SKU: ES1+2/D

This landmark two-volume series presents a panorama of Erie steam power in action from the late 1930s through the early 1950s, as filmed by photographers John Briggs and Ted Gay.

VOLUME I opens with a description of the various classes of Pacifics used in commuter service in Northern New Jersey, and then takes you to Jersey City Terminal for a fascinating look at a typical rush hour. Next. you’ll tour the picturesque NJ&NY branch extending to Spring Valley, NY, which was operated exclusively by light Pacifics until the end of steam in March, 1954. Also included are segments on Erie ferryboats, the Greenwood Lake branch, and Erie steam locomotives pulling freight and passenger trains on the nearby Susquehanna RR. Locomotive types depicted include 4-6-0, 4-6-2 (K1, K4, and K5 classes), 2-8-0, 2-8-2, and 2-10-0 (Russian decapod) wheel arrangements.

VOLUME II concentrates on Main Line action between Jersey City and Port Jervis, NY. This volume opens with more action at Jersey City, as filmed by legendary Erie photographer Bob Collins. Next, climb aboard the cab of the Erie Limited for a ride to Port Jervis. Numerous stops are made to observe trackside action at such locations as Ridgewood Jct., Waldwick Curve (known as “Collins’ Curve), Suffern, Black Rock Cut, Port Jervis, and Mill Rift.

You’ll see many action scenes featuring S-Class 2-8-4's; K5-Class heavy 4-6-2's; plus assorted 2-8-2's and 2-10-2's. Other highlights include an ex-NYO&W 4-4-0 on the Middletown and Unionville; NYO&W diesels at Middletown, NY; and triple-headed steam pushers on the Forest City grade. A bonus tour of the scenic Northern Branch with early Alco diesels is also presented. Perfectly-synchronized sound adds incredible realism to the originally-silent film.