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.

Yes this is an old program converted to DVD format. However, given the fact that A&M is purchasing new power and relegating some Alcos to storage (at least), it is good to have this program again available. Conversion to DVD technology has probably helped preserve the quality of the product. Alco folks have a right to be proud that their products have served well for so many decades. This program shows what well maintained locomotives are capable of, years after production. The RS-1 footage is a real treat. A quality production from GSVP, as you would expect. Every ALCO fan should have this one.

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

In this 1988 videotape/2013 DVD, it starts with number 44 doing some switching at bentonville junction. Most of the alcos on the A&M were built for the Louisville & Nashville, as well as the Delaware & Hudson. Some flying switches are thrown, and in one scene, it may look like a crash shot but thanks to the slow down of the brakes, one of the covered hoppers have slammed it�s couplings to the other cars, while the crane is still loading and unloading dirt in its own area. After switching some cars, the number 44 is heading West to downtown Bentonville. This program was shot in April of 1988 during production of Greg�s other titles. Such as Cotton belt 819 Arkansas steam, the Little Rock & Western And The Louisiana & Northwest RR for the first early diesels Video in 1990, and eureka springs & North Arkansas woodburner number 1 from the now broken up videotape-American Steam Volume 1 from 1989. The following Thursday, former Norfolk & Western T-6 number 14 is on the Rogers to bentonville line shunting some tank cars at Springdale. At the junction, the number 14 and 2 tank cars couple up to a pair of boxcars, pushes forward, and in the next scene the diesel is making a bend with a Burlington Northern boxcar going backwards, then it runs around the boxcar, pushes forward, and couples up to the tankers and other boxers. It then switches directions with only the BN boxcar then the remaining freight rolls slowly on its line. Suddenly, the diesel is sandwiched between the BN boxcar and the string of gondolas. A pair of C420s arrive. In Lowell Arkansas, the number 14 passes by the plant, as it is carrying the same gondolas, with a covered hopper on the rear. The diesel is in the middle again, this time it is pushing a pair of white tankers at Rogers. Suddenly, the T6 broke its engine down, and a call for C420 number 44 is underway, as it is blaring its horn at milepost 338 in Lowell. Once the diesel crosses the crossing, some children cross the tracks. At bentonville junction, the number 44 continues to do the jobs, uncouples the freight, couples up to the dead T6, goes backwards, switches tracks, changed directions, and couples up to the freight. All to soon, the train is underway again, as it is seen leaving the junction, then blares its horn at Lowell. Next up, there is the run from Springdale to ft Smith on Wednesday (which was the day before the N&W T6 segment). The chase begins at Fayetteville. Power for this train is a trio of C420s number 52, 54 and 48. Next the freight is passing through the Greenland farms. Afterwards, a track inspection vehicle is waiting on the siding at Winslow, as the freight heads for the tunnel. Next there is a long shot of the sounds of not only the freight, but also some other sounds are heard in the background as it is recorded from a small general store, with the telephone booth attached to the bricks at Chester. After the crew bought something to eat and drink, the freight continues down the line to fort smith. South of mountainsburg, the freight is picking up speed, as it passes a farm. The lift bridge over the Arkansas river is shown. It took 10 minutes each to lower the bridge on railway level, as well as going up when boats need to pass by. The A&M carries sand from both the trains and the boats. The freight must stop to wait for the bridge to go down. Once the bridge is on ground level, the freight train continues to cross the river, as it approaches Ft Smith. On display is frisco 2-8-2 number 4003. On the return trip, the action starts at Mountainsburg, as number 48 takes the lead. A look at the Winslow storefronts are shown, as the freight crosses state highway 74. The next scene is at West Fork, where the number 48 blares its horn at various crossings. A nearly close up look of the freight is shown at Fayetteville. Finally the run comes to a close as the freight arrives back at Springdale. Moving right along to the following Friday, the freight with the same C420s are shown but with Former New York Central RS32 number 42. Listen to that incredible horn on this former NYC diesel as it leaves Springdale, then passes the Greenland horse farm. Next it is making a bend at Winslow. A really wide shot of the freight is shown at mountainsburg. At Van Buren Arkansas, Savanna & Atlanta 4-6-2 number 750 was shown during the filming of the 1987 movie, beloxy blues. As the freight is trying to roll down the line passing by the station with the semaphore signals from the steam era, everyone in their automobiles ignored the flashing crossing lights as well as the air horn of the number 54. Before approaching Ft Smith, the freight must wait for the lift bridge to be lowered, then once the bridge is on ground level, it crosses over the Arkansas River. At ft Smith T6 number 12 is shown, as the number 42 and the c420s do some switching chores. Again, listen to that incredible horn on the former NYC engine. The final segment in this program is focused on RS1 number 22. It was built in 1943 for the Atlanta and St Andrew�s bay region. Prior for the RS1�s publicity photos, it is getting a washdown. While the A&M no longer operates the number 22 due to its age on freight service, it is indeed saved for excursion and publicity use. After getting a washdown, it is seen running light, blaring its horn through the crossing, as well as passing some freight cars, and couples up to the caboose and the coach. It then passes by Bentonville. Following behind the RS1, are the c420s as it heads to Fayetteville. During the publicity run, the RS1 goes under the bridge, while the c420s power the freight over the bridge, at the same time. 2 runbys are required. After the runbys at the bridge, the RS1 heads back to Springdale. Multiple school children are shown at Fayetteville station, as number 22 passes by the children and the historic station. The program comes to a close as number 22 passes by the chicken plant with one of the tallest silos ever made, followed by the C420s.

Additional remarks by Steamboy:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Yes.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value:: Fair.
Recommend to others? Definitely.