New York Central Steam Finale

Enjoy a variety of New York Central Steam power in some of the final years and locations where steam operated. You will see mighty 4-6-4 Hudsons run between Cincinnati and Chicago, as well as a variety of freight power such as 4-8-2 Mohawks, plus 2-8-2’s and switchers such as 0-8-0’s, and even 0-6-0’s. “New York Central Steam Finale” covers the Ohio and Indiana areas that Mr. Warren Scholl shot on 8mm color home movies in the mid-1950’s. Mr. Scholl lived in the Cincinnati area, and would film lots of steam in the area. In addition to filming trackside around Cincinnati he would ride New York Central passenger trains to Chicago on business trips. So we see several trips aboard the James Whitcomb Riley, and the Cincinnati Special to and from Chicago. Power was exchanged for Illinois Central diesels in Kankakee and this is shown several times as well as engine changes at Indianapolis, and other stops, plus views from the train. This was the last stronghold for New York Central Hudsons.

In addition to seeing Hudsons on the Cincinnati to Chicago line, we also see a few glimpses of them at Toledo and Bellefontaine, plus we see quite a few Mohawks on passenger trains north of Cincinnati around Sharon Yard. We even see a Niagara or two around Cincinnati. Freight action is covered quite well as we see the area north from Cincinnati to Sharonville, including several transfer freights, and the L&N transfers to Decoursey Yard in Kentucky. There is even one L&N transfer with an L&N diesel and NYC 2-8-2. Another NYC freight has lightning stripe F-Units and a NYC 2-8-2 headed north from Sharon Yard. There is also hump yard and switching shots, as well as roundhouse and turntable action. The last segment includes freights west of Cincinnati, including the trains passing through B&O’s Storrs Yard, and over course Riverside yard. There are numerous scenes of helpers being coupled at Riverside and departing as well as some trains arriving from the west. This was nearly all 4-8-2 territory, with some 2-8-2 helpers. As we proceed west we see several chases along River Road, and see helpers at Valley Junction, another location where helpers were attached for the climb to Sunman via Guilford Hill. Also we see a train coming off the Whitewater Valley line at Valley Junction as well as a meet with a Hudson on a passenger train. There is also some footage of the Ohio River Coal company with an 0-4-0 working some coal cars. This was the last steam to operate in Cincinnati.

Included is information regarding the years built, and retirement dates of engines that can be identified. At the end we included a segment documenting several of the last steam runs in the Indiana and Ohio areas for the different types of locomotives. This is where New York Central steam ended. Like 95% of all old steam film, there was never any audio recorded. Therefore we have included a wealth of informative narration, and appropriate music. These are not top of the line quality commercial films, but rather home movies. However, it is interesting material, and better to be seen by those who appreciate the subject matter, than to have it sit in the closet for nobody to ever see.