Editorial Review:
Description
Take a journey into the windswept deserts of India and the icy frontiers of Northeastern China for a rare last glimpse of powerful steam trains that have managed to survive on the fringes of Asia's railway empires. This onetime “king of transportation” is riding on the brink of extinction - its last outposts now in the most remote areas of China and India.
In China, the steam locomotive still survives as part of the national transportation system, but not for long. In the once forbidden territory of Inner Mongolia, China's largest and most powerful steam engines - the 135-ton behemoths of the legendary QJ-class - still carry on through the frozen expanses of this sparsely populated frontier.
In India, steam trains still travel through the Rajasthani desert along routes that shadow the ancient Silk Road. Many of these trains date from the days of the British Raj. Take a window seat as we travel across this wondrous land, stopping at the 12th Century castle fortress of Jaisalmer, the lakeside palaces of Udaipur, and the magnificent Ranakpur Jain Temple. And finally, witness the last days of steam on the Indian Railways, as once mighty steam locomotives are pulled from the tracks.
Empires of Steam explores the largest and most exotic centers of steam railway activity left anywhere in the world. Brilliant cinematography documents this closing chapter of the world's last great steam railway empires and the colorful people who still populate these remote regions.
-- SPECIAL FEATURES -- -- English Language Soundtrack -- French Language Soundtrack -- Music/Sound Effects Only Soundtrack -- Filmmaker's Commentary Soundtrack
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Empires of Steam
Starring: Craig Mccourrry Manufacturer: Tapeworm Video ProductGroup: DVD Binding: DVD  General
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ASIN: B00003A9SY Release Date: 1999-11-01 |
Description
Take a journey into the windswept deserts of India and the icy frontiers of Northeastern China for a rare last glimpse of powerful steam trains that have managed to survive on the fringes of Asia's railway empires. This onetime “king of transportation” is riding on the brink of extinction - its last outposts now in the most remote areas of China and India.In China, the steam locomotive still survives as part of the national transportation system, but not for long. In the once forbidden territory of Inner Mongolia, China's largest and most powerful steam engines - the 135-ton behemoths of the legendary QJ-class - still carry on through the frozen expanses of this sparsely populated frontier.
In India, steam trains still travel through the Rajasthani desert along routes that shadow the ancient Silk Road. Many of these trains date from the days of the British Raj. Take a window seat as we travel across this wondrous land, stopping at the 12th Century castle fortress of Jaisalmer, the lakeside palaces of Udaipur, and the magnificent Ranakpur Jain Temple. And finally, witness the last days of steam on the Indian Railways, as once mighty steam locomotives are pulled from the tracks.
Empires of Steam explores the largest and most exotic centers of steam railway activity left anywhere in the world. Brilliant cinematography documents this closing chapter of the world's last great steam railway empires and the colorful people who still populate these remote regions.
-- SPECIAL FEATURES -- -- English Language Soundtrack -- French Language Soundtrack -- Music/Sound Effects Only Soundtrack -- Filmmaker's Commentary Soundtrack
Customer Reviews:
A great collection piece as the time is to be lost forever.......2003-08-05
DVD version.
At last - a steam video that can see beyond the locomotives.......2000-01-30
A very well done documentary on China and Indian Railways.......1999-11-17
Perfect for anyone who wants to witness actual end of steam.......1999-10-23
We are witnessing the end of steam railroading. Those big powerful huffing, smoking, beasts which hold that certain magic to so many who see them will soon run their last mile. And you thought they already had? Perhaps in the west, but not in China yet. Nor in India, although the end is especially close there. When you see the pictures of the crewmen running these machines, it takes little imagination to place this scene in the United States, or anywhere in Europe in the early 1950s. These men work these big engines every day, year in and year out doing the real work of real railroads. The engines and crews alike are covered with cinders, coal dust, and grease. This is the real world and should not be missed. Excellent audio, photography and editing. I would, however, have liked more footage of steam engines helping diesels up a hill, and more pictures of the poor engines being scrapped. This is the most informative, and interesting video tape on mainline steam you will ever purchase. When you see the double headed 2-10-4s dragging a mile long frieght up a steep grade for many many miles, throttles to the roof the whole way, you'll understand. Mark
Incredibly engrossing and entertaining!.......1999-10-07
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