By Tommy Johnson

This DVD was interesting, informative, and entertaining; it was well worth the purchase price. The action takes place between 1995 and 1998.

We watch Norfolk Southern’s “Timber and Surface Gang 1” as they use tie cranes, spike pullers, spike loaders, anchor spreaders, tie pulling machines, tie insertion machines, tie plate machines, spike driving machines, anchor machines, ballast regulators, and a tamper machine. It is a fascinating process to watch.

We get so see an undercutting machine in operation a little later in the DVD. This machine pulls the ballast out from under the rails and uses a vibrating machine to separate and remove the dirt and debris. The good ballast is redistirbuted and the dirt is piled alongside the tracks.

Things get even more interesting when we see the P-811 concrete tie laying machine in operation. This machine, the flat cars hauling new concrete ties, and the flat cars used for collecting and hauling the old wooden ties that have been removed make up a work train.

The DVD gives us a break from maintenance of way action and takes us to the NS car re-body shop in Roanoke, VA, where gondola cars are stripped down to the center beam and the trucks and are given completely new bodies.

We also visit the NS Pochahantas Division Dispatch Center in Bluefield, WV. The Chief Dispatcher is a guy by the name of Tommy Johnson. With a name like that, you know he just has to be one very cool dude, right?

This DVD will make a great addition to your collection. I think it will be one that you will watch several times over the years.