This release in The Heritage Series travels back in time to one of the highlights of the golden era of mainline steam excursions; the 1990 convention of the National Railway Historical Society that featured four active mainline steam locomotives.
The convention featured four large locomotives: Norfolk & Western 2-6-6-4 #1218, Union Pacific 4-8-4 #844, St. Louis & San Francisco 4-8-2 #1522 and St. Louis Southwestern 4-8-4 #819. All four locomotives are shown.
The majority of the footage was filmed by videographer George Redmond, who followed the 1218 from Louisville, Kentucky, into Illinois as it powered the Independence Limted toward St. Louis. He also followed Union Pacific #844 on its round trip to Findlay, Illinois, and #1522 on its return to Frisco rails with a round trip to Newburg, Missouri.
In addition to Mr. Redmond’s footage, a few scenes from other cameramen were included to round out coverage of the convention. #819 gets the shortest segment, as the train’s high speed made for a difficult chase as the Cotton Belt Star headed to and from St. Louis.
Of the three locomotives featured on this DVD, only one remains in service today.
