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Union Pacific Turbines of the Wasatch DVD PentrexIn the decade they were operated, Union Pacific's 8500-series Gas Turbine Electric Locomotives earned two nicknames: UP dubbed them the "Super Fleet" for obvious reasons as they were the largest, most powerful locomotives ever employed by the railroad. More often the Turbines were referred to as "Big Blows" due to the deafening roar of their engines. Thirty of these GE-built giants were delivered to the UP between 1958 and 1961. Used primarily between Ogden, Utah and Green River, Wyoming, where the tough grades of the Wasatch Mountains required UP's sturdiest power, these monsters could log up to 10,000 miles a month hauling heavy mixed freight and coal trains. The 8500 series were permanently coupled six-axle units running on C-C trucks, and their prime mover was the most powerful ever used in a locomotive. The operating weight for the A and B units combined was close to 850,000 pounds, yet they could attain speeds of up to 70 mph! |
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Added 2010-05-27 19:12:02 by howie
Yes as the others said the picture quality is not the best, whereas the other UP mighty turbines DVD is great quality! Yes i know it is older footage, but in the transfer to DVD it is not too good, and in time the footage does get boring, it's the same thing just over and over, just the engine number changes. After watching the other DVD on UP turbines, I would save your money and pass on this one. howie. Added 2010-01-11 11:51:52 by Sumeth
Contents are interesting but quality of picture was terrible as they used film that shoot in the 60'. This some time makes me a bit too boring to keep on watching till the end. Added 2009-02-12 19:40:15 by Jeffrey Ornstein
A very good program dedicated to the monstrous UP Turbines. Lots of dramatic footage of the third type of turbines that pulled freights through Echo and Weaver Canyon. The video begins by showing images of the previous two turbines, and even some footage of turbines doubleheading with steam. Then we see the giant locomotives being serviced in the yards and shops, and how they were fueled and sanded. We follow several different turbines through the 62 mile route, with numerous pacing sequences, trackside views and zoom shots from afar. While some of the diesels that were used as helpers burned out along the route, the Turbines just kept going and going. While some of the footage is a bit grainier than one would like, the images are truly awesome. The sound in this video is absolutely incredible. I had to turn down my HT speakers so my neighbors wouldn't complain! If you like big vintage diesels, this is a really great show! |
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if ordered now.
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