GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY--Historical Video---part 2 of 4

The last memories of the Great Northern Railway. My dad and I took 8mm Kodachrome movies from 1957 to 1971. Includes authentic RR communications from that era.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Great
• Northern
• Railway

[Jmsimer]

Got a question maybe somebody can answer. In a lot of films from this era particularly, the locomotives tend to look very dirty - lots of dark grime. Is this mostly because the exhaust was much dirtier in that era, was it because the railroads were strapped for cash and didn't clean or repaint their locomotives often, or was it a bit of both?

[ScenicDepot]

@Jmsimer I can't answer for other railroads. In the case of the GN, the helpers were in continual use, the exhaust particulates tended to build up rapidly within the confines of the Cascade Tunnel, plus in a wet climate things tend to look grimier. The trip on the Empire Builder was shot on a mostly cloudy and sprinkly day, and the episode with the derailed  helper was also overcast, so contrast was lower. The GN was always in the black so it would not have been a cash flow problem.

[luigirules1000]

it's a bad day when i'm the only railfan at school. i'm 13, and i railfan as much as possible, i wrote my report on the old line at wellington for my project last year. Great video thanks

[ScenicDepot]

@luigirules1000

I was your age when I shot the film of the helper derailment incident.

It's tough for you not being able to drive!

[smwokie60]

One question I just have to ask Tom. Do you or have you worked for the railroad since? Have you ever had the chance to ride the train through the area you & your Dad worked on?

[ScenicDepot]

Never got to work for the RR. Tried to get on with them in 1980, but unfortunately my timing was really bad--it was right after the Milwaukee had gone bankrupt, and those folks were all trying to get work with the BN.

I've ridden the train through there numerous times starting in 1965. Got to go on a track car with employees numerous times back in 1960's, either with the fire patrol or else through the tunnel, once with radioman and once with signal maintainer. Some kids get all the fun.

[RELeeOnTraveller]

I love the look on the guy's face at about 6:00 says it all. This is a fantastic set of film. History, history, history. This is the sort of film that a historian will always find invaluable.

[htc6600]

Great video. I love the Big Sky Blue scheme and it's great to see it on film.

[Jmsimer]

Oh, and great video, by the way. One of the best I've seen.

[upcarknocker]

When railroading was really railroading................

[sethvold]

Extra 426 west with all those autos had to be number 97 the hottest freight on the line.

[trangerstx]

Hey guys, dont forget the GN "Old-Timers" picnic at the park in Skykomish every year.