The Years of Steam explores the rise and fall of America's steam trains from the glory days of the 1920s through their final twilight in the 1970s. The Golden Age In this chapter, we look at classic American steam trai... more »ns from the 1920s through the 1940s. Journey on such historic railroads as the Central Railroad, the Reading Railroad, the Delaware and Hudson, and the Ontario and Western, exploring the legacy of the golden age of steam. The Years of Transition, Part 1 We look at steam in the transitional years of the 1950s as we journey on some fourteen different railroads throughout North America, including the Canadian Pacific, Pennsylvania Railroad, the Baltimore and Ohio, and the New York Central. The Years of Transition, Part 2 This section further examines the great steam trains of America during their years of transition in the 1950s. Included are some of the historic lumber trains of the far west, the iron ore trains of the Messabi Range in Minnesota, Canadian steam in western Canada, and many others. Twilight of Steam During the 1960s, steam trains began to disappear from the American landscape, and by the early 1970s they were virtually extinct. In this chapter, we look at the twilight of steam as the history of American steam trains comes to a close. Color/B&W. Approx run time: 4 hours 5 minutes.« less
Genres:Educational, Documentary Sub-Genres:Educational, Documentary Studio:Columbia River Ent. Format:DVD - Color DVD Release Date: 06/12/2007 Original Release Date: 01/01/2007 Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/2007 Release Year: 2007 Run Time: 4hr 5min Screens: Color Number of Discs: 1 SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 1 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Languages:English
"The Years of Steam" is quite a bargain, but not fully origi
L. W. Shell | 07/07/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
""The History of American Railroads: The Years of Steam" is quite a bargain, considering that it is over four hours of content on one modestly-priced dual-layer DVD.
The first chapter is mostly black-and white, which is acceptable for the time period covered. The other three chapters, from later periods in railroad history, are generally in color. Much of the sound has been dubbed in, not recorded at the same time as the video. That's acceptable for footage taken with silent equipment in the 20s-30s-40s and even into the 50s. But some of the latest footage could have been done with live sound. The result of that is that one often hears a different kind of locomotive than what one sees, and the rhythmic sounds do not sync with the motion of the driving wheels.
Much of the content on this DVD has been previously published. Chapter 3: "Years of Transition II" can also be seen on the previously released "American Steam in the Fifties and Sixties." I recognized virtually all of the footage contained in "Years of Transition I" but have not identified the video that contained that footage in an earlier release.
It's good footage, and very nostalgic and enjoyable. And there's certainly lots of it! But be prepared to get some duplicate footage if you already have a modest railfan library."
Excellent Vintage Footage
Mr. Kenley C. Vogt | Penfield, New York 14526 | 09/27/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am a New York Central fan - this DVD has excellent vintage footage! I highly recommend it!"
The History of American Railroads: The Years of Steam (2007)
M. Nagle | Chicago, Illinois | 05/12/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is on of the most informative videos (DVD) I have ever seen
on the history of railroads especially The American steam locomotive.
If your going to buy any video on railroads or locomotives from the
1940's to the 1970's then this is the one.
Mike"
The history of American Railroads: Steam
David R. Stowe | 03/20/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you like Steam engines, this is a good one, vert good prelude to the Diesel Era."
Steam Train
Tim Pagel | 03/08/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This hour long CD has many quality shots and has a wide appeal not only to the train buffs, but those who even have a passing intrest."