My First Pentrex Order

As I'm turning 40 next weekend I decided to spoil myself with some DVD's from Pentrex.

This is what I've ordered

1. Donner Combo

Battle for Donner Pass and
Across Donner Summit

Between Roseville, California and Sparks, Nevada lies one of the most difficult sustained climbs in American railroading, the Donner Summit route. This 140-mile stretch of formerly Southern Pacific, now Union Pacific, double-tracked mainline routinely challenges trains to 2.3 percent grades on its 85-mile eastbound climb to the 7,000-foot elevation at Donner Summit. In our new Donner Combo DVD you can experience three hours of thrilling Donner action in these two dynamic shows:

Battle for Donner Pass (1 Hour 17 Minutes)
Here is the incredible story of the Southern Pacific men and equipment that fought impossible odds to keep this historic mountain pass open through winter’s worst storms. This amazing saga takes you right into the cabs of the equipment and introduces the people whose job it was to keep the tracks clear. You’ll see the flangers and regulators, spreaders and bulldozers, rotaries and more! (Produced by Video Rails 1993)

DVD Special Features:
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 Menu provides instant access to program segments.
Across Donner Summit (2 Hours)
Our host and personal guide through this exciting presentation is noted railroad photographer and historian Richard Steinheimer. Heavy Southern Pacific trains use the original route built over the summit by the Central Pacific Railroad in the 1860s. After 120 years of continual use, the obstacles are still staggering. Steep grades, sharp curves, and cruel weather face the trains on their way over the Sierra Nevada. Helpers are required in both directions. You’ll see flangers and spreaders clear the line of accumulated snow. Freight and passenger trains roll over Donner in bitter storms and as clear skies brighten the surrounding snowcover. Witness the majesty of nature and the indomitable will that keeps the trains moving over SP’s Donner Summit! (Produced by Pentrex 1992)


2. Powder River Combo

Combined here on one action-packed Combo DVD are two exciting programs bringing the thrill of railroading in Wyoming's coal country: King Coal - Powder River Rails & Mines (filmed in 2001) and Powder River Basin Coal Trains (filmed in 1992).


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King Coal - Powder River Rails & Mines (90 Minutes)

In Wyoming's Powder River Basin, train after train of loaded and empty hoppers make their way across the desolate, rolling hills of the high plains. This is coal country. With production levels surpassing all other US mining areas, the numbers are staggering and that means rail traffic is at an all time high. To move these mountains of coal, the railroads rely on modern, high horsepower locomotives such as GE C44-9s and EMD SD90s to lug their heavy loads over the grades. Single track has been doubled and in some areas tripled to handle the massive volume. Rolling meets between Union Pacific and BNSF trains are common. Often several movements are visible at the same time, many with locomotives on both ends of the consist. There's even a helper district on the north end of the line. And all of these trains transport a single commodity—coal!

Have you ever wanted to visit a strip mine to see how coal is dug, hauled from the pits, and flood-loaded into moving trains? At Black Thunder mine, close-up views show just how it's done. Massive mining machines and high-density railroading are required to move this vital commodity. It's all here: intense, big-time railroading action. Experience the complete story of King Coal - Powder River Rails & Mines!

3. Train Meets


Double The Action!

We all feel pretty lucky when we're able to photograph two trains meeting each other. Sometimes it's the result of careful planning, but more often it's just plain luck. Over two years went into the filming of Train Meets-Double The Action, and the results are simply spectacular! Every scene gives you two trains meeting or passing each other.

All the sites shown here are located in Southern California. The majority are on Cajon Pass, a dynamite setting for exciting train action. You'll see side-by-side running as the trains battle the grades of Cajon, always a thrilling sight. Each locale is identified by on-screen graphics, but not until you've had a chance to see if you can figure out the exact location first!

There's a huge variety of motive power and equipment to be seen. BNSF locomotives in Heritage II colors are plentiful. You'll also see motive power in various paint schemes from Union Pacific (including the new UP design with the American flag proudly waving), Southern Pacific, Santa Fe, Burlington Northern, Cotton Belt, CSX, and others. Doublestacks, piggybacks, autoracks, mixed freight, and some passenger trains are shown.

The trains do the talking in this show, as there is minimal narration to interfere with the throaty growls of hardworking engines or squealing flanges. On-screen graphics keep you well informed about the locations you see. All four seasons of the year are represented, even winter scenes showing snow on Cajon. With the camera poised to catch the movements from interesting angles and meets galore, this is one show every railfan should see!

4. American Railroad Collections

Featuring Eight Rare Promotional, Training, and Safety Films Produced in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s

Here, combined on one DVD, are the first two volumes in an exciting Pentrex film collection featuring your favorite railroads of the 1950s-1970s!

VOLUME 1:
Mo-Pac Delivers
Missouri Pacific, 1975
Mo-Pac demonstrates its many strengths to prospective customers in this rare promotional film. See welded rail installation, maintenance of way equipment, automated wheel shops and hump yards, dispatch center, specialized freight cars, unit trains, modern diesel locomotives, and more! (25 minutes)

Portrait of a Railroad
Burlington Northern, 1973
BN moved 100,000 cars on 126,000 miles of rail to transport food, fuel, and goods to American markets on a scale only the railroad could handle. This is a tribute to the people and equipment that could pump 2,000 freight cars a day through its classification yards. (26 minutes)

Switches - Hand-Brakes and YOU
Chicago & North Western, 1974
This detailed and instructive film in the Safe Railroading Series shows employees the right and wrong ways to handle switches and hand-brakes. Featured equipment includes ball, lever, high stand, dual control, and spring switches; plus wheel and lever hand brakes. (22 minutes)

TLC (Tender Loving Care)
CN Rail, 1978
Transporting newsprint requires special care and attention; otherwise it's easily damaged and expensive to replace, as Canadian National rail workers learn in this informative program. You'll see the skills needed to load, route, and deliver this valuable commodity just in time. (22 minutes)
VOLUME 2:
The Freight Goes Through!
Association of American Railroads, 1952
Yard workers get a good look at damage prevention techniques and the effects that temperature and load have on coupling and rolling speeds. Both steam and diesel engines are featured in this AAR training film. (18 minutes)

The Right to Compete
AAR, 1956
The importance of revising Federal regulations to permit fair competition among different transportation modes is promoted in this 1950s-vintage AAR film. Featured railroads include Southern Pacific, Missouri Pacific, the Pennsy, New York Central, B&O, Santa Fe, Nickel Plate, Seaboard Air Line, and more. (14 minutes)

New Directions in Modern Railroading
AAR, 1966
The AAR demonstrates how new developments are bringing traffic back to the rails. See welded rail, tunnel expansion, electronic communications, special-purpose freight cars, just-in-time delivery, piggyback and containers, grain and coal unit trains, and passenger transportation on the GN, UP, SP, PRR, SOU, NP, ATSF, NYC, C&NW, ACL, and others. Narrated by Chet Huntley. (28 minutes)

The Right Track
AAR, 1967
Kids (and adults, too!) learn lessons in safety in this timeless film featuring the New York Central. What seems like fun can have deadly results when trains are involved! (16 minutes)


Anyway sorry for the long post lol but wanted to share with you what I've ordered. Hopefully I will be able to post a review once I've watched them all.

 

I have the video of the Donner Pass one. You will enjoy it Paul, as I am sure you will the others

 

We can have a DVD night one night lol.

 

I'm a Pentrex addict as well. I watch them over and over. The "American Railroad Collection" is one of my favorites.

In my opinion, there just never could be too much of this type of stuff around. It is hours and hours of enjoyment.

Charlie

 

Received my requested catalog today! Now to do some serious exploring!



Boxcab E50

 

Today I received my first Pentrex DVD that was given to me as a gift from a good friend.

It is the "Union Pacific's triple track main" DVD taken on the Kearney Division in Nebraska.

I have just finished watching it and it is an excellent DVD I highly recommend it.

Here are a couple of screen shots





[ 06. March 2004, 10:18: Message edited by: Colonel ]

 

This would be the phrase to zero in on.

Anyway, thanks for posting the reviews Paul. I need to do the same. I love the Pentrex DVD's!

Charlie

 

Received the order of 4 DVD's today i will give the next review once i finished watching it. i'm currently watching American Railroad Collections

 

Paul,

I have that one in my collection. It is a great one. I especially enjoyed TLC (Tender Loving Care) CN Rail, 1978. But, believe me, there is not a dud on this DVD and that stuff is right up my alley of interest. I wanted to make sure I got that one before they sold out.

Charlie

 

I have just finished watching volume 1 which consisted of

1. Mopac Delivers - This chapter has some great footage of MOPAC equipment including hump yards



2. Portrait of a railroad - This is about Bunrlington Northern in 1973 with some great footage and stories of working on the railroad




3. Switches - this is a training video for CNW on throwing switches



4. TLC - As Charlie has posted this is about the paper industry and importance of railroads.
Thereis some good footage of CN railroads




Volume 1 went for approx 90 minutes and was enjoyable to watch. I will report on volume 2 when I get the time to watch it.

[ 06. March 2004, 10:19: Message edited by: Colonel ]

 

I knew you would like that MOPAC one. Actually, I enjoyed it too. It is like going back in time watching those great fallen flag railroads in action.

I will do a review on the Pentrex St. Louis Classic Railroading DVD soon.

Charlie