Railroad Nation

Steam still thunders down the tracks on railroads across North America. A new generation of railfan photographers, equipped with digital video cameras, is riding and chasing the trains, capturing them in all their splendor with fantastic images. Pentrex has edited the best of the best to bring you a very special video experience. Three hours of nonstop steam action delivers ten different steam engines, including the sought-after final run of Frisco 1522, side-by-side running of Ohio Central’s 6325 and 1293, and SP&S 700 in Montana! You can enjoy the exciting sights and sounds of: -Canadian Pacific 2816 (23 Minutes) CP 2816, a 4-6-4, was built by Montreal Locomotive Works in 1930, retired in 1960, and sold to Steamtown in 1964. Canadian Pacific reacquired the locomotive in 1998 and restored it to service in 2001. We cover two of its trips through the spectacular Canadian Rockies. First, in May of 2002, we follow the Hudson pulling a short passenger train from Yale, British Columbia to Banff, Alberta. Some of the highlights are the Thompson River Canyon, Notch Hill, Glacier, Field, and Kicking Horse Pass. On parts of the journey the 2816 works unassisted, while on the steepest portion GP38-2 diesel 3084, painted in classic CP maroon and gray livery, is added on the point. Then in June of the same year we enjoy a mixed freight and passenger train on the Crowsnest Pass route with 2816 on the point followed by two tenders and the 3084. -Milwaukee Road 261 (8 Minutes) Join us as we chase the mighty Milwaukee Road 261 from Minneapolis to Duluth and return during May of 2002. Pulling a 16-car passenger special unassisted, the shiny black 4-8-4 looks great and sounds great roaring through the north woods of Minnesota. -Mt. Rainier Scenic 2-6-2T #7, Heisler #2, and 2-8-2T #17 (8 Minutes) Three engines are steamed up for a railfan event in June of 2001. We visit the south end of this ex-Milwaukee Road branch between Elbe and Mineral, Washington. Both freight and passenger trains are featured.

To get all the steam action, order your copy of Extreme Steam today.

Here are two shows that lift you up into the skies above Southern California for an incredible look at railroading as you’ve never seen it before!

ATSF 3751 heads to San Bernardino in 2010

Above Southern California Rails (42 Minutes)

Climb aboard a jet helicopter loaded with state-of-the-art, gyro-stabilized video equipment. Then soar skyward to enjoy sweeping panoramas, pace speeding locomotives, and get incredible aerial views of long curving trains.

The weather is crystal clear and there are plenty of trains to be seen. You’ll marvel at the ultra-smooth, incredibly close, breathtaking photography as our helicopter cruises above these fast freight and passenger trains. This video offers a perspective like no other!

Above 3751 Over Cajon (75 Minutes)

You asked for it!

After the successful release of “Above Southern California Rails”,  a flood of requests came in from enthusiastic customers with ideas for the next helicopter video. Well, Pentrex listened to the requests and they’re sure you’ll be thrilled with the results.

Santa Fe steam engine 3751 traveled over Cajon Pass as it moved from Los Angeles to Sacramento to attend Railfair ‘99. Pentrex was there to document this incredible journey, with multiple camera crews capturing every highlight of famous Cajon Pass. As always, the handsome 3751 put on quite a show!

This video will give you a completely different perspective of Cajon Pass. Pentrex’s jet-powered helicopter with state-of-the-art broadcast equipment allows you to pace alongside the 3751 and hover over freight trains as they meet the steam special. You’re railfanning from the ultimate chase vehicle!

See the latest on where to find the Santa Fe 3751 and  Scenic Train Rides in California

Coming in at #1,  Burt Lancaster plays a French train engineer during the waning days of the German occupation who tries to prevent Nazi colonel Paul Scofield from transporting a precious art collection back to Germany.
“Lancaster provides a veritable primer on the railroad craft:working an interlocking tower,.. running and hand-firing a 4-6-0,disassemble track fasteners. In all tasks, he is totally convincing.”

Filmed in the picturesque town of Acquigny in Normandy, just north of Paris. The line was scheduled for abandonment, so it was easy for the SCNF to give the director free rain.

The steam power was almost exclusively WWI era 4-6-0’s, with Belpaire designed fireboxes and were hand fired. The 4-6-0 in the first derailment was moving too fast, destroying three of five cameras. However, the result was one of the most exciting train action scenes in cinema history.

See if your favorite train movie made the list.