This Traveltalk series short celebrates San Francisco, past and present.
Social & External
The people behind it
James A. FitzPatrick
Narrator (voice)
We travel along with the crew of the Grafton & Upton railroad for a day, and capture all the action from the cab and the ground! We travel from the headquarters and yard in North Grafton to the yard in West Upton a distance of 7 miles. Our train is powered by GP-9R #1750 EX Bay Colony EXX Pennsylvania Railroad. We see some of the scenic points along the line from the cab as we travel through the central New England landscape! As the crew in the locomotive captures all the action, a crew trackside captures all the action on it's way to West Upton Yard!
On December 31st, 2009 The Grafton & Upton made their first trip from North Grafton to West Upton yard since February 2004. This also marks the first trip under the new management. The G&U has done an extensive overhaul on the 7 1/2 mile line from the CSX interchange in North Grafton to the yard in West Upton. Blackstone River Productions was there to capture this historic event! We capture GP9-R #1750 on her first trip to West Upton Yard on New Years Eve day 2009! We capture it in the yard in North Grafton, Downtown Grafton, West Upton yard and many more scenic locations!
In volume two, we take a look at the Grafton & Upton railroad's Caboose Extra ("Santa Train") on December 18th, 2010. Then during the Spring of 2011 we spend a day with G&U's newest locomotive, GP9R #1751 for a trip from North Grafton yard to West Upton yard and return. We see the crew of 3 put the day's train together in North Grafton and then chase it to West Upton yard. In West Upton we capture the crew switching out the Trans-loading facility and making the train up for the return trip to North Grafton. We then chase the train back to North Grafton yard! Non stop action on the G&U with #1751 & GP9R #1750!
In this 2 DVD set, we take a unique perspective look at the Grafton & Upton Railroad! We mounted a Pro 180° HDV camera to the hood of G&U GP9-R #1751 and travel from Hopedale yard to the yard in North Grafton. We travel over the recently reopened section from the newly rebuilt Hopedale yard through the scenic woodlands to West Upton yard. From the West Upton yard we travel through more scenic woodlands and scenic fields as we traverse the grades to Grafton Center and descend to the yard in North Grafton and CSX interchange.
In this two DVD set, we capture action from the ever growing Grafton & Upton Railroad. Located in Central Massachusetts, the G&U operates from the CSX interchange in North Grafton to the currant end of operations in Hopedale. A total of 16 miles. During the Fall of 2013, the G&U operated a special Photo Freight to welcome in their latest locomotive! EMD F7A #1501. This classic hood unit performed run by's with a freight consist and the G&U lone caboose. We captured the action from North Grafton Yard to Hopedale and return. The 1501 put on a fantastic show for the small crowd! Next up we capture action from the past couple of years, as the G&U grew in size! We captured the dirt train, regular operations and action in the yards in Hopedale and North Grafton! Also we captured the 2012 "Caboose Extra" with the 1501 still in the New York Central inspired paint scheme. We captured all of G&U's active power, including the seldom seen CF7 #1500!
The latest expansion for the G&U is the acquisition of the Milford Running track, that G&U now has operating rights from Franklin Forge to Milford. The G&U also rebuilt their mainline from Hopedale to Milford. We hop aboard a G&U MP15AC #1160 for a cab ride from Hopedale yard to Milford yard, then we reverse direction and head to Franklin. We then take the head end again and capture the Franklin to Milford on the Milford Running track (Leased from CSX / MBTA) Then we capture action from the ground as we chase the Hopedale to Milford and the Milford Running track! We also capture Foreign power of the G&U and MBTA detour trains!
On July 31st, 2011 The Massachusetts Bay Railroad Enthusiasts chartered a special excursion on the Conway Scenic Railroad. The trip covered the CSRR Crawford Notch line (EX Maine Central "Mountain Division") from North Conway to the New Hampshire Central interchange in Hazens (Whitefield, NH). This rare mileage excursion featured track not used by the regular passenger trains by the CSRR! The star of the day was CSRR's steam locomotive #7470.
Documentary about the German railroad system and it's trains
Take a breathtaking train a ride through Nothern Quebec and Labrador on Canada’s first First Nations-owned railway. Come for the celebration of the power of independence, the crucial importance of aboriginal owned businesses and stay for the beauty of the northern landscape.
Contemporary life in Plymouth in the 1960s – plus some history.
A unique look inside over 70 signal boxes taken from Video 125's archive filmed over a period of 30 years. Features 'boxes of all shapes and sizes, all kinds of operating methods from 19th century mechanical lever frames to 20th century panels to 21st century state-of-the-art Rail Operating Centres.
First part of a two-part documentary about the now largely defunct network of local railways in the areas around Erlangen and Forchheim, Germany.
Second part of a two-part documentary about the now largely defunct network of local railways in the areas around Erlangen and Forchheim, Germany.
Neil Oliver describes the worst ever railway accident in the UK, which happened a hundred years ago on 22 May 1915, in which three trains collided at Quintinshill near Gretna Green. One of the trains was a troop train taking soldiers to fight in World War I at the Battle of Gallipoli: many of the dead were in this train which caught fire due to escaped gas from the archaic gas lighting in the carriages. The cause of the crash was attributed to a catastrophic signalman's error, but Neil examines whether there were other contributory factors and whether there was a cover-up to prevent investigation of them, making convenient scapegoats of the signalmen.
Controversy erupts over a New-Deal-era mural of the namesake of San Francisco’s George Washington High School. The thirteen-panel artwork "The Life of Washington" by Victor Arnautoff offers a view of the Founding Father both celebratory and critical, referencing his involvements in slavery and Native American genocide.
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Eyeballs features a brief history of the Dead Kennedys' early years up to their first UK tour, never before seen live performances, interviews with Klaus Fluoride and East Bay Ray, comments by music journalists, and insights from the key people involved with the recording of the DK's first album. Jello Biafra's 1979 run for mayor is also highlighted.
The pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the most important religious journeys for millions of people around the world. But how to get there? This documentary shows us how 12 companies met the immense challenge of running a high-speed train through Saudi Arabia's sandy rocky desert in temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius. A true marvel of engineering and cooperation, and together, overcoming obstacles.
For the past ten years, Jürgen Henn has filmed over-height trucks crashing into the 11foot8 train bridge affectionately nicknamed the "Can Opener." In that time, millions have viewed the crashes online. Regional, national, and international news organizations have dined out on the story and the goofy crash reels. But why do motorists continue to crash despite the many warnings, sensors, and signs? And what is it about these crashes that holds our attention? In this piece, we look for the humanity in human error.
Tourist promo film extolling the delights of Birmingham and the Midlands, with a sprinkling of arch one-liners.
Daniel Craig candidly reflects on his 15 year adventure as James Bond. Including never-before-seen archival footage from Casino Royale to the upcoming 25th film No Time To Die, Craig shares his personal memories in conversation with 007 producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
Those who knew iconic funnyman John Candy best share his story, in their own words, through never-before-seen archival footage, imagery, and interviews.
This special explores the return of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to the screen, as well as Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen to their classic roles. Director Deborah Chow leads the cast and crew as they create new heroes and villains that live alongside new incarnations of beloved Star Wars characters, and an epic story that dramatically bridges the saga films.
The Bridge is a controversial documentary that shows people jumping to their death from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco - the world's most popular suicide destination. Interviews with the victims' loved ones describe their lives and mental health.
The definitive 3½-hour documentary about the troubled creation and enduring legacy of the science fiction classic 'Blade Runner', culled from 80 interviews and hours of never-before-seen outtakes and lost footage.
14-year-old Laura Dekker sets out on a two-year voyage in pursuit of her dream to become the youngest person ever to sail around the world alone.
Take a virtual vacation to some of the Star Wars films' most iconic and beloved locations like Hoth, Tatooine, and Sorgan, as this charming series whisks you off for fly-through tours of the Galaxy Far, Far Away.
An enchanting making-of story told through all-new in-depth interviews and cast conversations, inviting fans on a magical first-person journey through one of the most beloved film franchises of all time.
A look behind the lens of Christopher Nolan's space epic.
An inside look at one of the most anticipated movie sequels ever with James Cameron and cast.
This compelling Documentary moves beyond the spotlight and past the attention-grabbing headlines to give pop superstar Chris Brown a chance to tell his own story. New interviews with the international phenomenon reveal long-awaited answers about his passion for making music, his tumultuous and much publicized relationships, and the pitfalls of coming of age in the public eye. Also included is new concert footage, behind-the-scenes access, and special interviews from Usher, Jennifer Lopez, DJ Khaled, Mike Tyson, Jamie Foxx and others.
SEDUCED AND ABANDONED combines acting legend Alec Baldwin with director James Toback as they lead us on a troublesome and often hilarious journey of raising financing for their next feature film. Moving from director to financier to star actor, the two players provide us with a unique look behind the curtain at the world's biggest and most glamourous film festival, shining a light on the bitter-sweet relationship filmmakers have with Cannes and the film business. Featuring insights from directors Martin Scorsese, 'Bernando Bertolucci' and Roman Polanski; actors Ryan Gosling and Jessica Chastain and a host of film distribution luminaries.
Riding Giants is story about big wave surfers who have become heroes and legends in their sport. Directed by the skateboard guru Stacy Peralta.
After years in the limelight, Selena Gomez achieves unimaginable stardom. But just as she reaches a new peak, an unexpected turn pulls her into darkness. This uniquely raw and intimate documentary spans her six-year journey into a new light.
With mesmerizing footage and time lapses of animators at work, this behind-the-scenes special captures the artistry of a unique tale years in the making.
The life and career of an actor, artist, and icon. His own journey through his own camera.
Director Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born adults after a 7 year wait. The subjects are interviewed as to the changes that have occurred in their lives during the last seven years.
Giving fans unprecedented access to the real life of the music sensation, Katy Perry: Part of Me exposes the hard work, dedication and phenomenal talent of a girl who remained true to herself and her vision in order to achieve her dreams. Featuring rare behind-the-scenes interviews, personal moments between Katy and her friends, and all-access footage of rehearsals, choreography, Katy’s signature style and more, Katy Perry: Part of Me reveals the singer’s unwavering belief that if you can be yourself, then you can be anything.
A documentary examining the decade of the 1970s as a turning point in American cinema. Some of today's best filmmakers interview the influential directors of that time.
This documentary focuses on the actors and their journey over two summers to create the remake to the original IT, by Stephen King. The documentary originally released as bonus material, bundled with IT: Chapter Two.
