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Donner Combo - PentrexBattle for Donner Pass and
Our host and personal guide through this exciting presentation is noted railroad photographer and historian Richard Steinheimer. Heavy Southern Pacific trains use the original route built over the summit by the Central Pacific Railroad in the 1860s. After 120 years of continual use, the obstacles are still staggering. Steep grades, sharp curves, and cruel weather face the trains on their way over the Sierra Nevada. Helpers are required in both directions. You"ll see flangers and spreaders clear the line of accumulated snow. Freight and passenger trains roll over Donner in bitter storms and as clear skies brighten the surrounding snowcover. Witness the majesty of nature and the indomitable will that keeps the trains moving over SP"s Donner Summit! (Produced by Pentrex 1992) DVD Special Feature:
In Color with HiFi Sound and Narration |
Note: This map is for general location information only. It does not reflect the exact route OR areas covered in this video. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Added 2010-03-21 17:18:11 by fleandca
I really really enjoyed this DVD, it is before the UP/SP merger, spartan cab railroading.
In depth coverage of both Donner Pass and Snow Fighting Operations,if either of these subjects interest you this DVD would be worth buying.
The 2 films on this combo run over 3 hrs,and when it was done I cued it up and watched it again from start to finish. Added 2010-02-06 15:22:45 by UK Phil
I think that the battle part was absolutely great, and how the camera team obtained permission to film this is a mystery to us UK types. The Health & Safety brigade here would have a fit if we were allowed to see ice-cycles being shot down and the use of explosives in tunnels/snow-sheds, and to see a crew re rail derailed stock/locomotives using planks of wood was great These scenes would be classed as commercially sensitive.
An excellent show in an area where snow can be a real problem. Added 2009-09-07 22:33:11 by Chris Altwegg
Good overview of the Donner Pass area, how it works and what a challenge it is. I watched the 2nd video first and then watched the Battle for Donner Pass. Wow, what a great view of what goes on to keep a pass open in the winter. Added 2008-08-13 15:33:44 by Jesper
As a fan of big noisy machinery "The Battle for Donner Pass" has rolled a couple of times now... I like it when we get to see that they don't always use machines to clear ice! Added 2007-12-08 20:31:22 by dan
Another great combo DVD. "Battle for Donner Pass" video happens to show this area in one of the snowiest winters in modern times. I was in the Lake Tahoe & surrounding areas this same winter & I remember how the snow just kept coming.You could witness how hard it was to keep the highways open, but this video lets you see the even greater amount of effort needed to keep a railroad open under these harsh conditions. The special equipment & technical methods needed are well explained--it even documents a "worst case scenario" & the rotaries needing to come out of an 8 year hibernation to get the line open. A great documentation of a an amazing feat. "Across Donner Summit" is equally well done.The history of the pass, sharp curves, steep grades & extreme weather are all showcased in an interesting manner. Richard Steinheimer is used to host this video & really adds a nice touch. This keeps it interesting & adds a personal flair. The Pass is documented in all conditions including winter to make very enjoyable viewing. |
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