RAIL INDUSTRY FILMS

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.

Total running time is approximately 90 minutes $19.95

NEW YORK CENTRAL STEAM FINALE

New York Central Steam Finale covers the Ohio and Indiana areas that Mr. Warren W. Scholl shot on 8mm color home movies in the mid-1950s. Mr. Scholl resided in the Cincinnati area, and would film lots of steam in the area. In addition to filming trackside around Cincinnati, he would ride New York Central passenger trains to Chicago on business trips. Thus, we see several trips aboard the James Whitcombe Riley, and the Cincinnati Special to and from Chicago.

Power was exchanged for Illinois Central diesels in Kankakee and this is shown several times, as well as engine changes at Indianapolis, and other stops, plus views from the train. This was the last stronghold for New York Central Hudsons.

In addition to seeing Hudsons on the Cincinnati to Chicago line, we also see a few glimpses of them at Toledo and Bellefontaine, plus we see quite a few Mohawks on passenger trains north of Cincinnati around Sharon Yard. We even see a Niagara or two around Cincinnati.

Freight action is covered quite well as we see the area north from Cincinnati to Sharonville, including several transfer freights, and the L&N transfers to Decoursey Yard in Kentucky. There is even one L&N transfer with an L&N diesel and NYC 2-8-2. Another NYC freight has lightning stripe F-Units and a NYC 2-8-2 headed north from Sharon Yard. There is also hump yard and switching shots, as well as roundhouse and turntable action.

The last segment includes freights west of Cincinnati, including the trains passing through B&O's Storrs Yard, and over course Riverside yard. There are numerous scenes of helpers being coupled at Riverside and departing as well as some trains arriving from the west. This was nearly all 4-8-2 territory, with some 2-8-2 helpers. As we proceed west, we see several chases along River Road, and we see helpers at Valley Junction, another location where helpers were attached for the climb to Sunman via Guilford Hill. We also see a train coming off the Whitewater Valley line at Valley Junction, as well as a meet with a Hudson on a passenger train. There is also some footage of the Ohio River Coal company with an 0-4-0 working some coal cars. This was the last steam to operate in Cincinnati.

Included is information regarding the years built, and retirement dates of engines that can be identified. At the end we included a segment documenting several of the last steam runs in the Indiana and Ohio areas for the different types of locomotives. This is where New York Central steam ended.

Like 95% of all old steam film, there was never any audio recorded. Therefore we have included a wealth of informative narration, and appropriate music. These are not top of the line quality commercial films, but rather home movies. However, it is interesting material, and better to be seen by those who appreciate the subject matter, than to have it sit in the closet for nobody to ever see.

Approx 65 Min. $29.95