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The Big Banana Railfan
Приєднався 17 кві 2017
Welcome to Big Banana Productions! Here, we focus on documenting the operations of steam locomotives from around the United States, and showcase what makes each one so unique and special. These fire-breathing beauties are mechanical masterpieces, that helped to build our great country into what we know and love today. Every steam locomotive has their own sense of character and personality, much like we as human beings do, and one of our main goals is to present each locomotive going about the tasks they were built for, along with discovering just how well they capture that old-time flavor of a bygone era. From moguls to decapods, from branch line engines to mainline superstars and from Geared Logging Engines to Narrow Gauge Steam, we will have you covered for great steam railroad-related entertainment!
Southern #630 & #4501: Doubleheading in the Heart of Dixie
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum has long been one of America's premier railroad attractions, and has made itself a staple of steam railroading in the South ever since its founding in 1960. Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a city embedded with civil war history and scenic natural splendor, TVRM is a very special place with its collection of iconic locomotives, friendly employees and it’s carefree, simple atmosphere. The museum operates over a 3-mile section of former Southern Railway trackage between its main headquarters at Grand Junction, and its nearby shop facilities in East Chattanooga. Along the way, trains pass through the historic Missionary Ridge Tunnel, which was constructed in 1858 and one of the few remaining "horseshoe" style tunnels in existence today. TVRM is also notable for rostering two mainline steam celebrities, that helped to introduce a whole new generation of Americans to the magic of steam railroading over 50 years ago, Southern Railway 2-8-0 #630 and 2-8-2 #4501.
Both locomotives hauled freight during their in-service careers for the Southern, serving the mighty road for many years, before being sold to smaller railroads in the same region that required their strength. #630 would make her way to the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad alongside sister engine #722, while #4501 would be put to work hauling hefty trains of coal hoppers on the Kentucky & Tennessee Railroad. In the 1960s, both locomotives were reacquired by the Southern Railway, and would take starring roles in the Southern's famed Steam Program, hauling excursions all throughout the southeastern states in the 1960s and 70s. #630 & #4501 have called TVRM home in the years since the program was in full force, and while the status of mainline steam excursions has fluctuated drastically over the last several decades, one can still see them stretch their legs on an all-day excursion that brings in folks from far and wide to witness some classic steam power in Dixieland, the Summerville Steam Special!
We documented the Summerville Steam Special in early June of 2024, and were treated to the grand sight of both #630 & #4501 running together on a spectacular doubleheader! This trip travels over the Chattooga & Chickamauga Railway on the former Central of Georgia Railroad mainline from Chattanooga to Summerville, Georgia, a distance of 53 miles. Along the way, the train travels through several small towns and rolling farm country, passes the Chickamauga Battlefield, the sight of a bloody Civil War battle in 1863, and navigates several tough grades along this winding route. Upon arrival in Summerville, passengers enjoy a two-hour layover while the locomotives are turned and serviced. Both locomotives are seen putting on a fantastic show at many superb and well-known locations, even performing a photo runby at Rock Spring, GA on the return to Chattanooga! In addition, you'll also see some scenes of #630 powering the Missionary Ridge Local excursions between Grand Junction and East Chattanooga the day following the doubleheader.
We had a fantastic time with many friends over the weekend on our very first visit to TVRM, and look forward to returning soon to witness more Southern steam at its finest!
Enjoy!
Both locomotives hauled freight during their in-service careers for the Southern, serving the mighty road for many years, before being sold to smaller railroads in the same region that required their strength. #630 would make her way to the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad alongside sister engine #722, while #4501 would be put to work hauling hefty trains of coal hoppers on the Kentucky & Tennessee Railroad. In the 1960s, both locomotives were reacquired by the Southern Railway, and would take starring roles in the Southern's famed Steam Program, hauling excursions all throughout the southeastern states in the 1960s and 70s. #630 & #4501 have called TVRM home in the years since the program was in full force, and while the status of mainline steam excursions has fluctuated drastically over the last several decades, one can still see them stretch their legs on an all-day excursion that brings in folks from far and wide to witness some classic steam power in Dixieland, the Summerville Steam Special!
We documented the Summerville Steam Special in early June of 2024, and were treated to the grand sight of both #630 & #4501 running together on a spectacular doubleheader! This trip travels over the Chattooga & Chickamauga Railway on the former Central of Georgia Railroad mainline from Chattanooga to Summerville, Georgia, a distance of 53 miles. Along the way, the train travels through several small towns and rolling farm country, passes the Chickamauga Battlefield, the sight of a bloody Civil War battle in 1863, and navigates several tough grades along this winding route. Upon arrival in Summerville, passengers enjoy a two-hour layover while the locomotives are turned and serviced. Both locomotives are seen putting on a fantastic show at many superb and well-known locations, even performing a photo runby at Rock Spring, GA on the return to Chattanooga! In addition, you'll also see some scenes of #630 powering the Missionary Ridge Local excursions between Grand Junction and East Chattanooga the day following the doubleheader.
We had a fantastic time with many friends over the weekend on our very first visit to TVRM, and look forward to returning soon to witness more Southern steam at its finest!
Enjoy!
Переглядів: 822
Відео
Florida East Coast #148: The Palm Tree Pacific
Переглядів 9432 місяці тому
In southern Florida near the shores of Lake Okeechobee, lies a region that's known nationwide as Sugarland, and for reasons larger than life. The small city of Clewiston is home to U.S. Sugar, a massive, privately-owned agricultural corporation that boasts over 200,000 acres of sugar cane fields, endlessly stretching out as far as the eye can see. U.S. Sugar is one of the world's premier produc...
Everett Railroad #11: A Springtime System Tour
Переглядів 6472 місяці тому
The Everett Railroad is a place where one can experience a notable chapter in Pennsylvania’s railroad history. Located in Hollidaysburg near the famed railroad city of Altoona, the Everett is not a relic of the coal mining days, nor is it a place to see big steam speeding down a double track main, but rather it’s a typical branch line operation, passing by historic structures and traveling thro...
Big Banana Productions: The Best of 2023
Переглядів 1 тис.6 місяців тому
2023. An unforgettable year filled with many exciting adventures and daring endeavors. For Big Banana Productions, 2023 was certainly our most ambitious year thus far, as we traveled thousands of miles across America, all to capture the unmistakable sights and sounds of steam locomotives charging past our cameras, from the dense forests and river valleys of the East, to the endless flatlands of...
Western Maryland #1309: The Fireball Holiday Express
Переглядів 1,9 тис.7 місяців тому
The Christmas season is upon us once again, a time for putting up festive trees decked out with shiny ornaments, drinking hot chocolate next to a raging fire, and singing carols as the countdown to the big day progresses. For many steam railroads across the country, December is Christmas train season, and is always one of the busiest times of the year as families and railfans alike delve into t...
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad: Golden Hour on Cumbres Pass
Переглядів 3,8 тис.7 місяців тому
"It's home." The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is undoubtedly one of greatest places on earth, and anyone who cherishes the unmistakable sights and sounds of Rio Grande narrow gauge steam will tell you that there's simply no place they would rather be. In the fall of 2023, after an absence of 5 years, The Big Banana Railfan finally returned to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, to capture the ...
Durango & Silverton #473 & #476: Pride of the Animas Canyon
Переглядів 2,2 тис.7 місяців тому
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Just the name alone conjures up images of snow-capped 12,000-foot mountain peaks, jagged rock formations along sheer granite mantles, and the soothing melodies of the rushing waters of the Animas River, all of which can be seen on this spectacular line, one of the world's greatest train rides. In the fall of 2023, after an absence of 5 years, The B...
East Broad Top #16: Scenes of Slim Gauge Nostalgia
Переглядів 8128 місяців тому
The East Broad Top Railroad is highly considered one of America's national treasures in the realm of historical significance and steam railroad preservation. When one visits the distinctive narrow gauge railroad in the Aughwick Valley of Pennsylvania, and observes all that still remains from the coal-hauling common carrier days of the railroad, it could really be any year. The entire 33-mile ri...
Norfolk & Western #611: Queen of the Shenandoah Valley
Переглядів 1,6 тис.8 місяців тому
In the fall of 2023, a new series of adventures began for Norfolk and Western Class J 4-8-4 #611. For the first time since 2017, the beautiful streamlined thoroughbred was finally seen pulling mainline steam excursions in her home state of Virginia! As part of a recently developed partnership between the Virginia Museum of Transportation and the Buckingham Branch Railroad, the #611 ran for 5 we...
Reading & Northern #2102: Conquering the Coal Country Grades
Переглядів 2,6 тис.10 місяців тому
The timeless sights and sounds of a Reading T-1 appeared once again in the rolling hills, lush valleys, and amongst the tall mountains of Pennsylvania Anthracite Country in the summer of 2023. In her second straight year back on the high iron, Reading & Northern #2102 was seen on the head end of three more "Iron Horse Rambles" excursions over the Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad. A no...
Indiana Rail Experience: Railroad Open House 2023
Переглядів 3 тис.11 місяців тому
Over the course of the past year, the Indiana Rail Experience has assuredly made a name for itself in the world of steam railroading in America. Unveiled in the spring of 2022, the operation involves a collaboration between the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, and shortline railroad Indiana Northeastern, and commemorates the vital roles that the railroads played in the small towns and lu...
Wilmington & Western #58: Highball to Hockessin!
Переглядів 646Рік тому
Summer is a busy time for steam tourist operations, with sold out trains and scores of exciting events planned to give passengers a unique and enjoyable way to beat the sweltering heat, and take a relaxing step back in time! Such is certainly the case for the Wilmington & Western Railroad, located in the beautiful Red Clay Valley of northern Delaware. Operating along the former Baltimore & Ohio...
Arcade & Attica Railroad: Changing Times For The Centercabs
Переглядів 1,3 тис.Рік тому
On July 14th, 2023, Timeless Rail Expeditions hosted a photo charter on the Arcade & Attica Railroad in western New York state. The A&A is widely known for being the only steam tourist operation in New York State, with signature motive power being 2-8-0 #18, currently out of service undergoing a rebuild. The event starred two of the railroad's General Electric centercab diesel locomotives, whic...
Northern Central Railway: Ten Years in Steam
Переглядів 3,4 тис.Рік тому
Over Father's Day Weekend 2023, the Northern Central Railway in New Freedom, Pennsylvania celebrated their 10th Anniversary of operations. Formerly known as "Steam Into History", the railroad traverses the original route of its namesake company, on the very same tracks that President Abraham Lincoln travelled upon in November of 1863, on his way to give the Gettysburg Address. The railroad capt...
CNJ #113: Spring Steam in Minersville
Переглядів 1,1 тис.Рік тому
Early April of 2023 found former Central Railroad of New Jersey #113 leading a trio of Easter excursions on the Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad's Minersville Branch, between Minersville and Cressona, Pennsylvania. The bulky 0-6-0 celebrates her 100th birthday this year, and her performance on these excursions showed that she still has plenty of muscle and soul after a century in stea...
Cass Scenic Railroad: The Triumphant Return to Durbin
Переглядів 7 тис.Рік тому
Cass Scenic Railroad: The Triumphant Return to Durbin
East Broad Top #16: Ol' Eastie Reborn
Переглядів 1,8 тис.Рік тому
East Broad Top #16: Ol' Eastie Reborn
Chesapeake & Ohio #1309: Chessie Freights in the Maryland Mountains
Переглядів 16 тис.Рік тому
Chesapeake & Ohio #1309: Chessie Freights in the Maryland Mountains
Big Banana Productions: The Best of 2022
Переглядів 1,3 тис.Рік тому
Big Banana Productions: The Best of 2022
Reading & Northern #425: Four And A Quarter's Festive Finale
Переглядів 2,7 тис.Рік тому
Reading & Northern #425: Four And A Quarter's Festive Finale
Western Maryland #1309: The Fall Frostburg Coal Drag
Переглядів 1,6 тис.Рік тому
Western Maryland #1309: The Fall Frostburg Coal Drag
Western Maryland #151: The Middletown Job
Переглядів 500Рік тому
Western Maryland #151: The Middletown Job
Northern Central #17: Battling Through The Storm
Переглядів 1,7 тис.Рік тому
Northern Central #17: Battling Through The Storm
Norfolk & Western #611: The Amish Pocahontas
Переглядів 6 тис.Рік тому
Norfolk & Western #611: The Amish Pocahontas
Reading & Northern #2102: Rambling in the Fall Foliage
Переглядів 2,4 тис.Рік тому
Reading & Northern #2102: Rambling in the Fall Foliage
Little River Railroad: Pumpkins and Push-Pulls
Переглядів 1,3 тис.Рік тому
Little River Railroad: Pumpkins and Push-Pulls
Nickel Plate Road #765: Tri-State Steam Odyssey
Переглядів 909Рік тому
Nickel Plate Road #765: Tri-State Steam Odyssey
Reading & Northern #2102: The Reading Rides Again
Переглядів 3,1 тис.Рік тому
Reading & Northern #2102: The Reading Rides Again
New York & Lake Erie Railroad: The Blue Diamond Flyer
Переглядів 405Рік тому
New York & Lake Erie Railroad: The Blue Diamond Flyer
Reading & Northern #425: Storm On the Mountain Top
Переглядів 8732 роки тому
Reading & Northern #425: Storm On the Mountain Top
A fantastic steam locomotive video. Excellently filmed, this doubleheading of the fantastic steam locomotives, very nice shots of the train and the landscape. Thank you for showing it and best wishes from Germany.
You gotta love that Central of Georgia six chime whistle the very whistle that both 630 and 4501 have used over the years especially on 4501 in the 1980s
A very good whistle for sure.
@@TheBigBananaRailfan I agree it’s still sounds amazing to this day
A cool doubleheader run.
The Big Banana Railfan..Congratulations on one of the best railroad videos I've seen. Great camera work.
Very Nice video Great Film
Thank you!
Great video! How did you make it up to Windy Point? Was it pretty easy? I’m wanting to do that shot pretty soon and just wondering.
Thanks! The best way is to hike in from Cumbres, about a 5-10 minute walk depending on what shot you want. My advice is to stay alert and keep your distance up there. A lot of the shots in that area are tight, and it’s important to be respectful of the railroad.
Very nice video of the 4-6-2 steam locomotive of the Florida East Coast. Great film, thanks for showing it and have a nice Sunday
Is this locomotive an oil burner?
Yes. She’s one of a handful of locomotives running in the US that burns recycled vegetable oil.
Glad you came out to our photo charter!
Thanks for having me! I had a fantastic time and will most certainly head back down when #1504 is ready!
Florida East Coast 148 is another steam locomotive that I would definitely recommend of wanting to see for myself.
The combination of the Mountain Range echo and that Southern Longbell is ecstasy
Yes indeed!
Wonderful video Evan! Excellent videography and narration.
Thanks Sean! Glad you think so!
A great steam locomotive video.🎥👍👍👍
Very impressive! Well composed. Great story.
Thanks Steve! Glad you enjoyed!
@@TheBigBananaRailfan Very professional.
Thank you for posting this fine EBT steam video! ;-)
Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching!
Hey! How are you? I live in Brazil, I'm a fan of trains! In which month of the year was it recorded? I ask because the vegetation and color of the river water are perfect!
This was recorded in mid-October during peak fall foliage season!
Awesome
awesome video and catches on this railroad with there polar express runs with this big steamer nice whstle action too
great catches and video of this railroads polar express runs with this big steamer back in service nice whstle action too
Outstanding production of The Best of 2023! Your narration and knowledge you shared with us was awesome. We can see that you put a lot of time and and work into this excellent presentation. So proud of you!!!
nice video! Seems like a lot of extra power for that train? Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Although #1309 is a fairly powerful locomotive, the diesels on the rear were most definitely needed on the steep grades on the C&P section of the railroad in the last two miles to Frostburg, which heavily exceed 2%! Especially on a wet day like we had on one of the days filming these runs! Glad you enjoyed the video!
@@TheBigBananaRailfan guess I can't blame the railroad for not wanting to overwork it's vintage equipment, what a beast of a locomotive! I imagine the diesels help on the return trip too with their dynamic braking.
Nice video! You did get a lot of good catches in 2023. Happy new year 2024!
Thanks Christian! Happy New Year!
Strong work , as always ! See you trackside in 2024 .
Thanks John! Can’t wait to see what 2024 brings!
Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year!
Great catches and awesome video evan
Merry Christmas 🎁🎄
Simply fantastic Western Maryland steam locomotive #1309. A great video, thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas. Many greetings from Germany🎥👍👍👍👍🎄🎄🎄🎄☃☃☃☃🎅
Well done Evan, Great vid , love that stack talk !!
Thanks John! The crew really delivered with her all weekend!
Merry Christmas! Great video, Was good seeing you again trackside. Gave me ideas for my next visit
Thanks Christian! Great seeing you too! I still have tons more shots that I still haven’t done yet lol. Merry Christmas!
Those two K-28 mikado steam engines are beautiful ❤️🚂🚂
That’s for sure!
Amazing Video Evan. Really enjoyed seeing the 2 together. Looking forward to 478’s return
Thanks Ethan! Hope to see her in action on my next trip out there!
One of best train rides in the world! We need some video of the gorge(although having ridden the route, I would think it's hard to find good places to shoot video)! Thanks! Was fun reliving it!! ...Claude
Thank you so much! The C&TS is most certainly one of the best on the planet! I would’ve loved to shoot Toltec Gorge, but that section of the railroad is really only shootable on a photo charter. On my next trip out west, I’ll be doing a photo event at the Cumbres & Toltec for sure, and finally shoot all the really hard to access locations (Cascade Trestle, Rock Tunnel, Phantom Curve etc.). I’m very glad you enjoyed the video!
Прекрасная подача видео👍👍👍👍 100лайков автору!!!
В россии такие дороги давно уничтожены и нет таких паровозов😢 вы молодцы что сохраняете их. Красивые сьемки!!! Тоже подписалась на ваш канпл, чтоб любоваться!!!
А как они гудят???❤❤❤❤песня😊😊😊😊😊 это настоящее кино, про настоящие паровозы💯💯💯💯💯
A fantastic video from the Cumbres & Toltec narrow gauge railway. Thanks for showing and have a nice Christmas time.
Magnificent catches of the trains coming by and pass, i like it 5 stars, keep up the great work, my friend, i ´ve subscribed your channel, Greetings from Portugal to the USA.
Thank you very much!
EVAN, You really knocked this one out of the park !! VERY WELL DONE !!
Thank you John! Definitely one of my proudest creations to date! Stay tuned for more Colorado narrow gauge in the next few days!
Hello, thank you for this great video, from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Fantastic to see these two ALCO K28 steam locomotives with their trains. Excellent shots of the two trains in a beautiful autumn landscape. Thank you for showing us and best regards from Germany. Have a nice first Advent.
Солидарна😊❤
Now we wait for the K-36 centennial
Indeed we do! I’m getting intense chills just thinking about it!
Well done Evan , we met at the overhead on Hewitt Road , my favorite spot on the entire trip. Keep up the good work !
Thank you John! Was great meeting you and I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Good thing I know your channel now so I know where to track ya down!
Great video. A couple of things really stand out when comparing to videos taken before the railroad shut-down: The excellent condition of the track - the cars no longer rock as they travel down the track - AND - the operational capabilities at Colgate Grove with engine leading up grade on the North leg, and in Rockhill Southbound through the yard!
Thank you! The EBT Foundation has done a world class job at bringing everything from the right of way to the locomotives and rolling stock up to Class I standards. The Kovalchicks did everything they could to upkeep the railroad over the years, but it’s satisfying to know that it’s in a financially stable place these days.
Great video 😊
Very glad you could join us again, Evan! Good video as always, can't wait to see you on more charters in the (not too distant) future!
Thank you very much! It’s always a pleasure attending your charters and giving support to good friends! Can’t wait for Dynamo’s next adventure!
It would be cool to see East Broad Top #16 for myself here.
Fantastic video of a great steam locomotive. Thanks for showing and best regards
Awesome video 😊
Well done! Loving the quality of that new camera!
Thank you good sir! I suppose it is rather nice....
Nice work, Evan!
Thanks Tom! Glad you enjoyed!