B&O Lake Line DVD

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Triple Header!
When the locos involved are 2-8-8-4 "Big Emmas, that was a LOT of power. Sometimes it was too much power, as is evident in this video. The sight of three EM-1 s leading coal was rare, happening only a few times a week. The crew alerted our photographer. Frank Vollhardt on the two occasions pictured here. As for the second train, Frank and Al Staufter, author of "B&O Power" and many other books, were waiting as the thundering triple exhausts grew closer. Then... silence.

After a long wait, the three beasts sauntered by with just three hoppers. The fourth car was of pre-war design, and "not up to snuff in regard to the tractive effort applied. Promptly the helper power reverted to its normal position in back.
Frank also captured the annual maple syrup specials to Chardon. These trains departed the mainline at Newton Falls (the tower there,"HIS", did not close until 2010). Erie Stillwells rolling on the B&O was another intriguing sight. Frank continued to film into the Chessie years, until its 1981 abandonment. During that time, Western Maryland power was common.

Akron native Jack Wunderlee captured some black and white scenes of streamlined Pacifies heading the "Cincinnatian" at and near Lima. In Cincy itself are glimpses of Lima and FM switch engines, along with other power. The final portion of our program presents a mix from BR&P action to local freights near Wheeling. Enjoy the mid-century all over again!