-9 works the Mineral Point to Janesville train and SD-10 number 555 is in charge of the Sparta to Viroqua train. Great Milwaukee Road action is here for you to enjoy in C. Vision Productions "The Milwaukee Road, Volume 1." by CVision Productions 80 mins * colour * narrated Was £21 - Re-release offer £15 |
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The Canadian Pacific purchased both the Dakota Minnesota and Eastern and sister railroad, Iowa Chicago and Eastern in October of 2007. Ownership formally changed hands in 2009. Although the Iowa Chicago and Eastern had a short life, the railroad changed the face of the former Milwaukee Road lines in Illinois and Iowa. In this program, Marshall Beecher follows the IC&E's route from Chicago to Savanna, Illinois. In our journey, witness the variety of traffic the IC&E ran on their Chicago Sub., their gateway to the windy city. The tour will begin on the rails of the Belt Railway of Chicago, the windy city terminus for most of IC&E's trains, and will cover their movements on Metra/CP's Elgin Sub. back to home rails west towards Savanna, Illinois. From heavy ethanol extras to small wayfreights, you will see many sequences of IC&E trains showcasing a variety of locomotive lashups, from solid sets of'blues' to mixed consists of CP Action Red and DM&E power, the sight of their all-EMD roster powering trains across the Land of Lincoln isa sight to be seen! Pre and post-CP takeover footage is featured, so don't miss one more look at a unique fallen flag in A Tribute to the Iowa, Chicago and Eastern, Volume 1: Illinois! by C. Visio Productions 113 mins * colour * Narration Regular Price £ 21.00 NEW RELEASE OFFER £20.00 until 19th April |
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Although it starts in a grey day in March, 1998, this is a fascinating ride from Bakersfield to Barstow over Tehachapi Pass. Eight units power the Z NBYWSP-9, BNSF's hottest train, with C40-8W #861 on the point. The view is straight ahead from Caliente to Mojave, but with many roving camera shots, especially around the famous loop. The conductor provides information on the line to a trainee. The video was taped by Roy Knighton, a transportation specialist, who has ridden and taped on the head end of a number of trains. by Highball Productions 2 HOURS 17 mins * colour Widescreen Regular Price £ 21.00 |
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Tehachapi Loop, one of the seven railroad wonders of the world, and a favorite railfan location, sees trains of the Union Pacific and BNSF Railway looping over themselves as they struggle to gain height in their crossing of California's rugged Tehachapi Mountains. by Highball Productions 105 mins * colour * narration * Widescreen |
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BNSF's Dickinson Sub runs from Glendaive, Montana to Dickinson,North Dakota on the old Northern Pacific main line.Traffic is mostly unit coal trains to and from the Powder River coal basin, led by SD70MAC's, SD70ACe's and GE's new ES44'. Some older power can be seen, including a couple of warbonnets.The line runs through the North Dakota Badlands, which provide interesting backgrounds for the hard working trains. by Highball Productions 90 mins * colour * narration * Widescreen |
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Trains around Fort Worth and Dallas. Locations include Tower 55, Tower 60, Saginaw, Dallas Union Station, the Trinity River Bridge and Irving. Railroads include UP, BNSF, TRE, DART, DFW&W, DGW and Amtrak. 4 railroads use gensets, and we see them all. by Highball Productions 120 mins o colour o narration o Widescreen |
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UP & BNSF through the spectacular scenery of the Feather River Canyon between Oroville and Portola, California. Famous locations include Serpentine Canyon, Williams Loop, Pulga, James, the trestles at Keddie, Clio and Rock Creek, all in perfect weather. by Highball Productions 90 mins o colour o narration o Widescreen |
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An Alaskan Rail Adventure Ride the Alaska Railway's premier passenger train, the Denali Star, from Anchorage to Fairbanks. On the way, you'll see the scenery from the train, the train in the scenery, the wildlife, flowers, Denali National Park, and as a bonus feature, take a ski-plane ride to the glaciers of magnificent Mount McKinley. A program the whole family will enjoy. This is sure to be another popular DVD as it combines Highball's great photography of trains and an eye on the fantastic scenery and wildlife. It follows on from the very popular Rails to the Kenai - An Alaskan Rail Adventure. by Highball Productions 76 minutes * colour * Features narration on/off |
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Join us for a March, 1998 legal cab ride over California's Cajon Pass on board BNSF C44-9W #1018, on train ZLACMEM. The BN-ATSF merger is young, and most of the power seen is warbonnet or bluebonnet. The view is straight ahead with some roving camera shots, and you'll hear radio chatter and conversation in the cab. A student engineer is running the train, conversation includes advice on train handling. by Highball Productions 120 mins * colour * narration |
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BNSF recently finished triple tracking Cajon Pass in California, one of the premier train watching locations in the world. We take a look at the new triple track Cajon, with favorite locations Keenbrook, Blue Cut, Sullivanís Curve, Mormon Rocks, "The Hill", Summit and Frost, as well as some new locations. We'll see the latest power from both BNSF and UP, and see a number of meets as well as trains grinding up the pass. Awesome! by Highball Productions 115 mins * colour * narration * Widescreen |
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- A Route 66 Rail Adventure Well, this one's a bit different. Elrond Lawrence's book "Route 66 Railway" convinced me that I should go take a look and see what was left of Route 66's artifacts. Disc 1 takes a look at California, from San Bernardino, over Cajon, through Victorville to Barstow, and across the Mojave to Needles and the bridge at Topok. Disc 2 takes a look at Arizona, from Kingman Canyon to Flagstaff and on to Canyon Diablo, Winslow, Holbrook and the the NM border at Lupton. In addition to the trains, you'll see neon, abandoned gas stations, tourist traps and restored depots. by Highball Productions 3 Hours 2 DVD Set * colour * narration * Widescreen |
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See zebra-striped switch engines and GP9s; and blue & yellow F-units, GP9s, U-Boats, GP35s, SD45s, and F45s in this fantastic collection of Santa Fe training and promotional films from the 1950s and 1970s! You’ll also see a welded rail train, a track geometry car, repair shows, icing docks, and much, much more. Each of the six films included in this program is a vintage gem! Here’s what you’ll experience in Workin’ on the Santa Fe: Team Effort. Track repairmen learn safe handling techniques for the many tools they’ll use, such as the spike maul, pick and sledge, claw bar, lining bar, rail fork, and others. Count the Seconds. Yard workers learn what happens when safety isn’t uppermost in mind as they work around moving equipment! The Continuing Challenge. Santa Fe mounted a camera underneath an empty car to find out why derailments occurred on high-speed trains in 1974, with shocking results! Barstow: Nerve Center in the Desert. See the construction efforts that enabled Santa Fe to move 4,000 cars in and out of the new yard at Barstow every day. Pay Day. This 1950s film shows what happens when loading, locking down, coupling, and taking up slack aren’t done right! The Argentine Yard. A Design for Tomorrow. Santa Fe’s new systems process up to 3,100 cars a day, twice as many as before computerization. Enjoy this nostalgic trip back in time as you explore one of the all-time favorite fallen flags. You’re Workin’ on the Santa Fe! 90 mins colour Narration Regular price £21.00 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 17th July 2009 - £10 |
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In 2001, Pentrex was proud to release six rare Union Pacific publicity and safety training films that had never before been presented to the general public. Now this classic collection is available to you on one DVD. Produced by the Union Pacific during the 1970s, these films bring you a nostalgic view into the day-to-day workings of a railroading icon. Included on this disc are: The Trainmaster: Man on the Move. Travel throughout the UP system to experience the challenges faced by Trainmasters as they keep the railroad running smoothly. Wired for Safety. This safety training film for railroad electricians includes glimpses of Centennial locomotive 6902 and E-unit 954. Careful, Carman! Employees working on freight cars learn safe practices and procedures in this instructional film. Rails on the Move. Follow the progress of a steel rail from its manufacture, through welding into strings, to installation in the field. Watch each machine perform its step in the rail-laying process. Ride on a welded rail train as it curves through the mountains on a Utah branch line. Track Team. Produced to instruct track workers about safety procedures, this film covers the use of hand tools, power machinery, and motor cars. Freight Car Pit Stop. Visit a mechanized car repair facility and learn how it functions to keep the freight car fleet on the road. These vintage films take you back a generation yet they are as entertaining and informational today as they were 30 years ago! You’re Workin’ on the Union Pacific! 95 mins colour & b/w Narration Regular price £21.00 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 17th July 2009 - £10 |
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This collection of rare training and PR films was produced by the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1950s and Pentrex is proud to present them together for the first time ever! Early diesels, including E- and F-Units, PAs, and F-Ms dominate the motive roster, many in Black Widow paint scheme. Included are: Men, Wheels and Power. SP takes you on a grand tour of its motive power and car maintenance departments where you’ll observe new car construction, including SP’s first dome car; visit foundries where iron wheels and brass journals are manufactured; explore the shops where freight cars are reconditioned; and visit stations and yards from Eugene to El Paso. 27 minutes. Color. One Spot System of Car Repair. The mechanized car repair shed at its Roseville Yard allowed SP to get Bad Order cars back on the rails fast. You’ll see how the three-track shed and its automated systems worked, including a truly speedy truck replacement system! 12 minutes. Color. Progress Through Safety. Protecting against the uncontrolled movement of cars and engines is the subject of this safety training film. After looking at the fatal consequences of failing to comply with safety rules, SP operators are shown the precise sequence of steps to follow for securing engines and setting out cars on grades. 15 minutes. B&W. The Lost Picnic. The California Highway Patrol and the SP Safety Training Department teamed up to present this public service film that shows viewers what happens when crossing signals warnings are not heeded! 23 minutes. Color. This is Piggy-back. Southern Pacific had one of the largest piggyback fleets in the nation and designed its own rolling stock. You’ll see flatcar assembly and specialized equipment such as refrigerator vans, open top vans, and sliding top vans. A trip to a brewery in San Francisco demonstrates how the combined use of truck and train made overnight delivery to distributors in Southern California possible. 23 minutes. Color. 100 mins colour & b/w Narration Regular price £21.00 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 17th July 2009 - £10 |
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Hershey is on Union Pacfic's quadruple track just east of O'Fallons, Nebraska and is the busiest piece of freight railroad in the world, with up to 140 trains a day in busy periods. With so many trains, meets are common, as are multiple trains and even side-by-sides. Amazing action! by Highball Productions 105 minutes. * colour * Narration Ref D406 |
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Visit Canada from 1939 to 1973 from New Brunswick to Vancouver Island. We bring lots of steam and the early diesels in both freight and passenger service. Many maps and special diagrams were specially prepared to highlight the features in this video. The film sources are numerous from many of the most famous rail fans that were active from the 1940s through the 1970s. See steam, electric and early diesel action from coast to coast! In-cab and trackside action brings you great scenery and a nostalgic look of stations and even tracks that disappeared years ago. CANADIAN PACIFIC CANADIAN NATIONAL DEUX MONTAGNES ELECTRICS QRL&P RAILWAY QUEBEC CENTRAL ESQUIMALT & NANAIMO LOGGING LINES PACIFIC GREAT EASTERN CP SHIPS Lots of history and the best locations such as Banff, Lake Louise, Kicking Horse Pass Spiral Tunnels and Crowsnest Pass in the days of steam and diesel. Also, the Pacific Great Eastern Railway, Grand Trunk, Central Vermont, Soo Line logging lines and much more! by Charles Smiley 1 hour 29 minutes. * colour * Narration Regular Price £ 21.00 |
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Norfolk Southern's Christiansburg and Whitethorn Districts of the New River Division. A rare oportunity to see both eastbounds and westbounds on the normally eastbound Whitethorn District. Coal trains and manifests, and intermodals on the east end of the Christiansburg District. by Highball Productions 90 mins * colour * Features narration on/off Regular Price £ 21.00 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 29TH MAY £20.00 |
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Travel along with C. Vision Productions as we tour the Canadian Pacific's River Subdivision in eastern Minnesota. The River Sub is an ex-Milwaukee Road main line that travels along the western banks of the Mississippi River from St. Paul to La Crescent. This magnificent area is full of beauty and nature, which provides numerous photo opportunities. The River Sub handles many different types of trains from the Canadian Pacific. Adding to the mix, I & M Rail Link trains operate over the River Sub via trackage rights on its St. Paul to Kansas City route. Amtrak's "Empire Builder" uses this line for its route between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest. Coal trains delivered to the C.P. by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe retain BNSF power adding to the mix. Plus, see Soo Line locomotives in charge of trains as they once were before Canadian Pacific purchased the Soo. Bluffs, valleys, bald eagles, barges and trains...the River Sub has it all! Experience railroad action from a different landscape that the Midwest has to offer. All of this and more in "Canadian Pacific, Along the Mighty Mississippi"! by C. Vision Productions 84 mins * colour * narration Regular Price £ 20.00 |
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Join C. Vision Productions as we head to the Iron Range in Minnesota and visit the Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range railroad. This classic ore hauling railroad operates with stunning maroon and gold locomotives that pass through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state! Our cameras capture the Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range in its final months before the rail line was bought out by the CN Railway in the spring of 2004. We follow movement on the Missabe Division from Duluth to the Minntac facility at Mt. Iron. You will also see T-Bird trains running from the Thunderbird North Mine in Eveleth to the recently reopened United Taconite Plant in Forbes. We then take you on a tour of the Iron Range Division from Iron Junction to Two Harbors. DM&IR's rebuilt tunnel motor SD-40 dash 3's are accompanied by SD-38's and the Missabe's rebuilt SD-9 and SD-18 locomotives. You'll experience even more variety as you watch BNSF and CN "All-Rail" trains that traverse the DM&IR. This DVD truly captures a time in history that can never be replaced. The Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range railroad shines in this documentary as C. Vision Productions captures its movements in The Last Days. by CVision Productions 100 mins * colour * narration Regular Price £ 20.00 |
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Experience a part of history as you watch the Chicago & North Western operating on its west end lines before certain sections were abandoned and the Union Pacific Railroad took over. You will see historic footage of the Norfolk to Chadron line with the last train before its abandonment on Dec. 1, 1992. Other action includes coal trains in Wyoming and local runs to Crawford, Nebraska, and up the Colony Line to South Dakota. by C. Vision Productions 85 mins * colour * narration Regular Price £ 19.00 |
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Kansas City is home to some of the most intense railroading anywhere, with upwards of 400 trains a day passing through. We take a look at the old industrial area of The Bottoms, with trains from BNSF, UP, NS & KCT, and spend time at BN Crossing, with trains on three levels and continuous action through the day. Awesome! No narration. by Highball Productions 2 hours 37 minutes. * colour * No narration Regular Price £ 21.00 |
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Union Pacific's Sidney Sub The program starts showing double stack and grain trains grinding up Archer Hill, whilst we can see Cheyenne below in the distance. Multiple units are required to pull the heavy loads up the gradient and up the 'S' bends of the famous Archer Hill. The high plains rise from 2,500 feet to 6,000 feet through this semi arid region. Sit back and watch Union Pacific hotshots, double stacks, grain trains, manifests and coal trains on the high plains of Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska. The Sidney Sub, part of the Overland Route, runs from Cheyenne to North Platte and sees up to 50+ trains a day. Grain elevators decorate the landscape, and make an impressive background to the constant parade of trains. by Highball Productions 105 mins plus previews * colour * Features narration on/off Regular Price £ 20.00 |
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 Dolton Junction, a busy multi-diamond crossing located 20 miles from Downtown Chicago, was a place once synonymous with railroad greats like the Pennsylvania, Chicago and Western Indiana, Missouri Pacific, Louisville and Nashville and the Baltimore and Ohio Chicago Terminal. Times have changed, mergers have occurred and some track arrangements have been made, but one constant remains at Dolton: the endless parade of trains by this still-manned IHB interlocking tower. The Pennsylvania 'Panhandle' Route, now mostly abandoned, has given way to 'hot bottle' moves of the Norfolk Southern on what little bit of this route still exists. Conrail's presence, which was commonly found on the tracks of the Indiana Harbor Belt have also given way to trains of the NS. Missouri Pacific's merger has made their rails now those of Class 1 giant Union Pacific, as they now run the route that was once MoPac/L&N (nee-Chicago and Eastern Illinois) and C&WI. L&N and B&OCT moves are now under the umbrella of CSX, and account for many moves seen on a variety of routes through the busy plant. The Indiana Harbor Belt, which has resisted the change that many other routes have had, was and still is a very busy line, mingling their own traffic with hosted moves from CSX, Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern and even shortline Chicago, Ft. Wayne and Eastern. Dolton's close proximity to UP's Yard Center, CSX's Barr Yard and IHB's Blue Island Yard assists in making this place an outstanding hotspot. Throw in pooled and run-thru power from Santa Fe, BNSF, KCS, FerroMex, Canadian National, Canadian Pacific and the Indiana Railroad's use of Montana Rail Link power and you will witness firsthand why this location is a railfan's paradise. While the look of railroading on the south side of Chicago has changed drastically over the years, the countless parade of trains pounding Dolton's diamonds certainly have not, join us in this look at Dolton Junction in C. Vision's Windy City Rails Volume 5! by C. Vision Productions 120 mins * colour * narration Regular Price £ 21.00 |
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(please state under special instructions which volumes you would like)
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The Iowa, Chicago & Eastern is a Midwest regional formed in 2002 from the I&M Rail Link. The railroad operates on mostly ex Milwaukee Road track in the states of Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. In this show, we'll highlight operations over the entire system. From the beauty of the Mississippi Valley, to the serenity of the Corn Belt, this video has it all. In the summer of 2004 the IC&E re-activated most of the IMRL SD40's and, quite amazingly, SD9 #614. Other locomotives including former IMRL GP9's, SD45's, and of course ICE's SD40-2's and GP40-2's are seen in operation. Watch in awe as former Soo Line GP9 locomotives are seen in mainline local service between Nahant and Clinton, Iowa. From surreal scenes of the moon rising over the Sabula causeway to rotating stop sign- equipped Griswold crossing signals, this video is something to behold. The Milwaukee #261, I&M Rail Link, Illinois Central, Progressive Rail, and CP/Soo are also seen in this show. Regional railroads are an important part of Midwest railroading, and the IC&E's operations are testament to the importance of keeping freight moving across the heartland. With the natural beauty of the land, combined with exceptional trains, this video shows you the best of the Iowa, Chicago and Eastern! by C. Vision Productions 106 mins * colour * narration Regular Price £ 21.00 |
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With footage captured between 1990 and 1992, Powder River Power takes you on a journey from Donkey Creek Junction, Wyoming to Ravenna, Nebraska on the Burlington Northern Railroad. This Ex-Chicago, Burlington and Quincy line hauls mostly Wyoming Powder River Basin Coal, along with intermodal and general freights. In Wyoming, the tracks run along the western slopes of the Black Hills through Newcastle. The line reaches the southwestern corner of South Dakota before encountering the famous Crawford Hill in northwest Nebraska. The tracks continue through the sandhills region of west central Nebraska. C-30 dash 7's, U-30C's, SD-40 dash 2's and LMX B-39 dash 8's, along with Burlington Northern's new SD-60M's and leased Oakway SD-60's put on an awesome show in this presentation. Step back in time and enjoy the parade of Burlington Northern trains in Powder River Power! Regular Price £ 19.00 |
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In 2001, LTV Mining's plant site and dock shut down operations in the arrowhead of Minnesota. In the summer of 2008, Cliffs Erie revived the line for one last time. They brought back the famous set of F-9 locomotives to move taconite fines from the former LTV dock at Taconite Harbor to the Hoyt Lakes mine site for transloading onto trains for the Severstal Steel plant in Baltimore, Maryland. Only a handful of these trains were operated and C. Vision was granted special access to ride in the cab between Taconite Harbor and Tunnel Siding! Not only will you get a chance to view the scenic beauty of northern Minnesota from these 1956 built locomotives, but we also captured several trackside views from Taconite Harbor to Hoyt Lakes, including shots of the very last train that ran on October 28, 2008. The sound of this A-B-B-B-A set of F-9's grinding up the grade out of the Lake Superior dock will amaze any rail enthusiast! You even get to view the train going through the long tunnel from the cab! You won't want to miss this exciting show, as you won't find a set of 5 F-9's in freight service in the United States ever again! If you love F-Units, this video is a must for your collection! by CVision 96 mins * colour * Narration on-off |
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"Roseville to Truckee" is a documentary/entertainment video that gives viewers the best seat in the house as they ride with the crew in the cab of an expedited freight train over the Sierra Nevada mountains. Feel the excitement of riding in the engineers seat as we depart Roseville and head East to Truckee. This hour-long ride brings home all the in-your face railroading action as viewers take this incredible journey along the nostalgic main line between Roseville and Truckee. Experience the challenges engineers face each day while climbing the steep grades up to Donner. Learn some of the amazing history as our story tells how Chinese laborers carved the path for the rail bed along solid granite ledges and how track was laid by rail gangs through snow and ice over the Sierras. Feel goose bumps as you ride along those lofty granite ledges where sweeping panoramic vistas are set to the emotions of soft mesmerizing music. See dark solid granite interiors inside historic tunnels where builders chipped and blasted their way clear through whole mountain sides. Feel the cool shadows inside the snow sheds where rays of light filter through the sturdy wooden beams and icicles hang from the ceilings. See all the historic towns built along this famous route as we pass through Auburn, Colfax, Cape Horn, Alta, Blue Canyon, Cisco, and finally, Donner Pass. Then, arriving in Truckee where our camera crew ends their journey, the train crew continues on with a blast of the horn and a wave goodbye. Roseville to Truckee was produced by a local producer with the permission of Union Pacific Railroad for the purpose of documenting what it is like traveling over the Sierras in a freight train. See for yourself the creative video editing and dialog with pictures. by BA Productions 52 mins * colour * narration |
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Fullerton, California, southeast of Los Angeles, sees freights from BNSF, MetroLink commuter trains and Amtrak Surfliners, and can be a very busy place indeed, often with several trains in sight at once. by Highball Productions 75 mins * colour * minimal narration * Features narration on/off and a marker for each train. Regular Price £ 20 |
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This was the Southern Pacific at work on the Yuma District of the Sunset Route. The best material from our discontinued video, "Sunset Salute", is combined with a wealth of newly discovered material to make this new DVD video. See mixed freights and 'intermodal' trains as well as locals and transfer freights. We also bring lots of 'foreign' and pool-power. Visit the Imperial Valley lines to remember the Sugarbeet trains of the SP. Learn how the beet cars were loaded and follow the beets to Betteravia where they were processed at the Holly sugar plant. Beet trains handed off to the SMV Railroad at Guadalupe, CA are covered from the 1970s and 1992. And don't miss a cab ride on the SP-owned Carriso Gorge line just before hurricane Kathleen closed it to through traffic in 1976. Featuring... * Yuma AZ to Colton CA * Desert beauty * Beaumont Hill 1991 - 1995 * Helpers and Foreign Power * Imperial Valley SA&E Ry. cab ride c. 1975 * Sugar Beet Trains c. 1992 * Beet loading and processing * Betteravia Sugar Factory * Santa Maria Valley Railroad * SP Coastline action by Charles Smiley Presents 95 mins * colour * narration Regular Price £ 21 |
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3 1/2 hour . . .Two-Disc Special Rare, never-before-seen footage photographed in 1988 over Tehachapi Pass between Bakersfield and Mojave, California. Tehachapi...a Railfan's Paradise! Owned by the SOUTHERN PACIFIC with trackage rights by the ATCHISON TOPEKA & SANTA FE. Southern Pacific's unit oil tank train, known as the "Oil Can" is featured in many scenes. The red and yellow SF and SP paint are still seen on Tehachapi. Motive power includes the GP60, C30-7, SD45, GP50 and many others. The Caboose was fast disappearing from America's railroads, but in 1988 they were still a common sight on Tehachapi trains. So return now...for ten glorious days...to this memorable location and time in railroad history. by WB Video Productions 210 mins * colour * narration Regular Price £ 24 |
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CSX on the bridges and through the tunnels of the famed Magnolia Cutoff in West Virginia. The B&O originally followed the circuitous course of the Potomac River, but in the early 20th century, after the arrival of competitor Western Maryland, built a new, more direct line with tunnels cutting through the Appalachians and big bridges over the Potomac. Join us as we follow this scenic main line from Hancock to Paw Paw, West Virginia. by Highball Productions WIDESCREEN ONLY 65 mins * colour * narration ON/OFF and Dolby stereo audio |
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Kansas City Southern tackles the stiff thirteen mile grade over Rich Mountain on the Oklahoma - Arkansas border. New power is much in evidence, SD70ACe's, Gevo's and of course the new "Retro Belle" paint scheme. BNSF & UP coal trains make an appearance, as do KCS's former Mexican units. by Highball Productions WIDESCREEN ONLY 90 mins * colour * narration ON/OFF and a marker for each train |
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6 Hours on 2 Discs! Over 300 Trains! At the border of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties in Southern California lies one of the most interesting and scenic mountain passes in the Southwest. Some call it Banning Pass or San Gorgonio Pass, but most railfans simply refer to it as Beaumont Hill. We present complete coverage of Beaumont Hill from West Colton to Indio in six hours of pounding, railroading action! Although it peaks at only 2,591 feet above sea level, Beaumont Hill still presents sufficient hardship to rival taller passes. Yet, flanked by Mount San Gorgonio to the north and Mount San Jacinto to the south, it has a beautiful charm all its own. Known now as UP's Yuma Subdivision, the 76-mile line is mostly double-tracked and busier than ever. In addition to Union Pacific, you'll see engines from Ferromex, NS, CSX, BNSF, CEFX, GCFX, plus survivors from C&NW, Rio Grande and SP-and those are just the units we captured on the point! You'll also see the SP, MKT, Mopac and WP Heritage units. Many engine models are represented, ranging from the SD38-2 to the newest SD70ACe and Dash 840C to the mighty GEVO. We even caught a rare GP15-1 in doublestack service! Autos, lumber, and intermodal trains dominate the line. The "Rock Train" and Amtrak's Sunset Limited are well covered and UP's Centennial 6936 is seen pulling many passenger specials. There's much more to see in this unending parade of dazzling color, open throttles, squealing brakes, and serpentine curves! Over five years in the making, across the four seasons, under broiling summer sun and snow on the Pass, through windstorms and sandstorms, from dawn to dusk, this is the Ultimate Beaumont Hill! |
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The SP lives! At least in the hearts of it's fans, and here on DVD! SP power in action on Tennessee Pass in the winter before it closed, over the grades of Cajon Pass and Soldier Summit, and a GE powered local in Rosenberg, Texas. Power is AC44's, SD70M's, SD40-2's, SD45's, C40-8W's and SD40T-2 & SD45T-2 "tunnel motors". We've combed our files for the best of SP for this first program. by Highball Productions 60 mins * colour * narration ON/OFF |
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The Florida East Coast in action on the north end of the system, between the yard at Jacksonville and Melbourne. Manifests, locals, intermodals and rock trains ply the well ballasted main line of the FEC. The new SD70M-2's are much in evidence, paired with ex Union Pacific SD40-2's and GP40-2's still in the blue paint scheme. One of the best looking regional railroads around! This route can be followed in the Southeast edition of SPV's Comprehensive Railroad Atlas. Lots of people have been asking for programmes around the Florida area. Now we are pleased to release Rails To The Sunshine that I am sure you will all be pleased with. by Highball Productions WIDESCREEN ONLY 60 mins * colour * narration ON/OFF |
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Canadian Pacific action through the stunning scenery of the Rocky and Selkirk Mountains, some of North America's most spectacular scenery. Superb winter weather highlights the action between Exshaw and Revelstoke, including both Morant's Curve and Ottertail Curve, the scene of many Canadian Pacific publicity photographs. This route can be followed in the Western Canada edition of SPV's Comprehensive Railroad Atlas. by Highball Productions WIDESCREEN ONLY 115 mins * colour * narration ON/OFF |
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CSX on the former B&O main line, now CSX's Chicago Line, across the Buckeye State between State Line and Greenwich. Includes Deshler, Fostoria, Attica Junction, Willard and Greenwich. by Highball Productions WIDESCREEN ONLY 90 mins * colour * narration ON/OFF |
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Big time winter railroading across the Arizona Divide. Heavy snow in the San Francisco Mountains, Arizona's highest point, north of Flagstaff brought snow to the BNSF Railway's transcontinental main line. This busy route is now home to new GE "GEVO's" and the new paint scheme. Many favorite locations on the Seligman Sub, including Darling, Maine, Chalender, Williams Junction, Doublea and Eagle Nest. Heavy big railroad action. by Highball Productions WIDESCREEN ONLY 90 mins * colour * narration ON/OFF |
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Season 1 DVD DISK 1 Prog. #101 Cleveland RTA * Prog. #102 Indianapolis Children's Museum Prog.#103 Northern Railcar Wheelshop * Prog. #104 Amtrak Chicago Prog. #105 California State Railroad Museum * Prog. #106 Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad DVD Disk 2 Prog. #107 Moffat Tunnel * Prog. #108 Ward Kimball Prog. #109 Wm. K. Walthers * Prog. #110 Santa Fe Piggyback Prog. #111 Lionel Trains * Prog. #112 Pennsylvania State Railroad Museum Prog. #113 Minnesota Commercial Railroad by TRACKS AHEAD colour * narrated Full Description |
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Season 2 DVD DVD Disk 1 Prog. #201 "LSandI" Railroad * Prog. #202 Krupp Mak Locomotive Works Prog. #203 East Broadtop Railroad * Prog. #204 The Tehachapi Loop Prog. #205 Germany's ICE Trains * Prog. #206 Mt. Washington Cog Railway DVD Disk 2 Prog. #207 San Diego Light Rail * Prog. #208 Cass Scenic Railway Prog. #209 BART * Prog. #210 Union Pacific Harriman Dispatch Prog. #211 Jungfrau Railroad * Prog. #212 Amtrak Beech Grove Prog. #213 Grand Canyon Railroad by TRACKS AHEAD colour * narrated Full Description |
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Season 3 DVD Disk 1 Program #301 Intermodal Shipping * Program #302 The Wisconsin Central Program #303 Clarke Dunham * Program #304 Chile Program #305 Amtrak Chef * Program #306 Alaskan Railroad DVD Disk 2 Program #307 Transportation Test Center * Program #308 Paraguay Program #309 Renssalaer Railroad Club * Program #310 Apalachicola Railroad Program #311 Iowa Electric Railroads * Program #312 New Orleans Streetcars Program #313 Morrison and Knudsen by TRACKS AHEAD colour * narrated Full Description |
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Season 4 DVD Disk 1 Program #401 Rail Safari * Program #402 White Pass Program #403 Trolley Museum * Program #404 Tank Cars Program #405 Narrow Gauge * Program #406 Middle Rhine DVD Disk 2 Program #407 Vintage Diesel * Program #408 Custom Building Program #409 Rail Motor Cars * Program #410 Bailey Yard Program #411 Track Maintenance * Program #412 Logging Program #413 Floating Railroad by TRACKS AHEAD colour * narrated Full Description |
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Season 5 DVD Disk 1 Program #501 Circus Train * Program #502 Copper Canyon Program #503 The Indian Pacific RR * Program #504 Road Railers Program #505 Northlandz * Program #506 The Ghan DVD Disk 2 Program #507 The King of Toy Trains * Program #508 Trains of Cuba Program #509 Cable Cars * Program #510 New Zealand by Rail Program #511 Union Station * Program #512 Pacific Fruit Express Program #513 Puffing Billy by TRACKS AHEAD colour * narrated Full Description |
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Season 6 is on a three disk set, with added features, and 5.1 surround sound audio Season 6 DVD Disk 1 Prog. #601 Alco PA1 * Prog. #602 Wisconsin and Southern Railroad Prog. #603 Digital Command Control * Prog. #604 Ireland Steam Tour DVD Extra - China Rail Trip, Music Video DVD Disk 2 Prog. #605 Amusement Park Trains * Prog. #606 The White Creek Railroad Prog. #607 Grand Canyon Hotels * Prog. #608 Holiday in Cincinnati Prog. #609 Carpathian Logging Railroad . DVD Disk 3 Prog. #610 Miniature Wonderland * Prog. #611 The Great Train Story Prog. #612 Rügen Island Railway * Prog. #613 Empire Builder Prog. #614 G Gauge in Mesa by TRACKS AHEAD colour * narrated Full Description |
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Season 7 is on a three disk set, with added features, and 5.1 surround sound audio DVD Disk 1 Program #701 Ohio Central Railroad Program #702 Maine Narrow Gauge Program #703 Japan's Meitetsu Railroad Program #704 Young Guns of Steam DVD Extra - Argentina Rail Trip (Expanded), Music Video, How to Move a Locomotive DVD Disk 2 Program #705 Palo Verde & Western Railroad Program #706 Japan's Bullet Trains Program #707 The Dakota Southern Railroad Program #708 Railroads in Patagonia Program #709 Panama Canal Railway DVD Disk 3 Program #710 Los Angeles Rail Transit Program #711 Railtown 1897 Program #712 EnterTrainment Junction Program #713 Strasburg Railroading Program #714 St Kitts Scenic Railway by Tracks Ahead 5.1 Surround-sound * colour * Narration Regular Price £ 22.00 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 24th Oct 09 £21.00 Full Description |
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UP and CP action in Marshall Canyon, Washington located southwest of Spokane, the canyon funnels 3 railroads the BNSF Railway, Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific, up to the high desert of the Columbia Plateau. Includes the Palouse River & Coulee County RR. Latah Bridge in Spokane to Cheney. by Highball Productions WIDESCREEN ONLY 105 mins * colour * Features narration on/off and a marker for each train. Regular Price £ 21 |
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See the spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rocky Mountains along Canadian Pacific's main line between Exshaw, and Lake Louise, Alberta. We rode the line in the back of a track inspectors hirail pickup. You'll see the line as a train crew would see it, including Morant's Curve! by Highball Productions NO NARRATION 120 mins * colour |
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The Monsters and More! It's one of the roughest, toughest mountain passes, where heavy tonnage trains battle 2.2 percent grades and up to three sets of helpers are needed for the haul. It's a line of repeated horseshoe curves, with two long trestles, and a 3,896-foot long tunnel that crosses the Continental Divide. It's located in the Big Sky country of Montana, where endless vistas of mountains and cloud-filled skies create a scenic backdrop for trains of 100-plus cars. It's a place where two railroads juggle nonstop traffic over 29 miles of partially single-tracked mountain rails. Welcome to Mullan Pass! Burlington Northern and Montana Rail Link shared the line when Video Rails captured the excitement on this legendary Pass in 1990. Starting at Helena Junction, we see BN and MRL trains depart for the steep climb to the summit. Every westbound train needs helpers and MRL's heaviest power is assigned to its helper pool. SD40-2s and SD45s make up the bulk of the power seen here. 15,000-ton coal trains with 45,000 HP grind their way up the 2.2 percent grade, past Iron Ridge, Greenhorn Trestle, and Skyline Trestle to Mullan Tunnel, Blossburg Siding, and Elliston. Huge clouds of diesel exhaust billow out of the tunnel, making it easy to see why it's called the "Black Fog of Blossburg." A special treat is a cab ride across the Pass in the lead helper engine of BN Train 195, a daily mixed freight. Whether you're viewing the line from the crews' perspective, from trackside, or through vast panorama views, railroading on Mullan Pass is an awesome experience you'll want to enjoy again and again! Produced by Video Rails 1998. 60 mins * colour * narrated |
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C. Vision Productions invites you to our favorite railroad location, Newcastle, Wyoming. This old coal mining town sits on the east central edge of Wyoming and borders the western slopes of the beautiful Black Hills. It is here that the ex-CB&Q main line from Alliance, Nebraska to Billings, Montana weaves its way through Newcastle. Many scenic spots along this line include long sweeping curves and an original depot that still looks as good today as it did in the steam era. This line is BNSF's Black Hills Subdivision. It handles numerous coal trains on a daily basis. In this production, C. Vision captures images from 1990 thru 1994 in the Burlington Northern years. SD-40 dash 2's, C-30 dash 7's and SD-60M's take charge of coal trains in the BN era. There are also several LMX B-39 dash 8's and B.N. B-30 dash 7A's in charge of general freights. These historic trains are combined with SD-70 MAC's, SD-70 ACe's, Dash 9-44AC's and ES-44AC's that were captured in 2006 and 2007 in the BNSF years. Don't miss this show as it captures two different time frames and documents the progression of the BNSF in "Newcastle"! by CVision Productions 117 mins * colour * narrated |
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"BNSF's Triple Track" C. Vision's tour of railroads in and around the Chicagoland area continues in Windy City Rails, Volume 4. In this program, videographer Marshall Beecher takes his cameras to several locations along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe's Triple Track Main from Chicago to Aurora. This ex-Chicago Burlington and Quincy main line does double duty as it hosts trains traversing to and from the Twin Cities on the Aurora Sub and Galesburg on the Mendota Sub. Numerous high priority intermodal, coal and general freight trains share these rails with Amtrak and Metra. Run-through trains from the Canadian National and Union Pacific also operate on the Triple Track. At the east end near Union Avenue, witness several of Union Pacific's 'Z' trains which cross the Triple Track, and see U.P. movements with several of their Heritage locomotives! All this movement makes the Triple Track one of the busiest main lines in the Chicago area. Just about every kind of locomotive that the BNSF rostered in 2007 can be seen in this program! Add in all that variety along with over 150 trains featured in this show and you have one of the best BNSF programs anywhere!!! DVD Narration on/off feature by CVision Productions 112 mins * colour * narrated Regular Price £ 21.00 |
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C. Vision's tour of railroads in and around the Chicagoland area continues in Windy City Rails, Volume 3. In this program, videographer Marshall Beecher takes his cameras to multiple mainline crossings at the always busy Blue Island Junction. This location, most often distinguished by the big steel bridges spanning the Calumet Sag Channel, has a multitude of activity from host roads Indiana Harbor Belt, CSX, Canadian National and Metro's Rock Island District, which passes over the south end of the junction. Throw in a wide variety of pool power and the appearance of run-through moves by roads Canadian Pacific, Union Pacific and BNSF and you will see why Blue Island Junction is such a great Chicagoland hotspot. Due to the unique track arrangement of the junction, parallel moves from various roads can be seen occurring simultaneously, a sight our cameras had the opportunity to catch on many visits. In addition, shortline and regional action was found, including appearances from the Iowa Interstate and Chicago Rail Link. Add in predecessor power from the UP BNSF and the CN, and you will witness the cornucopia of action that this legendary hotspot is known for. For a colorful spectrum of freight and passenger action. Blue Island Junction cannot be beat! by CVision Productions 113 mins * colour * narrated Regular Price £ 21.00 |
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C. Vision's tour of the railroads in and around the Chicagoland area continues in Windy City Rails, Volume 2. In this program, videographer Marshall Beecher sets up at two exciting locations and captures more dynamic train watching action! Our first stop is at Stateline Interlocking near Hammond, Indiana. Straddling the Illinois and Indiana border, Stateline was once the World's largest mechanical interlocking. This location was once home to 30 diamond crossings and has now whittled down to only 8. However, don't let the downgrade fool you, this location still has over 100 trains a day from the CSX, Norfolk Southern and Indiana Harbor Belt. Then we head to Chicago Heights, Illinois at Jay Tower. This location is the crossing of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern and the Union Pacific/CSX. The variety of trains at this location makes it a favorite among many area railfans! Bright orange locomotives from the EJ&E, along with the high horsepower monsters from the UP and CSX thunder over the diamonds at Jay Tower. Our cameras were even treated to a couple appearances of the Union Pacific's Katy and MoPac Heritage Locomotives! If you like the sound of trains pounding diamonds, you will love this video! by C.Vision Productions 118 mins * colour * narrated Regular Price £ 21.00 |
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Chicago is the busiest rail hub in America. C. Vision Productions takes you there in this multi-volume series covering some of the most well-known and hidden hot spots in Windy City Rails! Volume 1 visits the Tower B-12 Vicinity in Franklin Park and Turner Junction in West Chicago. B-12 has seen many changes in the years and the action today is just os exciting! Canadian Pacific, Metro, Indiana Harbor Belt and Canadian National ore the regulars at B-12. Fallen Flag locomotives from the current railroads make frequent appearances including Soo Line and Illinois Central. Other railroads visit the B-12 area including CSX, Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern and Iowa Chicago & Eastern. Then it is off to West Chicago. Here, the Elgin Joliet & Eastern's Turner Tower is still in operation as it protects the crossing with the Union Pacific's ex-Chicago & North Western Overland Route. Along with the EJ&E, numerous high horsepower Union Pacific trains pound the diamonds at Turner. Metro also uses this route providing a flurry of activity. You will even see Union Pacific's Olympic and United Way locomotives heading up a mixed freight! Let C. Vision Productions be your tour guide to the best railroading spots in Chicago! by CVision Productions 105 mins * colour * narrated Regular Price £ 21.00 |
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Newport is one of many railroading hot spots in the Twin Cities area and C. Vision takes you here for an extensive look at the operations through this suburban city. Located just southeast of St. Paul, Newport is the point where the ex-CB&Q and Milwaukee Road main lines come together, along with the old Rock Island Route. Today, trains from the BNSF and Canadian Pacific operate these tracks. Add in trackage rights trains from the Iowa Chicago & Eastern and the passage of Amtrak's Empire Builder, and you can see why many railfans flock to this location. The old Milwaukee Road Dispatchers Tower still stands next to the tracks. From its new location next to Newport City Hall, a retired Milwaukee Road dispatcher gives us a tour and shares memories of his time working in the building. View trains from the tower, along with several awesome locations along the main line in Newport. Along with the BNSF, CP, IC&E and Amtrak, foreign power such as Norfolk Southern, Canadian National and the Indiana Railroad make appearances. Plus, plenty of Soo Line and Santa Fe locomotives lead several trains. Newport is an awesome train watching location and C. Vision brings it to you in this action packed program! by CVision Productions 120 mins * colour * narrated |
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Deshler is the crossing of the CSX north-south single track Toledo to Cincinatti line with the east-west double track Chicago line at grade. The tower still stands, but is now used by MoW. This area is fortunate to see all kinds of power, including NS, UP & BNSF, the CSX OCS with F40's and even a couple of locals with cabooses, and several meets. Loads of action and a nice mix of liveries. Minimal narration. by Highball Productions 120 mins * colour * narrated Regular Price £ 20 AVAILABLE IN REGULAR OR WIDESCREEN FORMAT. Please state preference under 'SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS' when ordering or regular format will automatically be sent. |
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We visit ten shortlines with scenes spanning from 1970 to 1998. Two of our visits include cab rides and access to two, truly great, shortlines - the A&NR of Texas and CORP in Oregon. See the Amador Central in its prime and up to the last day of operation. The Amador's blue Baldwins and the Baldwins of the Trona bring you back to an earlier era of diesels. The ALCO diesels of many roads are in this video. Early GE power is brought to you on the Modesto & Empire Traction Co. The most dramatic chapter is on the CORP and its 3.6% grades with up to 6 units over the Siskiyou Mountains. Visit the people on several of these lines for an insider's look at the business of running shortline railroads. FEATURES:- See CCT and its early electric days and the old ALCOs that made the switch to diesels plus modern action with GP-7s and GP-18s. See early electric and diesel views and some fascinating history as well as CCTs final days in Sacramento. * The new Yolo Shortline was formed from segments of the former Sacramento Northern electric line. We pay a visit to their freight operation in the beautiful delta lowlands. * The Amador Central is gone now but it may be reopened and we have views of the plucky old Baldwins in the Sierra foothills. Great Nostalgia, newer EMDs and freight action in the country air. * Lufkin,Texas has its success story with the Angelina & Neeches River RR and their expanding business. We give the in depth story of an efficient shortline with interviews , great action and looks inside rolling stock and locomotives. * The Central Oregon & Pacific operates 439 miles of former SP track and we will take you through the rugged Siskiyou Mountains up 3.6% grades with four and six unit locomotive sets. We interview the people who make it a success. Grades, tunnels and heavy lumber loads are only matched by the scenery Ride in the cab up to the summit and down Bailey hill. by Charles Smile Presents 102 mins * colour * narrated |
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Follow us on a voyage across the UP from the Pacific to Chicago. This video is a celebration of the original UP from the 1950s to its full size by 1996. See lots of early diesel power and vintage Cajon and California action. Then we explore the UP in the 1990s when it expanded rapidly to remain a competitive player in the rail business. This video is from movie film and early video shot years ago. See the parade of C&NW power after the 1995 merger. Visit many of the former SP lines with UP power in charge since 1996. by Charles Smiley Presents 100 mins (Plus 8 mins Preview) * colour * narrated |
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Travel 2300 miles over the famous former Santa Fe Railroad from Chicago to Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief. This famous train works its way past Chicago's skyline, farm fields, the Great Plains, the southern Rocky Mountains, and through the great southwest. You'll experience breathtaking views from the sightseer lounge, enjoy dinner in the diner, and slumber in your cozy sleeping car. We bring you the best views including onboard the train, the train passing by, and inside the locomotive cab for some portions of the trip. Along the way stop and visit historic and scenic railroad attractions including, The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad (plus a visit to the famous Dwight D. Eisenhower Museum), historic Dodge City, the Cumbres and Toltec steam railroad in Colorado, the charming Santa Fe Southern Railway in New Mexico, Arizona's incredible Verde Canyon Railroad, California's Orange Empire Railway Museum and historic Knotts Berry Farm Railroad. You're even pampered on a short trip aboard the American Orient Express cruise train! And, no trip to the Southwest would be complete without seeing the Grand Canyon. The nice part of this view is that its an aerial view! There is definately something for everyone in this video. by Greg Scholl 90 mins * colour * narrated |
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 This video is quite unique since the journey was aboard Amtrak's Cardinal after a very heavy snowfall. The journey picks up at first light east of Maysville, Kentucky, and concludes with the stop in Clifton Forge, West Virginia, after traveling along the Ohio River, and later the famous New River Gorge. It's a rare treat to be onboard during the winter and on a crystal clear day. Since it was winter we did not have the opportunity to do off train locations, but we have an added bonus of including some steam locomotive excursions that formerly traveled this same route east of Huntington and through the New River region. Included are scenes of C&O 614 in the winter of 1985, and scenes of 2765, plus Nickel Plate 765 and Pere Marquette 1225, and Milwaukee Road 4-8-4 #261. The overlook at Hawks Nest is featured from above the railroad several times, and you'll see one of the perches in the winter from the train. The New River gorge never looked better than it does with all the leaves down in the fall, and a blanket of thick snow on the ground. by Greg Scholl 90 mins * colour * narrated |
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Travel from San Diego, California on an incredibly scenic journey to Seattle, Washington. This 1600 mile journey begins at the Mexican Border as we ride the San Diego Trolley into the City. There we board one of the Amtrak trains to Los Angeles along the Surf line as we skirt the Pacific Ocean for much of the Journey. Arriving in Los Angeles we change trains and board the fabled Coast Starlight for the trip to Seattle. The scenery is magnificent as we leave Los Angeles and later skirt the Pacific from Ventura northward. After a night on the train, we awake north of Sacramento and later cross the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon before reaching Portland and finally Seattle. This video also features beautiful music by Mike Lynch, and some railroad side-trips including the Yosemite Mt. Sugar Pine Railroad, the California Western Railroad, the Sacramento Southern Railroad, the Spirit of Oregon Dinner train, and the Mt. Hood Railroad. You'll see everything from a Shay Steam engine to a diesel going through a switch-back in Oregon. If this isn't enough you'll also visit the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, and see some of the sights of Seattle including a ride on the Monorail. Its another relaxing sight and sound experience. by Greg Scholl 90 mins * colour * narrated |
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 This Telly Award-winning video is an outstanding cross country journey aboard Amtrak from Washington, D.C. to San Fancisco, California. Aboard the Capitol Limited we travel to Chicago, then continue westward on the California Zephyr. The scenery is ever changing, and most magnificent through the Colorado Rockies as we see views from on the train, inside the Cab, and trackside through this area. However, this is not all. In addition to the Amtrak trip, we stop along the way and visit no less than 12 different railroad excursions with both steam and diesel trains. They include: The Strasburg Railroad, The Potomac Eagle Excursion, The Western Maryland Scenic, The Ohio Central, The Boone & Scenic Railroad, Omaha Zoo Railroad, Durango & Silverton Railroad, The Heber Valley Railroad, Virginia & Truckee, Napa Valley Wine Train, Santa Cruz and Pacific, and the Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad. There are lots of extras too like a street car ride, and view of San Francisco Cable cars, and a brief visit to Arches National Park. This video has become one of the best selling train videos, and we are proud to say we co-produced it. by Greg Scholl 120 mins * colour * narrated
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Southern Pacific's Sierra Crossing Donner Pass…the name evokes daunting obstacles with good reason. Steep grades and seven months a year of winter weather put a railroad's resources to the test. Yet the need to transport goods over the Sierras produces a nonstop parade of trains over this famous line, and that was especially true in 1988 when Video Rails captured incredible Southern Pacific action over Donner Pass. Starting at the classification yards in Roseville, California, you'll follow Southern Pacific's trains up and over "The Hill." SP's 6-axle SD40s, SD40T-2s, SD45s, and SD45T-2 tackle 138 miles of up to 2.4 percent grades. Up to 11 units are needed for the climb. The standard arrangement for these 10,000-ton trains is 4 by 6, with four engines leading and 6 mid-train helpers, but you'll also see long trains with six units leading, six mid-train helpers, and an end-of-train helper. Cabooses are also seen in use here. At Colfax, you'll see helpers being added to the front and rear of the trains. This is also a stopping point for Amtrak's twice-daily California Zephyr, several of which are seen with private cars trailing. You'll follow these trains to Alta, Blue Canyon, Emigrant Gap, Yuba Gap, Cisco, Norden and the "Big Hole," a 2-mile long tunnel that runs directly under Donner Pass. Special highlights of this show include rare films of the line's construction, footage of the trapped City of San Francisco Train 101 at Yuba Pass in 1952, snow fighting equipment with steam powered rotaries pushed by Cab Forwards and other steam power, and chilling views of 1980s railroading through winter blizzards. The scenery is spectacular and the railroading is as intense as it gets when Southern Pacific tackles Donner Pass! Chapter Menus provides instant access to program segments. 1 Hour In Color with Stereo Sound and Narration |
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 In February of 1988 we returned to southwestern Ontario, to capture snow plow action on Canadian Pacific and Canadian National branchlines. We spent 10 days in the Stratford area and recorded 8 different plow extras. As power we see 5 different CN F7s, plus a CN GP9, and CP Alco C424s and RS18s at work. We also see 3 different types of wedge plows including the black teflon painted plow from London, Ontario. Lines covered are the CN lines to Goderich (twice), Port Elgin, and Owen Sound. CP Plows run to Owen Sound, and Goderich which was the second to last run of a plow on this line. All these lines are gone now except the CN Goderich Sub. If all this isn't enough we obtained some old film of a plow wreck at Granton, Ont. in 1971 where the plow flipped over in a deep cut. We found the plow foreman and he gives us his account of the accident on camera in 1988. This is one of the rarest pieces of train film I have ever seen. Then we end the video with a shot at Granton in 1988 of a Plow Extra going through the same spot on the CN. If you like trains, then you haven't lived until you have seen these plows in action. by Greg Scholl 60 mins * colour * narrated |
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The concept for this program began with two 16mm color films shot by Everett Rohrer. The idea of Last Streamliners is because one film is the last run of the "Royal Gorge" passenger train, which Everett rode and film for posterity. First we see another film shot by Everett Rohrer of a 1970 Winter ride on the California Zephyr with Rio Grande F-units, traversing the Colorado Rockies with snow on the ground in the higher elevations. This is all shot from a dome car, with nice views of the train ahead, the many tunnels, the scenery, and even a meet with the eastbound Zephyr. The next segment is a 1981 chase by Greg Scholl that shows the Rio Grande Zephyr led by F-unit 5771 as we follow it trackside from west of Moffat Tunnel to Glenwood Canyon. This is sound movie coverage, and historic since the train was discontinued in 1983, but 5771 was saved and is at the Colorado Railroad museum today. Our third segment is the Last Run of the ROYAL GORGE passenger train with an F-unit and 3 coaches as heads south of Denver toward Colorado Springs and Pueblo where there are numerous passengers getting on and off. Then the train heads west through the Royal Gorge, where a stop is made for passengers. Then its on to Salida, where the train is turned on a wye, for the return to Denver for the last time. Again we stop at the Hanging Bridge in the Royal Gorge, and this time there is a rock slide. Later our photographer gets a cab ride into Denver Union Station. To finish off this program, we have added scenes of the Moffat Route shot in 1994 taken by Greg Scholl of the California Zephyr between Moffat Tunnel and Dotsero. This includes two different westbound trains, and one eastbound that has three units on it, including a Rio Grande leading. This train is interesting, and includes one of most dramatic bad weather shots on video!!! If all this were not enough we included some footage we got at the last minute that shows some scenes at Pueblo station shot between 1951 and 1953, and includes a couple of steam shots, as well as some scenes of the Royal Gorge Passenger train. All the 16mm film scenes in this program have music and narration since there was no sound on the films of course. However, we do have the 1981 footage with train sounds, as well as the 1994 video we shot. This is a nice cross section of material showing passenger service in the Colorado Rockies. The Rio Grande operated the last Streamlined passenger trains in this region, before Amtrak eventually took over the Denver to Salt Lake Segment. by Greg Scholl 60 mins * colour * narrated |
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12 Hours on 4 Discs! Over 500 Trains! From the great San Bernardino Valley to the high desert community of Barstow lies one of the busiest and most scenic mainlines in the country. At just over 81 miles in length, the BNSF Cajon Sub is a powerful artery that plays an integral role in moving trains to and from Southern California. With its stiff climb over Cajon Pass, endless flow of traffic, and vistas of stark beauty, the Cajon Sub is a place of limitless photo opportunities for railroad photographers. We take you on a journey of epic proportions across this railroading hot spot. For close to five years, leaving almost no mile undocumented, filming over 500 trains during winter snow storms and summer heat, we searched out incredible photo locations to take you into the heart of this line as it's never been seen before! BNSF, Union Pacific, and Amtrak deliver nonstop thrills here. These trains are covered on the Mojave Desert between Barstow and Victorville as well as on the challenging Pass. We also capture the action on Union Pacific's Colton-Palmdale Cutoff as it parallels the BNSF on Cajon Pass. You'll see numerous trains with foreign power leading, along with other surprises such as passenger specials and Grand Canyon Railway steam engines and tenders riding on flatcars. Plus, you'll catch sight of the early stages of new mainline construction and tunnel daylighting projects as well. There's so much to see! On Discs One and Two you'll explore the lines in detail from San Bernardino to Barstow. Discs Three and Four take you back to San Bernardino with all new footage. None of the images you see here have been used in any other production. This is 12 hours of all new material! You won't want to miss a second of our blockbuster presentation, The Ultimate Cajon Subdivision! * Bonus Map provides additional information and timetable. * Two stereo soundtracks, one with the natural train sounds, the other with narration added. The viewer can switch the narration on or off at any time. * Chapter Menus provide instant access to program segments. 12 Hours on 4 Discs In Color with Stereo Sound and Narration |
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