A couple more comments on the. above. The 478 shot was really odd cause it was the only clip from this date--June 6th, 1968. The guy who shot the film shot 478 to Farmington on the 3rd, caught the 498 leaving on the 4th, and 2-3 scenes of 478/498 doubleheader to Durango on the 5th. I suppose its possible he was mostly shooting slides, as the two other guys appear to have serious equipment(One speed graphic). Interestingly most all his shots were in the vicinity of Durango. He did chase a train to Silverton with 476, which I believe was on June 2nd. We shot the 476 on June 3rd then chased the 478 to Farmington. However this guy went all the way to Silverton, and I believe he would have had trouble getting back to Durango in time.
As for the funky footage, I was thinking either mold or mildew also. This footage was acquired around 1998 from an estate in Washington State, and was some of the first bunch of films I worked with. He had some decent quality but one reel was like this. There is also about 3 minutes more of the same train starting in Chama, plus some stuff on the Silverton Line, and in Durango. Also a work train.
Since I got the passenger train video done (no release date set yet), the one I am working on now will be called "Rio Grande's 4th Division". It will mostly be freight, although some passenger stuff to Silverton, and a little riding the San Juan(footage I forgot to include with a bigger chunk in the Passenger show. There will also be some footage of mixed trains on the Silverton line.
When this gets finished, I will have completed most of the NG material that we have. At least it will be out there before I am outa here hopefully!!!
Cheers,
Greg