American Steam in Mexico

In the 1960s as the golden age of steam came to a close in the United States, a few holdout steam engines made a run for the border. We follow the exodus south. All U.S. built (some former NKP, C NW, Florida East Coast, etc.). From 4-4-0 Atlantics – over 100 years old – to sleek, modern 4-8-4 Northerns. The rare Mastodon (4-8-0) covered in-depth. Three or four box cab electrics plus early Alco and EMD diesels. We see 90 runbys – half of them narrow gauge – and get 26 brief cab rides. Dozens and dozens of old friends, sizzling away, waiting for the signal to change.

Vignettes of engineers, firemen, brakemen, conductors, all in action. The whole, beautifully photographed, much of it against a stunning backdrop of 18,000 feet volcanoes. We also get a close shots from the pilot of a diesel locomotive as it climbs from sea level at Los Mochis to the summit of the Sierra Madre at 8,000 feet on the Chihuahua al Pacifico. Made with close attention to detail by the professional cinematographer Mac Owen and his wife.

Narration. Sunday River Productions programs may feature Color film, B&W film, Music, Dubbed Sound and still photos.