Empire Builders to Milwaukee
SKU: DVD-PNX-EMPIREOriginal price was: $29.95.$24.95Current price is: $24.95.
When Amtrak first rolled into Milwaukee, things had changed. Milwaukee Road’s Hiawatha and C&NW’s bi-level Streamliners were out, but Amtrak’s Empire Builder was in.
In stock
- Free Post Office shipping over $25!
- Free UPS shipping over $75!
| Producer | Pentrex |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 50 minutes |
| Narration | Yes |
| Shrink Wrap | Yes, Brand New |
| Technical Details | NTSC, Region Free, View Worldwide on Computer |
Individual railroad run intercity passenger service in Milwaukee was a thing of the past by early 1971. Amtrak had been formed to remove the burden of passenger service from the railroads and insure that core passenger routes remained active. By May 1st, when Amtrak rolled into Milwaukee, things had changed. Milwaukee Road’s Hiawatha and C&NW’s bi-level Streamliners were out, but Amtrak’s Empire Builder was in. Direct rail service was now available all the way to Seattle, but not to Green Bay! All passenger service on C&NW rails was gone, but Amtrak did pick up some Chicago-Milwaukee trains over Milwaukee Road rails. These new trains looked different, too. Amtrak paint was months away and its first units were made up of mismatched heritage cars and engines that earned them the nickname “Rainbow” trains (BN green, GN orange and blue, Milwaukee yellow, Burlington silver, NP greens, and others). Their classic motive power included E-9s, F-3s, F-7s, and F-9s.
Empire Builders to Milwaukee takes you back to the six months preceding and following the start of Amtrak service in Milwaukee. You’ll view the Morning Hiawatha and the C&NW bi-level Streamliners during their last winter and spring of operations as well as Amtrak’s new Empire Builder and Chicago-Milwaukee corridor service. Also making appearances are freights (many pulled by venerable GP35s and GP9s) on the Milwaukee Road and Soo Line, the commuter Cannonball, and specials including Amtrak’s Turbo Train on its national tour and the Great Circus Train of 1971. These exciting scenes were filmed at Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Duplainville, Brookfield, Elm Grove, Wauwatosa, Oak Creek, West Bend, and other Milwaukee metro areas. There’s plenty to enjoy in this fascinating tribute to Amtrak’s early Empire Builders!
David Holland –
this video is awesome. you will see the milwaukee road run the hiawatha until amtrak took over it. lots of cool things in this video. you will love it.
Mwdonoughue –
This DVD documents the first 6 months before and after Amtrak began service in the city of Milwaukee, WI. We see many trains such as the MILW Hiawatha’s and C&NW bi-level streamliners making their last runs. WE then see Amtrak’s Empire Builder and some freights on the MILW and SOO, along with some special movements.
Curtis Watson –
To be honest, I wouldn’t have paid much attention to this film if it hadn’t been part of a free offer. However, after watching it, the midwestern scenery honestly made it for me. If there was any place a train looked more natural, it would be on the Milwaukee Road. For those interested in early Amtrak, or passenger trains led by Streamliners in general, this will be an interesting film.
Blake Ruth –
Sweet Video showing Conrail before the main Colors. i love the Circus train!!!
Aw –
Excellent video showing an amazing mix of passenger equipment from the early days of Amtrak. I love seeing the mix of power and equipment, truly an interesting era that will not be repeated. Very informative and lots of great footage.
Josh –
Great video that shows both era of the Empire builders before and after Amtrak took over.