Retro Rail Media"Comprised of priceless footage shot between 1938 and 1949, this film takes you to twenty-five of the thirty-one North American systems that operated PCC's. What is truly amazing about this material is that it was shot on 16mm Kodachrome at a time when only a handful of Hollywood features existed in colour.
Photographed in the cars' prime operating years and in storage until now, this footage remains in immaculate condition. Chronogically organized, this film revelas a unique look at a more youthful America, an America we can only try to remember. Narration and PCC sounds have been painstakingly added giving the viewer both a background into the history of the car, and a realistic sense of what they sounded like. Both entertaining and informative. An example of what you can expect...
1939 - Baltimore, Toronto, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. 1940 - Brooklyn, Chicago, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Pittsburg 1941 - San Diego, San Francisco, Vancouver, Boston, Los Angeles 1942 - Los Angeles suburbs, Kansas city, 1944 - Montreal 1946 - Atlantic City (Brilliners) 1947 - Johnstown Pa., Washington D.C. 1948 - Chicago, Cleveland, Minneapolis-St. Paul 1949 - Philadelphia suburbs, Cleveland suburbs-Shaker Heights
Also includes a montage of Toronto, 1984 at the beginning and end. Written, produced and narrated by Colin J. Strayer for Empire Pictures Video."
All rights go to Colin J. Strayer (1985) and Empire Pictures (1986 release). This short film is from the "PCC Streetcars: The Way They Were" VHS.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.
PCCs of North America (1985 Colin J. Strayer for Empire Pictures)Retro Rail Media2021-08-02 | "Comprised of priceless footage shot between 1938 and 1949, this film takes you to twenty-five of the thirty-one North American systems that operated PCC's. What is truly amazing about this material is that it was shot on 16mm Kodachrome at a time when only a handful of Hollywood features existed in colour.
Photographed in the cars' prime operating years and in storage until now, this footage remains in immaculate condition. Chronogically organized, this film revelas a unique look at a more youthful America, an America we can only try to remember. Narration and PCC sounds have been painstakingly added giving the viewer both a background into the history of the car, and a realistic sense of what they sounded like. Both entertaining and informative. An example of what you can expect...
1939 - Baltimore, Toronto, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. 1940 - Brooklyn, Chicago, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Pittsburg 1941 - San Diego, San Francisco, Vancouver, Boston, Los Angeles 1942 - Los Angeles suburbs, Kansas city, 1944 - Montreal 1946 - Atlantic City (Brilliners) 1947 - Johnstown Pa., Washington D.C. 1948 - Chicago, Cleveland, Minneapolis-St. Paul 1949 - Philadelphia suburbs, Cleveland suburbs-Shaker Heights
Also includes a montage of Toronto, 1984 at the beginning and end. Written, produced and narrated by Colin J. Strayer for Empire Pictures Video."
All rights go to Colin J. Strayer (1985) and Empire Pictures (1986 release). This short film is from the "PCC Streetcars: The Way They Were" VHS.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.British Steam Railways (Gene M Productions 1997)Retro Rail Media2024-02-26 | Gene M. (Productions) brings this 4-part trip to the UK in 1997, split into the following sections: 1. North York Moors - 01:24 2. Lakeside - 24:03 3. Little Welsh Train - 29:36 4. Ravenglass Miniature Railway - 32:52
All rights go to Gene M Productions.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Up The Gatineau (1985 Video Classics)Retro Rail Media2023-04-01 | Video Classics presents Labour Day Weekend 1985 operations of CPR G5a #1201 operating from the Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa, Ontario, to Wakefield Quebec. These would be the very last excursions to Wakefield that #1201 would undertake.
All rights go to Video Classics.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Zimbabwe Garratts and Steam Locomotives | 1987 (Colin Churcher)Retro Rail Media2023-03-29 | Colin has provided footage of an OVAR (Ottawa Valley Associated Railroaders) presentation of his trip to Zimbabwe in 1987 to document the Garratt locomotives still in service at the time of recording.
I thank Colin for providing the footage for public viewing. Bellow are links to his website, where more information can be found on the railways of the Ottawa Valley and abroad.
churcher.crcml.orgOttawa Region Railfanning Volume 2: December 1986-February 1987 (Colin Churcher)Retro Rail Media2023-03-21 | Colin Churcher has provided another great selection of Via action in the Ottawa area ranging from December 1986 through February 1987. Enjoy some more shots of classic Via FPA-4s, (then new) F40PH-2Ds, and possibly some CN in the mix.
I thank Colin for providing the footage for public viewing. Bellow are links to his website, where more information can be found on the railways of the Ottawa Valley and abroad.
Timestamps and segment information: 00:00 - VIA 6786 on overnight to Toronto at Ottawa, 4 December 1986 01:47 - VIA 6758 at Ottawa Station 02:11 - VIA led by FPA-4 67xx at Carlsbad Springs 02:41 - Ottawa VIA 6767/6788 switching, 6783/6869, 6865 27 December 1986 06:11 - VIA 6767/6788 Departing Ottawa Station 07:46 - VIA 6783/6869 Departing Ottawa Station 09:08 - Via 6865 and steam generator car at Ottawa Station 09:21 - Near Carlsbad Springs, VIA from Montreal 09:58 - Near Carlsbad Springs, CN speeder track car 10:36 - Near Carlsbad Springs, VIA to Montreal 11:27 - Ottawa Federal Jct., VIA 6783 12:37 - Ottawa Federal Jct., VIA 6760/6756 13:46 - Near Carlsbad Springs, 3rd January 1987 15:17 - Wass Jct., VIA 6768 17:09 - Wass Jct., VIA 6767 & 67xx 19:15 - Ottawa Station, VIA 6767, 10 January 1987 22:10 - Ottawa Station, VIA 6514/6502, 10 January 1987 23:50 - Ottawa Station, VIA 6783, 11 January 1987 25:58 - Walkley Yard, CN GP9s and equipment, 11 January 1987 27:21 - VIA Belfast Road, 25 January 1987 28:43 - Ottawa Station, VIA 6785, 25 January 1987 29:05 - VIA 6778 signaling to a retired CNR engineman living nearby Riverside Drive, 25 January 1987 31:00 - CN 3726, 3127, 4230, 1367, 4110, at Walkley Yard, 25 January 1987 32:51 - VIA 6762 at Milepost 72 of the CN Alexandria Sub, 27 January 1987 34:26 - VIA 64xx near Milepost 72 of the CN Alexandria Sub, 27 January 1987 35:21 - VIA Ellwood 35:25 - Ottawa Station, VIA 6764, 4 February 1987 37:08 - Governor General's cars. Colin Churcher used these, stationary at Ottawa station) to work in the drafting of the Railway Safety Act in 1987. Everybody paid for their own meals. 39:31 - Ottawa Station, VIA 6764, 12 February 1987 40:08 - Inside Ottawa Station 40:56 - Ottawa Station, VIA 6764 departing for Montreal 42:37 - Ottawa Station, Two westbound VIA trains departingThe TNVRs Last Run | March 7th, 1987 (Colin Churcher)Retro Rail Media2023-02-23 | **NOTE**: This is a reupload of a previous program. The original starting section of this tape was found and has been added to the beginning of the program.
The last documented footage of the Thurso & Nation Valley Railway in operation, approximately 6 months after line closure in 1986. Colin Churcher provides the following information regarding the trip: "It was a Saturday in January or February 1987. Joe Toscas, Neil Robertson (with the yellow hard hat) and I were working in car 27 at Thurso when the Superintendent Gaetan Lafleur asked us if we would like to go on a final ride on the Thurso Railway which had closed the previous summer. We assembled 70 ton locomotive No. 12, a flatcar and car 27 and took off up the hill away from Thurso. We had a run past on the curve at the top of the hill and another on a road crossing where the engineer, Gaetan's son, blew an impressive rule 14l crossing signal. Shortly after that the locomotive front truck derailed on ice build up. It was out with the rerailing ramps and it took some time to get the locomotive back on the rails. We then returned to Thurso where I videoed No. 12 being put into the shop and the doors closing on the railway."
I thank Colin Churcher again for providing this footage to be uploaded onto Youtube. For more information and history on the TNVR, please visit Colin's website: churcher.crcml.org/thurso/tnvrmenu.htmVia Rail at Toronto Union Station | Dec. 1986/Jan. 1987 (Colin Churcher)Retro Rail Media2023-02-23 | Colin Churcher has provided more interesting footage in addition to the previously uploaded TTC streetcar scenes. A few shots of Via and Amtrak F40s and the arrival of FPA-2u #6776. I thank Colin again for providing the footage for upload.
For more history of railroads in and surrounding Ottawa, I invite you to visit Colin's site: churcher.crcml.org
Timestamps: 0:00 December 1986 02:49 January 1987PCCs and CLRVs of Toronto | December 1986 (Colin Churcher)Retro Rail Media2023-02-20 | Colin Churcher has provided more interesting footage, this time from a trip to Toronto in December of 1986. TTC streetcar scenes with equipment now long (PCC) and recently (CLRV) retired are seen at several locations on the TTC network. I thank Colin again for providing the footage for upload.
For more history of railroads in and surrounding Ottawa, I invite you to visit Colin's site: churcher.crcml.orgCab Ride on CN Freight to Brent, ON | February 1987 (Colin Churcher)Retro Rail Media2023-02-20 | Colin Churcher has provided more interesting footage within the Ottawa Valley. This video present a cab ride on an CN freight heading on the Beachburg Subdivision to and arriving at Brent, Ontario, in February of 1987. I thank Colin again for providing the footage for upload.
For more history of railroads in and surrounding Ottawa, I invite you to visit Colin's site: churcher.crcml.org
Timestamps and segment information: 00:00 CN 9415 in cab of CN freight to Brent 05:02 Encounter with a moose 05:36 Brent, Ontario 06:07 CN 9497 arriving at Brent with an eastboundOttawa Region Railfanning in 1987 (Colin Churcher)Retro Rail Media2022-11-11 | Colin Churcher has provided an extensive collection of footage from around the Ottawa area during 1987, ranging from CN and CP freights, to Via's F units and LRC locomotives. I thank Colin for providing the footage for public viewing. Bellow are links to his website, where more information can be found on the railways of the Ottawa Valley and abroad.
Timestamps and segment information: 0:00 - CN freight with 5048, 5193 and 9479 for Hawthorn and Montreal coming down the hill on the Walkley line 00:02:29 – VIA 6781 00:04:05 - CN 5269 and 4102 00:06:36 – Via 6518 00:07:15 – Prince of Wales Bridge CP 1811, train from Hull. (March 1987) 00:10:08 – Prince of Wales Bridge CP 4229, 8027 and 8033 on train 85 from Montreal via the north shore. 00:11:02 – VIA 6909 on train 40 from Toronto arriving in Ottawa. 00:12:02 – VIA train arriving from Montreal 00:12:28 – VIA 6505 making up train 43 in Ottawa for Toronto. 00:16:38 – VIA 6780 departs Ottawa westwards 00:17:35 – VIA 6763 arrives Ottawa from Montreal, train 31 00:18:47 – VIA 6916 arrives from Toronto 00:19:54 – VIA 6776 departs Ottawa for Toronto 00:22:03 – VIA 6770 departs Ottawa westbound. 00:25:06 – Pakenham VIA 6763 on The Canadian westbound 00:26:49 – VIA 6764 00:28:27 – VIA 6771 Beachburg sub, Ottawa 00:30:23 – VIA 6764 The Canadian, Beachburg sub mile 2 00:34:08 – Ellwood Diamond VIA 6536 train 44 00:35:16 – CPR Transfer at Ellwood Diamond 00:35:31 - VIA 6777 on VIA 43 00:37:49 – Two CN locomotives on lease to CP at the Ellwood diamond 00:38:14 – VIA 6789 and 6763 on The Canadian at Ellwood diamond 00:38:53 – VIA 6782 and others at Ottawa 00:41:01 – VIA 6761 00:43:14 – CP 4200 with ATSF 3661 and CNR 3698 on CP 85 at Ottawa 00:45:59 – CN9579 and CN9497 00:46:36 – CP, ATSF and CN locomotives together in Walkley Yard. 00:47:14 – VIA 6903 Smiths Falls sub. Kott Lumber 00:48:10 – Smiths Falls sub. Kott Lumber VIA 67XX 00:50:32 – Ottawa station VIA 6793 and VIA 6616 00:52:39 – VIA 6762 arriving Ottawa station from Montreal with VIA 1 The Canadian 00:54:36 – VIA 6762 departing Ottawa station with the westbound The Canadian VIA 1. 00:55:40 – CP 8751 Walkley Yard engine house. 00:56:11 – VIA 6506 departing Ottawa westward 00:57:12 – VIA 6782 on the overnight to TorontoToronto Union Railfanning - 1987 (Colin Churcher)Retro Rail Media2022-11-11 | A variety of trains from GO, Via, and ONR arrive and depart Toronto's Union Station in 1987.
I thank Colin for providing this footage for upload to this channel. Bellow is a link to his website, where more information can be found on the railways of the Ottawa Valley and abroad.
churcher.crcml.orgDochart Brick and Tile Arnprior - 1987 (Colin Churcher)Retro Rail Media2022-11-11 | A more industrial history tape exploring the remnants of the Dochart Brick and Tile facilities in Arnprior.
An article written by Colin in the Bytown Railway Society's Branchline of June 1987 gives a brief history and description of the facilities: "The Dochart Brick and Tile Company has been in business since 1866 and ceased to ship last year. In recent years the company produced flower pots and some ceramic ware. There were a variety of different railways in use. Clay is the raw material for the firing process and this was quarried close to the main works. It was brought to the works by means of a three foot gauge railway that was constructed with a form of snap track. The "main line" extended about a quarter of a mile into the quarry and the clay was moved in small four wheel skips. There are steep grades down from the pit into a dip and then up towards an unloading shed. The line makes use of the contours to climb up to the second storey of the unloading shed..." Read the full article at: churcher.crcml.org/Articles/Article1987_5.html
0:00 Dochart Brick and Tile, Arnprior 1:08 Plymouth locomotive, s/n 3412 of 2/1938 at Dochart 2:16 Enginehouse from Gilles Bros Mill, Arnprior. 3:01 Dochart Brick and Tile Arnprior. Plymouth 3412 36 inch gauge
I thank Colin once again for the permission to upload this footage onto this channel. Bellow are links to his website, where more information can be found on the railways of the Ottawa Valley and abroad.
churcher.crcml.orgThurso Nation Valley Railway in the Late 1950s/Early 1960s (from the Collection of Colin Churcher)Retro Rail Media2022-03-24 | While an old taped film scan, footage of the TNVR from this period of time is hard to come by.
I thank Colin Churcher for providing the DVD of this footage to upload to this channel. Bellow are links to his website, where more information can be found on the TNVR and other railways of the Ottawa Valley and abroad.
churcher.crcml.org More on the TNVR: churcher.crcml.org/thurso/tnvrmenu.htmCentral Vermont and St Albans in the 1960s (from the Collection of Colin Churcher)Retro Rail Media2022-03-24 | Another film present in the DVD which included the TNVR footage, a short set of clips of the CV at St Albans, presumably shot in the 1960s.
I thank Colin Churcher for providing the DVD of this footage to upload to this channel. Bellow are links to his website, where more information can be found on the railways of the Ottawa Valley and abroad.
churcher.crcml.org[Audio Cassette] Sounds of Canadian Steam: CPR 1201 / CNR 6060 (BRS 1981/1982)Retro Rail Media2022-02-13 | An audio cassette released by the Bytown Railway Society in 1981 or 1982 of recordings of CPR #1201 and CNR #6060.
Recorded and edited by Jacques Beaubien Jr., with original cassette cover design by John Coleman and Colin Churcher.
Photos credit for images used in the video belong to railpictures.ca user "sdfourty" (for 1201) and Tim Vermande (for 6060).
"Side A - CPR 1201 - Canadian Pacific 4-6-2 Class G5-a Operating in Excursion Service by the National Museum of Science and Technology Ottawa, Ontario.
1. Starting up the dynamo (5/10/80) 00:00:09 2. Starting air pump (5/10/80) 00:00:39 3. Switching at Museum prior to departure (10/8/80) 00:01:50 4. Coupling up (28/6/81) 00:04:10 5. Leaving Museum and climbing Mile Hill (Chelsea) - This is the ruling grade (Wakefield excursion 28/6/81) 00:05:05 6. Climbing through Chelsea on the return to Ottawa (Maniwaki excursion 5/10/80) 00:12:52 7. Runpast between Alexandria and Maxville (Montreal excursion 27/9/80) 00:14:48 8. Departing Dorval (High Speed) (28/9/80) 00:16:10 9. Departing Maniwaki, Quebec (5/10/80) 00:23:08 10. Backing up at Kazabazua (5/10/80) 00:25:02 11. Run-past at Kazabazua (5/10/80) 00:26:20 12. Departing Blue Sea Lake, Quebec (5/10/80) 00:27:48 13. Backing into the Museum (5/10/80) 00:30:07
Side B - CNR 6060 - Canadian National 4-8-2 Class U1-f Operating in Excursion Service.
1. Slow run-past at Barrie, Ontario (26/7/80) 00:31:19 This was the last run-past before the locomotive was moved out to Alberta 2. Backing up at Shanty Bay (26/7/80) 00:35:15 3. Run-past at Shanty Bay (26/7/80) 00:36:22 4. Backing up at St. Catharines, Ontario (19/7/80) 00:38:10 5. Run-past St. Catharines, Ontario (excursion to Niagara Falls 19/7/80) 00:39:32 6. Leaving Alexandria (excursion to Montreal 12/5/79) 00:41:32 High Speed Running (12/5/79) 00:43:56 (approximately) Arriving Washago (26/7/80) 00:57:56 Departing Washago (spinning wheels) (26/7/80) 00:59:37 (approximately) 7. Runpast near Maxville (Ottawa excursion 12/5/79) 01:01:18"
All rights of this audio cassette belong to the Bytown Railway Society and Jacques Beaubien Jr. (1981/82).NKP 765: Wabash Cannon Ball (1988 Video Classics)Retro Rail Media2021-12-15 | All rights go to Video Classics.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.The Grand Parade of the Glory Machines (1986 Videoccasions)Retro Rail Media2021-09-21 | "Filmed at STEAMEXPO ...the greatest gathering of railway steam power since 1948.
Ninteen steam locomotives from Britain, the United States and Canada participated in STEAMEXPO. All engines were operational, a requirement for their participation in STEAMEXPO.
1. Canadian National #6060 2. Ex-Canadian Pacific #2860 Royal Hudson 3. Virginia & Truckee #22, "Inyo" 4. Ex-MacMillan Bloedel #1077 5. Mt. Rainier Scenic Railway #91 6. The Gypsy 7. Stephenson's "Rocket" replical 8. Prairie Dog Central #3 9. Ex-Canadian Pacific #1201 10. Cowichan Valley Railway Shay #1 11. Ex-Union Pacific #4466 12. Ex-Canadian National #1392 13. Alberni Pacific Shay #2 14. "The Best Friend of Charleston" replica 15. "Dunrobin" 16. "John Molson" 17. "Tom Thumb" replica 18 "John Bull" replical 19. Great Western Railway #51"
All rights go to Videoccasions.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.British Columbia Forest Museum: Shay and Climax Locomotives (1994 Video Classics)Retro Rail Media2021-09-14 | "See and ride the Hillcrest Lumber Company Shay #1 on Vancouver Island, and see Climax Locomotive #9 at the Railfair in Sacramento, California in 1991. Includes a vintage tractor and car parade at the museum and a cab ride and tour of the grounds."
All rights go to Video Classics.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.CPR G5a #1201 - Excursions to Wakefield, Magog, and Sherbrooke QC (circa July 1981)Retro Rail Media2021-08-23 | An 8mm film reel of CPR 1201 excursions; at first on its route to Wakefield Quebec and the return trip, as well as shots of excursions to Magog and Sherbrooke QC, featuring CP FP9s and FP7s.
Film reel was digitized by Digital Treasures, original cinematographer unknown.[Audio Cassette] Canadian Pacific G5a #1201 - Excursion to Pembroke Ontario (October 4th, 1987)Retro Rail Media2021-08-17 | An audio cassette recording of CPR 1201 on the (presumably) October 4th, 1987, excursion from Ottawa ON to Pembroke ON and back. Origin of who recorded this tape is unknown.
Photo credits go to the NMST Archive and Denis Chartrand.
Side 1: Ottawa to Pembroke - 00:09 Side 2: Pembroke to Ottawa - 23:48
An excerpt from an advertisement of the Excursion, found in the July-August 1987 issue of the "Branchline" magazine (Vol. 26, No. 7):
"Ottawa Valley Autumn Steam Spectacular: Ottawa to Pembroke - Sunday, October 4, 1987
*A 184-mile steam excursion through the Ottawa Valley when the fall foliage season is in its prime, along CN's freight-only Beachburg Subdivision. *At least three superb runpast locations. *The Museum of Science & Technology's former C.P.R. 4-6-2 No. 1201 (the only operating mainline steam locomotive in Ontario) using an ex-CP combination car, three open-window passenger coaches (all in CP tuscan red), and Via Rail coaches. *Snack counter service on board the train. *Plenty of free parking at the museum.
Departure at 09:00 from the National Museum of Science and Technology, 1867 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa Ontario. Return to the museum will be approximately 17:30 (the train will operate in both directions via the Walkley Freight Yard)"Rocky Mountain Steam Power (1988 Video Classics)Retro Rail Media2021-08-02 | "This is our most popular tape. We follow three of Canada's most famous steam locomotives, The Royal Hudson, CNR 6060, and CPR 3716 on a 5 day doubleheaded adventure from Vancouver, B.C. to Jasper, Alberta. Includes spectacular scenery, two derailments, lift, swing, timber and trestle bridges, plus BCR's longest, highest trestle at deep creek."
"An incredible 5 day adventure beneath the snow-capped peaks of Canada's magnificent Rocky Mountains. Includes lift, swing, timber and trestle bridges, CN crane rerailing derailed coach in downpour, double runby at BCR's longest, highest trestle at Deep Creek, rerailing Hudson and Vanderbilt at Kamloops, exceptional high speed pacing, engine repairs on the mainline, and sunlit engine closeups at Jasper. Taped in October, 1988. Vancouver - Prince George - Lillooet."
All rights go to Video Classics.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Transfer - TTC PCC Short Film (1974 David Willetts)Retro Rail Media2021-07-31 | "This show piece follows the routine of a day in the life of a Toronto Transit Commission streamliner from sunrise to sunset. Shot at a time when only PCC's roamed the cobblestoned streets of Toronto, this film captures the beauty and grace of the PCC.
Photographed in a way that makes one feel the car has a life of its own running on a timeless and endless loop. An absence of people and automobiles allows this film to represent anywhere from 1945 to 1985. Made by cinematographer David Willetts. This film has won numerous awards in the United States and Canada."
All rights go to David Willetts (1974) and Empire Pictures (1986 release). This short film is from the "PCC Streetcars: The Way They Were" VHS.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Red Rocket - TTC PCC Short Film (1985 Colin J. Strayer for Empire Pictures)Retro Rail Media2021-07-31 | "This superbly crafted film documents Toronto's PCC fleet in its final days. From the 1938 unveiling to present-day operation, the viewer is briefly shown every aspect of their lives. Includes summer operation, historic montage and scrapping sequence. Taken from six hours of original 16mm material, this labour of love took over a year to make. Produced & directed by Colin J. Strayer."
All rights go to Colin J. Strayer (1985) and Empire Pictures (1986 release). This short film is from the "PCC Streetcars: The Way They Were" VHS.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Ten Seconds to Go - 1942 WWII Transit Film (1986 Empire Pictures Release)Retro Rail Media2021-07-29 | "Shot on 35mm in the summer of 1942, this film was used by many North American transit operators during WWII to promote operator courtesy and safety. Produced in cooperation with the U.S. Defence Department and the Kansas City Public Service Company, the film goes through a number of melodramatic situations where drivers are shown how to do the job right. Buses, new PCC's and Dodson streetcars are featured. If it were not for the rather serious subject matter and heavy-handed message, this film could pass as pure comedy entertainment. A transit film classic."
All rights go to Empire Pictures (1986 release). This film is from their "Public Transit Camp" VHS.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Transit to Tomorrow - TTC 1949 (1986 Empire Pictures Release)Retro Rail Media2021-07-29 | "Produced over a three year period, this documentary presents to the view, the entire Torotno Transportation Commission's operations at the time construction commenced on the Young Street subway line.
The film briefly takes a look at the evolution of public transit in Toronto, then shamelessly shows off the TTC's fleet, then comprising of new PCC's, Peter Witts and trolley and diesel buses. As well, we are shown Toronto Island Ferry and Gray Coach operations, streetcar and bus shops, Emergency services, car and bus wash and TTC yards including Hillcrest. The film continues with a rare 1946 perspective of what Toronto's rapid transit future holds in store. (Artist sketches show new multiple-unit PCC's running in the subway.)
Shot in 16mm kodachrome, the lavish production, with its dramatic music score and often hilarious narration serves as both informative and entertaining. Stuffed with so much information, the film requires more than one viewing to truly appreciate it. The film was recently restored after having been out of circulation for over 30 years."
All rights go to Empire Pictures (1986 release). This film is from their "Public Transit Camp" VHS.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Canadian Steam on the Move, Part 2 (Village Station Film Productions)Retro Rail Media2021-06-06 | "Steam locomotives held the fascination of generations before leaving Canadian rails in 1960 forever. No form of technology merged man and machine more closely. The myriad classes and sub classes of motive power provided many of us with a lifetime of interest. Scenes such as those captured by the camera of John Freyseng, almost 30 years ago, are gone but not forgetten in this video. Return with us to those days of trackside euphoria and Canadian Steam On The Move."
All rights of this Betamax tape go to Village Station Productions.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Canadian Steam on the Move, Part 1 (Village Station Film Productions)Retro Rail Media2021-06-06 | "Steam locomotives held the fascination of generations before leaving Canadian rails in 1960 forever. No form of technology merged man and machine more closely. The myriad classes and sub classes of motive power provided many of us with a lifetime of interest. Scenes such as those captured by the camera of John Freyseng, almost 30 years ago, are gone but not forgetten in this video. Return with us to those days of trackside euphoria and Canadian Steam On The Move."
All rights of this Betamax tape go to Village Station Productions.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Timber Train (2000 Video Classics)Retro Rail Media2021-06-03 | Logging railroad footage, featuring Mattawa, ON.
All rights go to Video Classics (2000).
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Winter on the Ontario Northland Railway (HBCR)Retro Rail Media2021-06-02 | All rights go to Hudson Bay Central Resources.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Trackside with Thompson Volume 1 - Major Railroads of Ontario (Stephen G. Thompson, c. 1986)Retro Rail Media2021-06-02 | A poorly copied program of railfanning clip in Ontario around or shortly after 1986.
All rights go to Stephen G. Thompson (1986).
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.CPR 1201 Autumn Valley Express (1990 Video Classics)Retro Rail Media2021-06-02 | "A delightful ride behind CPR Pacific Number 1201 as she races through the beautiful Ottawa River Valley in Autumn. Features high speed running on the mainline, fall colours, perfect weather runbys, plus locomotive models at Ottawa Station. Includes trip preparation, firing, and cab tour."
All rights go to Video Classics.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Rocky Mountain Railtours: The Most Spectacular Train Trip in the WorldRetro Rail Media2021-06-01 | All rights go to Rocky Mountain Railtours, Great Canadian Railtour Company Limited. If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Scenic Railway Journeys of the World - The Grand Tour (RD 2000)Retro Rail Media2021-06-01 | All rights go to Reader's Digest (2000). If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Scenic Rail Journeys of the Americas - The Alaska Railroad: Anchorage to Seward (RD 1996)Retro Rail Media2021-05-30 | All rights go to Reader's Digest and Driftwood Productions (1996). If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Scenic Rail Journeys of the Americas - The Copper Canyon & The Coast Starlight (RD 1996)Retro Rail Media2021-05-04 | All rights go to Reader's Digest and Driftwood Productions (1996).
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Scenic Rail Journeys of the Americas - The Canadian Rockies & The Adirondack (RD 1996)Retro Rail Media2021-05-04 | All rights go to Reader's Digest and Driftwood Productions (1996).
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Torontos Peter Witts: The Final Days (1990 Video Classics)Retro Rail Media2021-03-23 | "Tape covers the last days of Toronto's Peter Witts in autumn, 1988. Great pacing, runbys, onboard footage, and farewell trip of Witt 2766."
All rights go to Video Classics.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.CPR 1201 - Autumn Valley Express - Video Classics PreviewRetro Rail Media2021-03-22 | An interesting preview I found while digitizing a VHS program from Video Classics. This seems to be same 1201 trip to Pembroke that was also recorded by CJOH.
All rights go to Video Classics (1989).
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Canadian Pacific: West of the Great Divide (1998 Video Classics)Retro Rail Media2021-03-19 | Canadian Pacific: West of the Great Divide (featuring the Revelstoke Railway Museum)
"In this tape, award winning videographer P. J. Barnes travels from Vancouver to Revelstoke along Canadian Pacific's mainline. Includes spectacular scenery in the Fraser and Thompson River Valleys, CP's new 4400 horsepower locomotive, Anderson River trestle, twin bridges at Lytton, Sicamous bridge, Revelstoke Museum, an E8 excursion train, the Rocky Mountaineer, and some CN."
All rights go to Video Classics.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Montreal Electrics - The Final Days Cab Rides (1995 Video Classics)Retro Rail Media2021-03-17 | "Tape covers the final days of Montreal's vintage electric commuter trains to Deux-Montagnes. Includes 1914 Box Cabs, Steeple Cabs, and M.U.s. Many runbys plus cab rides through Mt. Royal tunnel."
All rights go to Video Classics.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.!Challenge! - The Story of the Rogers Pass Project (CP Rail 1989)Retro Rail Media2021-02-02 | "The towering peaks of the Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park stand as sentinels over a railroader's nightmare. For more than a century, plagued by one of the highest annual snowfalls in the world, railroaders have tried to find the best route over, under and through the pass. Now, after one of the costliest and most innovative engineering projects in Canadian history, an efficient route has been opened. This film documents the planning, construction and triumph of the final assault on Rogers Pass."
All rights go to CP Rail and its Corporate Communications & Public Affairs bureau (1989).
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Ottawa Valley Steam (CJOH 1990)Retro Rail Media2021-01-31 | NOTE: Redone recording using better capture software that retains a better original 4:3 aspect ratio.
CPR 1201 Steam Excursion to Pembroke, Ontario, Filmed in the late 1980s.
Written by: Duncan du Fresne Editing/Production: Alastair Young Narration: Paul Brent Produced For: The Bytown Railway Society Inc. Runtime: 48 min.
All rights go to CTV News and the Bytown Railway Society.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.Supertrain (NBC 1979) - Express to Terror (Star Classics Release)Retro Rail Media2021-01-30 | The infamous flop from NBC's 1979 lineup returns with a recording from the 1988 Star Classics release of Supertrain, titled under the name of the first episode, "Express to Terror".
The recording comes from a recent acquisition of a VHS rental copy of the film.Via Rail: The Final 7 Days (1990 Video Classics)Retro Rail Media2021-01-30 | "An exciting week of mainline action around Toronto during VIA Rail's last days of full passenger service. Includes last runs of the Canadian, Northland, and Havelock trains. Features VIA and ONR F units, RDCs, 6400s, LRCs, plus CN and CP freights. Locations include Don Valley, Lakeshore, Union Station, Mimico Yards, plus the Canadian switching at Snider. 60 minutes."
All rights go to Video Classics.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.1201 in the Rockies (NMST Productions 1986)Retro Rail Media2021-01-29 | NOTE: Redone recording using better capture software that retains a better original 4:3 aspect ratio.
Canadian Pacific 1201 returning from Expo 86, shot from Field to Calgary on the Laggan Subdivision, Summer of 1986.
All rights go to Ingenium/National Museum of Science and Technology (Ottawa, ON) and the Bytown Railway Society.
If there are any issues with Copywrite and uploading of this program, please let me know and I will act accordingly.