Join Diverging Clear Productions for a visit to one of the oldest, certainly one of the hardest working, tourist railroads in the United States. The Black Hills Central Railroad has been hauling passengers out of Hill City in the scenic Black Hills of southwest South Dakota since 1957. With a combination of spectacular scenery and steep grades, the railroad puts on a show that rivals any other steam operation in the U.S. Since 2001, the railroad has had the additional distinction of being the home of the only operation Mallet compound articulated locomotive in America, 2-6-6-2T #110. We visited the line to capture #110 in operation, and the locomotive did not disappoint as it hauled its seven car train up the four percent grades of the line. This DVD begins with an overview of the railroad’s history and a look at the locomotive as it is being readied for the day’s run. Once the engineer climbs aboard and the locomotive is coupled to the train, the show REALLY begins. Trackside, on train, in cab and pacing footage covers a round trip of the train between Hill City and Keystone. #110 puts on a grand show in the finest tradition of mountain steam railroading, with pillars of smoke and roaring exhaust as she slows to little more than a walk with the throttle wide open. You will not find a more unique operation in the U.S., and this video is a perfect reminder if you have been there. If you HAVEN’T visited in person, this video will have you ready to pack your bags and head for the hills!
