A&R Productions Videos

Hi All,

I just ordered "The Boston & Maine" on DVD from A&R Productions. From the descriptions I've read it looks like a nice one to have. Anyone have experience with these videos? Seems like a nice, home-grown company making them. They have a 2 volume set covering the 80's and 90's on the B&M as well.

I've seen many such companies like Pentrex, Green Frog and such.... Anyone have opinions on these videos? How is the quality (of course, withthe vintage of the one I just ordered, I know it'll be rough, but the historical value of the footage looks like it'll make up for that.

I'm fascinated with video of the B&M, especially from the 50's on.

The one thing that makes it difficult is that many of these videos are quite expensive. $30 for a 55 minute DVD. I understand that this is an independent venture, and I'm sure the price is worth it, but what are the "best of the best?" Any recommendations? Comments?

Oh, and if any of you know where I can find footage of the F7 B&M fleet (while they were still with the B&M), I'd appreciate it. I'm hoping there's some on the DVD I ordered.

OK, got the B&M Video and WOW, some amazing footage with nice narration. The vid was done in 2004 and made fro 8mm film. I don't know if the sound of the locos/stock was dubbed in or if it was sound footage, but it's VERY well done! Nice mix of steam and diesel/electric from a huge transition era! Hopefully I can scratch up enough to get their other 2 B&M DVDs (from the 70s-90s).

My only disappointment was that none of the F7 fleet are in it, but it seems to go to 1954 or so, right around the time the F7 units arrived. Some real nice F2, F3, Alco Switcher, E7, E8, GP7, etc... along with some historic steamers.

Awesome stuff

I'm glad you enjoyed the videos. The four F7A's actually arrived in 1949. Their B units were delivered starting in mid 1950.

Duane Goodman

BM50 wrote:I'm glad you enjoyed the videos. The four F7A's actually arrived in 1949. Their B units were delivered starting in mid 1950.

Duane Goodman

I guess they just didn't make the film. At one point, I thought I saw 4268, but the numbers were grainy. The film identified it as an F2 or F3.

Do you know of any footage of the F7 units from when they were still in use by the B&M?

I am bumping this for a friend who was interested in the video. I guess there are a few real nice videos out there of the B&M. Too bad they are all so expensive

drvmusic wrote:I am bumping this for a friend who was interested in the video. I guess there are a few real nice videos out there of the B&M. Too bad they are all so expensive

Well, I doubt these folks make these videos for the money. Seems to be a labor of love and thanks to them for preserving that rich B&M history.

NRGeep wrote:

drvmusic wrote:I am bumping this for a friend who was interested in the video. I guess there are a few real nice videos out there of the B&M. Too bad they are all so expensive

Well, I doubt these folks make these videos for the money. Seems to be a labor of love and thanks to them for preserving that rich B&M history.

Didn't say they did. Just wish I had the $$ to give them. Not saying they're overpricing, I just can't afford them