Charles Smiley is basically one of the finest diesel history video producers around anywhere. Great Shortlines West is a slight difference from the average Charles Smiley. #1... It is shortlines, not the Class 1's of the time; and #2... the time frame is a little more modern, being up to 1998. The power however is more like the 1950's to the 1970's because of the fact that this video is shortline action. Variety in this video is excellent with 10 different shortlines presented. It really adds to the colour schemes of the engines, adding a lot of interest. The locations are also a little more varied from other Charles Smiley productions as a result. I think that this is one of Charles Smiley's top video productions and highly recommend it to all rail fans as a "must have".

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

I really enjoyed this DVD. I am researching short lines looking for suitable candidates for a model railroad project. There was many good action sequences and information on the daily life on the RR. The DVD is not a complete reference manual but gives a wonderful overview.

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

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Great video...a must have for anyone who loves short line railroads. :)

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

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.

The video would have been better without the music. When they where showing some of the short lines, Yolo I think it was,
the music was so loud that the narration was overdriven.

Additional remarks by kc:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value:: Fair.
Recommend to others? Not unless they REALLY were interested in the subject matter.