Rotaries, Avalanche & Battle to Open Donner Pass, The Complete Story

Show 1, the first half of the story: One of the railroad’s most important tools for battling the snows during unusually heavy Winter seasons just got re-enlisted. The Rotary Snow Plow, has been referred to as “The Hero” for over 100 years, but has been dormant in the rail yard since 1998 waiting to be summoned for duty. March 24th, 2011 was one of the worst series of Winter storms Mother Nature dealt in decades and the Rotary Snow Plow was called to save the mountain and the crew of a Flanger unit caught in a large avalanche. This is a first-hand look behind the scenes of how man and machine worked together to save the mountain pass. Part of the snow-clearing train was caught in the avalanche, rolling a diesel, trapping the crew.

Our cameras were on the mountain 5 days, capturing some of the most epic and historic footage of these two beasts at work. Ride with the crew as they attack the West slope of the Sierra – throwing snow 100′ from the tracks! Witness the bone chilling echoes of the steam whistle and the F-7 locomotive B-unit power ricocheting off mountains and canyons. See the inner workings of the Rotary components like traction motors, drive shafts and gears turning. Hear stories from the crews. This is a rare opportunity to see extensive footage of the nostalgic beasts at work before they were completely overhauled and changed forever.

Show 2, the second half of the story:We take you back to the historic Winter of 2011 when snowfall broke all kinds of records. An avalanche had taken out a Flanger at Cisco Grove. Union Pacific had no choice but to break out the Rotary Snow Plow. For the first time in the 21st century! Part of the snow-clearing train was caught in the avalanche, rolling a diesel, trapping the crew. In Part 2, find out what happened to the crew, and follow Union Pacific’s snow fighting force as they use every weapon at their disposal to, as one crew member said, “Battle the Monster of the Mountain”. It took 9 days to clear Donner Pass! Over 52 FEET of snow in one winter!Shot with broadcast quality equipment. Dramatic sound, crew interviews, and narration and a few incredible drone shots. Available in Standard Definition Widescreen, and Hi-Definition 1080p Blu-Ray.