Some of the Coolest Footage Ever...

We recently traveled to Florida to interview Mac Owen to introduce the all new, never before seen release, "Steaming Through the Deep South," which he filmed in the 1960s. Watching and re-watching the footage, we notice many fantastic scenes that capture rail operations the way few of us will ever get to see them again. 

In Louisiana, the fireman chunks two-foot logs of wood through the firebox door to make steam. In Tennessee, the brakeman and conductor relax while riding the pilot beam of the engine down the main line. In Mississippi, the locomotive kicks a cut of cars into a siding and waits while the brakeman runs to catch up with them and stop them in time. In Arkansas, passengers lean out the doors and windows to catch the breeze while a real branch line mixed train steams through the woods to deliver the goods and bring the neighbors home. This is southern back-country railroading the way it really was. You can almost smell the woodsmoke, the coal smoke, and the valve oil.

Here's a preview: 

Read About it in "Trains" & See it in Action Here

The May issue of TRAINS magazine feature article "Colorado Narrow Gauge, Tales from before  the tourists" has interviews with engineers and fireman who worked the Denver & Rio Grande before the end of steam. We're running a special on Colorado narrow gauge - High Mountain Steam! If you enjoy the article, you'd surely like the films!

Click here for video preview of Trains Magazine May Issue

Click HERE TO SHOP Sunday River's "High Mountain Steam"

FOR 15% OFF ALL HIGH MOUNTAIN STEAM TITLES, ENTER CODE HMS15

expires Wednesday May 6, '15

The "geese" shown here were jazzed up for tourist service in the closing days of the Rio Grande Southern by adding seating to the freight box in a last gasp attempt to add a new source of revenue.  Imagine if the railroad had held out in tourist service until today, with Oprah skiing in Telluride and beer and music festivals all Summer long.  Eat your heart out, Durango!  The service ran much like a dude ranch, with twin out houses at the mid-station of Trout Lake labeled "goose" and "gander" for men and women.  It was popular, but due to lack of snowplows and freight, the RGS ceased operation in 1951.

First New Release of 2015 - Over Lizard Head Pass!

High in the Colorado Rockies, Lizard Head Pass—elevation 10,222 feet (3,116 m)—presented a challenge for railroads, which lead in part, to the development of the fascinating fleet of Galloping Geese. The Rio Grande Southern hoped to stave off bankruptcy with these railcars that could substitute for full-sized steam trains for lighter loads and passenger traffic at much lower cost. The railcars carried cargo, the mail, and passengers to Rocky Mountain mining towns, “waddling” along the uneven track, and “honking” like geese with their old-style car horns.

See the Galloping Goose in action and much more dramatic high mountain steam in the new release, “Over Lizard Head Pass.”

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Goose #2 at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden

High Mountain Steam 2-Set

$69.90

Over Lizard Head Pass

Ride the last steam passenger trains of the Rio Grande Southern and experience the world of real Colorado Narrow Gauge, amid the breath-taking peaks of southwest Colorado.

Across the Top

Gathered here in a single tape are the only known records of steam engines in motion across the highest railroad passes in North America. A feast for both the Narrow and Standard Gauge fan.

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Over Lizard Head Pass

$29.95

Ride the last steam passenger trains of the Rio Grande Southern and experience the world of real narrow gauge, amid the breath-taking peaks of southwest Colorado.

First new release of 2015!

Quantity:

Add To Cart