Coincidentally, I bought this tape about a week and a half ago at a train show, so Pentrex now releasing it on DVD - what irony!

Anywho, this production sees Pentrex visiting the backwoods of WV to explore CSX branches leading to coal mine operations ranging from diminutive to large - the 'hollers,' if you will. Endless parades of trains carrying the 'black diamonds' out of the hills and to many destinations in our country or overseas, and lots of hardworking action too. The power in this production is plentiful; they explain about the 'Mother/Slug' diesels used on the runs, and we see a variety of other older and newer generation diesels on the coal drags as well.

What's really interesting about this tape are interviews with Tim Hensley, VP of Operations WV [who was once a loco engineer himself!] and a Foreman of Operations [who's name escapes me at the moment!] and they give some insightful info about how important coal is to the State and the world's economies, plus about the 'Pace-setter' control on the locomotives handling the mine runs.

This is quite an interesting look in how coal is excavated in the East, so this is worth watching!

Additional remarks by BubbleButt13:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? Yes.

This program is great. You'll see a wide variety of CSX power from Wide Cab Dash 8s to road slugs working mine runs. You'll also see tipples ranging in size from small to large. This program also includes an interview with my friend Tim Hensley, who was VP of operations on that part of CSX during that time. Its sad that most of what this video covers is now gone.

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

great to see csx action is west Virginia with the coal I actually enjoyed this one more than the mountain sub one pentrex did but that one was still good but I liked this one more

Additional remarks by chris collins:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

When we think of coal and unit coal trains, we often think of Powder River, naturally. But there is also plenty of coal in the USA east.
Here we are treated to a great insight of coal hauling in a very rough and rugged region. Scattered with low top mountains (high hills) and deep valleys, there are many little spur lines feeding the main lines. This is exciting mountain type, heavy haulage railroading at it's best. There are many challenges to coal hauling here that Powder River knows nothing about. It is amazing to see how well man has worked to develop a system considering the scenic landscape of West Virginia.
Add in the well detailed maps and interviews with men of the railroad and the video is just that much better.
There are many great ideas here for the model railroaders who have great interest in scenery, small little towns, 2+ % grades, all packed into narrow valleys so small where balloon tracks can't be built.

This is one of Pentrex's finest videos to date yet, and is a "must have" for all railfans. Superb work of a video. This one is on my favorite list.

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