Featuring World's Fair Daylight 1984 and By Daylight to the Fair

The year 2004 marks the 20th Anniversary of one of railroading's most notable events-the famed excursion of Southern Pacific's beautiful Daylight 4449 steam locomotive and its matching trainset traveling from Portland, Oregon to the World's Fair in New Orleans and back. In this commemorative Combo DVD, you will be treated to two outstanding documentaries, giving you complete coverage of that spectacular and historic event.

World's Fair Daylight 1984 (60 Minutes). Ride in the cab of Southern Pacific Daylight 4449 as the engineer and fireman put her through her paces across Arizona and New Mexico. Enjoy exciting aerial shots along the California coast as the Daylight speeds back to San Francisco. This award-winning program covers the Daylight and her 13 beautiful matched passenger cars from start to finish! (Produced by Video Rails in 1984).

By Daylight to the Fair (90 Minutes). Pentrex cameras were on board and trackside to bring you the Daylight as it traversed every type of terrain from Portland down to Los Angeles, over to Phoenix, across Texas, and on into New Orleans for the World's Fair. On the way you'll pace alongside, ride aboard, and share the festivities with the enthusiastic crowds that greeted the train at every stop. (Produced by Pentrex in 1984; narration added in 2004).

DVD Special Features: Bonus footage: Included are 15 minutes of bonus footage filmed by the Southern Pacific Railroad showing the Daylight on its way from Bakersfield to Los Angeles via Tehachapi Pass!

Two hi-fi soundtracks, one with the natural train sounds, the other with narration added. The viewer can switch the narration on or off at any time. Chapter Menus provide instant access to program segments. Full-screen (4x3) Format. No region code; can be played in any NTSC DVD player worldwide. Packaged in Sturdy Vinyl Clamshell Case.

Pentrex, 2 hours 45 minutes, in Color with Hi-Fi Sound and Narration. pxdaycombo
Price: 22.95 USD

Here are two shows that lift you up into the skies above Southern California for an incredible look at railroading as you've never seen it before!

Above Southern California Rails (42 Minutes) Get ready for the ultimate railfan video as Pentrex takes you into the skies to experience Southern California railroading as it's never been seen before! Climb aboard a jet helicopter loaded with state-of-the-art, gyro-stabilized video equipment. Then soar skyward to enjoy sweeping panoramas, pace speeding locomotives, and get incredible aerial views of long curving trains.

Skim over the blue Pacific Ocean as they follow Amtrak trains and BNSF freights along the Surf Line near San Clemente. Check out the newly-rebuilt BNSF yards in San Bernardino and examine UP's West Colton Yard. Race the Talgo trainset as it travels through the Los Angeles area. Then swing over to the harbor area for a bird's-eye view of container operations and the brand new coal facility. The weather is crystal clear and there are plenty of trains to be seen. You'll marvel at the ultra-smooth, incredibly close, breathtaking photography as our helicopter cruises above these fast freight and passenger trains. This video offers a perspective like no other!

Above 3751 Over Cajon (75 Minutes) Join Pentrex for a fantastic video experience! Santa Fe steam engine 3751 traveled over Cajon Pass as it moved from Los Angeles to Sacramento to attend Railfair '99. Pentrex was there to document this incredible journey, with multiple camera crews capturing every highlight of famous Cajon Pass. As always, the handsome 3751 put on quite a show! Their coverage begins as the engine and tender are pulled out of the Redondo Junction Roundhouse in preparation for the trip. Then the big day arrives when the special train rolls out of Los Angeles, through Santa Ana Canyon, and on toward San Bernardino. Pentrex cameras are in the air, aboard the train, and on the ground showing this mighty locomotive from every angle. Nowhere else can you find such outstanding shots of a steam locomotive at work! Highlights include spectacular views of Sullivan's Curve, Mormon Rocks, the climb up to Summit, Mojave Narrows, and fast running across the high desert to Barstow.

This video will give you a completely different perspective of Cajon Pass. The jet-powered helicopter with state-of-the-art broadcast equipment allows you to pace alongside the 3751 and hover over freight trains as they meet the steam special. You're railfanning from the ultimate chase vehicle!

DVD Special Features: Two stereo soundtracks, one with the natural train sounds, the other with narration added. The viewer can switch the narration on or off at any time. Chapter Menu provides instant access to program segments. Full-screen (4x3) Format; No region code; can be played in any NTSC DVD player worldwide. Packaged in Sturdy Vinyl Clamshell Case.

Pentrex, 117 minutes, in Color with Stereo Sound and Narration. pxatrc
Price: 22.95 USD

In March 2002, Daylight 4449 returned to the rails for the Columbia-Deschutes Special, a 2-day excursion that took the mighty steamer through the scenic wonderlands of the Columbia River Gorge and the Deschutes River Canyon. Making the trip even more remarkable was the Daylight's patriotic paint scheme: the elegant steamer was repainted for this trip in the same glorious red, white and blue colors she wore during her American Freedom Train tours of 1975-1976.

The Columbia River Gorge and Deschutes Canyon provided outstanding settings for the magnificent locomotive and her Freedom Train colors. The Deschutes River Canyon is an inaccessible and visually stunning site where canyon walls rise 2,200 feet up from the tracks. 4449 looked gorgeous in her revisited colors, pulling former Amtrak Heritage Fleet and Northwest Rail Museum Daylight cars, unassisted by diesel helpers! Leaving Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington, the Daylight traveled the north bank of the Columbia River for 110 miles. Then, turning south, she continued to Bend, demonstrating her awesome power. Highlights include fantastic pacing sequences, high bridge crossings, and an added segment showing the Daylight in all her different paint schemes!

DVD Special Features: Bonus footage: The 1976 Interurban Press film The American Freedom Train (25 minutes) is included on the same DVD! Two stereo soundtracks, one with the natural train sounds, the other with narration added. The viewer can switch the narration on or off at any time. (This feature is not available on the bonus film.) Chapter Menu provides instant access to program segments. No region code; can be played in any NTSC DVD player worldwide. Full-screen (4x3) Format. Packaged in Sturdy Vinyl Clamshell Case.

Pentrex, 60 minutes (plus 25 minute bonus film) in Color with Stereo Sound and Narration. pxdfs
Price: 22.95 USD

Steam still thunders down the tracks on railroads across North America. A new generation of railfan photographers, equipped with digital video cameras, is riding and chasing the trains, capturing them in all their splendor with fantastic images.

Pentrex has edited the best of the best to bring you a very special video experience. Three hours of nonstop steam action delivers ten different steam engines, including the sought-after final run of Frisco 1522, side-by-side running of Ohio Central's 6325 and 1293, and SP&S 700 in Montana! You can enjoy the exciting sights and sounds of: Canadian Pacific 2816 (23 Minutes) CP 2816, a 4-6-4, was built by Montreal Locomotive Works in 1930, retired in 1960, and sold to Steamtown in 1964. Canadian Pacific reacquired the locomotive in 1998 and restored it to service in 2001. We cover two of its trips through the spectacular Canadian Rockies. First, in May of 2002, we follow the Hudson pulling a short passenger train from Yale, British Columbia to Banff, Alberta. Some of the highlights are the Thompson River Canyon, Notch Hill, Glacier, Field, and Kicking Horse Pass. On parts of the journey the 2816 works unassisted, while on the steepest portion GP38-2 diesel 3084, painted in classic CP maroon and gray livery, is added on the point. Then in June of the same year we enjoy a mixed freight and passenger train on the Crowsnest Pass route with 2816 on the point followed by two tenders and the 3084.

Milwaukee Road 261 (8 Minutes) Join us as we chase the mighty Milwaukee Road 261 from Minneapolis to Duluth and return during May of 2002. Pulling a 16-car passenger special unassisted, the shiny black 4-8-4 looks great and sounds great roaring through the north woods of Minnesota.

Mt. Rainier Scenic 2-6-2T #7, Heisler #2, and 2-8-2T #17 (8 Minutes) Three engines are steamed up for a railfan event in June of 2001. We visit the south end of this ex-Milwaukee Road branch between Elbe and Mineral, Washington. Both freight and passenger trains are featured traversing this ultra-scenic territory.

Ohio Central 6325 and 1293 (48 Minutes) We visit the Ohio Central twice in 2002. On our first visit in June, former Grand Trunk Western 4-8-4 6325 pulls a passenger special from Dennison, Ohio to Morgan Run, then a pair of F-units hauls the train north to Sugar Creek. Later in the day ex-Canadian Pacific 4-6-2 1293 teams up with the 6325 on a doubleheader back to Morgan Run. The day ends with a diesel-powered run to Dennison. We spend two days in October at the Ohio Central's Fall Photo Festival. FP-9s 6307 and 6313 make their debut in colors reminiscent of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The first day is filled with photography of a diesel passenger train and a steam freight train pulled by the 6325. On the second day we move to the double track mainline west of Coshocton for spectacular side-by-side runbys with the 6325 and 1293 pulling freight and passenger consists. The day ends with the 6325 hauling a 54-car coal train. This was the last major steam event on the Ohio Central before the railroad announced that it would discontinue all steam operations in May of 2003. It could be your last chance to witness these magnificent locomotives in operation!

SP 4449 on Stampede Pass (16 Minutes) Still wearing its black paint scheme from the previous year's BNSF special, the 4449 handles a 2-day passenger excursion in May of 2001. The train heads east from Portland along the north shore of the Columbia River to Kennewick, Washington, then northwest to an overnight stop in Yakima. The second day features the climb over Stampede Pass and a fast run down the double-track mainline from Auburn to Portland.

Spokane, Portland & Seattle 700 in Montana (18 Minutes). A fall foliage excursion in October of 2002 provides the opportunity for SP&S 700 to stretch its legs on the route of Montana Rail Link. The fall colors are at their peak, adding to the scenic beauty of the Big Sky state. On the 3-day eastward journey we follow the train along the banks of the Clark Fork River and on the climbs over Mullan and Bozeman Passes. Later we view the train leaving Billings on its 3-day return trip, running alongside the Yellowstone River, and climbing Mullan Pass once again. It's mainline steam as you love to see it and hear it!

Frisco 1522 (60 Minutes). Relive the last runs of this popular 4-8-2. In 2001 we follow the 1522 as it powers a BNSF Employee Appreciation Special through Missouri and Oklahoma. Then in September of 2002 the steamer bids farewell as it makes its final runs from St. Louis to Newburg, Missouri and return. We're trackside to document the grand finale of an outstanding excursion locomotive's career.

DVD Special Features: Two stereo soundtracks, one with the natural train sounds, the other with narration added. The viewer can switch the narration on or off at any time. Chapter Menus provide instant access to program segments. Full-screen (4x3) Format. No region code; can be played in any NTSC DVD player worldwide. Packaged in Sturdy Vinyl Clamshell Case.

Pentrex, 3 hours, in Color with Stereo Sound and Narration. pxextreme
Price: 22.95 USD

Santa Fe 3751 Private Varnish Special.

Santa Fe 3751 and 24 private cars graced the Surfline route in September 2008, running a special train dubbed The AAPRCO San Diegan from Los Angeles to San Diego and back as a highlight of the American Association of Private Railroad Car Owners annual convention, held this year in San Pedro, California. Pentrex fielded several camera crews to bring you the all excitement of this rare event!

Departing Amtrak ’s 8th Street Yard early in the morning, the San Diegan slipped from the Metrolink River Sub onto the BNSF San Bernardino Sub for the trip to Fullerton. Following behind the 4-8-4 locomotive were three Amtrak P42 DC units and a rainbow array of 24 unique private cars, including the Observatory Dome Car. Passing through Fullerton, the train entered the Metrolink San Diego Sub and continued on its way toward the blue Pacific coast. Rolling across trestles, speeding below sand bluffs flanking the coastline, steaming past scenic lagoons, the San Diegan thrilled both riders and railfans lined up to watch its progress. After powering over the grades of Miramar Hill, the train glided into San Diego ’s Old Town Station, where the power was cut out and moved to the Miramar Wye for turning, and giving its passengers plenty of time to tour the Old Town area before boarding for the trip home in the darkening twilight. Steam, smoke, echoing whistles, glorious landscapes, and a fabulous collection of vintage private varnish make this special train excursion one you ’ll never forget. Plus, we ’ve included bonus footage of a private car ride from Oakland to Los Angeles the following week as a special treat! San Diegan Surfline Steam is a ride the whole family can enjoy!

DVD Special Features: Chapter Menus provides instant access to program segments. Bonus Footage features a private car ride from Oakland to Los Angeles. Shot in High Definition and Widescreen (16x9) Format; No region code; can be played in NTSC DVD players worldwide; Packaged in Sturdy Vinyl Clamshell Case.

Pentrex, 42 Minutes (Plus 25 Minutes of Bonus Footage), In Color with Stereo Sound and Narration. pxsan
Price: 22.95 USD

Santa Fe's final run of steam power over Cajon Pass took place on February 6, 1955 when locomotive No. 3759 was brought out of storage at the request of the Railway Club of Southern California for a special excursion dubbed Farewell to Steam. This historic event was captured on film by noted railfan photographer J. Allen Hawkins, and his colorful images vividly convey the excitement and the drama of that final day in the life of the Santa Fe steam era.

The powerful Northern-type locomotive pulled its special train out of Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal for the climb over Cajon Pass to Barstow, returning to Los Angeles later that same day. Along the way it stopped at favorite railfan spots for photography run-bys, giving you the opportunity to experience the excursion from trackside, inside the cab of the locomotive, even from the roofs of the cab and the tender. Clear skies and magnificent Cajon scenery added their special touches to the great steam action you'll see here. It's a fascinating trip back in time, bringing back to life the glory days of Santa Fe steam!

DVD Special Feature: Chapter Menu provides instant access to program segments. Full-screen (4x3) Format. No region code; can be played in any NTSC DVD player worldwide. Packaged in Sturdy Vinyl Clamshell Case.

Pentrex, 1 hour in Color with Hi-Fi Sound and Narration. pxvr035
Price: 14.95 USD

Featuring Vol. 1-The East and Vol. 2-The West.

Pentrex takes you back to the late 1950s and early 1960s for a close-up look at the waning years of steam locomotives in operation on America ’s railroads. The exceptional color footage used for this presentation was captured on 16mm film by noted rail photographer Bruce Ward. Originally released as two separate programs-one focusing on steam railroading in the eastern United States and the other featuring the last of the great steam locomotives serving the western roads-both shows have now been combined on one DVD, bringing you a complete picture of American steam railroading at the end of an era. In this remarkable program, you will be treated to rare images of:

Volume I-The East:

Norfolk & Western: class J ’s in passenger service; class Ks, As, and Ys in freight service.

Baltimore & Ohio: class S-1 2-10-2s switching and in mainline duty; class T-3s on the mainline; and class EM-1 2-8-8-4 Yellowstones hauling coal.

Pennsylvania Railroad: a wide variety of locomotives in action at the Columbus yards and roundhouse; class J-1s double heading a coal drag.

Nickel Plate Road: Berkshires and Hudsons hard at work on the NKP.

Burlington: 4-8-4 Northern 5632 on an Illini Railroad Club excursion.

Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range: a class M-4 Yellowstone in excursion service.

Volume II-The West:

Union Pacific: Challengers in helper service over the Wasatch Mountains; Big Boys on Sherman Hill; Consolidations and 0-6-0s as switchers; and 800-series Northerns in passenger and freight service.

Southern Pacific: Pacifics in commuter service; 0-6-0s at the Oakland Mole; and GS-4s in freight and passenger service in the San Joaquin Valley.

Colorado & Southern: 2-10-2s and 2-8-2s in road and helper service.

Great Western Railway: number 51 in the yards at Loveland, Colorado; 2-10-0 Decapod 90 on freight drags; and 0-4-0s at the GW sugar mill in Loveland.

DVD Special Feature: Chapter Menu provides instant access to program segments. Full-screen (4x3) Format. No region code; can be played in any NTSC DVD player worldwide. Packaged in Sturdy Vinyl Clamshell Case.

Pentrex, 1 hour 10 minutes, in Color with Hi-Fi Sound and Narration. pxsaa
Price: 22.95 USD

A once-in-a-lifetime steam excursion took place in June 1997 and Pentrex was on the spot with five camera teams to record the entire event. Union Pacific ’s mighty 844, leading an A-B-A set of E-units and 18 matched passenger cars, made one last extraordinary trip through the Royal Gorge and over Tennessee Pass prior to UP ’s closing of this historic line. Now you can relive the excitement of this thrilling steam adventure!

On Day One, you ’ll follow the beautiful train as it heads south out of Denver on the Joint Line and into Canon City. Day Two brings you the sights and sounds of steam marching through the depths of the Royal Gorge, across the hanging bridge, up along the banks of the winding Arkansas River, blasting up grade to conquer 10,000-foot high Tennessee Pass, and heading down through Glenwood Canyon, a spectacular achievement! Day three features a high-speed chase across Utah ’s magnificent desert landscapes, running past Green River and into Helper. In an awesome display of power, the 844 battles steep grades of Castle Gate and Soldier Summit. The final hours of the day see the train heading down through the Thistle tunnels and Provo, and arriving at Salt Lake City. Mainline steam just doesn ’t get any better than this!

DVD Special Features: Chapter Menu provides instant access to program segments. Full-screen (4x3) Format. No region code; can be played in any NTSC DVD player worldwide. Packaged in Sturdy Vinyl Clamshell Case.

Pentrex, 1 hour 30 minutes, in Color with Stereo Sound and Narration. pxsotp
Price: 22.95 USD

On SALE until Noon, Tuesday, November 30th!

Steam Through the Piney Woods: The Texas State Railroad

Deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas, the hard working steam locomotives of the Texas State Railroad put on thrilling performances. With their stacks barking out steady cadences, the toiling engines carry their passenger trains uphill and down, across 25 miles of picturesque terrain between the towns of Palestine and Rusk. The stations and trains of this scenic tourist railroad are based at both ends of the line and its operating schedules are designed, among other features, to provide exciting mid-route train meets.

Pentrex traveled to the Texas State Railroad in 1999 to capture an in-depth view of the its operations. The stars of this show are Baldwin Consolidation #300 and a former Santa Fe Pacific-type engine, #500. Great trackside and onboard photography showcases these classic steamers and their vintage passenger equipment. We ’ll take you into the cab where the engineer and fireman battle the steep grades and severe curves of this backwoods country. You ’ll see them at work and hear them explain how they meet the challenge. A visit to the shop area finds steam locomotives, vintage freight cars, and several classic diesels on display, along with the highly esteemed Texas & Pacific 610, the only surviving example of the mammoth 2-10-4 T&P Texas-type locomotives. The historic Texas State Railroad, in its setting of woodland beauty, draws visitors from around the world. Here is your opportunity to enjoy your own private tour!

DVD Special Features: Chapter Menus provides instant access to program segments. Presented in Standard Definition 4x3 Format. No region code; can be played in NTSC DVD players worldwide. Packaged in Sturdy Vinyl Clamshell Case.

Pentrex, 1 hour 15 minutes, in Color with Stereo Sound and Narration. pxstpw
Price: 22.95 USD

After years of being displayed in Portland, Oregon, the Spokane, Portland and Seattle 700 steam locomotive was brought back to life! This beautiful locomotive in black with yellow lettering traveled her home rails between Vancouver, Washington and Spokane in April of 2001. You'll see this 4-8-4 Northern-type engine pull 18 cars through the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge and the rolling wheat fields and pine forests of Washington state. There's plenty of smoke, whistles and speed!

Pentrex, 63 minutes, in Color, chapter menu, option to listen with or without narration. pxsps700
Price: 22.95 USD