“Covered Wagons of the Cascade”, by Pentrex. Copyright 2016. 48 minutes, color, stereo, narrated, maps, original sound. Retail $29.95. Item CWC-DVD.
I received this DVD in the mail yesterday, a Christmas present given to me from….me. This is the first DVD I’ve purchased in a long time, and it is quite an enjoyable program.
The DVD starts with vintage Amtrak “rainbow” era footage at Portland, OR Union Station and Chicago Union Station in 1971-72. This is a beautiful but brief look back at that colorful era before repainting into Amtrak coloring took place. This has personal significance to me (see my earlier post titled “It’s All My Dad’s Fault”). I’ve often wondered why certain Rail fan DVDs include material from outside the geographic area mentioned in the title – Portland, and especially Chicago, are definitely not in the Cascades. Perhaps this footage was included to round out the total length of the DVD with material from the same photographer. Whatever the reason, it’s a welcomed inclusion in this case.
The majority of this DVD consists of Burlington Northern F-units pulling manifest freights between Seattle and Sumas, Washington, on the Canadian border, from the mid-1970s through 1981. F3s, F7s, and other vintage power including ex-Northern Pacific GP9s with roof mounted torpedo tubes and bells are shown. Freight cars of the era make a strong appearance on trains traversing the beautiful Cascade region, including vintage BN cabooses from predecessor lines. The photographer shares a cab ride with us as well. A bonus toward the end of the program is a train being handed over at the Canadian Pacific interchange at Sumas, WA. Three CP GP9s, one still in maroon and gray, take over from there.
One feature I believe could definitely be improved is the maps that accompany some of the chapters. They include minimal detail and incorrect state boundaries and shapes, providing minimal reference more than the general filming locations.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable program worth owning, especially if you are a fan of EMD Covered wagons, early Amtrak, Burlington Northern and its predecessors, Washington State or 1970s railroading. Enjoy!
Seen any good railfan programs lately? Let me know:
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