Railfanning with the Bednars Volume 9 follows the Conrail transition into the years 1980 through 1982 with the Bednar boys.
This volume extends the time period following Volume 8 with increased main line action in the Lehigh Valley and western PA areas and the branch and secondary lines through 1981. But by 1982, the country was in the midst of a recession. Freight movement and rail traffic was down across the nation.
While the downturn in traffic included all railroads, it especially affected the Delaware & Hudson. Their short-lived container business traffic to Philadelphia and Oak Island was disappearing and the famous named trains would be combined into single trains to save money.
Equipment maintenance was deferred and overall morale was low. The end was near for the D&H and Guilford control was not far off.
Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar. Color and original sound; approx 72 minutes.
This volume extends the time period following Volume 8 with increased main line action in the Lehigh Valley and western PA areas and the branch and secondary lines through 1981. But by 1982, the country was in the midst of a recession. Freight movement and rail traffic was down across the nation.
While the downturn in traffic included all railroads, it especially affected the Delaware & Hudson. Their short-lived container business traffic to Philadelphia and Oak Island was disappearing and the famous named trains would be combined into single trains to save money.
Equipment maintenance was deferred and overall morale was low. The end was near for the D&H and Guilford control was not far off.
Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar. Color and original sound; approx 72 minutes.
Customer Reviews
👍 2 found this helpful
- 5 of 5
Another great release in the fallen-flag series with the Bednar boys. As with past releases, I continue to be amazed at the re-mastered quality of this vintage footage. And as with all "Railfanning with the Bednars" releases, "Big Mike" Bednar's narration adds an incredible amount to the viewers experience, with his detailed description of the often painful transition of Conrail in the early 1980's, featuring deferred maintenance of track and equipment, and it's impact on employee morale. Plenty of D&H, Lehigh Valley, and Reading engines, and fantastic "graffiti-free" rolling stock! If you enjoy high-quality footage of fallen flags, you'll really enjoy this one.
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Good.
Value: Good value.
Recommend? Definitely.
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👍 1 found this helpful
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- 5 of 5
Perhaps the series sub-title should read-the continuing adventures...the boys are showing trains, locations and people they are familiar with, so the locations are not new. What this volume shows is the deterioration of the subject railroads. You can almost feel the sadness in "Big Mike's" narration. It's clear that Mike is no fan of today's NS, or certain styles of caboose! In watching Mike in the engine cab, I still marvel that he could get through the cab door!
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Good.
Value: Good value.
Recommend? Yes.
Was this review helpful?