Set Special...Complete South Africa Steam Collection. 7 hours of steam action on 5 separate DVD's! Save over $50
South African Steam Collection
In 1984 we made a month-long journey to the Republic of South Africa for an adventure shooting regular service steam operations. This was our second trip to this photographers paradise the first being in 1977. Steam in South Africa in 1984 was similar to late 1950's steam in America. It was declining yet there were pockets of great activity and fabulous action. When we photographed these images we had no intent on selling them, therefore there are some flaws, like rough pans, and camera clicks with still camera sounds in the background. These early VHS cameras were not as good as today's equipment of course, and things like color, and sharpness are 1984 technology not 2009. These videos do look better than films, and they have robust natural train sounds that will make you fall in love with South African Steam locomotives. This series was what started us into the railroad video business in 1984, and originally there were 4 hour long videos, without narration, and limited editing. These have not been for sale for several years, but in 2009, our 25th Anniversary, and 25th Anniversary of these videos being made, we have given them a facelift, with proper professional narration, better editing, updated information, and best of all there is more content. In 1984 when these were originally sold we were limited to 60 minute 3/4 inch masters. Instead of 4 hours of content, today these DVD's total nearly 7 hours. In 1985 Railfan and Railroad Magazine's editor Jim Boyd stated something to the effect that if you did not like these videos you should not call yourself a steam fan. Remember this is not a fantrip, nor excursion, nor photo special, or festival. This is real everyday steam operations that we captured with live video and audio. If you are expecting state of the art quality, these may not be for you. But, if you love steam and great action, then you may well find these to be your favorite steam videos.
South African Steam Collection
In 1984 we made a month-long journey to the Republic of South Africa for an adventure shooting regular service steam operations. This was our second trip to this photographers paradise the first being in 1977. Steam in South Africa in 1984 was similar to late 1950's steam in America. It was declining yet there were pockets of great activity and fabulous action. When we photographed these images we had no intent on selling them, therefore there are some flaws, like rough pans, and camera clicks with still camera sounds in the background. These early VHS cameras were not as good as today's equipment of course, and things like color, and sharpness are 1984 technology not 2009. These videos do look better than films, and they have robust natural train sounds that will make you fall in love with South African Steam locomotives. This series was what started us into the railroad video business in 1984, and originally there were 4 hour long videos, without narration, and limited editing. These have not been for sale for several years, but in 2009, our 25th Anniversary, and 25th Anniversary of these videos being made, we have given them a facelift, with proper professional narration, better editing, updated information, and best of all there is more content. In 1984 when these were originally sold we were limited to 60 minute 3/4 inch masters. Instead of 4 hours of content, today these DVD's total nearly 7 hours. In 1985 Railfan and Railroad Magazine's editor Jim Boyd stated something to the effect that if you did not like these videos you should not call yourself a steam fan. Remember this is not a fantrip, nor excursion, nor photo special, or festival. This is real everyday steam operations that we captured with live video and audio. If you are expecting state of the art quality, these may not be for you. But, if you love steam and great action, then you may well find these to be your favorite steam videos.
Customer Reviews
👍 4 found this helpful
- 3 of 5
Not the best in quality but to see main line South African steam in action was great as most of these lines/services have closed.
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: A little rough around the edges.
Value: Fair.
Recommend? Yes.
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👍 4 found this helpful
- 5 of 5
This DVD is really worth a buy!!. Considering the technology that was used to capture the video, it still is excellent quality and sound for that time. This is a must have for any steam enthusiast who enjoys watching these marvelous machines working and doing their job and who want to see what steam was all about back in those days!!
In my opinion, it's worth every cent and a most enjoyable trip for any steam enthusiast!!
Clayton Fourie
South Africa
In my opinion, it's worth every cent and a most enjoyable trip for any steam enthusiast!!
Clayton Fourie
South Africa
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Excellent!
Value: Excellent value!
Recommend? "Must Have"!
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👍 3 found this helpful
- 4 of 5
These programs were the ones that got Greg into the railroad video business. Yes I know the Panasonic supertube era was lousy and ugly but as time goes on, different types of cameras and editing equipment kept improving into the new century. Who knows what would happen in the future when a young railfan who studied all of Greg's videos, did some clean but improved picture quality, in the humble beginning years, and also learn how to fix and/or replace the u-matic player for his JVC years?
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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