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I recently got this and wanted to watch it twice to soak it in and savor it, so as to give an informed review. In my opinion, this program hit a sweet spot in that the subject matter was old enough to induce nostalgia, yet modern enough to be recorded with equipment that provides good video and sound quality. After some history showing the predecessor roads in vintage 60's film, the first 3rd of the program covers the mountain division to Grafton. Chessie System power really dominates in here in the mostly 1983 vintage shots, but plenty of SAL and Western Maryland units are seen as well. Good to see it with all its double track, signals, and towers and when it was till a major through line. The rest of the program is on both sides of Sand Patch grade. Most seemed to be shot in the 1989-1991 time frame, and that's a good thing. From Cumberland to Rockwood, it's one great shot after another with beautiful scenery and great photo angles over a well maintained double tracked main line. The trains themselves I really enjoyed: A great variety of freights. Manifest, pigs, coal; all pulled by interesting power, made more so by the era when it was shot. Lots and lots of Chessie, plenty of SAL/Family Lines, and the short lived CSX "stealth" scheme. A few of the then new wide nose GE's round out the motive power mix. The only misses were that in my view a few shots were compromised by transition music intruding on the natural sounds. The narration was good, not obtrusive, and the maps were excellent. I recommend this to anyone that likes fast paced heavy railroading in the not so distant past, regardless of location.

Additional remarks by MP_37:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? Definitely.

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.

I really like Charles Smiley's productions. I especially appreciate the digitizing of the older videos, which sharpens the images. It may not seem like it now, but these videos are of historic railroad. Besides, I love seeing Chessie power on the screen again!


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

Needed more older video, perhaps back to the early 60s or sooner. Not enough shots of helpers struggling to get over the top, to many down grade shots. Much of the material similar to others that I already have.

Additional remarks by MickeyP:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Seemed a little high, but not too bad.
Recommend to others? Yes.

love the place , and love Chessie

Additional remarks by bugnon:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Yes.