Alaska Vol 3 Giants in the Dark

Giants in the Dark -
Winter on the Alaska Railroad

The third in our 3-volume DVD series about the Alaska Railroad brings you a view of Alaskan railroading like no other, for it carries you along the rails in the dead of winter, when temperatures are minus 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit and you're lucky if you see five hours of daylight. Photographer Patrick Hunstiger set up his studio lights and cameras to capture this incredible action in 1994. Now, with this new DVD release from Pentrex, you can experience powerful diesels challenging the cold, snow, and darkness, guiding freight and passenger trains through the frozen frontiers of the Alaskan wilds.

Winter alters the way the Alaska Railroad does business. A busy summer week of up to 100 trains a week will drop to 25 during the winter. However, the spectacular drama of railroading in Alaska is undiminished. GP40-2s, GP49s, a GP30, F7-B, E8-B, and MP15 are seen spewing show from the rails, sliding through the darkness while snow flurries cover the cabs, and hauling their trains past ice clogged-bays and jagged white peaks. Approaching the Alyeska Ski Resort in Girdwood aboard the Ski Train is a magical sight for the mountain is lit for night skiing, but for the most part what you'll see is the bitter cold, the heavy storms, and the dangers facing the men and equipment in a land of perpetual darkness. It's an extraordinary insight into a type of railroading that few dare to face.

Price:	$ 24.95
List Price:	~~$ 29.95~~
Item:	ALW-DVD
Live Stock Status:
Out of Stock. This item should ship in approximately 1-2 Days
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Specs
Length (mins):	60
Producer:	Pentrex
Aspect Ratio:	Full Screen
UPC:	748268005138
Disc Type:	DVD
Region Code:	0 Worldwide NTSC
Ranked #126 of 1265 items.
There are 3 reviews of this item. Click here or scroll down to read them.

Rated 4.5/5 (6 Votes) 1 2 3 4 5

Added 2009-10-14 12:19:46 by drgwtrain

I thought the narration was weak, geared more toward younger viewer and very limited on the trains info. Good views of trains working in winter climate, didn't give much about challenges of winter railroading, which is what I was looking for. Would suggest purchase only if on sale.

Additional remarks by drgwtrain:
Narration: A little bit too much.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Overpriced for the amount of enjoyment I got out of it.
Recommend to others? Not unless they REALLY were interested in the subject matter.

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Added 2008-09-30 19:59:22 by rrvideoman

Railroading is always a challenge, be it in the warmth of sunny Florida, or the mountains of British Columbia, or the scenic wonderland of Alaska. Add in the elements of Mother Nature, and the challenge increases. Alaska, in June it's the land of the midnight sun, but in the winter 5 hours of daylight is a good day. Bring in to play temperatures below -50F, and snow, what we have is a major challenge. It takes tough men to do the work, but it does get done. This is one of the most interesting videos You will ever see. Being that a lot is in the dark, and snow covered, the scenery is not as apparent as the previous volumes, But a purchase of this video will be a highlight of any railfan's collection.

Additional remarks by rrvideoman:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Definitely!
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

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Added 2008-05-05 06:23:29 by Brian

This is now in my top 5!!! Highly Highly recommended! Pentrex videos are all excellent. This is different. I want to hear more of the "scanner" talk like this has. Alaska railroading in the dark and below zero

Additional remarks by Brian:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Yes.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

Respond to this review