Publisher: Highball Productions/Pentrex (Unknown Year)
DVD: 105 minutes
Description: You'll see our favorite shots from "Winter On the B&A" and "Conrail's River Line" plus footage from Amsterdam, Lackawanna, CP DRAW, Tifft Street, Frontier Yard, Allentown, and Cresson, plus run through on ST and NS.
Updated: December 2, 2022
DVD: 105 minutes
Description: You'll see our favorite shots from "Winter On the B&A" and "Conrail's River Line" plus footage from Amsterdam, Lackawanna, CP DRAW, Tifft Street, Frontier Yard, Allentown, and Cresson, plus run through on ST and NS.
Updated: December 2, 2022
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2013)
DVD: 73 minutes
Description: The Conrail Lehigh Line consists of the former Lehigh Valley and CNJ joint trackage from Oak Island Yard in Newark, NJ to Sayre, PA and connection with the Southern Tier line in NY State. Under Conrail, the Delaware & Hudson was granted trackage rights on the Lehigh Line from a connection at Dupont, PA to access Oak Island and Philadelphia via Allentown on former Lehigh Valley and Reading lines. Volume 1 features Conrail and D&H trains on the Lehigh Line from New Jersey to the Southern Tier between 1979 and 1986 through the films of Jonathan Reck.
Updated: October 24, 2020
DVD: 73 minutes
Description: The Conrail Lehigh Line consists of the former Lehigh Valley and CNJ joint trackage from Oak Island Yard in Newark, NJ to Sayre, PA and connection with the Southern Tier line in NY State. Under Conrail, the Delaware & Hudson was granted trackage rights on the Lehigh Line from a connection at Dupont, PA to access Oak Island and Philadelphia via Allentown on former Lehigh Valley and Reading lines. Volume 1 features Conrail and D&H trains on the Lehigh Line from New Jersey to the Southern Tier between 1979 and 1986 through the films of Jonathan Reck.
Updated: October 24, 2020
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2014)
DVD: 74 minutes
Description: The Conrail Reading Line consists of the former Reading & Lehigh Valley Railroad trackage between the Allentown - Bethlehem area and Reading. Under Conrail, the Delaware & Hudson was granted trackage rights on the Reading Line to access Philadelphia via Allentown. Volume 1 looks at Conrail and D&H operations on the Reading Line, including the Temple Hill Track, between 1980 and 1984 through the films of Jonathan Reck.
Updated: October 24, 2020
DVD: 74 minutes
Description: The Conrail Reading Line consists of the former Reading & Lehigh Valley Railroad trackage between the Allentown - Bethlehem area and Reading. Under Conrail, the Delaware & Hudson was granted trackage rights on the Reading Line to access Philadelphia via Allentown. Volume 1 looks at Conrail and D&H operations on the Reading Line, including the Temple Hill Track, between 1980 and 1984 through the films of Jonathan Reck.
Updated: October 24, 2020
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2023)
DVD: 62 minutes
Description: Conrail’s Kaleidoscope Years is a new series covering the first few years of operations featuring a wide variety of motive power color schemes inherited from the former Anthracite Roads, as well as leased foreign power. The random colorful lash-ups made for an interesting and exciting time on the former northeast railroads. The first volume focuses on the former railroads that operated out of the Lehigh Valley to Pittston, Easton and Reading areas, including Delaware & Hudson trains, and the former Pennsy territory from Princeton to Horseshoe Curve in western PA, during June of 1976 to April of 1977. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: August 23, 2023
DVD: 62 minutes
Description: Conrail’s Kaleidoscope Years is a new series covering the first few years of operations featuring a wide variety of motive power color schemes inherited from the former Anthracite Roads, as well as leased foreign power. The random colorful lash-ups made for an interesting and exciting time on the former northeast railroads. The first volume focuses on the former railroads that operated out of the Lehigh Valley to Pittston, Easton and Reading areas, including Delaware & Hudson trains, and the former Pennsy territory from Princeton to Horseshoe Curve in western PA, during June of 1976 to April of 1977. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: August 23, 2023
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2023)
DVD: 61 minutes
Description: Conrail’s Kaleidoscope Years is a series covering the first few years of operations featuring a wide variety of motive power color schemes inherited from the former Anthracite Roads, as well as leased foreign power. The random colorful lash-ups made for an interesting and exciting time on the former northeast railroads. The second volume in this series covers railroads in the upstate region of New York on the ex-Lehigh Valley, Penn Central and Erie Lackawanna lines, including D&H trains, operations in and around the Lehigh Valley and on the former Penn Central middle division in western PA, from April of 1976 to October 1976. Footage in this volume comes from photographers Paul Cooledge, Doug Parmele, and Jonathan Reck. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: August 23, 2023
DVD: 61 minutes
Description: Conrail’s Kaleidoscope Years is a series covering the first few years of operations featuring a wide variety of motive power color schemes inherited from the former Anthracite Roads, as well as leased foreign power. The random colorful lash-ups made for an interesting and exciting time on the former northeast railroads. The second volume in this series covers railroads in the upstate region of New York on the ex-Lehigh Valley, Penn Central and Erie Lackawanna lines, including D&H trains, operations in and around the Lehigh Valley and on the former Penn Central middle division in western PA, from April of 1976 to October 1976. Footage in this volume comes from photographers Paul Cooledge, Doug Parmele, and Jonathan Reck. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: August 23, 2023
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2017)
DVD: 42 minutes
Description: Volume 4 is the conclusion of the footage filmed from the early-1970’s to the early-1980’s. In this volume, we look at waning years of the anthracite railroads and progression to the inevitable formation of Conrail. Under Conrail, Arch and Bruce captured the varied, colorful lashups on the main lines and branch lines into the Conrail blues. Sit back and enjoy the series finale of their tour of northeast railroading as told by Mike Bednar.
Updated: October 25, 2020
DVD: 42 minutes
Description: Volume 4 is the conclusion of the footage filmed from the early-1970’s to the early-1980’s. In this volume, we look at waning years of the anthracite railroads and progression to the inevitable formation of Conrail. Under Conrail, Arch and Bruce captured the varied, colorful lashups on the main lines and branch lines into the Conrail blues. Sit back and enjoy the series finale of their tour of northeast railroading as told by Mike Bednar.
Updated: October 25, 2020
Publisher: Pentrex (2022)
DVD: 65 minutes
Description: The Kosin collection features super 8mm railroad films photographed by the late George Naugle of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The collection highlights the Anthracite Railroads Valley and beyond in the last few years of operation and into the beginning of Conrail. Many rare Wyoming Valley locations are captured in the Ashley and Wilkes-Barre areas. Volume 2 of the Kosin Collection shows scenes of the Lehigh Valley, Delaware & Hudson, Erie Lackawanna and some early days of Conrail from White Haven, over the mountains and into the Wyoming & Lackawanna Valleys in the early to mid-1970s. As seen in the first volume, trains were running over deteriorating infrastructure with ailing equipment due to deferred maintenance from declining revenue. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: December 2, 2022
DVD: 65 minutes
Description: The Kosin collection features super 8mm railroad films photographed by the late George Naugle of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The collection highlights the Anthracite Railroads Valley and beyond in the last few years of operation and into the beginning of Conrail. Many rare Wyoming Valley locations are captured in the Ashley and Wilkes-Barre areas. Volume 2 of the Kosin Collection shows scenes of the Lehigh Valley, Delaware & Hudson, Erie Lackawanna and some early days of Conrail from White Haven, over the mountains and into the Wyoming & Lackawanna Valleys in the early to mid-1970s. As seen in the first volume, trains were running over deteriorating infrastructure with ailing equipment due to deferred maintenance from declining revenue. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: December 2, 2022
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2021)
DVD: 62 minutes
Description: The Kosin collection features super 8mm railroad films photographed by the late George Naugle of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The collection highlights the Anthracite Railroads Valley and beyond in the last few years of operation and into the beginning of Conrail. Many rare Wyoming Valley locations are captured in the Ashley and Wilkes-Barre areas. Volume 3 of the Kosin Collection again features a wide variety of footage from the Lehigh Valley, Delaware & Hudson, Erie Lackawanna and some early days of Conrail from White Haven, over the mountains and into the Wyoming & Lackawanna Valleys and beyond from 1972 into the first month of Conrail. As seen in the previous volumes, trains were tip-toeing over deteriorated track with equipment that was struggling to stay on the active service roster. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: December 2, 2022
DVD: 62 minutes
Description: The Kosin collection features super 8mm railroad films photographed by the late George Naugle of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The collection highlights the Anthracite Railroads Valley and beyond in the last few years of operation and into the beginning of Conrail. Many rare Wyoming Valley locations are captured in the Ashley and Wilkes-Barre areas. Volume 3 of the Kosin Collection again features a wide variety of footage from the Lehigh Valley, Delaware & Hudson, Erie Lackawanna and some early days of Conrail from White Haven, over the mountains and into the Wyoming & Lackawanna Valleys and beyond from 1972 into the first month of Conrail. As seen in the previous volumes, trains were tip-toeing over deteriorated track with equipment that was struggling to stay on the active service roster. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: December 2, 2022
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2022)
DVD: 54 minutes
Description: The Kosin collection features super 8mm railroad films photographed by the late George Naugle of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Volume 4 of the Kosin Collection features the last films in the series of the Anthracite Railroad operations and beginning of Conrail, from Jim Thorpe to Binghamton, NY with the majority of coverage being from the Lackawanna Valley north. Erie Lackawanna is the primary railroad in this program with the usual scenes of the Delaware & Hudson, Lehigh Valley and early Conrail trains in the mix. As seen in earlier volumes, trains were navigating deteriorated track while trying to maintain schedules. The volume ends with brief scenes during the 1972 flood from near Ashley and Wilkes-Barre, PA. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: December 2, 2022
DVD: 54 minutes
Description: The Kosin collection features super 8mm railroad films photographed by the late George Naugle of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Volume 4 of the Kosin Collection features the last films in the series of the Anthracite Railroad operations and beginning of Conrail, from Jim Thorpe to Binghamton, NY with the majority of coverage being from the Lackawanna Valley north. Erie Lackawanna is the primary railroad in this program with the usual scenes of the Delaware & Hudson, Lehigh Valley and early Conrail trains in the mix. As seen in earlier volumes, trains were navigating deteriorated track while trying to maintain schedules. The volume ends with brief scenes during the 1972 flood from near Ashley and Wilkes-Barre, PA. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: December 2, 2022
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2012)
DVD: 64 minutes
Description: With failing revenues from its two primary online commodities, the Lehigh & New England Railroad ceased operations on October 31, 1961. Equipment was sold and abandonment and removal of most of the trackage commenced soon after the end of operations, except for the still somewhat profitable cement region. The roughly 40 miles of remaining trackage in the cement region would be operated by several railroads from 1961 to present. In volume 3, we’ll follow the transition from the end of Lehigh & New England Railroad operations into the Lehigh & New England Railway, Lehigh Valley, Conrail, and present-day Norfolk Southern operations. Digitized from 8mm and Super 8 mm film with synchronized sounds and background music. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: October 25, 2020
DVD: 64 minutes
Description: With failing revenues from its two primary online commodities, the Lehigh & New England Railroad ceased operations on October 31, 1961. Equipment was sold and abandonment and removal of most of the trackage commenced soon after the end of operations, except for the still somewhat profitable cement region. The roughly 40 miles of remaining trackage in the cement region would be operated by several railroads from 1961 to present. In volume 3, we’ll follow the transition from the end of Lehigh & New England Railroad operations into the Lehigh & New England Railway, Lehigh Valley, Conrail, and present-day Norfolk Southern operations. Digitized from 8mm and Super 8 mm film with synchronized sounds and background music. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: October 25, 2020
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2011)
DVD: 66 minutes
Description: Join Jonathan Reck and friends as they railfan the Conrail Pittsburgh Line for three days in June of 1985 from Cove, PA to Cresson, PA. They usually made the trip twice a year to photograph and film the action along the line. A wide variety of trains and locations are covered. Featured locations include: Horse Shoe Curve, Bennington Curve, Allegrippus, Gallitzin, Cresson, Lily, Thomson, Mifflin, Lewistown and more. We’ll see coal, mail and auto parts trains, plus Amtrak’s Broadway limited and the Pennsylvanian are also featured. Digitized from Super 8mm sound film taken by Jonathan Reck. Narrated by Jonathan Reck.
Updated: October 24, 2020
DVD: 66 minutes
Description: Join Jonathan Reck and friends as they railfan the Conrail Pittsburgh Line for three days in June of 1985 from Cove, PA to Cresson, PA. They usually made the trip twice a year to photograph and film the action along the line. A wide variety of trains and locations are covered. Featured locations include: Horse Shoe Curve, Bennington Curve, Allegrippus, Gallitzin, Cresson, Lily, Thomson, Mifflin, Lewistown and more. We’ll see coal, mail and auto parts trains, plus Amtrak’s Broadway limited and the Pennsylvanian are also featured. Digitized from Super 8mm sound film taken by Jonathan Reck. Narrated by Jonathan Reck.
Updated: October 24, 2020
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2011)
DVD: 72 minutes
Description: In Volume 1, we join Paul Cooledge and friends as they railfan the Delaware & Hudson on the Susquehanna and Penn divisions and on the Conrail Southern Tier Line from March 1979 to October 1981.Locations include Binghamton to Mechanicville Yard on the Susquehanna division, Nineveh to Ararat including footage of detours over Jefferson Junction at Lanesboro on the Penn division and Binghamton to as far west as Portage, NY on the Conrail Southern Tier Line. Highlights include interchange with the Boston & Maine at Mechanicville Yard, NY; Starucca Viaduct; Starucca Creek Trestle; Harpursville trestle and more. Commentary and original sound film by Paul Cooledge.
Updated: October 25, 2020
DVD: 72 minutes
Description: In Volume 1, we join Paul Cooledge and friends as they railfan the Delaware & Hudson on the Susquehanna and Penn divisions and on the Conrail Southern Tier Line from March 1979 to October 1981.Locations include Binghamton to Mechanicville Yard on the Susquehanna division, Nineveh to Ararat including footage of detours over Jefferson Junction at Lanesboro on the Penn division and Binghamton to as far west as Portage, NY on the Conrail Southern Tier Line. Highlights include interchange with the Boston & Maine at Mechanicville Yard, NY; Starucca Viaduct; Starucca Creek Trestle; Harpursville trestle and more. Commentary and original sound film by Paul Cooledge.
Updated: October 25, 2020
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2011)
DVD: 71 minutes
Description: In Volume 2, we’ll railfan the Champlain, Saratoga and Susquehanna divisions as well as trains on the Lehigh line, former DL&W line to Binghamton and the D&H turns from 1974 to 1981 through the films of Ken Bealer and Robert F Wilt.
Updated: October 25, 2020
DVD: 71 minutes
Description: In Volume 2, we’ll railfan the Champlain, Saratoga and Susquehanna divisions as well as trains on the Lehigh line, former DL&W line to Binghamton and the D&H turns from 1974 to 1981 through the films of Ken Bealer and Robert F Wilt.
Updated: October 25, 2020
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2012)
DVD: 73 minutes
Description: Volume 3 covers the Alphabet route trains on the former DLW line from Binghamton, NY to Taylor, PA, former Lehigh Valley and CNJ lines from Dupont to Allentown and ex-Reading lines from Allentown to Philadelphia. After the fall of the Anthracite roads in 1976, the D&H continued the “Alphabet route” trains via trackage rights on what had then become Conrail owned trackage. Narration and subtitles, original Super 8mm sound.
Updated: October 25, 2020
DVD: 73 minutes
Description: Volume 3 covers the Alphabet route trains on the former DLW line from Binghamton, NY to Taylor, PA, former Lehigh Valley and CNJ lines from Dupont to Allentown and ex-Reading lines from Allentown to Philadelphia. After the fall of the Anthracite roads in 1976, the D&H continued the “Alphabet route” trains via trackage rights on what had then become Conrail owned trackage. Narration and subtitles, original Super 8mm sound.
Updated: October 25, 2020
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2015)
DVD: 63 minutes
Description: In volume 6, we’ll join the Bednar gang as they railfan the beginning of Conrail from April to November of 1976. Although they focused primarily on the operations in the Lehigh Valley area, the gang made trips to the Harrisburg and Horseshoe Curve areas to catch the variety of power and non-stop trains in those locations.
Updated: October 25, 2020
DVD: 63 minutes
Description: In volume 6, we’ll join the Bednar gang as they railfan the beginning of Conrail from April to November of 1976. Although they focused primarily on the operations in the Lehigh Valley area, the gang made trips to the Harrisburg and Horseshoe Curve areas to catch the variety of power and non-stop trains in those locations.
Updated: October 25, 2020
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2016)
DVD: 76 minutes
Description: Volume 7 continues our tour with the Bednar boys during the Conrail transition in 1978, 1979. While much of the footage is concentrated in the Lehigh Valley area, the boys made their usual pilgrimage to capture the action in western PA as well. Sit back and let Big Mike tell the story of the late 70’s northeast Conrail transition as only he can with his usual colloquial humor.
Updated: October 25, 2020
DVD: 76 minutes
Description: Volume 7 continues our tour with the Bednar boys during the Conrail transition in 1978, 1979. While much of the footage is concentrated in the Lehigh Valley area, the boys made their usual pilgrimage to capture the action in western PA as well. Sit back and let Big Mike tell the story of the late 70’s northeast Conrail transition as only he can with his usual colloquial humor.
Updated: October 25, 2020
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2016)
DVD: 72 minutes
Description: Volume 8 continues our tour of the Conrail transition with the Bednar boys during 1979 and 1980. The transition from the varied paint schemes from absorbed roads were gradually being unified into the “Big Blue” scheme. In this volume, we’ll view the stark contrast between the increased main line action in the Lehigh Valley and western PA areas and the branch and secondary lines. We’ll also tag along on one of the D&H freights to qualify from Penobscot to Oak Street in Pittston. As usual, Big Mike narrates and adds his familiar colloquial commentary.
Updated: October 25, 2020
DVD: 72 minutes
Description: Volume 8 continues our tour of the Conrail transition with the Bednar boys during 1979 and 1980. The transition from the varied paint schemes from absorbed roads were gradually being unified into the “Big Blue” scheme. In this volume, we’ll view the stark contrast between the increased main line action in the Lehigh Valley and western PA areas and the branch and secondary lines. We’ll also tag along on one of the D&H freights to qualify from Penobscot to Oak Street in Pittston. As usual, Big Mike narrates and adds his familiar colloquial commentary.
Updated: October 25, 2020
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2017)
DVD: 72 minutes
Description: Volume 9 follows the Conrail transition into the years 1980 through 1982 with the Bednar boys. We see increased main line action in the Lehigh Valley and western PA areas and the branch and secondary lines through 1981. But by 1982, the country was in the midst of a recession. Freight movement and rail traffic was down across the nation. Equipment maintenance was deferred and overall morale was low. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: October 25, 2020
DVD: 72 minutes
Description: Volume 9 follows the Conrail transition into the years 1980 through 1982 with the Bednar boys. We see increased main line action in the Lehigh Valley and western PA areas and the branch and secondary lines through 1981. But by 1982, the country was in the midst of a recession. Freight movement and rail traffic was down across the nation. Equipment maintenance was deferred and overall morale was low. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: October 25, 2020
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2019)
DVD: 72 minutes
Description: Still in the grips of the recession, Conrail was looking for other alternatives to increase revenue and cut costs. Conrail began heavily promoting intermodal operations to increase revenue and further consolidated operations to cut costs. In volume 11 we return to the Lehigh Valley with Mike and the gang to railfan the changing operations of Conrail, the Guilford takeover of the D&H, and a few excursions out of Jim Thorpe with former CNJ 1554 As usual, Big Mike provides the commentary.
Updated: October 25, 2020
DVD: 72 minutes
Description: Still in the grips of the recession, Conrail was looking for other alternatives to increase revenue and cut costs. Conrail began heavily promoting intermodal operations to increase revenue and further consolidated operations to cut costs. In volume 11 we return to the Lehigh Valley with Mike and the gang to railfan the changing operations of Conrail, the Guilford takeover of the D&H, and a few excursions out of Jim Thorpe with former CNJ 1554 As usual, Big Mike provides the commentary.
Updated: October 25, 2020
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2021)
DVD: 63 minutes
Description: In volume 12 of Railfanning with the Bednars, we view lost footage captured by the Bednar boys of early Conrail and Delaware and Hudson from December 1976 to March of 1978. The first few years of Conrail was a challenging time and everyone was still finding their place in the organization. The change of operations, along with the beginning of rebuilding equipment and infrastructure and the dedicated hard work of employees, kept the freight moving. During this period, you could still see a wide mix of power from all the railroads as well as foreign power on run through freights. Although regarded as the competition, the D&H was still running enough trains that their movements remained largely unhindered on Conrail infrastructure, but that would change in the next few years as Conrail’s focus on operations changed. While filmed mostly in the Lehigh Valley area, the gang made their usual trip to capture the action in western PA as well. Let’s go back and let Big Mike tell the story of the lost Conrail and D&H footage as only he can with his usual colloquial humor. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: December 2, 2022
DVD: 63 minutes
Description: In volume 12 of Railfanning with the Bednars, we view lost footage captured by the Bednar boys of early Conrail and Delaware and Hudson from December 1976 to March of 1978. The first few years of Conrail was a challenging time and everyone was still finding their place in the organization. The change of operations, along with the beginning of rebuilding equipment and infrastructure and the dedicated hard work of employees, kept the freight moving. During this period, you could still see a wide mix of power from all the railroads as well as foreign power on run through freights. Although regarded as the competition, the D&H was still running enough trains that their movements remained largely unhindered on Conrail infrastructure, but that would change in the next few years as Conrail’s focus on operations changed. While filmed mostly in the Lehigh Valley area, the gang made their usual trip to capture the action in western PA as well. Let’s go back and let Big Mike tell the story of the lost Conrail and D&H footage as only he can with his usual colloquial humor. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: December 2, 2022
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2021)
DVD: 49 minutes
Description: In volume 13 of Railfanning with the Bednars, we view the last of the lost footage from early Conrail and Delaware and Hudson from April through October 1978. During this time, Conrail began changing the operating game plan. While the D&H was still running a respectable amount of traffic, that would soon begin to change as Conrail shifted its focus of operations. Conrail began tightening the reigns to maximize efficiency and minimize loss. This made operations on Conrail infrastructure a challenge, especially to the third parties like the D&H or anyone else using Conrail trackage. The circus train becomes the perfect symbolism for what was happening at the time. The operational changes had everyone jumping through hoops. Even Conrail became part of the act on a regular basis. Big Mike provides his usual colloquial humor commentary for the last of the lost Conrail and D&H footage and the end of the film collection. But don’t worry, there’s still more to come from the gang’s tape collection. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: December 2, 2022
DVD: 49 minutes
Description: In volume 13 of Railfanning with the Bednars, we view the last of the lost footage from early Conrail and Delaware and Hudson from April through October 1978. During this time, Conrail began changing the operating game plan. While the D&H was still running a respectable amount of traffic, that would soon begin to change as Conrail shifted its focus of operations. Conrail began tightening the reigns to maximize efficiency and minimize loss. This made operations on Conrail infrastructure a challenge, especially to the third parties like the D&H or anyone else using Conrail trackage. The circus train becomes the perfect symbolism for what was happening at the time. The operational changes had everyone jumping through hoops. Even Conrail became part of the act on a regular basis. Big Mike provides his usual colloquial humor commentary for the last of the lost Conrail and D&H footage and the end of the film collection. But don’t worry, there’s still more to come from the gang’s tape collection. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: December 2, 2022
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2022)
DVD: 71 minutes
Description: In volume 14 of Railfanning with the Bednars, we pick up where we left off in Volume 11, with the beginning of the video tape portion of the Bednar collection from mid-1986 to March of 1987. During this time, Conrail began removing the Lehigh Valley mainline from Hokendauqua to the Lehigh Gap area, as it needed major rehabilitation and the rail would be welded and used elsewhere. It was also considered duplicate trackage and an expense Conrail would rather rid themselves of. While traffic was increasing for Conrail, the D&H was now firmly under the grips of Guilford and traffic was down considerably. The combined D&H trains were running once a day to every other day and bankruptcy was just around the corner. As usual, Big Mike provides the commentary.
Updated: December 2, 2022
DVD: 71 minutes
Description: In volume 14 of Railfanning with the Bednars, we pick up where we left off in Volume 11, with the beginning of the video tape portion of the Bednar collection from mid-1986 to March of 1987. During this time, Conrail began removing the Lehigh Valley mainline from Hokendauqua to the Lehigh Gap area, as it needed major rehabilitation and the rail would be welded and used elsewhere. It was also considered duplicate trackage and an expense Conrail would rather rid themselves of. While traffic was increasing for Conrail, the D&H was now firmly under the grips of Guilford and traffic was down considerably. The combined D&H trains were running once a day to every other day and bankruptcy was just around the corner. As usual, Big Mike provides the commentary.
Updated: December 2, 2022
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2022)
DVD: 68 minutes
Description: In Railfanning with the Bednars Volume 15, we continue the Conrail and D&H action and chase the special Reading & Northern 2102 mainline excursions from the Bednar video tape collection between mid-1987 and April of 1989. During this time, Conrail’s traffic in and around Allentown was very busy, with many trains in and out of Allentown yard. Railfans could catch action all day at select hotspots around the city. CP Burn was one such hotspot where there was continuous parade of trains. But the increased train frequency was fast becoming a safety issue for drivers commuting into and out of the city. Eventually, something would have to be done to alleviate the congestion. The D&H wasn’t so fortunate. Under Guilford, it was struggling with dwindling traffic due to a shrinking customer base and poor management, which equated to low revenue, poor equipment, and low morale. In 1988 after intense labor strikes, Guilford declared the D&H bankrupt and abandoned operations. The D&H was now in limbo until another operator could be found. Danny and family also made a brief visit to western Pa in March of 89 to catch the action on Horseshoe Curve and surrounding areas. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: August 23, 2023
DVD: 68 minutes
Description: In Railfanning with the Bednars Volume 15, we continue the Conrail and D&H action and chase the special Reading & Northern 2102 mainline excursions from the Bednar video tape collection between mid-1987 and April of 1989. During this time, Conrail’s traffic in and around Allentown was very busy, with many trains in and out of Allentown yard. Railfans could catch action all day at select hotspots around the city. CP Burn was one such hotspot where there was continuous parade of trains. But the increased train frequency was fast becoming a safety issue for drivers commuting into and out of the city. Eventually, something would have to be done to alleviate the congestion. The D&H wasn’t so fortunate. Under Guilford, it was struggling with dwindling traffic due to a shrinking customer base and poor management, which equated to low revenue, poor equipment, and low morale. In 1988 after intense labor strikes, Guilford declared the D&H bankrupt and abandoned operations. The D&H was now in limbo until another operator could be found. Danny and family also made a brief visit to western Pa in March of 89 to catch the action on Horseshoe Curve and surrounding areas. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: August 23, 2023
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2023)
DVD: 60 minutes
Description: In volume 16 of Railfanning with the Bednars, we go back in time a bit to found footage again from the Bednar collection from December 1986 to June of 1987. We’ll see more of Conrail removing the Lehigh Valley mainline, as well as a birthday trip for Jimmy Hulsman on the Blue Mountain & Reading’s Budd cars, and the rapidly increasing traffic for Conrail. Unfortunately, as seen in previous volumes, the D&H was in a spiraling downturn of business due to the poor management of Guilford and dwindling traffic. The end was near for the Delaware and Hudson. During this time, Pop had employed the use of two cameras and would switch cameras when one needed repair, creating a staggered numbering of tapes and an out of sequence timeline. As we review the collection, there may be more tapes with scenes out of sequence in future volumes. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: August 23, 2023
DVD: 60 minutes
Description: In volume 16 of Railfanning with the Bednars, we go back in time a bit to found footage again from the Bednar collection from December 1986 to June of 1987. We’ll see more of Conrail removing the Lehigh Valley mainline, as well as a birthday trip for Jimmy Hulsman on the Blue Mountain & Reading’s Budd cars, and the rapidly increasing traffic for Conrail. Unfortunately, as seen in previous volumes, the D&H was in a spiraling downturn of business due to the poor management of Guilford and dwindling traffic. The end was near for the Delaware and Hudson. During this time, Pop had employed the use of two cameras and would switch cameras when one needed repair, creating a staggered numbering of tapes and an out of sequence timeline. As we review the collection, there may be more tapes with scenes out of sequence in future volumes. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: August 23, 2023
Publisher: Pentrex (2023)
DVD: 61 minutes
Description: In volume 17 of Railfanning with the Bednars, we continue with found footage from the Bednar collection from May to August 1987 and from June to September of 1988. We pick up where we left off in volume 16 at Steel, then view the Conrail and D&H action around Allentown and surrounding areas, including the Conrail OCS train and more. We’ll witness the day the D&H went into bankruptcy under Guilford, and the subsequent startup of operations under the newly designated operator, the New York, Susquehanna and Western. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: August 23, 2023
DVD: 61 minutes
Description: In volume 17 of Railfanning with the Bednars, we continue with found footage from the Bednar collection from May to August 1987 and from June to September of 1988. We pick up where we left off in volume 16 at Steel, then view the Conrail and D&H action around Allentown and surrounding areas, including the Conrail OCS train and more. We’ll witness the day the D&H went into bankruptcy under Guilford, and the subsequent startup of operations under the newly designated operator, the New York, Susquehanna and Western. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: August 23, 2023
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2023)
DVD: 60 minutes
Description: In Railfanning with the Bednars volume 18, we continue the Conrail and D&H action from the Bednar video tape collection between October 1988 and April of 1989. At this time, Conrail’s traffic in and around Allentown was entering its peak, with trains in and out of Allentown virtually back-to-back. CP Burn was a continuous parade of trains. The train volume was fast becoming an issue for drivers. Vehicle traffic would be backed up on a daily basis all the way to South Mountain due to the sheer amount of rail activity. Funding was sought and granted to build a bypass via grade separation, but it would be another 2 to 3 years before construction would begin. After the bankruptcy of the D&H on June 20th, 1988, the Susquehanna became the designated operator on June 23rd. We were now 4 months into the new operations and the Suzy Q doing their best to keep trains rolling. They were securing power from anywhere they could to keep the freight moving, including leases and purchases. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: August 23, 2023
DVD: 60 minutes
Description: In Railfanning with the Bednars volume 18, we continue the Conrail and D&H action from the Bednar video tape collection between October 1988 and April of 1989. At this time, Conrail’s traffic in and around Allentown was entering its peak, with trains in and out of Allentown virtually back-to-back. CP Burn was a continuous parade of trains. The train volume was fast becoming an issue for drivers. Vehicle traffic would be backed up on a daily basis all the way to South Mountain due to the sheer amount of rail activity. Funding was sought and granted to build a bypass via grade separation, but it would be another 2 to 3 years before construction would begin. After the bankruptcy of the D&H on June 20th, 1988, the Susquehanna became the designated operator on June 23rd. We were now 4 months into the new operations and the Suzy Q doing their best to keep trains rolling. They were securing power from anywhere they could to keep the freight moving, including leases and purchases. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: August 23, 2023
Publisher: Highball Productions/Pentrex (Unknown Year)
DVD: 90 minutes
Description: A fond farewell to Big Blue. All new footage of an old favorite as it goes into merger. Exciting snow scenes on Charlton Hill (see if you can spot the snowmobile being buried), 80MAC's and C30's on Washington Hill, the OCS and MAC's at State Line Tunnel, action at Iona Island and Bear Mountain on the River Line, Selkirk, Fairport, North East, Erie, Silver Creek, Cresson, Gallitzin, Conpit and Berea. B23's to "80MAC's and a pair of '70MAC's.
Updated: December 2, 2022
DVD: 90 minutes
Description: A fond farewell to Big Blue. All new footage of an old favorite as it goes into merger. Exciting snow scenes on Charlton Hill (see if you can spot the snowmobile being buried), 80MAC's and C30's on Washington Hill, the OCS and MAC's at State Line Tunnel, action at Iona Island and Bear Mountain on the River Line, Selkirk, Fairport, North East, Erie, Silver Creek, Cresson, Gallitzin, Conpit and Berea. B23's to "80MAC's and a pair of '70MAC's.
Updated: December 2, 2022
Publisher: John Pechulis Media (2018)
DVD: 64 minutes
Description: In Volume 3, we’ll revisit the industrial lines in the Lehigh River Valley and then work our way west to the coal regions in the Wyoming Valley. We’ll view the Northampton & Bath and Ironton in the early 70’s, the LNE Bethlehem branch, the Lehigh Valley’s Barber Quarry and West End branches, the lines to Jeddo and the West Pittston Branch in early Conrail and close with the Wanamie Mine Railroad in Newport Township near Nanticoke. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: October 25, 2020
DVD: 64 minutes
Description: In Volume 3, we’ll revisit the industrial lines in the Lehigh River Valley and then work our way west to the coal regions in the Wyoming Valley. We’ll view the Northampton & Bath and Ironton in the early 70’s, the LNE Bethlehem branch, the Lehigh Valley’s Barber Quarry and West End branches, the lines to Jeddo and the West Pittston Branch in early Conrail and close with the Wanamie Mine Railroad in Newport Township near Nanticoke. Narrated with commentary by Mike Bednar.
Updated: October 25, 2020