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Newsletter - JULY 2007
Previous Newsletters
Southern Pacific CAB FORWARD Collection
The Complete Story of SP’s Mighty 4-8-8-2 Articulated Locomotives! For nearly 47 years, the Southern Pacific Railroad relied upon its massive AC-type steam locomotives to haul freight and passenger trains throughout California and neighboring states. Built to provide the power and flexibility demanded by the mountainous passes they traversed, these giants were constructed with their cab in front of the boiler, thus earning them the name Cab Forwards. The last Cab Forward revenue train ran in 1956, after which all but one were scrapped. From then on, film coverage of these AC-class engines was eagerly sought, hard to locate, and highly prized. Now, after years of research, Pentrex has assembled an awesome collection of footage and still images of SP AC-1s through AC-12s spanning the years 1927 to 1956. You’ll see Cab Forwards in service on the Overland Route, the San Joaquin Line, the Sunset Route, the Coast Route, the Shasta Route, and the Modoc Line. You’ll thrill to incredible images of Cab Forwards in the snow, on grades, bridges, and scenic valleys; running with mid-train and rear-end helpers; teamed with Black Widow F-units and GS-class helpers; and in meets with other CF’s. The locomotives shown include nearly every class of Articulated Consolidation SP ever rostered: the Baldwin-built Cab Forwards and the Lima-built 3900 class AC-9s. Historic stills of the original cab forwards, the Baldwin-built MC, MM, and AM class engines, are also featured. Plus, author Dr. Bob Church and photographer Stan Kistler provide insightful insiders’ views. This is the most comprehensive record of the legendary Cab Forwards ever presented on film and it belongs in every railfan’s collection!
1 Hour 30 Minutes, plus 15 Minutes Bonus Footage In Color and B/W Narration Regular price £24.95 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 10th August 2007 - £24.00 (free UK & European p&p)
New Books From
Trackside in the Northeast 1946-1959 with Vincent A. Purn and John A. Knauff by Kevin J. Holland and Robert J. Yanosey
A unique look at the efforts of two photographers attempting to capture North American railroading and life right after WWII. Active RRE members, their travels ranged from mainstream roads like CP, DL&W and NYC to tiny St. J&LC, FJ&G and Edaville.
£ 39.00 (Incl. UK p&p)
Burlington Northern In Color Volume 1: The Urge to Merge by Jim Boyd
The predecessors of Burlington Northern – GN, NP, CB&Q, SP&S – and the events leading up to the 1970 merger are illustrated in vivid color. First in a three-volume set that will cover the entire history of Burlington Northern.
New Book From SIGNATURE PRESS
Pullman-Standard Freight Cars, 1900-1960 by Edward S. Kaminski
Pullman-Standard (although known for passenger cars) was for some years the largest freight car builder in North America. The Pullman Company began to build freight cars in the 19th century. Merger with Haskell & Barker Car Company in 1921, and with Standard Steel Car Company in 1930, greatly expanded the capacity of Pullman. Pullman-Standard pioneered the use of welding in freight car construction. First was the PS-1 box car, which sold in the tens of thousands, then came the PS-2 covered hopper, the PS-3 open top hopper, and finally the PS-4 flat car and PS-5 gondola. All benefited from Pullman-Standard's conversion to assembly-line techniques of mass production. Ed Kaminski is an authority on freight car builders, and it contains a rich trove of some 418 photographs, from Pullman and Pullman-Standard, and also from predecessors Haskell & Barker, Standard Steel Car Company, and Tennessee Coal, Iron & Railroad Company. Like Ed's previous works, this book is an authoritative historical survey. It will be of interest to anyone who likes railroad history, but it will be of particular value to those whose enthusiasm is freight cars. hard covers Size: 192 pages, 8.5" x 11"; 418 photographs (59 color), graphics, index
£ 42.00 (Incl. UK p&p)
New Book From CARSTENS
Passenger Cars Volume 3
Passenger Cars Volume 3 is dedicated to documenting the development of Light Weight Streamlined Extra-Fare Accommodation and Special Purpose passenger cars in operation during the post-war 'Golden Age' of rail travel until the Twilight of independent railroad passenger service. Spanning the years from 1936 when the first light weight sleepers were introduced until the inauguration of Amtrak, this collection of photographs, plans and commentary covers the period of rail travel when 'half the fun of going was getting there'. • Large 9" x 12" Format • 123 Pages • Sixty detailed car drawings • Each Drawing is rendered in full size HO scale (1/87) • Over 120 Photographs and reproduced Railroad Artifacts • Complete 1972 Amtrak Roster
£ 24.95 (Incl. UK p&p)
New Book From HUNDMAN
Pere Marquette Freight Cars by Arthur B. Million and John C. Paton
Detailed coverage of the Pere Marquette freight car fleet from its beginnings to the C&O merger. Describes and details how a railroad goes about developing a freight car fleet to satisfy its customers, including basic engineering, modifications and improvements. Includes the "why" as well as the "what." 180 pp, hardcover; 200+ photos, diagrams and plans.
£ 21.95 (Incl. UK p&p)
Stock Car Cyclopedia Volume One by Robert L. Hundman
...there were roughly 100,000 stock cars out of 2,000,000 freight cars in the United States. That’s about five percent, or five out of every one hundred cars. And the variation in the fleets of the stock car era? Huge. Whether the West, East, North, or South; stock cars could be seen on virtually any road. A 100-page pictorial and technical drawing reference study of stock cars across America.
£ 18.95 (Incl. UK p&p)
New Book From ARCADIA
Railroads of the Pike's Peak Region: 1870-1900 By Allan C. Lewis
During the gilded age of rail travel in the late 1800s, Colorado Springs became one of the primary portals of westward expansion and a hub for both passenger and freight traffic. Over thousands of miles of tracks traveled merchants, industrialists, tourists, and fortune seekers, all bent on enjoying what Colorado had to offer either on a temporary or permanent basis. Much of the history of the Pike's Peak Region was predicated on the railroads, and the growth that the area enjoyed was dependent on the new residents and the trains that brought them. # of Pages: 128
£ 14.00 (Incl. UK p&p)
Norfolk and Western Railway By Nelson Harris
For a century, the N&W Railway was one of the greatest transportation companies in the southeastern US. From developing the coal fields of West Virginia to moving passengers aboard its famous Powhaten Arrow and Pocahontas lines, the N&W was the last major railroad to abandon the steam engine. This is a story about the tens of thousands of people who worked in the shops and aboard the trains, sold the tickets and moved the freight, laid the track and managed corporate affairs. This book celebrates that heritage through 200 archival photographs. From images of the muscular Class J steam locomotive to the lone agent of the rural depot, these photographs have been harvested from the N&W's files at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. See the engine crews at the turn of the last century, the shop gangs, freight agents, roundhouses, stations, and iron horses of a bygone age. With views of the rugged and, at times, dangerous days of railroading in the late 1800s to the rise of the N&W as a member of America's corporate elite, these pictures convey the railway's storied history. # of Pages: 128
SUMMER BARGAINS - 5 FANTASTIC TITLES FROM GREG SCHOLL VIDEO PRODUCTIONS
This selection of old films contains 4 different films that are 16mm original company films. The first is a Steel Company film and is all about the testing of their special wheel sets(Trucks), made for the railroads. This shows a test car, and several trains including steam and diesel. It was made in the 1940's or early 1950's. The second one(Also in Color), is called "The Power to Stop", and is about the brakes on passenger train coaches, and other cars. This shows a Milwaukee Road Hiawatha style engine pulling the test car up to 100 mph, and the car is uncoupled at speed to make the brake tests. Both of these films have narration. The third film is a Pennsylvania Railroad Black and White silent film called "On to Washington". This rare film was made in the 1930's, and shows PRR routes all over the midwest, then concentrates on Washington DC sightseeing. This film was silent, and we added background music. It does show some passenger car interiors which is quite interesting, such as the Porter, the dining car, and lounge cars. The fourth film is a gem, by New York Central called "The Steam Locomotive". It is 20 minutes and Black and White. It is all about the famous New York Central Hudson(4-6-4), one of the most recognizable engines on the planet at the time. You see servicing the engine, as well as backshop work, roundhouse inspections, and other aspects that go into making these engines run properly. And there are several operating views from inside the cab to side-by-side scenes in action. The Steel films are in color while the PRR and NYC(1948), are in black and white.
90 mins colour & b/w Narration Regular price £20.95 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 10th August 2007 - £15.00 (free UK & European p&p)
Western Rails includes a great variety of places and railroads. You will see Kansas City Southern on the Mississippi River Bridge at Burlington, Iowa then head west through Kansas. In Kansas we see action around Abilene, and then along the Santa Fe line with now removed semaphore signals at Syracuse, with Amtrak. Then continue to La Junta, and Lamy, New Mexico for western flavor before heading to Colorado where we see action on Tennessee Pass (line closed in 1997), and other shots in the region with UP. Next its a few scenes in Utah, including a train near Moab, and a desert meet with Amtrak and a D&RGW led train. Next we head to Sheridan, Wyoming to see a trio of BN trains departing, and then head to the scenic Columbia River Gorge between Washington and Oregon to see BN and UP action. Finally we head to California with a sampling of action along the Coast Line with SP trains, and then the Tehachapi line with scenes at Caliente, Bealville, and the famous Loop with SP and Santa Fe action.
60 mins colour Narration Regular price £20.95 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 10th August 2007 - £15.00 (free UK & European p&p)
Reflections is a video that will surely be enjoyed by rail enthusiasts and folks who just like interesting images. This unique program features every scene with some form of a train reflected in water or other means. The video is divided into four main sections. Part one is the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic railroad where we see reflection scenes shot over an eight year period including a photo freight switching, and passenger runs. Part 2 is U.S. Diesels which includes everything from short line and tourist lines to mainline SP and Amtrak. There are some real dynamite shots around Klamath Falls, Oregon for example. Part 3 is Western Canada, and there are some really beautiful scenes of Canadian Pacific, VIA Rail Passenger Trains, and the British Columbia Railway. The scenic backgrounds are a real treat here as well. Part 4 is Mainline Steam, and includes a huge variety of steam we have photographed over an 18 year period. Favorites such as 844, 611, 4501, 614, 6325, 700, 152, and 4449 provide memorable sights and sounds from days gone by.
Former Grand Trunk Western 4-8-4 is restored to operating condition for owner Ohio Central in the fall of 2001. This video features two of the test runs in September, and 3 fall excursions including the first and last ones of the season. We begin with a bit of history of the 6325 and the 4-8-4 class of engines, as we watch the 6325 at the Ohio Central's Morgan Run shops heading to the mainline for the test run. Also included are a few vintage scenes of Grand Trunk steam including a couple of 4-8-4's shot by the late Warren W. Scholl. The first test run is to Dennison and return, with 6325 operating flawlessly with the short consist on September 5, 2001. On September 11, a tragic day in American history, we find ourselves along the Ohio Central with Chief Mechanical Officer Tim Sposato operating an Ohio Central Coal train, as we learn a little about Ohio Central freight operations and see the coal train. On September 12th we watch 6325 on its last break-in run, this time with a 13 coach train. This operation had 6325 pulling the train from Dennison beyond Morgan run to Frazysburg, and things went great. On September 22nd, the first public excursion was operated. The trip operated with the Ohio Central F-Units from Columbus to Dennison, where 6325 was positioned for the return leg to Columbus. This trip went well and there is coverage from multiple cameras on this and the final weekend in October 2001. The final weekend in October featured another trip from Columbus, this time to Coshocton, with the 6325 handling the westbound portion once again. The engine performed flawlessly, including the dual runbys at Trinway which was a hit with all who witnessed them. These trips were sponsored by the Ohio Railway Museum. The next day, a Sunday, the Mahoning Valley Railway Group sponsored a trip from Dennison to Coshocton, Ohio. This was the first trip where 6325 would depart in the early morning. With cool weather and sunshine the morning portion was spectacular. This was the day we got our cover reflection shot as the 6325 accelerated out of town. That shot was worth all the trips to the Ohio Central to see 6325. The 6325 is the largest operation engine in the eastern US.
90 mins colour Narration Regular price £20.95 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 10th August 2007 - £15.00 (free UK & European p&p)
Via F's In The Rockies is loaded with great scenery in Western Canada, and includes scenes of the "Canadian" on the original route over the Canadian Pacific which includes the Kicking Horse Pass. You will follow two runs of the Canadian between Field and the Bow Valley in the spring of 1986 with Via Rail FP9's in charge. Usual power was 1 A-Unit and 2 B-Units on this train. The 50's era coaches and dome cars are classic with these old F-units. Next we move to Jasper and the Canadian National trackage. Here we spend several days and see the "Super Continental" which operated over this route, as well as the "Skeena" which was combined with the Super Continental between Jasper and Edmonton, as the two trains were literally coupled together with an F-Unit in the consist behind the Super Continental. After spending many days in the Jasper area we head back to the CPR and see some scenes in the Fraser Canyon area before heading back to Kicking Horse Pass. We follow Ex-CPR #6557 over the Pass for one of its last journeys. In 1986 this video had very limited narration, and now it is more informative, and includes the disposition of most of the units you see in the video. There is also information on the 2 Spiral Tunnels which are as famous as the "Canadian" that no longer runs over this CPR trackage. Today the "Canadian" operates through Jasper, replacing the Super Continental. This video is now quite historic, and the scenery is not too shabby either.
Buy any 4 Greg Scholl Summer Bargain programs for £ 45
Buy ALL 5 Greg Scholl Summer Bargain for only £ 50
Montana Rail Link battling the grades of Bozeman Hill and Mullan Pass. The new SD70ACe's are very much in evidence, leading most trains except the locals, and are used as helpers on the big hills. BNSF trains are led by anything BNSF owns, including warbonnets. Hard working trains in spring sunshine and splendid Montana scenery.
120 mins colour Narration Regular price £21.95 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 10th August 2007 - £21.00 (free UK & European p&p)
GALESBURG is one of the busiest railroad towns in Illinois. The former Santa Fe and Burlington host upwards of 140 trains a day, mostly intermodal on the Santa Fe, and many coal trains on the Burlington. Galesburg has a hump yard, and dispatches many trains over the seven routes converging on the town. Lots of action and different paint schemes.
120 mins colour Narration Regular price £19.95 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 10th August 2007 - £19.00 (free UK & European p&p)
British Rail withdrew 50 019 Ramillies from service in 1990 and the locomotive would almost certainly have been broken up for scrap had it not been for a far sighted group of dedicated preservationists who seeing further potential in the locomotive purchased her and have worked tirelessly to restore her to almost new condition. .... This is their story. Filmed over 16 years, the story starts utilising Class 50 member's footage at Exeter Riverside. It covers the removal of Ramillies from the Riverside Yard by road including the breakdown of the road transport tractor and the subsequent stranding of the load in the middle of Exeter City. The tractor unit is replaced but further delays are endured with the discovery of a broken link on the suspension of the trailer and then visits from council officials who are anxious about the height of the load under the M5 motorway bridges. Five years pass and the locomotive is now at Eridge in Sussex, this part of the film covers some of the remarkable work members have achieved to restore Ramillies. We also see Ramillies running under her own power to Tunbridge Wells for again loading on to a road rig in preparation for her move to The Mid Norfolk Railway. All the loading on to the rig is covered, so if you have ever wondered how to get a 117 ton loco on to a low loader then watch this film. Finally we see Ramillies at her new location on The Mid Norfolk Railway and take a trip with her along that line to Wymondham Abbey.
90 mins colour Narration Regular price £14.95 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 10th August 2007 - £14.00 (free UK & European p&p)
By Mike Walker
Although the SPV series of North American Railroad Atlases now covers all of the United States the story is not finished. Railroading is a dynamic business, companies are merging, lines are being spun off to other operators or abandoned and some trackage is being brought back into use or built.
To reflect these changes we are researching and producing new editions of the atlases when possible. These are not reprints but completely new editions. New technology is being used to improve the product in just about every respect. It is now possible to increase the accuracy and detail and the method of production, generating the original artwork on computer allows us to update them more easily and provides a much clearer, easy to read product. Thanks to the assistance of a number of enthusiasts in both the US and UK much additional information has been incorporated, adding lines which had been omitted from the earlier editions and correcting the errors.
Work is currently under way on an all-new North East edition which should be available by the autumn. Although it will cover the same area as the current edition it will contain around 30 extra pages with many additional enlargements. For the first time it will include the subways in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, the new generation of Light Rail lines and the former interurban networks. Many logging railroads will also be included. In New York City separate sheets will show the surface and subway lines.
Look out for the new editions as they are released, they can be quickly identified by the revised cover with photographs replacing the old picture. In the case of North East, the extra thickness will be a give away too! It is also our intention to cover the rest of Canada, the next volume will cover Ontario
The map below shows the volumes currently available; other volumes in preparation.
SPECIAL OFFER UNTIL 10th August 2007 ALL ATLASES 0NLY £ 15.00 CANADA View example pages
USA View example pages.
CALENDARS 2008
Contemporary images of Burlington Northern, Santa Fe, Conrail, Union Pacific, Utah Railway, Canadian National, Durango & Silverton, CSX, Chicago & North Western, and more. Trains working hard to move people and freight are seen here against a variety of colorful, scenic regions of North American – canyons, deserts, mountains, and more. Photos and captions by Mike and Tom Danneman. Recognizes U.S. national holidays. 13 x 10-1/2.
£ 10.95 (FREE UK p&p)
Detailed, lifelike scenes from talented model railroaders captured in large full-color photographs. Layouts include Pelle Soeborg’s HO scale layout, Rob Enrico’s O scale layout, and Benard Kempinski’s N scale layout. Captions by the staff of Model Railroader. 13 x 10-1/2.
Celestial images include the Orion Nebula, Whirlpool Galaxy M101, and the Crab Nebula. Includes information on viewing many celestial events. Detailed captions
Features photographs of trains on narrow gauge rails mountain-bound mines & communities in the 1800s.
Dramatic scenes of mountains & prairies form the backdrops for these stunning photographs of various Canadian railroads.
Railfans discovered Foggs artistry when he worked for locomotive builder Alco depicting their new diesel engines.
Features spectacular images of steam, electric and diesel locomotives.
The Rio Grande Southern travelled 163 difficult miles between Ridgway and Durango on narrow gauge track.
Captures images of steam & diesel across this vast system.
Historic photographs from around the United States
Pictures historically accurate and visually compelling images of native americans and cowboys on the western range.
Trees are a pleasure to see as they prove natures determination to link earth and sky.
The era of sailing ships inspires brilliant images on the canvases of contemporary marine artist
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS MAKE GREAT GIFTS - ENYOYED ALL YEAR ROUND!
DIESEL ERA (£5.40 - sub £32) May/June issue available
CLASSIC TRAINS (£4.25 - sub £17.00) Summer issue available
TRAINS (£4.25 - sub £45) August issue available
MODEL RAILROADER (£4.25 - sub £47) August issue available
NARROW GAUGE & SHORTLINE GAZETTE (£5.25 - sub £29) May/June issue available
GARDEN RAILWAYS (£4.95 - sub £28) July/August issue available
RAILFAN (£3.20 - sub £33) August issue available
RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN (£3.40 - sub £35) July issue available
N SCALE (£5.25 - sub £29) July/August issue available
Magazines UK p&p now included - Rest of Europe + £ 0.50 Annual Sub: UK p&p incl. - Europe £5
To All,
Since our last newsletter it has been a manic time for lots of you. There has been flooding in many parts of England which have left people with their belongings destroyed and left them homeless. This must be a trying time and we wish all people affected by the flooding the very best and hope you can get through this as soon as possible. I myself have had a bit of a disaster. A few weeks ago I popped back home to cook myself some chips for lunch. They were very nice (even if a little unhealthy) and after finishing them, I returned to work. At the end of the day I returned back home to find that I had left the chip pan on and the hot oil had caught light and burnt out. The whole house was full of thick black smoke so I rushed around opening all the windows to allow the smoke to escape. When the smoke had gone the house was left with black soot throughout. I have had a cleaning company in to clear the soot and will be having builders in to repair the damage. I am sure there is a moral to be learnt here about eating fatty chips which the girls at SPV are very happy to point out to me!
Stu
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