Santa Fe 3751 - The Restoration & Return to Steam 2 DVD Set 3 of 5 (3)
The Restoration
Here is the story of a truly momentous undertaking involving a truly historic steam locomotive. Built in 1927, locomotive 3751 was the first 4-8-4 for the Santa Fe and the first ever for Baldwin Locomotive Works. She was the first of Santa Fe's passenger trains to arrive at the new LAUPT in 1939, and she served in passenger service faithfully for 27 years before she was retired in 1953. In 1957, she was donated to the City of San Bernardino where she sat on display, exposed over the years to the elements and vandalism until a dedicated band of supporters formed the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society in 1981 with the intent to protect her and possibly restore her. It wasn't until 1985 that a suitable location was found where the 3751 could be housed and rebuilt from the inside out. Skeptics said it couldn't be done; she was too deteriorated. Yet after 10 years and thousands of hours of concerted effort, 3751 was returned to the rails in elegant splendor.
This show will take you along that monumental journey, from the move to new quarters to the work that took place during the intervening years, ending with the 3751's break-in freight run from San Bernardino to Los Angeles in 1991. You'll meet the volunteers who cleaned, welded, fabricated, and refurbished the engine to its original design. They will explain the many challenges they faced. You'll see rivets and bolt caps, boiler tubing and piping, firebricks and side sheeting being replaced. You'll learn how pumps and compressors, rods and piston rings, miles of copper tubing, and other elements were restored or created, including the cab's numerous valves and interior construction, as well as the tender's repairs. Take this trip with us and see how a determined team accomplished what others said couldn't be done, which was to give a bright new future to a magnificent icon of American railroading lore.
Return to Steam
It's December 1991 and former AT&SF steam locomotive #3751 has returned to the Santa Fe mainline. She's heading up a 4-day maiden excursion after years of restoration effort. Her journey is going to take her from Los Angeles to Bakersfield via Cajon and Tehachapi Passes and Pentrex is with her to capture the thrill of big steam on the rails!
The San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society had purchased the Baldwin-built 3751 in order to restore and operate the oldest surviving example of Santa Fe's 4-8-4 fleet. So before we begin our California Limited adventure, we'll take you back to 1986 to show you the move from the 3751's resting place at Viaduct Park in San Bernardino to the California Steel Industries site in Fontana where SBRRHS volunteers performed the majority of the restoration. Following that historic move, we'll fast forward to the successful break-in runs of August 1991 and show what countless man-hours and dedication had achieved.
The December 27 maiden voyage of this restored locomotive was a fabulous success. The engine powered a recreation of the California Limited passenger train, celebrating the 99th anniversary of the original train's debut. Leading the excursion from Los Angeles to Bakersfield and back via the stiff grades of both Cajon and Tehachapi Passes, the 3751 performed flawlessly. Two FP-45 diesel locomotives, #97 and #95, in dazzling Warbonnet paint scheme, were coupled behind the steam engine as helpers. They were a beautiful sight but it was the 3751 that thrilled the spectators lining the route. Pentrex brings you trackside to experience all the excitement of this momentous event. You're bound to enjoy every minute!
|
DVD |
TVD Price: | $ 29.95 | List Price: | $ 59.90 |
Live Stock Status: | IN STOCK! |
Ships TOMORROW if ordered now. (PST) | When will I receive it? |
|
Award Value: 149 Points Earn points for free DVDs. Signup free.
DVD Item#: | 3751-KIT | Runtime: | 2 Hours, 00 Mins ($0.25/min) |
Producer: | Pentrex |
Aspect Ratio: | Full Screen | Shrink Wrapped?: | Yes | Disc Type: | DVD |
Region Code: | 0 Worldwide NTSC |
|
Santa Fe 3751 - The Restoration & Return to Steam 2 DVD Set The Dodger (South Oxfordshire. UK) on 2012-09-01 08:27:15.
People who found this review helpful: 2
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.Disc One - The restoration. I have some understanding of the complexity of the work involved as I have been involved with simular tasks myself abiet with restoration of steam road going tractions engines (Including my own). The conditions endured and the challenge of doing such a mamoth task are mind boggling together with the dedication of the restoration task. It proves that nothing is impossible with the help of commerical companies and there support as well as those who recorded the engine in its commercial operation. The DVD is well put together and tells the story and keeps you entertained and you are taken through the complexities of the task involved. However, from my point of view I would have like a bit more detail as how the restoration was done. The record is there for all to see and is a lasting and historical record of all involved. Overall well done to all concerned. Disc Two. Found this to be a load of line side stop and starts with excessive use of the whistle and little else. It shows nothing of the locomotive from the footplate operation. You either love it or hate it - sorry but that is the way I see it.
Additional remarks by The Dodger: 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.
Santa Fe 3751 - The Restoration & Return to Steam 2 DVD Set Ron Harber (Strafford MO US) on 2019-08-16 14:28:24.
People who found this review helpful: 1
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 set is a gem. Santa Fe 3751 was the first 4-8-4 locomotive built by Baldwin in 1927 and it was also the first 4-8-4 built by the railroad. This set shows the restoration and the first excursion run for the locomotive and it was the last excursion run in 1991 before the rose bowl 1992 took place. Mark I Video was also on hand for the historic run. 4-8-4 locomotives such as the 3751 were the pinnacle of steam locomotive design. Enjoyable show to watch.
Additional remarks by Ron Harber: Narration: Just enough. Would kids enjoy this? Yes. Image quality: Excellent! DVD Value: Good Value Recommend to others? Definitely.
Santa Fe 3751 - The Restoration & Return to Steam 2 DVD Set Steamboy (Revere MA US) on 2018-07-27 04:18:59.
While the restoration program of the oldest operating 4-8-4 is made by video rails, the return to steam video was made by pentrex. In case you didn�t know, Video Rails had its own program of 3751�s first trips at the same time pentrex was there. Pentrex, I know you moved to Indianapolis and merged with Highball productions but please, we the fans want to see some early video rails titles on DVD. Mainly the big steam giants like 1218, 3985, 8444, 614, And even 4449 in 1981.
Additional remarks by Steamboy: Narration: Just enough. Would kids enjoy this? Maybe. Image quality: Excellent! DVD Value: Seemed a little high, but not too bad. Recommend to others? Yes.
|