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This is one of the best!!, lots of great video and action, and well explained, there is only one boring segment, and I'm sure it is outdated, the one on dispatching, this is one you can watch over and over, simply put, this is a MUST HAVE!!

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

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A very interesting DVD - as noted - a four part presentation that features two segments on track maintenance equipment and techniques, as well as, segments on the construction of a modern 'hopper' style rail car, and a visit to railway control center that shows how trains are organized.

Personally, I found the 2 sections on the 'railway maintenance' to be of more interest. Both displayed amazing equipment (at work) that has been developed to provide some very specific functions to the railway track maintenance regimen
- it was a real eye-opener! The other 2 features were also very well done - but just not really stuff I'm into. Over-all, a great package!

Additional remarks by Robert Inwood:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Yes.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Yes.

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this was a great video by pentrex i would say this truly is very informed about how people work on the railroad

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

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We have verified that this reviewer has purchased this item from Train Video Depot because this reviewer is a member of our loyalty program and was signed in when they purchased the item and when they left the review.

Very interesting and informative. Gave a great insight into what working on the railroad is all about.

Additional remarks by Richard:
Narration: A little bit too much.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Definitely.

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Very educational. Always wondered how those machines worked. Also, deeply insightful and fascinating.

Additional remarks by Gilmer Colvard:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Definitely.

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This is truly an awesome DVD if you want to know what it's like to work on the railraods. This footage shows some incredible machines that I had no idea existed? It also shows the old rail gangs and how they operated prior to all the huge machines they have today on the railroads. It's excellent quality, both images & sound and is the typical fine quality of Pentrex DVD's. I highly recommend this DVD for your railfan library!

Additional remarks by Texas Hi-Railer:
Narration: Just enough.
Narration CAN be turned off in special features.
Would kids enjoy this? Definitely!
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

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Excellent coverage of much of the technnical nature of MOW. Very interesting and well presented.

Additional remarks by Tom:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Yes.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? Definitely.

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I love to see how things are done. Modern track laying has sure changed over the last 50 years. This DVD does a good job of showing some of the new methods. However, as another viewer mentioned, without some visual diagrams or drawings it is difficult to envision how some of the actions are being accomplished. After watching several procedures - I said to myself - How in the hell did they do that? I wish that someone would make more videos on track laying work including the new half mile long rails that are welded together and the new concrete ties and fasteners etc. I'd also enjoy seeing some videos on building locomotives and discussions on how they use Two Cycle instead of Four Cycle engines and the reasons etc. I enjoyed this DVD.

Additional remarks by Chuck D.:
Narration: Could have used more.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Yes.

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We have verified that this reviewer has purchased this item from Train Video Depot because this reviewer is a member of our loyalty program and was signed in when they purchased the item and when they left the review.

A fascinating look at the amazing machines, and those operating them, used for track maintenance along with a good commentary.

Additional remarks by Arty:
Narration: Could have used more.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

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If you are as fascinated as I am in big construction equipment, diesel locomotives, and machinery, this is definitely something to see!

Additional remarks by Jesper:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Yes.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? Definitely.

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This video really demystified the entire track laying process. I've seen crews quite often replacing rails and ties on the outdoor sections of the New York City Transit System. Even though this video is mainline railroading, I'm sure there are many similarities. Some of the equipment I've seen is similar to what was in the video. I wished there was just a little bit on how tracks are replaced in a tunnel. That I keep wondering about!


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This is one of my favorite videos! Pentrex did a really good job of showing how all the maintenance machines work in close detail with good narration that isn't too obtrusive.

The second half shows an automated concrete tie and welded rail laying machine that is just mind boggling to see.



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loved it, want more of it :)
some really cool stuff to see.

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

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<i>HEADS UP!</i> Turn the Subwoofer Volume DOWN!

<p>Railroading 101 - What Happens <i>BEFORE</i> you get to watch the train! These machines are amazing. They are like a factory on wheels. I am surprised that Discovery's Science Channel has never done a program about these things for their "Build It Bigger" or "How It's Made" series.

<p>The program starts out with a Norfolk Southern Timber and Surface Gang that removes and replaces wood ties. We also get a peek inside the kitchen that travels with the crew. Next we get a look an the NS car shop in Roanoke rebuilding Top Gon coal hoppers. Then we are off to the BNSF Thayer Sub for an undercutting project on a maintenance blitz that closes the line while work is done. Now it is back to the NS for a look at a Dispatch Center (I'm not sure which is worse - I have been on tours of both Railroad and Public Safety 911 Dispatch Centers - I think working in either one would turn me into a babbling fool in pretty short order!). For the last stop on our behind-the-scenes tour we go back to the Thayer Sub to watch a concrete tie layer.

<p>Narration is excellent, providing good descriptions of what each machine does and how it works. The photography is also top quality. Every kid that has ever taken a toy apart to see how it works will love this video (Inquiring Minds Want to Know)! The only thing that could have improved this video is animated graphics showing what the machines do that the camera can not see. Unless you have some sort of an aversion to watching railroad videos that do not show dozens of trains, this one should be at the top of your <b>MUST HAVE</b> list!

Additional remarks by armchairrailfan:
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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We have all seen the track gangs hard at work. They are slow and can tie up traffic. Most of us wonder about how this equipment actually works. This movie is the most complete and imformative video made on the working of the maintanance of the railroads. All the equipment and explainations is presented from start to finish. Very interesting. The final segment is the massive concrete tie layer. You have to see it to believe it. Amaizing. This machine is unlike any other made for railway maintanance. The video gives full details and excellent shots of the operations.
Don't forget the car rebuilding center. It's a giant model shop using a bonding that is a little stronger that plastic glue. Recycling is big time here. We receive a real learning on how the main line railroads save some costs.
On to see and learn the dispatch center. It may take a while to understand it all, but in the end we can understand how it is that so many trains can operate on on line all at the same time, without major problems. You need to be all eyes and have extreme patience to work in these offices.
Well made presentation that receives high marks. A must for all the train video lovers and collectors.


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In this hard to imagine it�s already 20 years old Videotape, the program starts with stock footage from Sacramento railfair 1991 that had special effects to resemble the Gandy dancers, then the main focus starts with a modern work gang number 1: the Timber and surface gang is working across southern Illinois on Norfolk Southern�s double track mainline. The crane is moving new ties to the side of the track, and would later pick up the worn out types. Next, a quartet of spike pullers comes along as they are removing the spikes from both inside and outside of the tracks. Afterwards, the old spikes are picked up, and are replaced by new ones with a machine called the spike loader. A quartet of magnetic wheels pick up the spikes. Later on, the process continues with the anchor spreader. A look down the line shows more machines at work. In the foreground, is the tie removal machine. Behind that, are a pair of tie cranes, then comes the other crane installing the new ties. The other crane that installs and exits the ties are called the tie puller. Behind the tie puller, 2 boys are using long hooks to move the plates out of the way. Next, the tie cranes picked up some of the old ties and puts them on a flatbed. The flatbed could handle 16 ties. Once loaded, the man bangs them with metal strapping, then dumps them along side to be picked up later. Minutes later, another tie crane follows behind, this time it is setting up some new ties. It is revealed that this location is at New Baden Illinois. A pair of tie Inserters are included as they are getting ready for loading the new ones in the track. Following behind the twin tie inserters, a tie plate broom is shown as it is getting ready to clean some rocks and debris off the ties. A man uses a hook to handle one side of the track. Behind the broom, is the manually operated tie plate inserter. Hooks are used to avoid back bending, finger and toe losing for the workmen. The machine only jacks the rail. Afterwards, a pair of automatic spike drivers are responsible to install the new spikes. Sometimes it must come to a stop to let the reloading process continue. Behind the spike drivers, a manual spike driver is shown, but there is an error in the title profile. It is spelled as a Human�s name. Afterwards anchor placers are included which is also manually operated. Then comes the anchor machine. When working for the railroad outdoors, the men must do these things in truck trailers just like the military. The eat, sleep, shower, and watch tv. A man is making some soup in the kitchen trailer. A pile Of thawing steaks would be used for the evening meal. Next to the kitchen is the dining hall. Back outside, the ballast regulator is shown to install New ballast to the track the next morning. A Quartet Of Ballast tampers would be used to squeeze ballast under the tracks. Meanwhile a regular train is shown: a westbound Norfolk Southern freight number 112 led by G5F number 6644, and a pair of standard cab C40-8 units numbers 8749 and 8828. The tampers must tamp every other tie. The end of the freight clears as the tampers and regulators went back to work. The second tamper is just working on every third tie. Tamper number 3 is shown as well as the anchor masher. Behind the tamper, is a man who checks for any problems on anchors and spikes. Ballast regular number 1 comes into view as it would make several trips back and forth. The second ballast regulator comes into view as well. Note the front end loader crossing the tracks. The side blades smooth out some of the lumps along the way. Afterwards the unit brooms the rocks as it heads in reverse. The last machines to get the track reopen again comes into view. They are called the track brooms. One machine picks up most of the rock from between the rails, the other smooths out the mess. With the track work finished, a hi-rail inspection vehicle uses a crane and trailer to pick up the old bundle ties in groups of 16.

Heading east, stock footage from Norfolk Southern�s Pocahontas district is used as a pair of standard cab C40-8 units numbers 8673 and 8595 are on an empty coal train in West Virginia. A look at the top gon car rebody program is shown at Roanoke, home of J class 611 and A class 1218. Fun fact alert: this 1999 video says that NS rebuilt 17,052 hopper cars. Car 31103 rolled out of the paint shop. This visit was made in July of 1995, during production of NS� Pocahontas district and the rathole. The old cars are stripped down, and then hauled to the assembly shop. Trucks are also rebuilt as well as the center beams. Warning sirens sound to alert the workers. The first stops are at the assembly line. The center stills will be moved from their trucks and be placed in their ship bogeys. Then comes the male center castings, the coupler pockets are prepared, as well as more rust removing and overhead cranes are used to move the bases of the cars. After welding, the cars are moved to the next station. One of the parts from the hopper car lowers it into position. Welding will take place at another station. The car is placed on shop bogeys again. The line moves forward as side panels are built in a giant press. 2 men work with massive drills. Welders are being used near the end of the assembly line. 2 wire fed arc welders are used to make the job go faster. At the far end of the building, the crane picked up the side panel. The crane lifts the panel up high, where it will be attached to the car. A rivet is placed in a pre-drilled hole. At the transfer table, cars are moved to the return portion of the line. More welding must be done, as well as installing wheels, couplers, brake pipes, and also an inspection before the paint installation. Another siren is heard in the background. Each truck is used to take a spin at a small turntable. Soon the crane installed the car body to the wheels, and then it heads for the paint shop. At the painting procedure, some people are used to apply the decals, the NS logo, and the numbering information to the car.

In 1998, BNSF undertook a major construction project on the Thayer Subdivision in Arkansas and Missouri. It was closed for 2 weeks. The undercutter machines are working on the line as the dirt and debris are removed from the ballast, then the chainsaw teeth grabs the mess leaving the track unbalanced. The concrete ties are suspended in the air. Notice the different level of track before and after the removal of the dirt. The vibrator separated good ballast form the dirt and debris. A different machine is cleaning ballast. The plows move the ballast inside the track. The material is moved from one car to the next through various belts, and the debris is moved from the conveyor boom. The second section of the machine is where the actual undercutter is located. The track is being raised as the ballast is being removed a first, then all of a sudden it returns to the rails. When the machine stopped for a break, a close up look at the teeth is shown. At last the debris is moved from the conveyor boom. Following behind the beast, 4 track machines are used to reshape the roadbed.

Afterwards, a 1990 visit to Mexico is shown as the examination of the time table tower operators in the old days. Modern dispatchers office is shown at blue field West Virginia in 1995 that was also shown during production of NS Pocahontas division. A really wide look at the map of the division is shown, plus an interview with Chief dispatcher Tom Johnson is shown, as well as an explanation of how a dispatcher operates and communicates with the crews of all NS trains on the telephone. Plus a dispatcher who refused to say his name, gave us a rundown of the Pocahontas district.

Returning to BNSF territory now, a look at the Concrete Tie Layer P-811. First some spike pullers are shown. Amazingly, concrete ties can live much longer than the old fashioned wooden ties. The old wooden ties are on flat cars led by a Blue and Yellow Santa Fe GP38R number 2303, and Burlington Northern GP39N 2807. The 2 diesels are responsible for pulling the P-811. Some wheel slipping is included. 2 gantry cranes are on flatbeds with special tracks, as it deposits wood ties on the flatbed. The other cranes are transferring the concrete ties to the big machine.

All in all, this is a great pentrex video to see what it was like to build and repair the tracks, visit a car body shop, as well as a tour of the dispatcher�s office. Plus there are some freights On Norfolk Southern as well.

Additional remarks by Steamboy:
Narration: Just enough.
Narration CAN be turned off in special features.
Would kids enjoy this? Yes.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value:: Fair.
Recommend to others? Definitely.

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