Measuring 132 feet long and weighing one and a quarter million pounds, the Union Pacific Big Boys were the largest, heaviest, most powerful steam locomotives of their type. These giants could pull a five and a half mile long train on level track. Although only 25 Big Boys were ever built, over 18 years those few engines ran up nearly 26 million miles hauling billions of tons of freight. In Pentrex"s Big Boy Combo Part 1, you"ll see two fantastic shows presenting the Big Boys in all their glory!
Last of the Giants (23 Minutes)
Union Pacific paid tribute to its Big Boys in a publicity film that has become a sought-out collector"s item for rail enthusiasts worldwide. You"ll see the evolution of UP steam power from 4-6-0s to the development of the articulated locomotive. Then you"ll meet the Big Boys and watch as they are serviced, rebuilt, and run. Trackside and cab shots feature these mighty 4-8-8-4s pulling long freights over Wyoming"s Sherman Hill during their last years in service. This classic film is one you"ll enjoy watching again and again.
Last of the Giants Volume 2: The Cheyenne Shops (1 Hour)
Cheyenne was a bustling hub for UP steam in the 1950s. It"s where the Big Boys were based during their last years of operation powering freights over Sherman Hill to Laramie. In Volume 2, you"ll go on a tour of the coal chute and servicing areas, take a spin on the turntable that served the 48-stall roundhouse, and visit the backshop where the Big Boys were rebuilt. You"ll hear the stories of the men who once worked on these famous locomotives and will learn about the operational layout and design of the Cheyenne yards as they were in the late 1950s. The footage used in this production was shot by UP cameramen over a 3 year period, with updated material added by Pentrex in 1993. It"s an unforgettable visit!
DVD Special Feature:
In Color with Appropriate Stereo Sound and Narration
Full-screen (4x3) Format
No region code; can be played in any NTSC DVD player worldwide
Packaged in Sturdy Vinyl Clamshell Case
ISBN: 1-56342-152-6
UPC: 7-48268-00435-3
Last of the Giants (23 Minutes)
Union Pacific paid tribute to its Big Boys in a publicity film that has become a sought-out collector"s item for rail enthusiasts worldwide. You"ll see the evolution of UP steam power from 4-6-0s to the development of the articulated locomotive. Then you"ll meet the Big Boys and watch as they are serviced, rebuilt, and run. Trackside and cab shots feature these mighty 4-8-8-4s pulling long freights over Wyoming"s Sherman Hill during their last years in service. This classic film is one you"ll enjoy watching again and again.
Last of the Giants Volume 2: The Cheyenne Shops (1 Hour)
Cheyenne was a bustling hub for UP steam in the 1950s. It"s where the Big Boys were based during their last years of operation powering freights over Sherman Hill to Laramie. In Volume 2, you"ll go on a tour of the coal chute and servicing areas, take a spin on the turntable that served the 48-stall roundhouse, and visit the backshop where the Big Boys were rebuilt. You"ll hear the stories of the men who once worked on these famous locomotives and will learn about the operational layout and design of the Cheyenne yards as they were in the late 1950s. The footage used in this production was shot by UP cameramen over a 3 year period, with updated material added by Pentrex in 1993. It"s an unforgettable visit!
DVD Special Feature:
- Chapter Menu provides instant access to program segments.
In Color with Appropriate Stereo Sound and Narration
Full-screen (4x3) Format
No region code; can be played in any NTSC DVD player worldwide
Packaged in Sturdy Vinyl Clamshell Case
ISBN: 1-56342-152-6
UPC: 7-48268-00435-3
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TVD Price
$19.95
List Price
$29.95
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PRODUCT DETAILS
| DVD Item # | BBC1-DVD |
| Runtime | 1 Hour, 23 Mins ($0.24/min) |
| Producer | Pentrex |
| Aspect | Full Screen |
| DVD UPC | 748268004353 |
| Shrink Wrap | Yes |
| Format | DVD |
| Region | 0 (Worldwide) NTSC |
| |
Customer Reviews
👍 2 found this helpful
- 4 of 5
I really enjoyed the feeling of servicing these huge steam engines. It really made me feel I was there. Very very interesting.
It also made me see why the railroads were so anxious to rid themselves of these engines in favor of the Diesel engine.
It also made me see why the railroads were so anxious to rid themselves of these engines in favor of the Diesel engine.
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Excellent!
Value: Excellent value!
Recommend? Definitely.
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👍 1 found this helpful
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- 5 of 5
This DVD is awesome! I really wish I had the chance to see the scenes in real life. I did not grow up during the steam era, but in this DVD it really felt like I was there with the crews in Cheyenne. If you like steam power, just curious about what it took to operate these massive locomotives, or are interested in yard operations you will not go wrong here. I catch something new everytime I watch it!
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
Value: Excellent value!
Recommend? "Must Have"!
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👍 1 found this helpful
- 4 of 5
The biggest of the big; the strongest of the strong. Words to describe the giant Big Boys. These 4-8-8-4's were once the King of the rails. With the advancement of diesels, the life of these manmoths was short lived. Part # 1 of this video shows us why the the articulated engines were made, and gives us a very interesting look at the history of them. Part # 2 takes us to Cheyenne Wyoming, and a look at the giant service facilities located there. We hear historian's as they show us many pictures of the location, and explains the uses of the many buildings. It is a fascinating experience to see. We are able to see these majestic beauties in action as they work hard. This combo video is an excellent presentation of something so long gone and so beautiful. Union Pacific did a fine job preserving some history of the Big Boys, and Pentrex has been so good at putting together a great documentary on it. I believe that all railfans will truely be pleased.
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
- 4 of 5
This two-part DVD includes a vintage UP film on the Big Boys as well as a Pentrex-produced documentary style film on the Big Boys at the Cheyenne shops complex.
The vintage film "Last of the Giants" is interesting, has some good footage of the Big Boys in operation as well as being serviced. One drawback of this film (in my opinion) is a crude 1950's "cutsie" style animation on the development of the Big Boy. Other than that, it's definitely something to see.
The second part, the documentary, uses footage shot by the UP that was cut from the original film of the 1950's, as well as enhanced scenes used in "Last of the Giants." Watching the turntable at Cheyenne with the Big Boy is a real treat, as well as crews testing all the equipment. There's scenes throughout the show depicting daily life at the shops and how the locomotives were taken apart and put back together. Make no mistake about it - this was dirty, dangerous work.
One criticism I have about this video is the over emphasis on interviews with former crews. While it's nice to hear their stories, I felt there was a little too much of them, and maybe not enough of the locomotives.
I also wish Pentrex didn't roll credits at the last scene of the show - an incredible view of the Big Boys with unbelievable smoke billowing from the stacks. Truly an awesome shot.
However, if you are looking to learn more of the Big Boys, this is definitely a nice video to watch.
The vintage film "Last of the Giants" is interesting, has some good footage of the Big Boys in operation as well as being serviced. One drawback of this film (in my opinion) is a crude 1950's "cutsie" style animation on the development of the Big Boy. Other than that, it's definitely something to see.
The second part, the documentary, uses footage shot by the UP that was cut from the original film of the 1950's, as well as enhanced scenes used in "Last of the Giants." Watching the turntable at Cheyenne with the Big Boy is a real treat, as well as crews testing all the equipment. There's scenes throughout the show depicting daily life at the shops and how the locomotives were taken apart and put back together. Make no mistake about it - this was dirty, dangerous work.
One criticism I have about this video is the over emphasis on interviews with former crews. While it's nice to hear their stories, I felt there was a little too much of them, and maybe not enough of the locomotives.
I also wish Pentrex didn't roll credits at the last scene of the show - an incredible view of the Big Boys with unbelievable smoke billowing from the stacks. Truly an awesome shot.
However, if you are looking to learn more of the Big Boys, this is definitely a nice video to watch.
Additional comments:
Narration: A little too much.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
Value: Good value.
Recommend? Yes.
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- 5 of 5
This 2004 combo DVD chronicles the final years of every railfan�s favorite steam giants. We all know that the 1960 film itself was overproduced on almost each and every compilation of other railroad films from the 1890s to the 1970s. But in Volume 2 the Cheyenne shops made in 1993, there is lots of unused film footage during production of the 25 minute film. Some future famous surviving big boys are shown as well as slope back tender engine 4466 shunting one of the 17 scrapped big boys (4007) at the washdown while Jim Ehrenburger makes some small commentaries. Also included in the second Volume is a short February 1993 visit (Can�t believe it�ll be 25 years old soon) at Cheyenne for the present exams. Sometimes the giants will have to squeeze at the turntable. Also, long retired engineer Steve Lee points out the photographs at the yard.
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Yes.
Image quality: Good.
Value: Seemed a little high.
Recommend? "Must Have"!
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