Looking for Steam Reference, Please Help

Hi,

I am hoping some of the members of this community can help me. I work for a CG visual effects company and we are working on a film that will heavily feature steam locomotives of the civil war era. Unfortunately I can't say anything more than that.

In order to create convincing CG smoke, fire and embers, we need excellent reference. We are looking for any images that show steam engines operating at night, particularly the embers/sparks from the stack, smoke behavior at night, smoke viewed from a boxcar/caboose/on top of a boxcar, etc. Any and all reference, (preferably video footage) would be much appreciated.

I actually used to work for the CNR as a brakeman back in the mid-80s, but just missed the steam era!

Sean

For the real thing, I'd suggest the movie "Emperor Of The North" (aka "Emperor Of The North Pole"), an excellent film of Depression-era hoboes constantly on the move, with steam locomotives in almost every scene. You should find what you need from that. Good luck!

I agree, that the Emperor of the North provides excellent visuals of steam locomotive operation; although I don't know if the 19 is a good example to stand-in for a Civil War era loco. YW 19; Baldwin, was built in 1915(?); originally Caddo & Choctaw No. 4. I would recommend Sierra RR No. 3; Rodgers, built 1891, with many Hollywood appearances (Petticoat Jct, Little House on the Prairie, and others).