SP 4449 Washington Steamfest
 3.5 of 5 (2)

Click to enlargeNote: Cover image may differ from actual product

With renewed interest in the 4449 after its trip east to Michigan in 2009, fans will surely enjoy this video that is new to dvd in 2009. First we start with 4449 traveling from Portland to Kennewick, Washington along the BN mainline through the Columbia River region with majestic scenery. 4449 hauled coaches to the host railroad from Portland. The Washington Central, a private operator in 1990, was the host for trips operating on former Northern Pacific Trackage. On Friday we watch 4449 on two roundtrips from Kennewick to Prosser, and watch it depart Kennewick at dusk to Yakima on a dinner train.

On Saturday we watch 4449 on two runs to Ellensburg through the scenic Yakima Canyon. On Sunday the 4449 makes an all-day trip from Yakima to Cle Elum, traveling through the scenic Yakima and Cle Elum canyons on this round-trip. In addition to 4449 action we also see former Great Western 2-8-0 number 51 on two trips during this weekend, as it was based in the area at this time. There is even one meet with 4449. None of the these excursions have diesel assist like we have today on mainline trackage.

Rounding out the coverage is 4449's one-way trip from Yakima to Portland, ending with 4449 spinning on the Portland turntable and entering the roundhouse. This trip marked the only run for 4449 in 1990, and included some great action, with super scenery in Washington state. Former NP semaphores are a nice bonus as well. The engine sounds great and looks nice in the cool weather of October 1990 producing some good steam effects that are often missing from this engine. The original VHS tape released in 1990 was only 60 minutes, but we have included a few more scenes, and made others a little longer so you get more for your money.