The 13 Alco Shortline Railroads include: Livonia Avon & Lakeville Railroad, Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Railroad, Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad, Tioga Central, Depew Lancaster & Western, Ontario Midland, Bath & Hammond Sport, Delaware & Ulster, Falls Road, New York & Lake Erie, Buffalo Southern, Steamtown's CP 2317. That great Alco sound and smoke are featured on both freight and passenger trains. The railroads are located in the states of New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The Alco Locomotives include
S1, S2, RS1, RS3, RS11, RS18, RS32, RS36, C420, C424,
C425, C430, FPA4, M630, M636 & ALCO 4-6-2.
Footage era 2005 - 2006
95 min

The Minnesota Commercial Railway is a switching terminal & transfer railroad that uses a large fleet of Alco diesels. The MNNR is located in the Midway Region of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Their trains operate with a fascinating diesel roster that includes both switchers and road diesels consisting of 14 Alco's, 8 EMD's, 1 GE and a MWL-cat. That great Alco sound and smoke are featured with models C424, M630, RS20, RS23, and RS27. This exciting video features yard switching at the Midway and Hiawatha yards. Locals that travel north to Fridley, northeast to Hugo and east to Bayport. Also you'll see transfers with long trains going north to the WC at New Brighton. Southeast to the UP at St. Paul and west to the BNSF's Northtown yard. Exciting cab rides are also featured on two Alcos and a GE, plus connecting railroads of the BNSF, UP, CP, TC&W, WC, and Amtrak.
Footage era 1995 - 1999
110 min

FEATURING: Alco diesels on the Kankakee Beaverville & Southern Railroad, and the Indiana Hi-Rail. This fascinating program was shot in the summer and fall of 1993. You'll see the rare RSD-15 alligators, plus numerous other vintage Alco locomotives including RS-11's, C-425's, C-420's, and a S-4. There's plenty of exciting action with mainline freight and yard switching. Plus a cab ride on RSD-15, #442. Watch as the hard-working Alcos of the KB&S and IHRC work the communities and grain elevators as they travel through the corn fields and prairies of Indiana and Illinois. You'll also see the connecting railroads of the IC/CSX/UP/CR. Plus a brief look at the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railroad.
100 min

Exciting Alco powered train action along the scenic railway of the Arkansas & Missouri railroad. This Ex-Frisco route travels 149 miles from a connection with the BNSF at Monett, Missouri to Fort Smith, Arkansas. This fascinating rail line also features a 1,702 foot tunnel that’s tucked away in the Ozark Mountains at Winslow. There's plenty of that great Alco sound and smoke as the A&M's 24 unit diesel roster features: T6, RS32, C424 & C420's. The system-wide Arkansas & Missouri train action includes: yard switching at Springdale and Fort Smith, locals working industries in the Springdale/Rogers Area, Fort Smith transfers to the UP at Van Buren, a tourist train and amazing road freights with up to 6 diesel lashups. Plus you'll also see the connecting railroads of the UP, BNSF & FSRR.
Era May 2004
96 min

The Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad is a fascinating 88 mile Shortline that’s located in Northeastern Pennsylvania. See exciting Alco powered road freights as they travel the steep grades across the scenic Pocono Sub and along the River Valley of the mountainous Delaware Water Gap before reaching a connection with the NS at Slateford Jct. This rail line also features several former Delaware Lackawanna & Western towers and passenger stations. The D-L rail operations are based out of Scranton, PA and is part of the GVT System. At Scranton see locals and switching in the Steamtown yard. There’s plenty of great Alco sound and smoke in this action packed DVD featuring diesel models: RS3, RS11, RS32, C420, C425, M420, M630, M636, and C636. Plus steam powered passenger excursions that run out of the Steamtown National Historic Site and feature CN #3254 a 2-8-2 and CP#2317 a 2-8-0. Shot from the cameras of Brad Plets and Rob Pisani. Footage era 2005-2009.
Narration On/Off Options
104 min

The Green Bay & Western Railroad powers their trains with Alco Locomotives. This program takes a system wide look at the GB&W's exciting freight and yard action from East Winona to Green Bay, Wisconsin. Climb on board and take a cab ride on roadswitcher number 306. Also ride on transfer caboose number 101. See the GB&W’s Norwood Yard, shops, engine house and turntable in action. Plus the Green Bay and Western’s connecting railroads are covered with the Burlington Northern, Chicago & Northwestern, Wisconsin Central, Escanaba & Lake Superior and the Fox River Valley. The Green Bay Route lives on as it was shot in all four seasons from 1989 to 1991.
Footage era 1995 - 1999
100 min

BNSF and CP Train Action in the Bakken Oil Field!
Great BNSF and CP train action across the Bakken Oil Fields in scenic Northwestern North Dakota. See long crude oil unit trains as they travel across the beautiful North Dakota prairies and come rolling through several small towns and cities. Plus other exciting train action including unit trains of frac sand, grain and intermodal along with road freights and locals. The BNSF Railway dominates the train action on Volume One along with a good amount of Canadian Pacific trains and a few of Amtrak's passenger trains. This program also features the spectacular Gassman Coulee Trestle, a few historic depots and the train action hot spot of Minot which includes Soo Tower where the main lines of the BNSF and CP cross at grade. Also see some oil wells and drilling rigs in the Bakken Formation where the oil cans are filled and sent out by rail to the refineries across the U.S. Rail footage.
Footage era September 2014
93 min

Great Canadian Pacific, BNSF, NPR, DMV&W Train Action!
Great Canadian Pacific and BNSF train action across the Bakken Oil Field in scenic Northwestern North Dakota. See long crude oil unit trains as they travel across the picturesque North Dakota prairie and come rolling through several small towns and cities. Plus other exciting train action includes road freights, intermodals and locals. The Canadian Pacific dominates the train action on Volume Two along with a good amount of BNSF action. Plus segments on two North Dakota Regional Railroads including the Northern Plains Railroad and the Dakota Missouri Valley & Western Railroad. This program also features the train action hot spot of Minot including Soo Tower, the scenic Des Lacs River Valley and the spectacular Valley City Trestle. Also see some oil wells and drilling rigs in the Bakken Range where the oil cans are filled and then sent out by rail to the refineries across the country.
Footage era September 2014
93 min

Exciting railroad action on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. See the BNSF as their trains roll across the scenic landscape of their North Dakota Coal Line. This rail line travels 373 miles from Fargo to Beach, ND. This former Northern Pacific line was known as the "Mainstreet of the Northwest" and many of their historic depots still survive. Video highlights include: massive Valley City Trestle, ex NP depot & grain elevators, unit coal and grain trains, scenic prairies and great plains, Missouri River Bridge built in 1998, mixed freight, intermodals & locals, spectacular national Badlands, colorful BNSF diesel power, and steep grade coal train pushers.
Footage era 2002-2003

Witness the Burlington Northern Railroad as the trains of the BN travel over 300 miles along the mighty Mississippi River with its majestic bluffs rising high above the river. This DVD captures some of the most beautiful and scenic segments of the entire BN. The show starts in Minneapolis and St. Paul and travels south along the picturesque river communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin to Savanna, IL. The exciting and fast paced action includes yard, local and mainline freights. See the BN as they haul intermodal, general freight, and unit trains of coal, taconite, grain, and autos. As an added feature you'll also see the connecting roads of the: SOO, CP, C&NW, WSOR, CC&P, UP, IC, GB&W, MNNR, TC&W, Canadian National run-thrus and the Milwaukee Road steamer #261 with passenger cars heading north for the Twin Cities. Plus you'll also see a few fascinating steamboats and river barges. The program then ends with a look at the Great Northern inspired paint scheme and trains on the new BNSF.
120 min

Takes an indepth regional look at the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. Starting in Altoona, you'll see the rail system covered north to Superior, West to Hudson, and East to Adams, 327 miles in all. This show features beautiful Wisconsin scenery, towns, depots and history. See over 20 different models of working locomotives from EMD, GE, and Alco, including 14 on the C&NW roster. The action includes yard switching, locals, mainline freights, unit trains, a diesel and caboose pace scene and a cab ride on a local using C&NW SD18 #6622. You'll also see connecting railroads of Wisconsin Central, Green Bay & Western, and the Duluth Winnipeg & Pacific.
Footage era 1987 - 1995
120 min

Exciting Chicago & North Western Railroad action in South Central Wisconsin. The C&NW Railway is seen from Chicago, Proviso Yard with trains going north to Janesville, Madison, Devil's Lake, Baraboo, North Freedom, Rock Springs and Reedsburg. This video features unit auto trains, local and general freights, rock trains and plenty of MP15 switching action. As an added feature you'll also see the C&NW steamer #1385 powering passenger trains at the Mid-Continent Railroad Museum, and inside look at the North Western's ballast quarry and mining operations at rock springs and the Circus World's annual circus train out of Baraboo. You'll also see the connecting railroads of the Soo Line and WSOR.
Footage era 1990 - 1995
97 min

See the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and their Iron Ore Railway operations in Upper Michigan. You'll see a system-wide look at the C&NW's Railroad activity with numerous runbys. Located on the famous Marquette Iron range at Palmer, Michigan, you'll see fascinating mining activities at the Empire Mine and taconite plant. The scenes include: open pit mining using huge shovels and trucks, crude ore dumping at the crusher, various stages of iron ore processing inside the plant and ore cars being filled with taconite pellets. You'll see exciting railroad activity with numerous runby's and pace scenes, including the new GE Locotrol units as the CNW transports the ore 60 miles to Escanaba. Located at Escanaba, on the shores of Lake Michigan, the CNW operates a taconite storage facility & shipping port. The activities here include a cab ride on SD18 #6635, rotary ore car dumping, pellet transport conveyor system, pellet reclaimer & stacker and ship loading on the huge ore carrier Joseph L. Block.
Footage era 1992 - 1994
96 min

The Alco railroads include: Cartier Railway, Windsor & Hantsport Railway, New Brunswick & East Coast Railway, Ottawa Central Railway, Chaleur Bay Railway, Gaspe Railway, St. Lawrence & Atlantic Quebec Railroad. See that great MLW / Alco diesel smoke and sound with vintage RS23's hauling gypsum in Nova Scotia, RS18's & C424's with ore and freight trains in New Brunswick and Ontario. The exciting Alco action continues with RS18's, M420's and the huge M636's & C636's hauling iron ore, timber and freight in Quebec. Plus beautiful scenery in eastern Canada.
The featured railroads include:
• New Brunswick & East Coast • Windsor & Hantsport Ry.
• Ottawa Central Ry. • Quebec Cartier Mining Co. • Chaleur Bay Ry.
• Gaspe Railway • St. Lawrence & Atlantic Quebec Ry.
Footage era June 2000 & 2001
120 min

Exciting Canadian National Railway freight train action across scenic Wisconsin from the CN railroad yard at Pokegama in Superior to Leighton, Illinois. The action includes yard switching, locals, unit trains, intermodals, and mainline road freights. See a great variety of the Canadian National’s big EMD & GE diesel power in several CN paint schemes. You’ll see several great Hot Spot locations on former SOO, WC, and C&NW trackage including: Saunders, Owen, Junction City, Neenah, Byron Hill and Duplainville. Plus Union Pacific also travels this route with a few trackage right trains from Junction City to Superior and connecting railroads: CP Rail, WSOR, & Amtrak. Also available on DVD only is a free bonus feature with a cabride on CN 5222 that’s powering a Pokegama transfer to the C&NW’s Itasca yard.
Footage era 2000 - 2005
96 min

Featuring the Canadian National Railway with exciting CN ore and freight train action across their railroad in the arrowhead region of Northeastern Minnesota. Starting at the Steelton Yard you’ll see trains working the rail lines north across the Mesabi Iron Range to Ranier, as both the CN’s Rainy and Missabe subdivisions are covered. The CN action includes road freights, locals, intermodals and unit trains of potash and iron ore products. See a great variety of CN’s big EMD & GE diesel power including their rare cowl units. Plus several former DM&IR diesels are seen on the Missabe sub. Also BNSF all-rail taconite trains and a brief look at the Minnesota Dakota & Western at International Falls.
Footage era 2004 - 2007
114 min

DM&E covers the railroad action of the Dakota Minnesota & Eastern Railroad. This large 917 mile regional was formed in 1986 when it was purchased from the C&NW. In this video we'll take a system-wide look at this fascinating railroad with everything from yard switching to main and branchline freights, to the rail to barge terminal on the Mississippi River. The history is rich on this granger line as the huge grain elevators have been filling railroad cars for many decades and many of the original depots are sill standing. The DM&E's 646 mile mainline starts at Winona, Minnesota and travels west across the rolling prairies and farmlands of Southern Minnesota. Then it continues through the wheat fields of the South Dakota great plains and into the Badlands where it eventually reaches the Black Hills at Rapid City. Motive power on the DM&E consists of GP9's, GP38's, GP40's, SD9's, SD10's, and SD40-2's. We're featuring many locomotives with the DM&E's attractive blue & gold livery, but you will also see marked out units of the C&NW Norfolk & Western, and the Milwaukee Road. This action packed video includes runby's, a pace scene and a cab ride on SD10 #555, plus a brief look at the connecting railroads of the Chicago & North Western, Burlington Northern, Soo Line and Amtrak.
Footage era 1991-1994
100 min

The Dakota Minnesota & Eastern Railroad is a large 1,103 mile Midwest Regional Railroad. The line was purchased in 1986 from the Chicago & NorthWestern and operated for 22 years before being acquired in October of 2008 by the Canadian Pacific. Shot during the summer of 2008, this program shows a system-wide look at the DM&E’s last season as an independent railroad. Starting in Winona, the DM&E trains are seen traveling across the corn fields of Minnesota, then onto the great plains and wheat fields of South Dakota. Next the DM&E rolls through the Badlands to Rapid City. The train action then continues into the state of Wyoming and to the bentonite mines at Colony. This program features both DM&E yard switching and road freights across the scenic granger line that contains numerous large grain elevators, along with several historic and former C&NW depots. The DM&E’s locomotives include models: GP38-2, GP40, SD40-2 and SD40-3’s. We also take a brief look at connecting CP and UP trains plus some steam action on the Black Hills Central.
Footage era Summer 2008 before CP took over
Narration On/Off Options
100 min

Featuring the Duluth Missabe & Iron Range Railway and the DM&IR's classic high nose SD9’s & SD18’s diesel models. The historic and fascinating locomotives are seen in both their original and arrowhead paint schemes. The High Hood Diesels are seen leading all trains across northeastern Minnesota’s world famous Missabi Iron Range. The DM&IR train action includes: freight, crude ore, taconite pellet and limestone service. Plus a vintage segment on the DM&IR’s trains with cabooses including the wide vision, bay window and wood caboose.
Footage era 1987 - 1997
73 min

Featuring the Duluth Missabe & Iron Range Railway and the DM&IR low nose diesel models including the rare 2000 horsepower SD38 types, rebuilt SD9 & SD18's known as SDM's and the 3000 horsepower SD40-3 tunnel motor units. Located in scenic Northeastern Minnesota, the DM&IR train action is seen system-wide on both the Missabe and Iron Range divisions. Many scenes were shot in spectacular fall colors and the exciting Missabe train action includes: crude ore, limestone, taconite pellet and freight service. See the ore docks in action with ships being loaded at both Duluth and Two Harbors. You'll also see the Minntac Plant and their huge open pit mine at Mountain Iron. Plus Minntac's in-plant railway is seen with trains hauling crude ore from the pits.
Footage era 1995 - 1999
109 min

DWP takes a system-wide look at the Duluth Winnipeg & Pacific Railway. The railroad is located in beautiful arrowhead region of northeastern Minnesota, the rail line starts at the Pokegama yard near Superior, Wisconsin and travels 165 miles north to a connection with CN North America at Ranier, Minnesota. The action includes: mainline freights, yard switching, transfers and a cab ride on DW&P #5906. Plus a look back to the 1970’s when RS11 Alcos powered the trains with footage at Virginia and the west Duluth yard and tunnel. See connecting Railroads of: CN North America, Duluth Massage & Iron Range, Burlington Northern, Soo Line, Chicago & North Western, Wisconsin Central, and the Minnesota Dakota & Western. At International Falls you’ll see the MD&W switching their yard and making a transfer to the DW&P using their rare Alco S2 diesels. Slides by William Eley, RS11 footage by Ben Imbertson, cassette box pics by Dennis Pehoski and Dan Plets.
Footage era 1989 - 1994
100 min

Featuring... Superior Silica Sands • Wisconsin Northern • Union Pacific A look at the busy frac sand railroads and sand mining operations in Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley. The Wisconsin Northern Railroad serves five frac sand mines and processing plants that are located along their 37.5 miles of mainline track. Each day the WNR sets out empties, works the plants and delivers their long trains of sand hoppers to the Norma Yard in Chippewa Falls where this traffic is interchanged with the Union Pacific. The UP is shown transporting these sand trains along their 18 mile route to the Altoona Yard near Eau Claire. Plus a fascinating visit to Superior Silica Sands at New Auburn, Wisconsin for a tour of their open pit sand mine, wet plant and dry plant. This segment includes: excavating raw sand in the pit, mine haul trucks to the impactor, the wet plant for washing and stockpiling the clean sand and dump truck loading for transport to the dry plant. This processing facility includes the drying and screening of the various product sizes. Also a look at Superior Silica Sands rail yard with great switching action and sand car loading. Frac Sand is used by the oil and natural gas industry in the drilling and hydrofracking of their deep horizontal wells. Program footage era 2011-2013.

Narration On/Off Options
102 min

Plets Express Illinois Shortlines

Featuring the Bloomer Line Railroad, Peoria & Western Railroad, Illinois & Midland Railway, Illinois Railway, Keokuk Junction Railway, Toledo Peoria & Western Railway and the Kankakee Beaverville & Southern Railroad. See these seven exciting Illinois shortlines as they work their rail lines with locals and mainline freights. Plus some great switching action along the line’s industries, yards, and grain elevators. These railroads look and sound great as they are powered with a fascinating and somewhat rare collection of vintage diesel models including: RS1325, GP7, GP9, GP15-1, GP20, GP38-2, FP7, CF7, B23-7, and SD45T-2. Plus a brief look at connecting railroads of the BNSF, CN and UP.
Footage era 2008
Narration On/Off Options
103 min

Plets Express Iowa Interstate Railroad Locomotive Update 2009

Exciting Locomotive Changes on Midwest Regional Iowa Interstate Railroad The Iowa Interstate is one of the nation’s largest and most exciting regional railroads. Starting in 2004 big locomotive changes were beginning to take shape across the former Rock Island Rails of the Iowa Interstate. The first generation diesel power that served the IAIS so well for over 20 years was wearing out and needed to be replaced. Between the years 2004 and 2007 the IAIS added thirty 2,000 horsepower locomotives to their roster. The diesels consisted of 22 newly rebuilt GP38-2’s and eight SD38-2’s. The autumn of 2008 then saw the beginning of a new era on the Iowa Interstate with the arrival of 12 large brand new 4,400 horsepower widecab GE ES44AC’s. Plus in 2006 the IAIS took an exciting step back in time when the Railroad Development Corp. purchased two Chinese QJ Class 2-10-2 steam locomotives. You’ll see these big steamers powering both passenger excursions and a IAIS road freight.
Program Highlights Include...
Part One - IAIS GP38-2’s and SD38-2’s in Action
Part Two - IAIS QJ 2-10-2 Steamers in Action
Part Three - IAIS GE Widecab ES44AC’s in Action
Footage era 2008 - 2009
Narration On/Off Options
111 min

Plets Express Iowa Shortlines

Featuring: Iowa Northern Railway, Iowa Traction Railroad, Cedar Rapids & Iowa City Railway, Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, Burlington Junction Railroad. See these five exciting shortlines as they travel the rails across the scenic Hawkeye state. The Iowa Northern is a granger line that operates on 191 miles of track in Northeast Iowa with three rail lines going out from Waterloo. The Iowa Traction Railroad operates a very rare electrified freight line that works industries in the Mason City area. The Crandic operates a terminal switching railroad in Cedar Rapids along with long freight trains going south to Iowa City. The Burlington Junction Railway uses an Alco C415 and operates an inter-city switching railroad in Burlington, Iowa that connects with the BNSF. This fascinating program ends with exciting tourist train action on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad as they use vintage passenger cars that are powered by diesel, electric and steam locomotives.
Footage era 1995 and 2007
98 min

Plets Express Lake Superior & Ishpeming V.1 - Mine Trains

Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad with exciting LS&I iron ore and freight train action across the world famous Marquette Iron Range. See LS&I mine trains as they travel the rail line from the Eagle Mills Yard to the Tilden mine and iron ore pellet plant. This rustic rail line includes scenic rock cuts, steep grades, ore pits a short mine tunnel, and beautiful fall colors. The action includes both LS&I ore trains and freights featuring an interesting combination of trackside runbys and cab rides. You also get a tour of the Tilden mine and processing plant. The LS&I powers their trains with a fascinating roster of GE locomotives including models U30C & C30-7's. Plus a brief look at the connecting railroads of the Wisconsin Central and the Chicago & Northwestern.
86 min

Plets Express Lake Superior & Ishpeming V.2 - Hill & Dock Trains

The Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad with exciting LS&I iron ore pellet trains moving across the world famous Marquette iron range. See LS&I ore trains traveling between Eagle Mills and West Yard and then onto the Marquette ore dock. Fall colors are featured on this rustic rail line which includes steep grades, rock cuts, rivers, lakes, and huge trestles. LS&I ore trains are featured with an interesting combination of both trackside runbys and cab rides. In Marquette you also see the massive LS&I ore dock in operation with up close ore car dumping and chute loading of iron ore pellets into Lake Superior ore boats. The LS&I powers their trains with an exciting fleet of GE locomotives including models U30C's and C30-7's. Plus a brief look back to the late 1980's when LS&I ore trains were still powered by elderly GE's and Alcos.
Footage era 1993 - 2000
86 min

Plets Express LTV Steel Ore Lines

Covers the LTV Steel Mining Company Railroad (formerly Erie Mining Company Railroad). The program features F9's, Alcos and Baldwins to name some of the rare motive power found on this railroad. The action includes mainline ore trains, ore docks and ships loading at Taconite Harbor. Also locations not available to the general public such as: the taconite processing plant, Baldwin yard switching, crude ore loading and Alco mine hauls to the crusher. This action packed video was filmed over a three year period for a great variety.
Footage era 1989 - 1991
90 min

Features a system-wide look at the Duluth Missabe & Iron Range Railroad. Missabe Rails contains amazing train action from all across the famous Mesabi Iron Range in scenic Northeastern Minnesota and was shot in all four seasons! The exciting action includes: ore trains enroute to Proctor and Two Harbors, ore docks, ships, iron ore mines and crude ore trains, taconite processing plants, limestone runs, yard action, freight service, a passenger train and a few all rail trains of the C&NW, UP, WC and BN, plus the DW&P. DM&IR diesels include: SD9, SD18, SDM, SD38 and SD38-2. This action packed program was shot between 1988 and 1990 by Bradley A. Plets. This program was re-mastered and digitally enhanced in 2014.

Narration On/Off Options
115 min

See Duluth Missabe & Iron Range Railroad action in scenic Northeastern Minnesota. This program features the DM&IR's crude ore trains that traveled from the Thunderbird open pit mines to the Fairlane Taconite Plant at Forbes. Known as T-Birds, these crude ore shuttles used classic DM&IR ore cars and usually operated two trains at a time. You'll see exciting runbys with vintage Missabe diesel power consisting of highhood SD9's, SD18's plus SDM's, SD38-2's and SD40-3's. Also climb on board DM&IR #185, 187 and the 302 for some great cab rides from the Keenan Yard to the Thunderbird South Mine near Eveleth where the crude ore was loaded then delivered to the Fairlane Taconite Plant for processing into pellets. This historic DM&IR program was shot mainly in the early 1990's from the cameras of Bradley A. Plets and Jerry Cvek and preserves a fascinating era on the Missabe Road.

Narration On/Off Options
102 min

Plets Express Missabe Winter V. 1

Exciting winter time railroad action on the Duluth Missabe & Iron Range Railway. See the DM&IR traveling across the beautiful snow covered landscape of Northeastern Minnesota on the world famous Missabe Iron Range. Weather conditions range from frigid below zero sunshine, to trains battling heavy snowstorms. Watch this fascinating ore hauler as they pull long trains of taconite pellets, crude ore, limestone and freight. DM&IR diesel power includes SD9, SD18, SD38, SD38-2, SD40-3.
Volume One features:
• Missabe Division • DM&IR T-Bird Low Hood Era
• Snow Storms Part 1 • All Rail Taconite Trains

Footage era 1987 - 2004
92 min

Plets Express Missabe Winter V. 2

Exciting winter time railroad action on the Duluth Missabe & Iron Range Railway. See the DM&IR traveling across the beautiful snow covered landscape of Northeastern Minnesota on the world famous Missabe Iron Range. Weather conditions range from frigid below zero sunshine, to trains battling heavy snowstorms. Watch this fascinating ore hauler as they pull long trains of taconite pellets, crude ore, limestone and freight. DM&IR diesel power includes SD9, SD18, SD38, SD38-2, SD40-3.
Volume Two features:
• Iron Range Division • DM&IR T-Bird High Hood Era
• Snow Storms Part 2 • All Rail Taconite Trains

Footage era 1987 - 2004
92 min

Plets Express New England Shortline & regional Railroads V 1

See these four fascinating New England shortline and regional railroads as they travel the rails across the scenic states of Maine and New Hampshire. The exciting railroad action includes yard switching, locals and road freights. A nice variety of trains are seen as they work the rail lines through quaint communities, rustic forests and over large trestles and rushing rivers. Diesel power includes a great sampling of rare and vintage units including: SW1500, GP9, GP18, GP35, GP38-2, GP38-3, GP40, GP40-2LW, SD40-2, SD40-2F, GE C40-8. Rail footage era spring of 2017 from the camera of Bradley A. Plets.
Featuring:
• Central Maine & Quebec Railway • Pan Am Railways • St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad • New Hampshire Northcoast Railroad 

Footage era Spring 2017
95 min

Plets Express Northeast Alco Rails

Featuring Livonia Avon & Lakeville Railroad and the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad
PART ONE: The Livonia Avon & Lakeville Railroad is an Alco powered Shortline that begins in Lakeville, New York and travels 27 miles into the Rochester Metro. This is former Erie Lackawanna and Conrail trackage that travels through scenic rural New York with several small towns and depots. The exciting LA&L train action includes both yard switching and road freights. The Alco diesel models include: RS1, S2, C420, C424, C425 and C430.
PART TWO: The Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad is an Alco powered Shortline that operates over 300 miles of former Erie Lackawanna and Pennsylvania Railroad trackage. Rail operations is based out of Olean, New York where you’ll see WNY&P Alco train action with both switching and road freights. The scenic Buffalo Line features the driftwood turn job that includes the steep 2.2% climb over Keating Summit in Pennsylvania. WNY&P Alcos include: C424, C425, C430, M630 and M636.
Footage era 1987 - 2004
Narration On/Off Options
97 min

Plets Express North Dakota Shortline & Regional RRs

Featuring 3 Great Granger Railroads...
• Red River Valley & Western
• Dakota Missouri Valley & Western
• Dakota Northern Railroad

See these fascinating granger lines that haul long trains of covered hoppers as they work and switch at numerous grain elevators. Located in the rich agricultural region of Eastern and Central North Dakota, their rail systems travel across the scenic prairies and then onto the rolling hills and buttes of North Dakota’s Great Plains. The exciting train action includes yard switching, locals and road freights. Diesel models include: SW1200, CF7, GP10, GP15CAT, GP20CAT, GP20, GP35, GP40-2LW, SD45 and SD50F. The connecting lines are briefly seen including BNSF and CP. Plus, there’s also a short segment on the Pioneer Steam Tractor Festival at New Rockford, ND. Rail footage era 1996 / 2008-2011.
Narration On/Off Options
99 min

Plets Express Oklahoma Shortlines

Featuring 5 Great Sooner State Railroads:
• Farmrail / Grainbelt System
• Kiamichi Railroad
• Arkansas - Oklahoma Railroad
• Wichita Tillman & Jackson Ry
• Stillwater Central Railroad

See these shortlines as they travel across scenic Oklahoma and work their rail lines with locals and mainline road freights. Also there’s great switching action along the lines, industries, yards and grain elevators. Plus these shortlines use plenty of exciting 1st generation diesel power that looks and sounds great! The diesel models include: SW1, SW8, SW1500, GP7, GP9, GP10, GP20, GP35M, GP38, GP38-2, GP38-3, GP40-1, GP40-2, B23-7 and B23 Super 7. Programs rail footage era spring 2010.
Narration On/Off Options
95 min

Plets Express Railroads & Ships of U.S. Steel

Railroads include: Birmingham Southern Railroad, Union Railroad, Elgin Joliet & Eastern Railway, Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad, Cartier Railway, Duluth Missabe & Iron Range Railway. The Great Lakes ships include: USS Great Lakes Fleet consisting of Self-unloaders, Steamers, Classic Lakers and the massive 1000 Foot Super Lakers. The United States Steel Corp. was formed in 1901. The steel maker owned numerous large steel mills around the country and over the years also operated several transportation companies consisting of both rail and ship. Large amounts of raw materials were mined and transported by U.S. Steel affiliates including: limestone, coal, and iron ore products, which were then used by the mills in their steel making process. In this program you’ll see six railroads and eleven ships in action as they were once a major part of U.S. Steel’s transportation divisions.
99 min

Plets Express Salute to the SOO Line

A diesel era look at the Soo Line Railroad from their rail yards in Chicago through Rondout and on to Milwaukee. The Soo is then seen working across scenic Wisconsin and along the picturesque Mississippi River to the Twin Cities. This segment is on a former mainline of the Milwaukee Road. From Minneapolis to St. Paul you'll see various trains, yards and towns as the Soo Line travels across Minnesota and North Dakota to a connection with the CP Rail at Portal. The action includes yard switching, locals, mainline freights and a diesel and caboose pace scene. See 15 different models of Soo EMD diesel power with everything form GP7's to SD60M's! Plus you'll see Amtrak and Metra run throughs and the SOO's connecting roads of: CP Rail, BN, TC&W, RRV&W, WC, CN, C&NW, and the DM&E.
120 min

Plets Express Soo Line 2719 Steamin’ Highlights

The Soo Line 2719 is a H-23 Class 4-6-2 Pacific Locomotive that was built by Alco in 1923. The Soo Line Railroad use the steam locomotive in passenger train service until its retirement in 1959. This action packed DVD features a brief look at two restorations, and then exciting operational highlights, including excursions with trackside run-bys, cabrides & pace scenes.
The Steamin'' Highlights include:
• Restoration Work • Osceola Steam Fest • Test & Break-In Runs
• Steamin'' on the GB&W • Photographers Special • Ferry Moves
• Double & Triple Headers • Cabride & Pace Scenes • Steamarama II • St. Croix Highbridge Trip • Chippewa Valley Trips • Steamin'' on the WGN
Footage era 1992 - 1996
67 min

Plets Express South Dakota Shortline and Regionals RRs

Featuring four great railroads: Rapid City Pierre & Eastern Railroad • Ellis & Eastern Railroad • Dakota & Iowa Railroad • Dakota Southern Railway
Starting in Huron see the RCP&E trains traveling west across the South Dakota prairie and along the Missouri River to Pierre. The train action then continues across the Badlands to Rapid City and over the Black Hills to Belle Fourche. See the Ellis & Eastern as their exciting 1st generation diesels and SW switchers are seen working the industries in and around the Sioux Falls Metro. See the DAIR loading aggregates at Dell Rapids and pulling long heavy hopper trains going south along and over the scenic Big Sioux River. The DSRC is seen switching at the Chamberlain, SD yard, along with a few road freights out of Mitchell that travel west across the scenic Northern Plains of Central South Dakota. These fascinating shortlines use historic trackage that was once part of the Milwaukee Road, Chicago & NorthWestern and Great Northern Railways. Diesel models include: SW9, SW12, GP7, GP9, GP10, GP20, GP28, GP28M, GP38M, GP38-3, GP39-2&3, GP40, GP50, SD7, SD9, SD39, SD40-2&3, GE 70 tonner, & Alco C420.
Rail footage era 1992, 2002 & 2016.
Narration On/Off Options
115 min

Plets Express Taconite Trains of Minnesota

Featuring the Burlington Northern Railroad, Cyprus North Shore Mining Company, LTV Steel Mining Railroad and the Duluth Missabe & Iron Range Railroad. See mainline ore trains moving taconite pellets from Minnesota's seven taconite processing plants to the shipping ports on Lake Superior. Also see yard action, open pit mines, trains hauling crude ore to the crusher and a brief history including some steam action. Witness the interesting variety of locomotives that pull these extremely heavy ore trains.
Footage era 1988 - 1991
120 min

Featuring two exciting Shortline Railroads!
PROGRESSIVE RAIL & WISCONSIN NORTHERN

PART ONE features Progressive Rail with trains going north and south out of their Northfield, Minnesota Rail Yard. Railroad action includes locals, switching and road freights. PGR diesel power features SW1500, SD39, SD38-2. Also see connecting railroads of the UP and CP. Plus UP #3985, an Alco 4-6-6-4 Challenger with a steam powered passenger train.
PART TWO features Wisconsin Northern which operates over former C&NW and Soo Line trackage in Wisconsin that goes north out of Chippewa Falls to Barron. The exciting train action includes switching and road freights. The WN diesel power features SW1500 and GP15-1.
75 min

The Florida East Coast Railway is a large Class II freight railroad. The FEC Railway is located in the scenic Sunshine state starting in Jacksonville. Trains travel 351 miles south near the intercoastal waterway of the Atlantic Ocean. The FEC’s train action includes intermodal trains with manifest freight, auto racks, locals, rock trains and yard switching. FEC diesels include GP38-2, GP40, GP40-2, GP40-3, SD40-2 and SD70M-2’s. Plus connecting railroads Norfolk Southern, CSX and the South Central Florida Express. Also 4 bonus minutes of historic St. Augustine, ocean scenery and lighthouses for the complete Florida East Coast railfan adventure.
Footage era 2008
104 min

The Indiana Rail Road is a large Midwest Regional Railroad that’s located in the scenic Hoosier state. Tracks of the INRD travels south out of Indianapolis and into the coal fields of southwestern Indiana. The rugged scenery along this rail line includes forests, farmland prairies, river valleys with massive trestles, rock cuts and a tunnel. The INRD’s exciting train action features yard switching, locals, road freights and unit coal trains. Diesel power on the INRD includes SW1500, GP38, GP38-2, SD40-2, & SD60’s. Plus the Indiana Southern is also briefly featured as the two railroads interchange coal trains.
Footage era 2007
105 min

The Iowa Chicago & Eastern Railroad is a large Midwest Regional Railroad. The IC&E trains travel across the scenic states of Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Missouri. The IC&E train action includes road freights, locals, yard switching and unit grain trains. Watch the long IC&E trains as they travel along the majestic bluffs of the Mississippi River and through the corn belt of the rolling Midwest prairies. The IC&E travels through several interesting small towns and large cities with their tall grain elevators and historic depots. The IC&E is powered by diesel models which include: GP9, SD40, SD40-2, SD40-3, GP38 and GP40-2’s. Plus the IC&E’s connecting railroads are also featured including BNSF, UP, CP, CN, NS, KCS, DM&E, IANR, IATR, IAIS & Amtrak.
Footage era 2006 - 2007
115 min

The Iowa Interstate Railroad is a large Midwest Regional Railroad. The IAIS trains travel 470 miles over former Rock Island trackage from Chicago, Illinois to Council Bluffs, Iowa. The IAIS uses a fascinating variety of early diesels from EMD and ALCO to transport their trains of unit grain, intermodal, and mixed freight. The IAIS's diesel models include: GP 7, 8, 9, 10, 16 & 38, SD20, SW1200, RS36, C420, and M420's. This exciting video features both switching and road freights plus you'll see numerous towns, grain elevators, ex-Rock Island depots and beautiful Iowa and Illinois scenery. Also the Iowa Interstate's connecting railroads are briefly shown including the Crandic and the P&PU.
Footage era 1997 - 1999
106 min

The I&M Rail Link is a large Midwest regional railroad and their trains are seen traveling across Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois. Starting at Marquette, Iowa you'll see trains going north to the Twin Cities, south to Davenport, east to Chicago and west to Mason City. This exciting video also features fall colors and scenic river running along the majestic bluffs of the Mississippi River. I&M Rail Link action includes road freights, intermodals and unit grain trains with end unit pushers. Plus yard switching and locals that are powered by vintage ex Soo Line High Hood GP9's. Connecting railroads of the UP, BNSF, EJ&E, CP and Amtrak are also briefly seen.
Footage era 2000 - 2001
100 min

Features exciting train action along the rails of the Twin Cities & Western Railroad. The show starts in the Twin Cities at Hopkins, Minnesota where you’ll see TC&W freights traveling east to St. Paul for interchange with the Minnesota Commercial, Soo/CP and Union Pacific. The TC&W’s mainline west of the Twin Cities is former Milwaukee Road trackage that was acquired from the Soo Line in 1991. This scenic prairie route travels through numerous small farming communities with large grain elevators and depots. This program features a fascinating variety of TC&W diesel models including: GP10, SD20, CF7, GP15CAT, GP20CAT, GP30CAT, and GP39-2. Rail footage era 1993 - 2010. As an added bonus this DVD finishes with a steam powered passenger excursion that ran over the TC&W in May of 1998 and featured the Milwaukee Road 261.
Footage era 1993 - 2010
Narration On/Off Options
103 min

Featuring the last years of LTV Steel Mining Railroad to the Cliffs Erie Railroad Finale! The train action includes F9’s powering mainline pellet trains from the Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota Taconite Plant to Erie Mining’s Dock & Shipping Port on the shores of Lake Superior at Taconite Harbor. Plus, we go on top of the ore dock for an up close look at ore car dumping and ship loading. LTV’s mine trains use Alcos and Baldwins to haul crude ore from the pits to the processing plant. GE and DM&IR lease units are seen powering a few pellet trains in the early 2000’s. LTV Steel Mining’s last pellet train is seen in June of 2001. Then the 2008 Grand Finale as the Cliffs Erie Railroad ran several trains including a A-B-B-B-A set of F9’s to haul chips and ore fines from Taconite Harbor back to Hoyt Lakes. Plus, the show finishes with 17 bonus minutes of rare mine train footage from the Doug Buell collection.
Footage era 1990 - 2008
103 min +17 bonus min

GB&W Alco Train Action Across Wisconsin!The Green Bay & Western Railroad operated a fascinating 100% Alco powered diesel fleet. The colorful GB&W had a remarkable 122 year history before becoming a fallen flag to the Wisconsin Central in 1993. Their rail line stretched 255 miles from the shore of Lake Michigan at Kewaunee and traveled through Wisconsin's scenic forests and farmland to reach the Mississippi River and a connection with the Burlington Northern at East Winona.
Volume One highlights include:
The red GB&W Alcos in road freights and switching action on the western half of their rail system. Along with local and yard switching in Green Bay, Merrillan, Arcadia and Wisconsin Rapids. Plus a brief look at the GB&W's connecting railroads of the C&NW, WC and ELS. That great GB&W Alco sound and smoke are featured with diesel models: RS11, RS3 / 20, C420, C424 and RS27. Rail footage era 1987-1993 with great new footage from the cameras of Bradley A. Plets and Fred Hoeser!
Footage era 1987 - 1993
85 min

GB&W Alco Train Action Across Wisconsin!The Green Bay & Western Railroad operated a fascinating 100% Alco powered diesel fleet. The colorful GB&W had a remarkable 122 year history before becoming a fallen flag to the Wisconsin Central in 1993. Their rail line stretched 255 miles from the shore of Lake Michigan at Kewaunee and traveled through Wisconsin's scenic forests and farmland to reach the Mississippi River and a connection with the Burlington Northern at East Winona.
Volume Two highlights include:
Switching and locals in Wisconsin Rapids, Plover and Green Bay; Norwood Yard action, roundhouse and turn table; Kewaunee Branch and railcar ferry action; a few road freights. Also GB&W passenger trains including: a business train and the 1993 farewell to the GB&W excursion. Plus connecting railroads FRV, C&NW and the E&LS. That great GB&W Alco sound and smoke are featured with diesel models: RS11, RS3 / 20, C420, C424 and RS27. Rail footage era 1987-1993 with great new footage from the cameras of Bradley A. Plets and Fred Hoeser.
Footage era 1987 - 1993
85 min

Collection of winter time railroad footage that was shot in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, and Ontario, Canada from 1989 to 1995. The weather conditions range from frigid sunshine to blizzards. The classic railroads include: Duluth Missabe & Iron Range, Burlington Northern, LTV Steel Mining, Northshore Mining, Duluth Winnipeg & Pacific, Canadian National, Soo Line, Southern Pacific, Amtrak, Chicago & NorthWestern, Duluth & Northeastern, Wisconsin Central, Nicolet Badger Northern, Dakota Minnesota & Eastern, Green Bay & Western, Union Pacific, Lake Superior & Ishpeming, Algoma Central, Escanaba & Lake Superior, CP Rail and the Minnesota Dakota & Western. You’ll also see a wide variety of diesel power with numerous models from EMD, GE, Alco and Baldwin. This exciting DVD was shot from the camera of Bradley A. Plets.
90 min

Twin Cities Hot Spots covers the Railroad action in the and around Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. The railroads include: Burlington Northern, Soo Line, CP Rail, Chicago & NorthWestern, Twin Cities & Western, Minnesota Commercial, Minnesota Valley, Dakota Rails, Wisconsin Central, Minnesota Zephyr, Amtrak, Osceola & St. Croix, Canadian National, Minnesota Transportation Museum, an Industrial and Steam Locomotives #261 a Milwaukee Road 4-8-4 and #328 a Northern Pacific 4-6-0. This DVD was shot in the spring, summer, and fall of 1993 and will show you approximately 30 exciting locations in and around the Twin Cities Metro. We’ll even take a look at some vintage freight and passenger trains in the late 1960’s.
120 min

Features train action in and around Duluth, Minnesota. The railroads include: DM&IR • DW&P • BN • SOO • BNSF • CP • C&NW • UP • CN • WC • NSSR • LS&M. Some locations include: the famous Proctor Hill and Hot Spot location at Nopeming Junction. The exciting railroad action includes yard switching, transfers, road freights and unit trains of taconite, coal, limestone and grain. Plus there’s also two fascinating industrial railroads including Hallet Dock and St. Lawrence Cement. Three steam powered trains featuring: SOO 1003 • D&NM 14 and Milwaukee Road 261. Plus a few Great Lakes ships in action with loading.
Footage era 1990 - 2005
95 min

Train action in and around Superior, Wisconsin. Railraods include DM&IR • BN • SOO • BNSF • CP • C&NW • UP • CN • WC • D&NE • CT • DW&P. Some locations include Hot Spots Boylston Jct. and Saunders which sees 40 plus trains per day. The exciting railroad action includes yard switching at both Pokegama and BN’s 28th St. Yard, transfers, road freights and unit trains of taconite, coal, grain, and potash. There’s also industrial railroad CHS, rail car ferry “Incan Superior”, and three steam powered trains featuring SOO 1003, D&NM 14 and MILW Road 261. Plus a few Great Lakes ships in action with loading.
Footage era 1990 - 2005
95 min

Union Pacific Railroad Volume Oneis loaded with exciting UP train action in the scenic state of Wisconsin. The show begins with Union Pacific 4014, a 4-8-8-4 Big Boy, that's seen pulling a 15 car passenger excursion across the Badger State. The Big Boy was on a five state tour across the Midwest during its 2019 inaugural season. Then it's onto Union Pacific freight action including: Winona Local Job LT41 which operates out of Adams and sometimes uses a caboose. Hot Spot Necedah Jct and the Loop Track that connects the UP onto the CN's Valley Sub. UP road freights that travel from the Adams Yard to Altoona. An Operation Life Saver passenger train that ran out of Altoona and featured a UP Heritage unit "C&NW 1995". UP Job 83, a local/transfer, that runs big trains of frac sand and freight. This job is based out of the Altoona Yard and travels north over the UP's Chippewa Falls branch to the Norma Yard and to a connection with the Wisconsin Northern Railroad. Altoona Local Job 81 & 82 that works on the Altoona Sub-Division around Eau Claire and Menomonie and is often powered with GP60s. Diesel power on this program consists of UP's large roster of Big GEs & EMDs along with older standard cab GPs & SDs.
Footage era 2012 - 2019
110 min

Exciting railroad action on the Wisconsin Central Ltd. See WC freight and passenger trains as they travel across Northeastern Wisconsin, Upper Michigan and South Central Ontario. The Wisconsin Central action includes: mainline freights, locals, ore trains, yard switching and Algoma Central passenger trains. F-units are seen on both freight and passenger trains and most Wisconsin Central diesel models are featured. Plus steam excursions are also briefly seen with Soo Line 1003 and Milwaukee Road 261... all on Wisconsin Central's exciting Northern rails!
Footage era 1996 - 1999
111 min

The Wisconsin Central Ltd. is the nation's largest regional railroad and this DVD video captures the WC during their ice bound winter months. Trains are seen traveling across the beautiful frozen landscape of Wisconsin and Michigan. The harsh Midwest weather ranges from frigid below zero sunshine to heavy snowstorms. The non-stop Wisconsin Central train action includes: road freights, locals, yard switching, intermodals, log, paper, coal, coke, and taconite trains. All of the WC's diesel models are featured in this program plus a few trains of the CN, UP, and the LS&I. Some of the locations include: Neenah, Stevens Point, Marquette, Little Lake (MI), Junction City, Owen, Chippewa Falls, Superior, Colfax, Stanley, Solon Springs, Hawthorne, and South Itasca.
Footage era Winter of 2000
99 min

Exciting Wisconsin Central Ltd. and their railroad freight train action across scenic Central Wisconsin including the famous WC Valley Line. Plenty of pulpwood and box cars travel this line as WC trains work the state's northern forests to the paper mills of Central Wisconsin. Some of the cities served by the WC on this line include: Mellen, Prentice, Tomahawk, Merrill, Rhinelander, Pembine, Wausau, Rothschild, Junction City, Wisconsin Rapids, and Nekoosa. Also exciting steam powered passenger excursions are featured and powered by WC (C&NW) 1385, SOO 1003, and the D&NM14. Plus the WC's connecting RR's including the Tomahawk Ry, Union Pacific, Wisconsin & Michigan, Nekoosa Paper, GB&W, and C&NW.
Footage era 1990 - 2001
90 min

Featuring the Wisconsin Central’s Minneapolis Sub-Division from the Twin Cities to Owen, Wisconsin. The New Brighton, Minnesota yard is a busy interchange point on the WC and the rail action here includes switching and interchange traffic with the Minnesota Commercial and Union Pacific railroads. Then see exciting WC action with freight and intermodal trains traveling over the Minneapolis Sub, which includes several scenes over the spectacular St. Croix River High Bridge. Plus as an added bonus there are some steam excursions that ran in the mid to late 1990’s and featured the Soo 1003, Soo 2719 and Milwaukee Road 261. The show finishes with Wisconsin Central’s former Green Bay & Western lines that the WC acquired in 1993. This section features both WC trains and also some now and then flashbacks to GB&W Alco powered trains.
Footage era 1991 - 2000
Narration On/Off Options
100 min