This
program offers exciting action coverage of restored Chesapeake &
Ohio Class J3a 4-8-4 614 pulling the CHESSIE SAFETY EXPRESS excursions
of 1980-81 and special WINTER COAL TRAINS in January 1985.
CHESSIE
SAFETY EXPRESS presents the complete history of the 614, from its days
as a passenger and freight hauler on the C&O to its return to the
main line pulling excursion trains. Thrilling full-color trackside and
in-cab scenes show the colorful train in action at a variety of
locations, including Baltimore's Camden Station, Harpers Ferry, 17-Mile
and Sand Patch grades, the James River line in Virginia, and the scenic
route between Huntington and Hinton, West Virginia.
WINTER
COAL TRAINS depicts the 614 pulling a series of revenue coal train runs
on the Huntington-Hinton line. The purpose of these runs was to develop
a baseline of computer data to aid in the development of a new
generation of coal-fired steam locomotives.
This
fine documentary presents the full story of the ambitious program by
Ross Rowland's American Coal Enterprises Corporation to design and build
the steam-powered ACE 3000. You'll enjoy dramatic full-color coverage
of the handsome and powerful 614 pulling coal trains on a grueling
series of test runs during the record-setting 1985 cold snap.
Beautifully-photographed trackside and pacing scenes combine to make
this a memorable portrait of the one of the 614's finest performances!
Interviews with Ross Rowland are included in both programs.
