Experience the largest, most powerful diesel locomotives ever built. The Union Pacific DDA40X Centennials weighed in at 270 tons, were close to 100 feet long (98 feet 5 inches), carried an 8,000-gallon fuel tank, had 16-cylinder dual power plants that could generate 6,600 horsepower, and attained speeds of up to 90 mph. 47 of these behemoths were built for the Union Pacific by the Electro-Motive Division of GMC between 1969 and 1971. Within 5 years of service, most of these units had racked up over 1,000,000 miles of duty, predominantly on UP's high-speed western states mainline freights. Powerful as they were, the "Big Jacks" were also high maintenance locomotives and by the early 1980s were being phased out of duty.
In this award-winning video, originally released by Video Rails, you'll witness the Centennials traveling through all types of terrain across 5 different states. Thrilling scenes feature them in operation on Sherman Hill, in the Feather River Canyon, and even over Cajon Pass. Fantastic pacing sequences add to the excitement. Plus, a special treat is a cab ride in a Centennial racing along at 90 mph! There was nothing quite like the sights and sounds of UP Centennials on the rails. Here is your chance to see them at their very finest!
30 Minutes
In Color with Stereo Sound and Narration
Presented in Standard Definition 4x3 Format
No region code; can be played in NTSC DVD players worldwide
Packaged in Sturdy Vinyl Clamshell Case
ISBN: 1-56342-286-7
UPC: 7-48268-00569-5
Copyright Pentrex 1985, 1994, 2010
In this award-winning video, originally released by Video Rails, you'll witness the Centennials traveling through all types of terrain across 5 different states. Thrilling scenes feature them in operation on Sherman Hill, in the Feather River Canyon, and even over Cajon Pass. Fantastic pacing sequences add to the excitement. Plus, a special treat is a cab ride in a Centennial racing along at 90 mph! There was nothing quite like the sights and sounds of UP Centennials on the rails. Here is your chance to see them at their very finest!
30 Minutes
In Color with Stereo Sound and Narration
Presented in Standard Definition 4x3 Format
No region code; can be played in NTSC DVD players worldwide
Packaged in Sturdy Vinyl Clamshell Case
ISBN: 1-56342-286-7
UPC: 7-48268-00569-5
Copyright Pentrex 1985, 1994, 2010
Customer Reviews
👍 3 found this helpful
- 5 of 5
Absolutely a need to have for UP fans. This gives the most in depth look at the DD40's that a video can offer. From an equipment/cab tour, to underside shots to a cabride, this video shows you what you just cant see today.
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Good.
Value: Excellent value!
Recommend? "Must Have"!
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👍 2 found this helpful
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- 3 of 5
the UP was known to experiment with different types of locomotives. Here is no exception. They giants are a thrill to watch. At 270 tons (245 tonnes), they were indeed powerful tanks on steel wheels. With their weight, it is no wonder that the maintenance was an issue, forcing them to early graves. I really enjoy this video and being able to see these power horses work hard. I do wonder though.... way did Pentrex make the video so short in length compared to their other videos?
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Good.
Value: Seemed a little high.
Recommend? Only if really interested.
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👍 2 found this helpful
- 2 of 5
Yes a little pricey, and short running time, and with older footage not super sharp by todays standard, but a GREAT DVD!, if this is your interest, some rare footage, and behind the scenes, if you like BIG and POWERFULL, this is it!!
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: A little rough around the edges.
Value: Seemed a little high.
Recommend? Only if really interested.
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👍 2 found this helpful
- 5 of 5
In 1969, the Union Pacific Railroad commissioned the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors to build 47 DDA40X diesel-electric locomotives. These behemoths measure over 98 feet in length and generate 6,600 horsepower. Pentrex (then known as 'Video Rails') takes you on a tour of the DDA40X, both inside and out.
For a mid-1980's production the video and audio quality is quite good, with a good set of speakers it feels as if the trains are running through your living room.
Fully recommended
For a mid-1980's production the video and audio quality is quite good, with a good set of speakers it feels as if the trains are running through your living room.
Fully recommended
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Definitely!
Image quality: Good.
Value: Excellent value!
Recommend? "Must Have"!
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👍 1 found this helpful
- 4 of 5
This is a great program for DD40 fans. You get a brief tour of key components of the loco. There's plenty of footage of these monsters in revenue service. l was hoping to see #6922. Why? That's the one that sits in Cody Park in North Platte. l've been inside the cab of that one. ls 6922 in the video-you bet. A fair amount of footage of 6922 as the lead loco. lmage quality is not the best but not terrible. The footage is decades old, so that's to be expected. l rated it at 4 stars because it's only 30 minutes long. 45-60 minutes would have been much better.
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: A little rough around the edges.
Value: Good value.
Recommend? Definitely.
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👍 1 found this helpful
- 4 of 5
Really liked it, of course I wish there were more of it. Unlike bigboys/challengers there is a very small sampling of DDA40X locomotives. My favorite locomotive too :)
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Good.
Value: Seemed a little high.
Recommend? "Must Have"!
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👍 1 found this helpful
- 5 of 5
Union Pacific 6900s - The Centennials is another award winner by Video Rails. The longest diesel-electric locomotives in the world were captured in their last years of service in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and California. Included are rare footage segments of previous motive power record holders on UP, including steam locomotives, turbines, and all other double diesels. Even footage from the Golden Spike Centennial is shown, with 6900 taking center stage. A supervisor for the UP shows every part of the locomotive, including the cab. Two special treats include a Centennial running overhead in the servicing pit and a cab ride. Finally, 6946 is presented to the Portola Railroad Museum. Also, brand-new SD60s are shown with a Centennial. There are only two Centennials programs in existence on DVD. (The other one is by WB Video Productions.) That makes this program a must have for any railfan. Even though this DVD is only 30 mintues long, it will surely be a great addition to any train lover's collection. I highly recommend to all railfans!
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Yes.
Image quality: Good.
Value: Good value.
Recommend? "Must Have"!
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