SP4449 "THE DAYLIGHT"

Southern Pacific Class GS-4 #4449 stars in this 1989 video presentation. The famous red, orange, and black 4-8-4 makes a run to Los Angeles for the Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal celebration.

First we see the engine in Portland at the roundhouse and turning on the turntable prior to the run. Then we follow the 4449 and a short train for two days from Portland to Klamath Falls, and then on toward Oakland.

Highlights are scenes in the Cascades, and the morning shot at Warden with one of the best reflection shots in the water we have ever made.  At Oakland more cars are added for the excursion to Santa Barbara, where we see some nice scenes along the Pacific at Surf, California. The last day 4449 runs to Los Angeles, capped by a side-by-side performance next to Union Pacific 4-8-4 #8444 entering LA Union Station.

Next we see the display diesels at the depot, and the departure of both trains up Cajon Pass as they storm the grade side-by-side once more as throngs of spectators watch the event. Then we follow 4449 to Bakersfield, and the last day on to Fresno. There is a nice cab ride from Black Butte to Dunsmuir (some 60 MPH), and some good pacing scenes north of Bakersfield to make this an action-packed video of one of the most famous U.S. engines.

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This program has been re-edited and some footage color corrected that was at the beginning of the program. Also some things like the cab ride were lengthened and a few shots added that were not in the original 60 Minute VHS. Also the cover has been remade for the DVD.