Please join our Subscription List if you wish to receive notification of new titles. Name: Email: Location: USA UK Europe Rest of World Subscribe: Un-Subscribe:
Newsletter - CHRISTMAS 2007
Previous Newsletters
In this Christmas Newsletter there are plenty of ideas to help friends and family with their Christmas shopping!
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 colour Narration Regular price £22.00 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 12th January 2008 - £21.00 (free UK & European p&p)
New Annual From CARSTENS
The 2008 On30 Annual
Capturing the detail of 1/4 inch to the foot models with the foot print of HO scale, On30 modeling is one of the most vibrant and active segments of model railroading today. The On30 Annual for 2008 is solely dedicated to this gauge and captures the best that On30 has to offer.The Annual features three stunning layouts in addition to 'hands on' locomotive, rolling stock and structure construction articles. Construction plans and product features round out the offerings in this top quality, perfect bound publication. If you model in On30 or just like great modeling the On30 Annual is must have addition to your library.
£ 14.00 (Incl. UK p&p)
New Books From
Boston & Maine In Color Volume 2 by Carl Byron
A year-by-year chronology of the B&M from just after World War II through the troubled McGinnis years, bankruptcy and eventually Guildford.
£ 39.00 (Incl. UK p&p)
Trackside in the Mid-Atlantic States 1946-1959 with V. Purn and J. Knauff by Kevin Holland and Robert J. Yanosey
The late 1940’s-1950’s tour of the United States continues as they visit the Lackawanna, B&O, Reading, CNJ, EBT, VGN, C&O, PRR, N&W when steam ruled and early diesels were just arriving from the builders.
Wabash / Nickel Plate / DT&I Color Guide to Freight & Passenger Equipment by Jim Kinkaid
More than 300 color views of these Mid-Western fallen flags. Also includes AA, ART M&LS and NJI&I.
Trackside with "Mr. Alco" George W. Hockaday by Jim Odell and Len Kilian
George Hockaday loved the Alco locomotives his employer created and photographed them new at the plant as well as out on the various railroads he worked with.
Burlington Northern In Color Volume 2: A Cascade of Color by Jim Boyd
Follow author Jim Boyd as the BN merger takes place and its eclectic locomotive roster is organized. Experimental paint schemes and massive renumbering are all well illustrated and detailed. 1582482152 £ 39.00 (FREE
SPECIAL EDITION See how the nations’ trains helped win World War II with Railroads and World War II, in this 116-page collector’s issue from Classic Trains magazine. You'll get over 150 spectacular photos, plus compelling stories like: All aboard again! The Wandering Y-3's, Trains in White, Kodachrome Diary, Serving the Servicemen, and Pearl Harbor's Railroad.
£ 6.00 (Incl. UK p&p)
BEST SELLING ANNUAL LOCOMOTIVE BOOK 909 ROSTERS - ALL MAJOR RAILROAD SYSTEMS OF NORTH AMERICA * BNSF * CN * CP * CSX * KCS * NS * UP Including short term leased and 2008 new orders - over 37,000 operating locos incl. Instant ID of any loco with latest data, easy railroad comparisons, the choice book of the major railroads operation departments & demanding railfans. * Softback * 6.75" x 4"
New Book From SIGNATURE PRESS
Southern Pacific's Salt Lake Division by John R. Signor
More than 500 miles from Ogden, Utah to Reno, Nevada, at the eastern foot of the Sierra Nevada, comprised SPs Salt Lake Division. Although it was a vital and historic part of the Southern Pacific, from the building of the Central Pacific until the end of the SP in 1996, its day-to-day history and operation, with the difficulties of weather, scant water, and steep grades, has remained in relative obscurity. This is largely due to its remoteness. The Salt Lake Division, located in a sparsely populated interior basin and range country characterized by vast depressions or desert sinks, and the furrowing of innumerable north-south mountain ranges, is one of the least populated regions in the continental United States. West of the Pequops Range, much of the line is located along the Humboldt River which, from northeastern Nevada, runs west and southwest before finally disappearing into the ground in the Humboldt Sink. And though many improvements have been made to the alignment of the railroad over the years, much of this country even today is much as the pioneers saw it. An important part of this railroad is the Great Salt Lake crossing, which was built during the Harriman era. The author, master SP historian John Signor, has drawn upon original railroad records, published accounts in early newspapers, trade magazines and periodicals, maps and the recollections of old-timers to make a complex and interesting railroad narrative about this 780-mile line, including its several branches and auxiliary main lines. Supplementing the text are over 60 maps, graphics and ephemera, and over 680 photos (77 in color), most of which have never been published. A bibliography and detailed index round out this volume. The result is a very fine work which adds to the Southern Pacific canon, treating an important and often overlooked part of the Southern Pacific, from one of its most respected historians. Railroad history buffs generally, and SP and Western railroad fans in particular, will be sure to enjoy this book.
£ 40.00 (Incl. UK p&p)
From 16mm film by Donald J. Krofta. Continuing with Donald J. Krofta's Steam & Diesel on the B&O, this second volume has more of his classic 1950's footage of B&O steam in the 1950's plus colorful diesel footage as B&O turned into the Chessie System in the 1970's and the Chessie Steam Special as it visited northern Ohio in 1977. Along the way, you'll get a touch of Erie-Lackawanna, Conrail, and one scene of Amtrak's Cardinal. The 1950's steam action takes place at Deshler, Attica Junction, Willard, South Lima, Lorain, Warwick and other places in northern Ohio. You'll find 4-8-2's, 2-8-2's, 2-10-2's, 0-8-0's and the big EM1 class 2-8-8-4's. Diesels are in the same general area and the Chessie Steam Special was filmed as it ran from Fostoria to Toledo with a service stop at Walbridge. The engine was ex-Reading 2101. Real B&O steam sound recorded by Jim Hawk brings the steam scenes to life. The diesel sequences also have sound. Maps are included of most photo locations. Running time is 59 minutes plus previews of many other shows using Don Krofta's 16mm film are included at the end. Total program length with previews is 69 minutes. Narrated by Danny Harmon.
69 mins colour Narration Regular price £20.00 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 12th January 2008 - £19.00 (free UK & European p&p)
This video was shot in April 2007, and features a weekend of photo freights from Owosso, Michigan which is the home of the Steam Railroading Institute, where Pere Marquette 2-8-4 number 1225 resides. 1225 has never operated on a photo special like this, and is normally seen on sporadic excursions during summer season, or the holiday trains during the Christmas season. Speaking of the holidays, 1225 is well-known as being the locomotive that was used as the template for the movie "Polar Express" a few years ago. We arrived early so that we captured some of the activity on Friday with the train being assembled for the weekend. We see 1225 moving around, and Flagg Coal Company 0-4-0T Number 75, which was given its original number, 2 for this weekend. Both engines are seen at Owosso as switching duties are performed. On Saturday and Sunday we start before dawn, with sunrise scenes that accent the profile of the fine lines of this steam locomotive. We work two different lines on both Saturday and Sunday including the former New York Central line, and the former Ann Arbor line from Owosso, Michigan. During the days we are treated to several different runbys, that include reflection shots, grain elevators, and much more. In addition some period vintage vehicles are used with some of the runbys. There are scenes of 1225 on the turntable as it is serviced between runs. Two camera coverage includes extra scenes at some locations, plus some spots where we could combine two camera shots into one runby. You won't want to miss this first-ever photo special for Pere Marquette 1225. Color with live stereo audio.
98 mins colour Narration Regular price £21.00 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 12th January 2008 - £20.00 (free UK & European p&p)
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.
60 mins colour Narration Regular price £20.00 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 12th January 2008 - £19.00 (free UK & European p&p)
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.
Once again steam whistles echo through the grassy hillsides of Niles Canyon. But, the canyon holds a secret known only to a few. Climb aboard the Niles Canyon Railway for a train ride of discovery. Featuring the historic railroad equipment of the Pacific Locomotive Association. 30-min. Bonus Featurette: Highlights of the Annual “Train of Lights.” The Niles Canyon Railway’s famous “Train of Lights” glitters in the crystal-clear night as it winds through the hills and canyons. Decorate your TV for the holidays!
30 mins colour Narration Regular price £12.00 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 12th January 2008 - £11.00 (free UK & European p&p)
In this presentation we will follow the DRGW narrow gauge from Alamosa to Antonito on to Chama then to Durango. We will also make trips to Farmington and Silverton. In this never before released footage we'll see actual operations and not excursions. Pipe loads travel to Farmington, passenger service to Silverton, tackeling Cumbres Pass, action in the roundhouse and on the turntable. This is a must have addition to any Rio Grande enthusiast's collection. All the excitement is here, the passes, cuts, mountains and rivers gorges of this historic railroad.
58 mins colour Narration Regular price £20.00 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 12th January 2008 - £19.00 (free UK & European p&p)
Jingpeng Pass was the world’s last great steam show! The cold January temperatures created billowing clouds of steam and smoker as the 2-10-2 QJ class locomotives challenged the stiff grades of Jingpeng Pass. Visit Daban Locomotive shed where the QJs were serviced and maintained, you will see the Jitong Railway’s steam hauled passenger train near Chabuga. Visit rural villages, pass through the crowded village markets, see the local people getting ready for the Chinese New Year and visit the “Great Wall”. Machines of Iron brings China steam to you in all its dynamic glory.
59 mins colour Narration Regular price £19.00 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 12th January 2008 - £18.00 (free UK & European p&p)
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
60 mins colour Narration SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFER £10.00 (free UK & European p&p)
PETER HANDFORD
We are very sad to have to tell you that Peter Handford died at his home in Suffolk, aged 88. Of course he will be remembered for his excellent work on Hollywood films such as, “Gorillas In The Mist” but for us it is his magical recording’s of the age of steam that will endear him to all rail enthusiasts. His life long passion for railways and particularly steam meant that his sound pictures could transport you back to the 50s with such effect that you could smell the steam and smoke. These recordings can still provoke wonderful memories and emotions of a bygone era. Thank you Peter for your foresight - a lovely man who will be greatly missed. Ann
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS MAKE GREAT GIFTS - ENYOYED ALL YEAR ROUND!
DIESEL ERA (£5.40 - sub £32) Sept/Oct. issue available
CLASSIC TRAINS (£4.25 - sub £17.00) Winter issue available
TRAINS (£4.25 - sub £45) January issue available
MODEL RAILROADER (£4.25 - sub £47) January issue available
NARROW GAUGE & SHORTLINE GAZETTE (£5.25 - sub £29) Nov/Dec. issue available
GARDEN RAILWAYS (£4.95 - sub £28) Nov/Dec. issue available
RAILFAN (£3.20 - sub £33) December issue available
RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN (£3.40 - sub £35) December issue available
N SCALE (£5.25 - sub £29) Nov/Dec. issue available
Magazines UK p&p now included - Rest of Europe + £ 0.50 Annual Sub: UK p&p incl. - Europe £5
MERRY CHRISTMAS
We hope all your Christmas preparations are well advanced and trust that we have been able to provide ideas to help friends and family with their Christmas shopping. May we take this opportunity on behalf of all the staff at SPV to wish everyone a very happy Xmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.
Stuart & Ann Sarah, Chrissie, Alison
Please help Chrissie and Alison by ordering your Christmas pressies and stocking fillers in good time.
Last official day for UK Christmas post is Thursday 20th December To ensure Christmas deliveries please order as soon as possible - we are extremely busy at this time of year!
To Catalogue
Newsletter
- CHRISTMAS 2007