The American southwest of Arizona is home to monumental monoliths, grand canyons, petrified forests, and vividly painted deserts. It is here that you'll find one of the busiest mainline railroads in America!

Join 7idea Productions on a fantastic adventure across the Grand Canyon State on BNSF's Seligman and Gallup Subdivisions. In Part 1 of this two part series, we will travel the western half of the state beginning at Needles, California.

The double-track main line heads east through Topock and across the Mojave Desert to Kingman Canyon. The steady drumming of big GE diesels fills the air as the grade reaches 1.8%. We continue through Crozier Canyon, the double-track tunnel at Nelson, Seligman, and up the western slope of the Colorado Plateau to Williams, just south of the Grand Canyon. The scenery changes dramatically as the railroad gains over 6,000 feet in elevation.

Seeing over seventy trains per day, this is one of the most popular railfan destinations in the west! Join us as we travel "Across Arizona! BNSF's Arizona Mainline Part 1: Needles to Williams."

This program was shot in April and May of 2014.

May be viewed with or without narration.
1 hr 48 min -------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

In part 2 of this two-part series, we continue our trek across the Grand Canyon State. Beginning at Williams Junction we explore BNSF's Seligman Subdivision east through Flagstaff while a fast moving snowstorm blows over the Arizona Divide. The weather improves as we follow the Southern Transcon over Canyon Diablo Bridge and through the big sag into Winslow Yard.

The high mountain forests transition into open country accented by the vividly shaded badlands of the Painted Desert as trains head east over the Gallup Sub to the New Mexico border. We will visit locations such as Joseph City, Holbrook, Arntz, Adamana, and Coronado Junction, before reaching the state line beneath the beautiful rock cliffs at Lupton. Intermodal, manifest, grain, and coal trains ply the rails on this busy corridor.

Seeing over seventy trains per day, this is one of the most popular railfan destinations in the west! Join us as we travel “Across Arizona! BNSF's Arizona Mainline Part 2: Williams Junction to Lupton.”

This program was shot in April and May of 2014.

May be viewed with or without narration.
1 hr 29 min -------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

Journey to northwestern Washington State where the BNSF main line reveals the beauty of Puget Sound. Running between Seattle and the Canadian border at Blaine, trains traverse the western portion of the Scenic Subdivision and the entire Bellingham Sub.
 
Visit the Seattle waterfront and busy yard at Interbay. Follow the shoreline of Puget Sound while viewing several hot spots including Carkeek Park, Richmond Beach, Edmonds, Mukilteo, and Everett. 

The scenic shoreline transitions to lush farmland, wild rivers, and  secluded coves while passing the charming communities of Stanwood, Mt. Vernon, Burlington, and Bellingham. 

Unit coal, crude oil trains, and hot shot intermodals draw the latest high tech diesels, while several locals still sport vintage four axle EMD’s. Besides freight, Amtrak’s Empire Builder, Cascades Talgo sets, and Sounders are everywhere shuffling passengers between busy stations along the line. 

This is modern day railroading in the heart of the Pacific Northwest! 

Shot in the summer and fall of 2018.

2 hr 31 mins----------------------------------Available on DVD Widescreen

BNSF Railway's Gateway Subdivision stretches 203 miles between Klamath Falls, Oregon and Keddie, California. This remote line traverses the semi-arid high country of extreme northern California meeting Union Pacific's route through the Feather River Canyon at the famous Keddie Wye. The southern Cascades and northern Sierra Nevada mountain ranges offer both scenic vistas and many challenges for railroaders who work here. Shot in beautiful Hi-Definition in all seasons, our cameras show trains pounding the diamond at Stronghold, enduring icy winter conditions at Lookout, climbing mountain grades of up to 2.2% near Almanor and nearly stalling while climbing out of the Feather River Canyon!
1 hr 52 mins----------------------------------Available on DVD Widescreen

Come on an exciting journey through the rugged mountains of northern Idaho and northwestern Montana! BNSF’s Kootenai River Subdivision is a busy section of the Northern Transcon running between Sandpoint Junction and Whitefish.

High priority Z trains race between Chicago and the west coast. Stack trains, grain, coal, oil, and mixed merchandise trains run back and forth across the beautiful countryside. This seldom visited line connects two well known railfan hot spots: The Funnel and Marias Pass. It follows the very scenic Kootenai River through the densely forested Cabinet Mountains, allowing trains to sprint along the water level course. Then it’s a steady 1% climb through the Salish Range where the thunder of hard-working diesels echoes through the mountains.

The top of the grade is marked by the seven mile long Flathead Tunnel, the second longest in the United States. Modern diesel locomotives are everywhere including GE ES44C4’s, GEOVS, Dash 9’s, EMD SD70ACe’s, SD70MAC’s, even SD90/43AC’s make an appearance on Union Pacific’s nearby Spokane Sub. Great railroading action and fantastic scenery abound in BNSF Railway’s Kootenai River Sub!

May be viewed with or without narration.
2 hr 7 min -------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

BNSF Railway’s Oregon Trunk Subdivision stretches 220 miles between Wishram, Washington and Chemult, Oregon. This DVD will take you on a trip from Chemult to the Columbia River Gorge ending at Wishram Yard. Watch trains as they sprint through the pine forests of Central Oregon, roll through an ancient lava flow near Bend, cross high bridges and trestles at breath-taking locations like the famous Crooked River Bridge, and snake through the scenic Deschutes River Canyon. We will also see a few Union Pacific trains detouring off of the nearby Cascade line due to a massive mudslide. This program was taped between January and July, 2008.
101 mins---------------------------------------Available on DVD Widescreen

BNSF’s Needles Subdivision travels 170 miles through one of the hottest and driest places in North America: The Mojave Desert.

Between Barstow and Needles, California, the double track main line follows the rough contours of a land that is anything but flat. Modern locomotives fight an age old battle with gravity through several miles of 1.4% grades. The wide open vistas of the desert produce great views of long trains twisting through its many curves. The lonely mile posts pass old ghost towns slowly succumbing to the desert and mysterious station names like Klondike, Siberia and Bagdad.

This program was shot in March of 2018.

May be viewed with or without narration.
2 hours 20 min -------------------Available on DVD Widescreen

BNSF’s Gallup Subdivision cuts through a wild country etched in red rock cliffs, high mesas, and jagged black formations of ancient lava flows. Running nearly 165 miles from the Arizona border at Lupton to Belen, this former Santa Fe route through the "Land of Enchantment" continues to see a high volume of rail traffic.

Watch long double stacks, hot shot Z trains, coal, grain, and mixed manifests roll beneath the huge sandstone cliffs that mark the southern boundary of the Colorado Plateau. Thrill to the sight and sound of high horsepower diesels lugging freight over the Continental Divide and racing down the east side toward the Albuquerque Basin. Besides BNSF trains, catch Amtrak's Southwest Chief racing between LA and Chicago plus the Escalante Western Railroad hauling coal to a power plant just off the main line.

We'll even show you some of the last remaining semaphore signals still working on the nearby Raton Subdivision. This is modern day main line railroading through the rugged setting of the American southwest! This is BNSF's New Mexico Main Line: The Gallup Sub.

This program was shot in March of 2015.

May be viewed with or without narration.
1 hour 45 min -------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

BNSF’s Seattle Subdivision is one of the busiest rail lines in the Pacific Northwest. BNSF and Union Pacific polish the rails with a great variety of unit trains plus intermodal, mixed merchandise, and many locals.In addition to freight traffic, the busy subdivision hosts ten Amtrak trains: four Cascades each direction, plus the north and southbound Coast Starlight. Between Tacoma and Seattle, Sounder commuter trains are also added to the mix.   See this beautiful line between Vancouver, Washington and Seattle’s King Street Station.

The rails provide access to the busy ports of Kalama, Longview, Tacoma, and Seattle. Watch trains tackle the Napavine Grade to Chehalis. The scenic highlight of the route is the section of track along the Puget Sound between Steilacoom and the Nelson Bennett Tunnel at Tacoma.  Amtrak trains are covered here prior to being permanently rerouted over the Point Defiance Bypass.

UPDATE: After the tragic accident of Amtrak 501 on December 18th, the line around Point Defiance will continue to be used by Amtrak through the spring of 2018.

This program was shot in fall of 2017.

May be viewed with or without narration.
2 hours 13 min -------------------Available on DVD Widescreen

7idea Productions traveled to Cajon Pass in April of 2011 to capture modern-day railroading at this spectacular place. We will begin in San Bernardino first thing in the morning and head east over the summit and through the Mojave Desert to Barstow. Thrill to the sound of 10,000 foot-long stack trains grinding up the 2.2% grade and right into your living room! A great variety of trains are featured including mixed manifests, auto racks, coal and piggyback trains. We will visit famous locations such as Sullivan’s Curve, the Mormon Rocks, the daylighted tunnels at Alray and much more. There is plenty of action on BNSF’s new triple track main plus UP trains on the former SP Palmdale Cutoff, making a total of four main lines over Cajon! The high density of trains, noteworthy scenery and numerous photo locations has made this THE destination for railfans from all over the world! You’ll see why in Cajon Pass...BNSF Railway’s Cajon Subdivision.
May be viewed with or without narration.
2 hrs ---------------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

Travel with 7idea Productions to beautiful British Columbia, Canada where both Canadian Pacific and Canadian National traverse the rugged Fraser Canyon. Cutting a deep swath through the Cascade Range, this is an important link in the trans-Canada rail network connecting Vancouver with Montreal.

This program follows each line’s course along opposite banks of the Fraser River between Hope and the confluence with the Thompson River at Lytton. These competing railways operate jointly in the canyon. Eastbounds use Canadian Pacific’s Cascade and Thompson Subdivisions, while westbounds travel over Canadian National’s Ashcroft and Yale Subs.

One of the many highlights of the canyon are the Cisco Bridges where both railways cross the river with the CN flying over the CP. Our summer and winter visits reveal the grand seasonal contrast of the canyon’s appearance. Add to that a great variety of trains from hot shot intermodals, to coal, grain, potash, mixed merchandise, and the Rocky Mountaineer and you will know why railfans the world over love visiting Canada’s Fraser Canyon! This program was shot between July 2016 and January 2017.

1 hr, 37 Min ---------------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

The Thompson River cuts through the rugged country of south central British Columbia, Canada. Its wild and scenic course proved to be the best route for building a transcontinental railway and today is used by both the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National.

Continuing the journey that began in Canada’s Fraser Canyon, we follow the Thompson River for 95 miles between Lytton and Kamloops. Both railways operate jointly over much of the territory with eastbounds using Canadian Pacific’s Thompson Subdivision and westbounds using Canadian National’s Ashcroft Sub.

Shot in both summer and winter, the stunning scenery and stark seasonal contrast is enhanced by the sight and sound of heavy main line trains. Massive coal, grain, and potash trains share the rails with long double stacks and mixed manifests. Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer adds to the wide variety of trains. CN’s new Tier 4 GE’s are viewed working along side classic cowl bodied C-40-8M’s! Illinois Central and BC Rail units create an interesting assortment of motive power along with Canadian Pacific’s fleet of modern GE’s. This is your front row seat to Canada’s Thompson Canyon!

This program was shot between July 2016 and January 2017.
1 hr, 48 Min ----------------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

At 3,711 feet above sea level and with gradual approaches on both sides, Yellowhead Pass is the ideal railway passage of Canada’s Rocky Mountains.

Canadian National utilizes this strategic crossing of the continental divide marking the provincial boundary of British Columbia and Alberta. The railway is busy with intermodal traffic heading to and from west coast ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert, BC. The rails stay polished with unit grain and coal trains heading for export, numerous mixed merchandise trains, and Via Rail passenger trains sporting sleek silver dome cars.

See this incredibly beautiful line from Hinton, Alberta, to Red Pass, British Columbia. A good deal of the route traverses the picturesque setting of Jasper National Park. 7idea Productions made two trips to the Yellowhead Country and our cameras captured its natural beauty in both summer and winter. Join us for a spectacular railfan adventure you won’t soon forget!

This program was shot between August 2016 and January 2017.
1 hr, 47 Min ---------------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

Winter storms blowing in from the Pacific Ocean bring heavy snow to the Cascade Mountains of western Oregon. The former Southern Pacific’s Cascade Subdivision winds through this steep mountain pass and when the snow flies the Union Pacific calls out an elite team of snow fighters to keep the main line open.

This is your front row seat to UP’s winter operations on “The Hill” between Oakridge and Crescent Lake. Ride aboard flangers plowing in some of the most remote portions of the line. See the classic Jordan Spreader number SPMW 4033 in action as crews work through harsh winter conditions to clear snow from the right of way.

Experience what it is like to ride powerful diesel locomotives through tunnels and snow sheds while plowing the main. Shot in stunning hi-definition video with superb digital stereo sound, you’ll swear these snow fighting machines are rolling right through your living room!

Shot between 2004 and 2013.

WIDESCREEN DVD NTSC No Region Code

May be viewed with or without narration
1 hour 5 min

The Powder River Basin lies between Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains and the Black Hills of South Dakota. Thirteen active mines produce over 400 million tons of low-sulfur coal each year and it is up to the BNSF Railway and Union Pacific to transport it from the mines to customers throughout the United States and various ports for export. Over 100 miles of coal hoppers roll through the Powder River Basin each day. The majority of traffic can be found along the Orin Subdivision between Donkey Creek Junction and Shawnee Junction, making this the highest tonnage mainline in the world. This joint line serves several Powder River Basin mines including the Caballo, Belle Ayr, Cordero Rojo mines, Coal Creek, Black Thunder mines, North Antelope Rochelle and the Antelope mines. We begin at Donkey Creek Junction and follow the Orin Sub south to Shawnee Junction where joint trackage ends. Between those two points, a steady parade of long, heavy coal trains traverse the triple track main. Get ready for 117 miles of coal as 7idea Productions presents: “Coal Trains of the Powder River Basin”
May be viewed with or without narration.
1 hr 52 min -------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

The mighty Columbia River carves its way through the Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest as it fashions much of the boundary between Oregon and Washington State. The Columbia River Gorge is rich in scenery from snow capped mountains to magnificent waterfalls. This is the backdrop for Union Pacific’s Portland Subdivision between Portland, Oregon and Hinkle Yard. Many manifest trains make their way to and from UP’s classification yard at Hinkle while expedited intermodal trains race between western ports in Portland, Tacoma and Seattle to major intermodal hubs in and around Chicago. With a gentle grade and many high-speed curves, this water-level route through the Cascade Mountains is ideal for long, heavy trains. Add the breath-taking scenery found along the gorge and you have the perfect recipe for great train watching. See UP's mighty SD90 MACs pounding the rails with 130 car potash trains! ES45AC's on the point of long double-stack trains! Vintage geeps in local service and much more, all in the spectacular setting of the Columbia River Gorge!
This program was shot between June, 2011 and February, 2012.
May be viewed with or without narration.
1 hr 58 min -------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

The westward flow of the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean scores the boundary between the states of Oregon and Washington. It cuts through the heart of the Cascade Range creating a natural passage through the mountains known as the Columbia River Gorge.
The river is busy with marine traffic for both business and pleasure. Both banks of the Columbia are lined with steel rails and the competition between the railroads is great. In part 1 of this two-part series, we covered Union Pacific's Portland Subdivision in Oregon, heading east to Hinkle Yard. Now let’s return west along the BNSF and see the gorge from the Washington side of the river.
We will begin at BNSF's hump yard at Pasco and head over 200 miles to Vancouver. You'll see heavy Powder River Basin coal trains, hot Z trains, garbage trains, manifests, Amtrak's Empire Builder, and a special visit from SP Daylight steam locomotive #4449. One breathtaking image opens after another as the photographic possibilities here are endless. Join us for Columbia River Gorge Part 2: BNSF Railway's Fallbridge Subdivision.
This program was shot between June 2011 and June 2012.
May be viewed with or without narration.
2 hr 10 min -------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

Southern Pacific Daylight Number 4449 is one of the most beautiful and well known steam locomotives in America! Watching her traverse the Pacific Northwest with a colorful consist of vintage passenger cars is always a sight to behold.

7idea and Marcam Productions have teamed up to present a fascinating look at the SP 4449 traveling the BNSF mainline through the Columbia River Gorge and the Deschutes River Canyon. This action-packed program features highlights from steam excursions between Portland and Bend, Oregon from 2006, 2012 and 2017, plus trips to Wishram, Washington in 2011 celebrating 4449’s 70th year!

Like a “greatest hits” collection, this carefully crafted program offers fantastic coverage of the route using the best scenes from each excursion. Sit back and enjoy a 500 mile round trip through some of the most scenic country in the western United States!

This program was jointly produced by Marcam Productions and 7idea Productions. Cover photos by Camron Settlemier.
May be viewed with or without narration.
1 hr 22 min -------------------Available on DVD Widescreen

7 Idea Donner - Stacks in the High Sierras

For over 140 years the Sierra Nevada Mountains of northern California have reverberated with the sounds of hard-working locomotives of the Central Pacific, Southern Pacific and now the Union Pacific. In November, 2009 double-stack container traffic was re-routed off the nearby Feather River Canyon adding to the frequency of trains on this legendary route. 7idea Productions made three trips to Donner Pass between January and September 2010 to capture the many personalities of "The Hill" between Roseville, California and Sparks, Nevada. From late summer sun to blizzard conditions on the mountain, you'll have a front row seat of the Union Pacific in action! Take in the amazing view of mainline action from high atop Red Mountain, the old Central Pacific fire lookout above Cisco. Stand inside the snow sheds of Norden as a heavy stack train blasts through! Snowshoe into Troy and see Jordan Spreaders and flangers hard at work clearing the white stuff off the double-track main! Feel the ground shake as 10,000 foot stack and manifest trains labor up 2% grades in Run 8! Distributed power is everywhere, as Union Pacific utilizes this technology for more efficient train handling. Witness heavy trains running in 4x2, 1x1x1, even 3x3x1 configurations. Shot in beautiful high-definition in spring, late summer and winter, this is the ultimate look at Donner Pass!
May be viewed with or without narration.
2 hrs----------------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

7 Idea Into the Feather River Canyon - Union Pacific's Canyon Subdivision

Travel to the legendary Feather River Canyon and see this historic line between Oroville and Portola, California. This DVD will show you many highlights of the canyon including: the famous bridges at Pulga, Clio Trestle, Serpentine Canyon, Williams Loop (where trains loop over themselves), and the famous Keddie Wye. Catch the legendary "Broncos" escorting trains through the rain, when the risk of rock slides and washouts is high. You will see the Quincy Railroad in action and take a ride on their EMD SW7 switcher up and down the 4% grade which connects a local Sierra Pacific sawmill with the UP. At Portola, we spend some time at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum where the WP lives. You will even witness the UP 844 steam locomotive making a special appearance as the UP celebrates 100 years of railroading in the Feather River Canyon!
May be viewed with or without narration.
1 hr 50 min -------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

The southern Canadian Rockies are a breathtaking spectacle shouldering the Continental Divide and boundary of British Columbia and Alberta, Canada. Topped with glaciers and surrounded by emerald lakes and rivers, their beauty is beyond pictures or words.

For those who built the Canadian Pacific, these mountains were the ultimate obstacle to overcome. The route they chose was the difficult ascent over Kicking Horse Pass. Known to railroaders as "The Big Hill", Canadian Pacific trains have been climbing this grade since 1884 and it is still an amazing sight today!

Beginning at Field, BC, we follow the Laggan Sub east to Exshaw, Alberta. Watch trains battle the 2.2% grade above the Kicking Horse River, pass through the incredible Spiral Tunnels, and sprint along the bank of the scenic Bow River. See 10,000 foot stack trains, unit grain, potash, and mixed manifests. We also catch The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada's premiere passenger train. There's nothing like mountain railroading in the Canadian Rockies!

This program was shot in June, September, and October 2014.

1 hour 34 minutes

May be viewed with or without narration.
1 hour 34 min -------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

7 Idea Marias Pass - BNSF Railway's Hi Line Subdivision

Travel to the legendary Feather River Canyon and see this historic line between Oroville and Portola, California. This DVD will show you many highlights of the canyon including: the famous bridges at Pulga, Clio Trestle, Serpentine Canyon, Williams Loop (where trains loop over themselves), and the famous Keddie Wye. Catch the legendary "Broncos" escorting trains through the rain, when the risk of rock slides and washouts is high. You will see the Quincy Railroad in action and take a ride on their EMD SW7 switcher up and down the 4% grade which connects a local Sierra Pacific sawmill with the UP. At Portola, we spend some time at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum where the WP lives. You will even witness the UP 844 steam locomotive making a special appearance as the UP celebrates 100 years of railroading in the Feather River Canyon!
May be viewed with or without narration.
1 hr 52 mins ------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

In the American west, one place holds a special allure to those who have discovered its splendor…Montana. If you listen closely, you just might hear the pulse of a regional railroad that has been beating strongly for nearly a quarter of a century: The Montana Rail Link. Rolling on over 900 miles of former Northern Pacific track through Montana, Idaho and Washington State, the MRL passes through some of the most splendid scenery the NP had to offer. MRL serves as a bridge line for BNSF Railway between Laurel, Montana and Spokane, Washington. BNSF trains make up the majority of traffic seen here, although they are operated by MRL crews. In Part 1 of our two-part video series, we cover the First and Second Subdivisions between Jones Junction and Helena, Montana. The railroad follows the Yellowstone River west to Livingston, then up over Bozeman Pass, through Lombard Canyon and over Winston Hill before arriving at Helena. Thrill to the sight and sound of genuine 20 cylinder SD45’s shoving heavy unit trains over Bozeman Pass! Watch MRL and BNSF trains at several scenic locations in both summer and winter. Catch 125 car coal trains, grain trains, mixed manifests, locals and the special Boeing 737 train. The combination of great scenery and raw horsepower makes this an exciting video to see and hear!
This program was shot in January and July of 2011.
May be viewed with or without narration.
1 hr 56 min -------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

In MRL Montana Mainline Part 2, we return to Helena in the dead of winter as trains prepare to do battle with Mullan Pass. A strong Canadian storm system slammed into the Rockies sending the mercury below zero while a quintet of MRL's EMD SD70ACe's put on a fantastic show shoving heavy trains to the summit. This is a mountain railroading at its best with 2.2% grades, numerous curves and high trestles. Shot in January and July of 2011, you will see the MRL taking on Mullan Pass in all types of weather as it climbs to the continental divide at Blossburg via the famous Mullan Tunnel. The action doesn't stop there, as trains race west along the 3rd, 4th and 10th subdivisions through the fantastic scenery that is the hallmark of Montana. Catch trains as they follow the course of the Clark Fork River and scale high above the treetops on Evaro Hill. Our tour concludes as we head west through the Bitterroot Mountains along the banks of the Clark Fork to Sandpoint, Idaho where MRL joins BNSF's busy "Funnel." A great variety of trains run over the line including coal, grain, mixed manifests and MRL's daily gas train. From perfect sunny skies, through thunderstorms and winter's arctic chill, this is a trip to MRL country you won't soon forget! Raw horsepower and beautiful scenery combine again for two great hours of entertainment.
This program was shot in January and July of 2011.
May be viewed with or without narration.
2 hr 4 min --------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful part of America. Getting to see it up close by rail only enhances the experience. Join 7idea Productions as we visit five tourist lines in Oregon, Washington, and northern California.
Enjoy steam and vintage diesels pulling excursions and photo freights at:

• The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad in Garibaldi, Oregon
• The Eagle Cap Excursion Train in Elgin, Oregon
• The Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad in Elbe, Washington
• The Sumpter Valley Railroad in McEwen, Oregon
• The McCloud Railway in McCloud, California
We will begin by visiting the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad on the Port of Tillamook Bay line between Garibaldi and Salmonberry. Next stop is Elgin, Oregon where the Eagle Cap Excursion Train traverses the wild and scenic Joseph Branch. Heading to Elbe, Washington we visit the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad and see their tank engine, the Hammond Lumber Company #17 pulling excursion trains to Mineral. Returning to eastern Oregon, the Sumpter Valley Railroad hosts a photographer’s special with their Mikado Number 19 and Heisler Number 3. Finally, we take a look at the former McCloud Railway in northern California as McCloud Number 18 pulls a fall photo special and plows snow. This is your ticket to enjoy some of the unique rail heritage of the Pacific Northwest!

2 hr 4 min

In the San Juan Mountains of Colorado and New Mexico one can leave the 21st Century behind on a steam powered time machine: the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. 

Running on rails laid down in the 1880’s, the Cumbres & Toltec is a living and breathing historical marvel of railroading the way it used to be. It operates over a remaining 64 mile section of the D&RGW’s San Juan Extension between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. 

This program covers many of the high points of this scenic route in summer and fall. Thrill to the sight and sound of vintage K-36 class steam locomotives climbing the 4% grade to the 10,015 foot summit of Cumbres Pass! Enjoy the impressive collection of beautifully restored passenger cars plus double headed photo freights. Step back to the year 1959 and watch never seen before footage of revenue freights moving over the line, including sections of the railroad that no longer exist!

This is your ticket to the longest and highest narrow gauge railroad in North America! 

1 hr 42 min
Narration On/Off

Deep in the coastal hills of western Oregon lies a backwoods railroad which weaves through America’s premiere timber producing lands.  Operated by the Portland and Western Railroad, the line services a Georgia Pacific paper mill in the small town of Toledo. Trains make the seventy-five-mile journey over the branch line nearly every day between its namesake town of Toledo and Albany in the lush Willamette Valley.  

In Part 1 of this two-part series, we will show you the west end of the line with an insightful combination of historic images and modern-day operations. Visit the former station of Yaquina and see remnants of the old rail line abandoned by the Southern Pacific in 1936.   See the GP paper mill and take a tour of the Western Cascade Industries sawmill. Follow the railroad as it charts an inland course along the Yaquina River crossing it fifteen times on rickety wooden trestles.

With the passing of each milepost lie the ghosts of old derailments, stations, mills, and communities long forgotten.   The climax of the journey is a stiff 2.58% mountain grade over the summit of the Coast Range. The classic two-stroke EMD’s thunder up the west side lugging heavy trains of containerboard.

2 hrs 14 min
Narration On/Off

In May of 2019, Union Pacific made history. Big Boy 4014, the largest steam locomotive on earth took to the main line under its own power for the first time in nearly 60 years!

The restoration was just in time for the 150th anniversary of the driving of the Golden Spike at Promontory, Utah, commemorating the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869.

Paired with UP 844, the only steam locomotive to never be taken out of active service on a major railroad, the 4014 made its first excursion run between Cheyenne, Wyoming and Ogden, Utah in what was billed as “The Great Race to Ogden.”

7idea Productions takes you trackside for this historic event from Cheyenne to Ogden and return. Catch the 4014 climbing Sherman Hill, gliding across the Wyoming plains, and tackling the Wasatch grade.

In Ogden, Utah, Union Pacific’s Spike 150 Celebration had the feeling of a rock concert as thousands of people came out to see the Big Boy for the first time.

We’ll take you to Promontory for a reenactment of the driving of the golden spike that united a nation east to west. With the festivities over, Big Boy number 4014 and the 844 return home to Cheyenne.

This is your front row seat to the greatest railroading event in 60 years! This is Return of the Big Boy!

1 hr 25 min

Retail Regular DVD $29.95

BluRay DVD $29.95

Watch the Cumbres & Toltec Rotary OY in operation for the first time since 1997! In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Rio Grande Rotary OY was brought back to life for an exciting two-day event, plowing snow between Chama, New Mexico and the summit of Cumbres Pass in Colorado.   The two-day event kicked off on February 29th with the rotary working between Chama and the New Mexico/Colorado state line, followed by a rare nighttime photo session. 

On March 1st, the OY battled icy drifts around Windy Point to the 10,015-foot summit of Cumbres Pass.   Two K-36 Class Mikados number 487 and 484 put on a great show of brute force against gravity lugging the OY and its classic snowplow train up the 4% grade. The San Juan Mountains thundered in a continuous eruption of steam, snow, and smoke! 

Narration is limited so you can enjoy the sight (and sound) of classic Rio Grande narrow gauge equipment working in the dead of winter. If you weren’t able to see this event in person, this program is the next best thing!

Shot in beautiful HDR 4K!

1 hr 25 min

$29.95

7 Idea Stevens Pass - BNSF Railway's Scenic Subdivision

Stevens Pass stands at an elevation of 4,061 feet above sea-level in the heart of the Pacific Northwest's Cascade Mountains. Large granite outcroppings tower above the densely forested landscape creating a cool, wet rainforest on the west and semi-arid country on the east. Weaving through this seemingly impassible barrier is a transcontinental railroad connecting the heartland of America with the Pacific Northwest and the Orient. BNSF Railway utilizes a historic route carved by John F. Stevens over 100 years ago. A continuous parade of long and heavy trains roll back and fourth over the beautiful terrain on what is fittingly named the Scenic Subdivision. 7idea Productions traveled to the State of Washington in May of 2010 to document current operations over this former route of the Great Northern between Everett and Wenatchee. Witness long stack trains crossing beautiful mountain streams, heavy grain trains thundering up 2.2% grades with mid and rear-end DPU's plus Amtrak's Empire Builder on its daily run between Chicago and Seattle. The highlight of the line is the famous 7.8 mile Cascade Tunnel. the longest tunnel in the United States. See how smoke and fumes are flushed out of the tunnel in between trains. Plus recount the 1910 Wellington avalanche which swept two trains off the mountain. No one ever said mountain railroading was easy and you'll see why in STEVENS PASS...BNSF Railway's Scenic Sub!
May be viewed with or without narration.
1 hr 48 mins ---------------------------------Available on DVD Widescreen

The Tehachapi Mountains create a natural barrier between California's fertile San Joaquin Valley and the arid Mojave Desert. That barrier was breached 140 years ago by Southern Pacific’s civil engineer William Hood. The result was an engineering marvel that is still impressive today. Both BNSF and Union Pacific keep these rails polished with increasingly long and heavy trains. The Tehachapis have a reputation as a hard climb with a stiff 2.2% grade on both sides of the summit. Trains negotiate numerous curves, pass through several tunnels and wrap around the crown feature that has attracted railfans from all over the world: the Tehachapi Loop. Our journey begins in Bakersfield as we travel timetable south through the mountains to Mojave. Stacks, manifests, hot intermodals, and heavy unit grain trains grind up grade to Summit Switch, then drop down into the desert. Night and day, the pass resounds with the steady drum of prime movers, the squeal of wheel flanges, and the whine of heavy dynamics. Join us on an exciting adventure through Southern California's back country as 7idea Productions presents: Tehachapi...Union Pacific's Mojave Sub.
This program was shot between April, 2011 and March, 2012.
May be viewed with or without narration.
2 hr 25 min --------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

7 Idea The Blue Mountains - Union Pacific's LaGrande & Huntington Subdivisions

For more than a century, the Blue Mountains of Oregon have echoed with the sounds of hard-working trains laboring up and down steep grades and squealing through numerous curves. Even with today's powerful, high-tech locomotives, railroaders still face a daunting challenge of running long and heavy trains through a range of mountains with three different summits. This DVD takes you on a 204 mile journey through "The Blues" starting at the Hinkle hump yard and heading toward the Idaho border just east of Huntington. Heavy trains and heavy grades means BIG POWER! Thrill to the sound of 16,000 ton soda ash trains tackling 2% grades with mid and rear DPUs! Watch long stack trains race by at nearly 70 miles per hour! Enjoy winter scenes around Meacham and Kamela where trains seem to appear right out of the ground as they crest the summit and immediately plunge down the other side. The magnificent scenery of northeast Oregon's Blue Mountains coupled with a good mix of long, high-tonnage trains makes this an amazing program to see and hear! Shot in January and April, 2010.
May be viewed with or without narration.
1 hr 57 mins ---------------------------------Available on DVD Widescreen

Since the days of the Burlington Northern, The Funnel has seen some of the heaviest rail traffic in the Northwest. Now part of the busy BNSF Northern Transcon, this 70 mile-long corridor between Spokane, Washington and Sandpoint, Idaho is still a railfan magnet.

7idea Productions paid several visits to this scenic line in different seasons. Our tour begins at Latah Junction where trains roll in and out of downtown Spokane. The tracks travel in a northeasterly direction into the Idaho panhandle before crossing the 5,000 foot Lake Pend Oreille Bridge and arriving at Sandpoint Junction. Unit grain trains, coal, intermodal, vehicle, manifests and the new Bakken oil trains all use this important route.

With over 50 trains per day on a line with several sections of single track, dispatchers and crews have to stay on their toes to keep things rolling. From clear summer days, to cold winter nights, this is great railroad action you don't want to miss!

Shot in stunning hi-definition between 2009 and 2013.

May be viewed with or without narration.
1 hr 59 min -------------------Available on Blu Ray or DVD Widescreen

7 Idea The Shasta Route - Union Pacific's Valley & Black Butte Subdivisions

Southern Pacific?s legendary Shasta Division was an important and challenging portion of the I-5 Corridor carrying traffic between Los Angeles and Seattle. Today it remains a vital link to the Pacific Northwest for the Union Pacific. In this program, we will cover nearly 170 miles of this amazing line between Redding, California and Klamath Falls, Oregon. Many trains are identified by their symbols, so you will know where they came from and where they?re going. You?ll see trains work their way up the Sacramento River Canyon to Dunsmuir, climb out of a box canyon with grades that reach 2.2%, reach the highest point on the Cascade Route at Grass Lake, and sprint through the high desert into Oregon. Interesting locations covered in this DVD include the Redding Trestle, Pitt River Bridge, the famous Cantara Loop, Dry Canyon Viaduct, Dorris Tunnel and more! You?ll even see the largest operating steam locomotive in the world, Union Pacific?s Challenger #3985 making a rare appearance in the Pacific Northwest!
118 mins --------------------------------------Available on DVD Widescreen

7 Idea The Wasatch Grade - Union Pacific’s Evanston Sub

Standing guard over the Utah-Wyoming border the massive cliffs of the Wasatch Mountains divide the rolling grasslands to the east from the salt deserts to the west. The immense features once echoed the bark of the largest steam locomotives on earth. Today they reverberate with the drumming of mighty diesels climbing the Wasatch grade.

In this program we will explore the Union Pacific’s Evanston Subdivision between Ogden, Utah and Green River, Wyoming. This is the classic grade over the Wasatch Mountains where the Big Boy’s once roamed. Highlights include scenic Weber and Echo Canyons, monster 200 car manifests cresting the summit at Wahsatch, and cleaning up a derailment at Peru that wiped out both main tracks. As a bonus, see historic footage of Big Boy 4014’s return to the Wasatch grade while heading to Cheyenne for restoration.

Join 7idea Productions on an amazing tour through northeast Utah and southwest Wyoming. Shot in beautiful hi definition the panoramas of the west come alive on the wide screen!

Shot in 2014 and 2016.

2 hr 45 mins --------------------------------------Available on DVD Widescreen

7 Idea Through the Oregon Cascades Part 1

The Cascade Mountains of western Oregon are thick with tall timber growing along steep slopes broken by waterfalls and streams. This is the setting for a mountain railroad that climbs from deep within the Willamette Valley to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level at Cascade Summit.

Part 1: The Long Grade, begins at Eugene Yard and heads railroad south into the foothills of the Cascades. A forty mile 1.8% grade between Oakridge and Cascade Summit puts UP’s newest locomotives to the test and keeps train crews on their toes. The line wraps around horse shoe curves, crosses trestles, and disappears through numerous rock sheds and tunnels before reaching the top of the pass.

In this highly anticipated follow up to “Union Pacific’s Cascade Sub,” we hike deeper into the most remote parts of the line and visit ground zero of the Frazier Slide which closed the railroad for three months in 2008. This is one of the most rugged portions of the I-5 Corridor which links the Pacific Northwest with California!

Shot in beautiful hi-definition between 2008 and 2015 in all seasons, this is the ultimate journey through the Oregon Cascades!

2 hours 35 mins

7 Idea Through the Oregon Cascades Part 2

In the high country of central Oregon, Union Pacific trains sprint along the east side of the Cascade Mountains on a route originally run by the Southern Pacific. In Part 2 of this exciting series, we follow the Cascade Subdivision for 108 miles between Cascade Summit and Klamath Falls. With easy grades and gentle curves, this is a racetrack with speeds of up to 60mph for freight and 80mph for passengers.

Heavy manifest trains head south with lumber from the Pacific Northwest. Doublestacks, grain, crude oil trains, the Gilchrist Local, and Amtrak’s Coast Starlight head back and forth through the beautiful countryside. Adding to the interesting mix of traffic, BNSF runs via trackage rights between Chemult and Klamath Falls.

In addition to the steady flow of trains, witness a Jordan Spreader at work pushing back the snow banks between winter storms. See brand new Tier 4 GEVOS making their first revenue runs over the Cascade Line, plus Canadian Pacific, Amtrak heritage power, and a GE center cab switcher at work on the Klamath Northern. Shot in all seasons over an eight year period between 2008 and 2016, the amazing journey continues through the Oregon Cascades!
WIDESCREEN DVD NTSC No Region Code
1080 Hi Definition Blu-ray BD-R
May be viewed with or without narration.

2 hours 22 mins
WIDESCREEN DVD NTSC No Region Code
1080 Hi Definition Blu-ray BD-R
May be viewed with or without narration.

Retail Regular DVD $29.95

BluRay DVD $29.95

7 Idea Through the Shadow of Mt. Shasta

Like a sleeping giant, Mount Shasta dominates the mountains of Northern California. It dwarfs everything in sight including the iron horses that have traversed its flanks for the past 130 years. Carved out of the base of the volcano, this highway paved with steel continues to be a vital link between the Pacific Northwest and California. It guides trains through some of the most beautiful country in the state.

From Redding, California in the south to Klamath Falls, Oregon in the north, the main line crosses impressive bridges, bores through several tunnels, curves inside deep canyons, and weaves across lonely desert valleys. Through this rough course of 172 miles, the railroad gains over 4,000 feet in elevation. In a follow up to our 2007 release The Shasta Route, we return to one of our favorite locations to view today’s Union Pacific in action.

There is nothing like the show of modern high-powered diesels tackling a 2.2% mountain grade on a hot summer afternoon or racing through a frozen desert on a chilly winter morning. Shot with broadcast quality Hi-Definition and 4K equipment, this is truly a stunning picture of trains traveling through the shadow of Mt. Shasta.

This program was shot between December 2015 and May 2016.

2 hours 35 mins

7 Idea Union Pacific's Cascade Subdivision Parts 1 & 2

Part I: Eugene to Cascade Summit
In this premiere release from 7idea Productions, you'll travel though Oregon's scenic Cascade Mountain Range along the former Southern Pacific line. Now operated by the Union Pacific, the Cascade Line is still a vital link between the Pacific Northwest and California. Part I of this two-part video series covers the 113 miles of track between Eugene, Oregon and Cascade Summit. The railroad climbs 4,422 feet in elevation in the process. Railroaders refer to this line as ?The Hill? and you will see why. Numerous tunnels, rock sheds, bridges, horse shoe curves and 40 miles of 1.6% gradient winding though thick mountain forests makes this a place you'll not soon forget. You will witness heavy manifests with manned and DPU helpers shoving hard! Catch piggyback trains and Amtrak's Coast Starlight at several locations. Many trains are identified by their symbols and you will learn where they originated and where they are going. The backdrop of Oregon's spectacular Cascade Mountain Range makes this section of the I-5 corridor a beautiful place to visit! Over three years in the making!
109 Min with Narration

Part II: Cascade Summit to Klamath Falls
Continuing our journey along this historic Southern Pacific line, Union Pacific's Cascade Sub Part II features big time railroading in the high country of Southern Oregon through all seasons! See trains roll through near white-out conditions on "The Hill." Watch a Pike M-2 clearing snow from the right-of-way near Kirk and some beautiful snow scenes on the east side of the Cascades. At Chemult, BNSF traffic mixes with the UP via trackage rights to Klamath Falls making for a nice variety of power including SD40-2's still in Cascade Green. Catch former Southern Pacific tunnel motors, UP's Heritage unit #1996 in Klamath Falls on her maiden voyage and some rare footage of the Swift Road Railer train at Calimus! Shot over a four year period in all types of weather, this DVD is packed full of great railroading action!
111 Min with Narration-------------------Available on DVD Widescreen

7 Idea Union Pacific's Cima Subdivision

California's Mojave Desert is the driest place in North America. It ranges in elevation from over 11,000 feet in the Spring Mountains, to 282 feet below sea level in Death Valley. Through this seemingly barren land, a mainline railroad charts a course connecting Salt Lake City with the rich ports of Southern California. It is known as Union Pacific’s Cima Subdivision.

Covering the western portion of the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad, the Cima Subdivision runs for 173 miles between Yermo, California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Various intermodal trains race between Chicago and Southern California. Coal trains lumber over the steel rails along with heavy manifests for Salt Lake City, North Platte, and West Colton. Auto rack and ethanol tank trains add to the interesting mix of traffic. 

Following the Mojave River, the rails pass through the amazing features of Afton Canyon then race across the dunes to the oasis of Kelso. Next comes the stiff 2.2% climb over Cima Hill. Draw bars strain as big diesels dig in for the nineteen mile pull to the summit. Crossing into Nevada, trains leave the lonely desert behind as they roll among the lights of Las Vegas.   

This program was shot in March and April of 2018.

1 Hour 58 Min with Narration

7 Idea Winter on Donner Pass

Journey high into California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains for a stunning look at winter operations over Donner Pass. As Pacific storms dump heavy snow, Union Pacific battles to keep trains rolling.
 
Get a taste of what it is like to be trackside in the midst of winter’s fury. Long stack trains, heavy manifests, and Amtrak’s California Zephyr share the rails with an army of snow fighting equipment including flangers, spreaders, and the mighty rotaries.
 
Beginning at Colfax, trains climb toward the snow zone at Blue Cañon, then on to Truckee on rails once covered almost completely by snow sheds. Extra time is spent near the summit at Soda Springs and Norden where man and machine are put to the test against the elements. This is mountain railroading and snow fighting rolled into one exciting presentation!
 
Shot over four separate winters including the big snow of 2011, this is your ticket to “Winter on Donner Pass!” Available soon on  DVD, Blu-ray, or Digital Download.

2 hours 5 minutes
Can be viewed with or w/o narration-------------------Available on DVD Widescreen

7 Idea Winter on Stevens Pass

Great Northern’s historic crossing of Stevens Pass has never been easy. The first two months of 2020 proved particularly harsh as “Old Man Winter” relentlessly pounded BNSF’s Scenic Subdivision with a barrage of winter storms.  This provided the perfect setting for capturing trains in punishing arctic conditions.  

On the west side, we will visit Skykomish, which lies at the base of the mountain grade.  From here, trains dig in for the 2.2% climb across the Foss River Trestle, over the icy waters of Deception Creek, and into Scenic and the west bore of the 7.8-mile-long Cascade Tunnel.  

On the east side, trains emerge back into the wintry setting at the east portal of the Cascade Tunnel. From Berne, it’s a stiff 2.2% descending grade to Merritt and Winton as the railroad navigates the foothills of the Cascades. Leaving the snow zone behind, we will tour the former railroad town of Leavenworth, which has been transformed into a Bavarian village decorated in Christmas lights for most of the winter.  Bundle up and get ready for a chilling railroad adventure!

Shot in beautiful HDR 4K!

1 hours 46 minutes
Can be viewed with or w/o narration