The New York Central Odyssey

"Easily the most comprehensive NYC tape yet produced, this one catalogs the road from 1952 to 1963 covering late steam operations and the transition period up to the introduction of the second generation diesel types. Filmed in 16mm by Emery Gulash, most of it is set in Michigan with Indiana and Ohio operations also included. Many early diesels are shown, Alco, Fairbanks-Morse and Baldwin models as well as EMD.

"Passenger trains receive heavy coverage, about half the total time. Detroit was a hotbed of passenger train activity with many Chicago-bound trains, and we open with several of them being pulled by the very rare FM CPA25-5 five axle cab units. Much steam power is also in evidence at this time, both on passenger and freight. At the other extreme, we view such radical power as the Beeliner RDCs used in runs to northern Michigan, and GM Aerotrain. Even the famous 999 thatpulled the Empire State Express is seen, headed for display and preservation. Non-NYC items of interest abound, like the specially-styled GE centercabs built for the Ford Motor Company. For a change of pace, we visit a wreck scene on the Indiana Harbor Belt involving a badly torn up diesel switcher! Coverage of a couple of early steam excursions is thrown in for good measure and as for the NYC steam power, it covers Hudsons, Mohawks and even 0-8-0 yard shunters.

"Besides the FM units, Alco PAs are seen working with EMD Es (oddly, NYC mixed them on passenger trains, but the freight versions were not multipled together). Lots of Alco freighters polish the rails and a lone set of Baldwin sharks slips in among the many EMD GPs and F3/F7 covered wagons. Throw in a jade green E8 and you've got some real variety! Yard action is included, much of it at Detroit's Livernois Yard. Due to some shared trackage around Detroit, a lot of B&O passenger trains grace this production along with the singular appearance of a Monon BL2 in Hammond, Ind. We see the Civil War-era General, first in Greenfield Village, then at Indianapolis as it toured parts of the country. While in Indianapolis, we slip over to the newly completed Big Four hump yard for a view of the action from the hump tower.

"With sunny days, fog, winter snow and night shots adding their special effects to this production, it becomes a very short two-plus hours of viewing." Ted Davis - National Railway Historical Society

"Most of the footage was shot in southeastern Michigan and northern Ohio....all of it by Emery Gulash, now a retired GM executive. There is also some footage of other lines like Monon, L&N, C&O, Nickle Plate and of course B&O. Film transfer, production, sound and narration all are excellent." DelMarVa Model Railroad Club