I really enjoyed the feeling of servicing these huge steam engines. It really made me feel I was there. Very very interesting.

It also made me see why the railroads were so anxious to rid themselves of these engines in favor of the Diesel engine.

Additional remarks by Bruce McLean:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? Definitely.

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.

This DVD is awesome! I really wish I had the chance to see the scenes in real life. I did not grow up during the steam era, but in this DVD it really felt like I was there with the crews in Cheyenne. If you like steam power, just curious about what it took to operate these massive locomotives, or are interested in yard operations you will not go wrong here. I catch something new everytime I watch it!

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

The biggest of the big; the strongest of the strong. Words to describe the giant Big Boys. These 4-8-8-4's were once the King of the rails. With the advancement of diesels, the life of these manmoths was short lived. Part # 1 of this video shows us why the the articulated engines were made, and gives us a very interesting look at the history of them. Part # 2 takes us to Cheyenne Wyoming, and a look at the giant service facilities located there. We hear historian's as they show us many pictures of the location, and explains the uses of the many buildings. It is a fascinating experience to see. We are able to see these majestic beauties in action as they work hard. This combo video is an excellent presentation of something so long gone and so beautiful. Union Pacific did a fine job preserving some history of the Big Boys, and Pentrex has been so good at putting together a great documentary on it. I believe that all railfans will truely be pleased.


Additional remarks by rrvideoman:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Definitely.

This two-part DVD includes a vintage UP film on the Big Boys as well as a Pentrex-produced documentary style film on the Big Boys at the Cheyenne shops complex.

The vintage film "Last of the Giants" is interesting, has some good footage of the Big Boys in operation as well as being serviced. One drawback of this film (in my opinion) is a crude 1950's "cutsie" style animation on the development of the Big Boy. Other than that, it's definitely something to see.

The second part, the documentary, uses footage shot by the UP that was cut from the original film of the 1950's, as well as enhanced scenes used in "Last of the Giants." Watching the turntable at Cheyenne with the Big Boy is a real treat, as well as crews testing all the equipment. There's scenes throughout the show depicting daily life at the shops and how the locomotives were taken apart and put back together. Make no mistake about it - this was dirty, dangerous work.

One criticism I have about this video is the over emphasis on interviews with former crews. While it's nice to hear their stories, I felt there was a little too much of them, and maybe not enough of the locomotives.

I also wish Pentrex didn't roll credits at the last scene of the show - an incredible view of the Big Boys with unbelievable smoke billowing from the stacks. Truly an awesome shot.

However, if you are looking to learn more of the Big Boys, this is definitely a nice video to watch.

Additional remarks by Jeffrey Ornstein:
Narration: A little bit too much.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Yes.

This 2004 combo DVD chronicles the final years of every railfan�s favorite steam giants. We all know that the 1960 film itself was overproduced on almost each and every compilation of other railroad films from the 1890s to the 1970s. But in Volume 2 the Cheyenne shops made in 1993, there is lots of unused film footage during production of the 25 minute film. Some future famous surviving big boys are shown as well as slope back tender engine 4466 shunting one of the 17 scrapped big boys (4007) at the washdown while Jim Ehrenburger makes some small commentaries. Also included in the second Volume is a short February 1993 visit (Can�t believe it�ll be 25 years old soon) at Cheyenne for the present exams. Sometimes the giants will have to squeeze at the turntable. Also, long retired engineer Steve Lee points out the photographs at the yard.

Additional remarks by Steamboy:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Yes.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value: Seemed a little high, but not too bad.
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!