The Nickel Plate

"This very enjoyable video is Green Frog Productions' contribution to the Nickel Plate legacy in their "Fallen Flags" series of videos. Using the 16mm films of Emery Gulash - frequent Green Frog contributor from his impressive library of films from the steam and diesel era - we are able to "revisit" the Nickel Plate from 1954 to 1962. Also included are very enjoyable scenes from the "ACY" - diesels switching a rock quarry in 1963 and Reading 4-8-4 No. 2102 hauling an excursion in 1971.

"The locations featured here are interesting images of many familiar yards and locations during the steam era showing roundhouses, water towers, coal docks and standpipes still intact. While the bulk of this tape features Ohio locations - Bellevue, Lorain, Vermilion and Fostoria are examined - Indiana is also represented by Fort Wayne, New Haven and Michigan City.

"To list the numbers of all the NKP motive power on this tape would add another page, but believe me when I say no lover of Nickel Plate steam or diesel power will be disappointed. 0-8-0 switchers, Mikados, Berkshires and one Hudson in the Bellevue deadline are here in many views of work. Diesels are represented by Bluebirds (in latter-day freight duty as well as passenger service), Fairbanks-Morse road and yard power and EMD "GP" series diesels as well. An extra treat is the addition of some C&O power at the Fostoria diamond.

"The Akron Canton and Youngstown segment features Fairbanks-Morse power with diesels H20-44 No. 502 and H16-44 No. 208 switching a quarry at Carey, Ohio in 1963. These shots show rolling stock of numerous other "fallen flag" roads. Steam on the "ACY (no ampersand was ever used in reporting marks)" is represented by Reading No. 2102 taking a lengthy excursion out of Akron in 1971. It appears to be Fall, and no destination is mentioned on the tape. (Friends from the Akron area have told me they remember this train running to Spencer and taking the "old" Wheeling from Spencer to Wellington, Ohio where 2102 was turned on the "Y" formed by the connection of the Lorain & West Virginia.) There are many nice scenes of No. 2102 running Akron across the Medina County, Ohio countryside - including a beautiful shot of the train crossing the long ACY high steel trestle over Medina County's River Styx Road - and various runbys at other locations.

"If this sound is dubbed it is very well done and not the awful dubbing examples we've seen on other tapes available. The color of these films is exceptionally good, another "plus" for the viewer. This tape is a fine addition to anyone's railroad video library whether they are interested in the Nickel Plate, Akron Canton and Youngstown or "fallen flag" roads." John Schon, Nickel Plate Historical and Technical Society