Don Olsen originally assembled the films for these programs – first produced in 1992, and now re-issued and substantially upgraded in a two-volume set in wide screen format with stereo sound. Historian and author Ted Benson assisted in the research necessary to bring the new version to fruition.

Volume One: History of the Railroad, all types of Steam from diminutive 2-8-0s to the huge 251 class articulateds, building the Northern California Extension, snow fighting, wrecks, first generation diesels, MOW equipment.
A surveyor’s vision, a rail baron’s ambition, and the practices of an established monopoly combined during the early 1900’s to inspire the construction of a new railroad from Salt Lake City to the San Francisco Bay.

Western PacificThe relatively late development of the resulting Western Pacific Railroad made it possible to graphically document the road’s story from its very inception in 1910. Filmmaker Don Olsen originally assembled the finest of these films for this video, produced in 1992 with the help of Guy Dunscomb and Ted Wurm. Soon out of print,is now re-issued and substantially upgraded in a two- volume set in wide screen format with stereo sound.

Historians and author Ted Benson, Wayne Monger and Evan Werkema assisted greatly in the underlying research necessary to bring the new version to fruition. Retired WP Employee Jack Starr adds perspective to the operations with his anecdotes. Filmmaker Warren Haack directed the revised program.

The fascinating saga of the WP begins in Volume One with scenes of the fledgling railroad’s line, equipment and operations. The building of the Northern California Extension and its “last spike” ceremonies lead to the lean years of the 1930’s. Postwar operations along the entire line are beautifully captured in color. You’ll see all types of Western Pacific steam locomotives from the early diminutive 2-8-0s to the huge 251 class articulateds. First Generation Diesel FTs are shown in the steam to diesel transition. Operating MOW equipment, RDCs, snow removal, wrecks and WP’s SF Bay maritime fleet are also shown.

The world-famous “Silver Lady” - the California Zephyr passenger train, with an emphasis on her interior amenities and service representing the epitome of luxury rail travel in America is the subject of Volume Two to be released later this year.

The meticulous care, comprehensive research, production quality and attention to detail that make Catenary Video productions sought after world-wide by both Historians and Railfans are evident in this DVD program.

We ship SAME DAY Monday-Friday by 2PM PST! Cover design may not match image shown here. Producers often change the design of their covers. Some producers do not shrink wrap their products including Sunday River, Blue Ridge, Cvision, Clear Block, Diverging Clear and several others.

We are an authorized distributor for this product.