VINTAGE RAILROAD FILMS - 2
An assortment of vintage railroad videos.
See also Vintage Railroad Films - 1, Vintage Railroad Films - 3, Vintage Railroad Films - 4
Railroads and National Defense (1950) Assn American RRs
Produced by the Association of American Railroads, this film shows how important our railroads are to the American military and the National Defense Program, carrying more freight more miles than any other form of transportation. Many scenes of the railroads intertwined operations with the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, etc. are depicted.
Piggy Back SOUTHERN Style (1950s) Southern Railway
The Southern Railway produced this film in the 1950s to educate and entertain their customers on the use of their road/rail and piggy back trailer and flat car services. Thus proving that "Southern Serves the South and Gives a Green Light to Innovation".
Days of Our Years (1955) Union Pacific Railroad
A Union Pacific safety film featuring the story of three railroad accidents and the often disturbing effects on workers and their families. Keep your mind on your work! Shot mostly in Los Angeles' working class neighborhoods.
Men and Mail in Transit (1956) U.S. Postal Office Dept.
Every day hundreds of trains carry people, goods, and mail. This excellent film portrays the distribution and handling of mail in transit, including railway post office car (RPO) operations and train movement. Of special note is the depiction of armed railway mailworkers.
Magic Rails to Yesterday (1958)
A vintage promotional film featuring a fantastic ride on the Western Pacific/Denver and Rio Grande Western/Chicago, Burlington and Quincy's beautiful California Zephyr, plus the fantastic scenery offered by the Durango and Silverton, a narrow gauge heritage railway.
Pacific Northwest Holiday on the Super Dome Olympian Hiawatha (1952) Milwaukee Road
Promotional film made by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad ("The Milwaukee Road"). The Olympian Hiawatha was its flagship streamliner service between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, commencing in 1947.
Once Upon the Wabash (1957)
An educational and promotional film all about the Wabash Railroad, which served a large area including Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri and the province of Ontario.
Better Way for the Santa Fe (1952) Morrison-Knudsen
A documentary film by Morrison Knudsen and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway about the construction of a new main line between Williams and Crookton in Arizona.
Clear Iron (1952) The Budd Company
The Budd Company shows its patented method of producing fluted stainless steel and the then new Budd Rail Diesel Car (RDC). The Budd Rail Diesel Car (RDC), also known as the Budd car or Buddliner, is a self-propelled diesel multiple unit.
Rolling the Freight (1947) Chicago & North Western Rwy.
An educational film showing how the Chicago and North Western Railway handles freight around the Chicago area and over its vast network.
The Wonderful World of Trains (1960) Lionel Corp.
Christmastime film made by the Lionel Corporation to promote the hobby of model trains using bizarre puppets. "Trains so finely detailed you'll have to look twice to tell them from the real ones!"
3rd Avenue El (1955) Carson Davidson
Excellent film about the Third Avenue Elevated Railway in Manhattan, New York City, before it was demolished. Directed by Carson Davidson and nominated for an Oscar.
Look, Listen and Live (1948) Union Pacific
Level crossing safety film made by the Union Pacific Railroad and released in November 1948. When released, a 12-page booklet accompanied the film.
Desert Empire (1948) Denver and Rio Grande Western Railr
Travelogue documentary film through the state of Utah. Sponsored by the DRGW. Nearly a third of the film covers the operations of the Bingham Canyon Mine.
This is My Railroad (1952) Southern Pacific
This excellent film was originally produced in 1940, and this version is the 1952 update. "This is My Railroad" depicts everything happening on the Southern Pacific: trains, yards, shops, offices, and with so many details that are often overlooked in a film of this type.
Troop Train (1943) U.S. Office of War Information
1943 film from the US Office of War Information on the operation of a troop train under wartime conditions and it's affect on the GI's being transported. An excellent look at military railroading during World War II.
Wheels A-Rolling: 100 Years of Railroad Progress (1948)
The Beauty and pageantry of the 1948-1949 Chicago Railroad Fair are depicted in their full-color glory. Antique locomotives and trains help portray American History by rail. Walt Disney himself was in attendance.
Model Railroad (1947) Westchester Model Club, Inc.
A fun glimpse of O Gauge (1/48th scale) model railroading from days of yore brought to you by the Westchester Model Club, Inc. of Pelham Manor, New York. All trains on this layout run according to timetable, a feat performed by the club's fifty-odd members, who have come from all walks of life. Depicted are life-like switching activities in the rail yard, a hand-crafted circus train, and many other scenes of showing elaborate scratch-built rolling stock.
Safe Roads (1935) Jam Handy Organization
A 1935 safety film comparing railroads to car driving and depicts all of the great passenger trains of the day. Made by the Jam Handy Organization and sponsored by the Chevrolet Motor Company.
Louisville & Nashville: Old Reliable / The General's Ribbon
A travelogue depicting the passenger and freight trains of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. A second film, the General's Ribbon (1962) highlights the railroads Civil War steam history, etc.
Mariners in Hard Hats (1959) Southern Pacific / M-K
Built by the Southern Pacific Company between February 1902 and March 1904, the Lucin Cutoff featured a twelve-mile-long railroad trestle crossing the Great Salt Lake. This section caused trains to travel very slowly, so in the late 1950s it was replaced by an earthen causeway where trains could travel at full land speeds. This film documents how this was achieved by the Morrison-Knudsen Company.
Getting Off on the Right Foot (1972) Union Pacific
Definitely the best railroad safety film ever produced. There's a wrong way - and a right way - and we are treated to both, often in wild fashion. Note: Some of what was considered a safe to work when this film was made is now totally verboten. Thank you Union Pacific.
The B&O's 8,000 Mile Birthday Party (1977)
The sights and sounds of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the oldest railroad in the United States, are immortalized as we follow a Chessie Steam Special on its route through the Midwest.
Escape from Limbo (1953) Pennsylvania Railroad
Escape from Limbo depicts nearly all types of accidents, from switch weights dropped on feet to maiming and — death.
Beef Rings the Bell (1963) Union Pacific Railroad
An important documentary information film produced by the Union Pacific Railroad to assist the cattleman in producing superior beef cattle.
Hog Sense (1953) Union Pacific Railroad
The importance of proper sanitation, housing, and feeding for the successful and profitable raising of hogs in the western U.S.
George Washington - Chesapeake and Ohio Railway
The George Washington was a named passenger train of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway running on a route between Cincinnati, Ohio and Washington, D.C. that began in 1932.
The Steam Locomotive - Santa Fe Railway
This documentary from the Santa Fe Railroad depicts the inner workings and also discusses what it takes to keep a steam locomotive running.
Dangerous Playground (1950s) Southern Pacific
This is an educational safety film released by the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1950's showing the dangers that face unsuspecting children when using railway property as a playground.
Call Us Penn Central (1968) Penn Central Railroad
A color promo film about the Penn Central, a railroad created by the 1968 merger of the Pennsylvania and New York Central railroads that operated from 1968 until 1976. In 1970, the company filed for bankruptcy, largest in US history.
GM-EMC Diesel Locomotives (19 38) GM Promotional Film
General Motors Electro-Motive Corporation explain the history of the internal combustion engine and it's use in railroad applications. Many trains and locomotives are depicted including the Chief, the Zephyr, the Rocket, Flying Yankee, Abraham Lincoln, City of Salina, Green Diamond, and the Bluebird.
Opening a New Frontier (1955) Pennsylvania Railroad
This vintage railroad film, produced by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1955, highlights the early intermodal services which were being introduced at the time. The railroad's excess capacity is highlighted.
America's Changing Scene (1950s) The End of the "El"
Part of a system of elevated railroads constructed in the late 19th century, the 3rd Avenue El outlived its counterparts, the 6th and 9th street El's, and operated into the 1950's until it was dismantled in 1955.
Last of the Giants (1959) Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific pays tribute and says goodbye to its 4-8-8-4 Big Boys (which were ending regular steam operations on the UP) in this publicity film produced in 1959.
Some Trouble at Troublesome (1956) Denver & Rio Grande
The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad produced this safety film that depicts a major accident that happened on their Moffat Tunnel Route where two trains were involved in a head-on collision. The location was the Troublesome siding.
The Rocky Mountain Rocket 1950s) Rock Island Lines
This film explores various tourist destinations along the famous "Rocky Mountain Rocket" line. The streamlined “Rocket” trains (numbers 7 and 8) ran from Chicago, Illinois to Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado from 1939 to 1966.
Wheels-A-Rolling: (1948) 100 Years of Railroad Progress
The Beauty and pageantry of the 1948-1949 Chicago Railroad Fair are depicted in their full-color glory. Antique locomotives and trains help portray American History by rail. Walt Disney himself was in attendance.
The TurboTrain (1968) Sikorsky Aircraft (UAC)
Released originally by the Surface Transportation Systems of Sikorsky Aircraft Division of United Aircraft in 1968. Includes excellent footage of the TurboTrain demonstration runs.
TURBO (1970) The UAC CN Turbotrain Complete Movie
The film is a look at Canada's fastest train. On April 22nd, 1976 the Turbotrain set the Canadian Railway Speed Record travelling 140mph/225km/hr. Built by United Aircraft Corporation by MLW for CN Railway and ran in Canada from 1968 and 1982.
Mr. Dodds Goes to Colorado (1950-56) CB&Q
Mr. Dodd and family take a trip on the Denver Zephyr. All amenities on board are depicted, and then we are treated to a fantastic vacation in Colorado, where every tourist destination you can think of is shown.
Rhapsody of the Rails (1933)
Historic footage of American steam hauled passenger trains during the 1930's. Everywhere, any time, day or night, the modern monarchs of steel speed along. The humming rails and screaming whistles urge you to "go somewhere".... Trains of the New York Central Railroad are shown.
The Railroad Story (1951) Illinois Assn. of Railroads
A documentary by the 31 members of the Illinois Association of Railroads. Examines the problems facing railroads in the 1950's such as competition from cars, trucks and planes, as well as the unfair tax burden faced by railroads at the time. Many scenes of railroads in action are depicted.
Railroad Man (1967) United Transportation Union
The United Transportation Union presents Railroad Man, a candid look at the life of train drivers, engineers, and other American railroad workers in the 1960s. A moving portrait of the often lonely lives of the men who keep the nation's trains running.
Riding High with the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies
This 1959 film follows the trail riders, a group founded in 1923 by John Murray Gibbon, through the Canadian Rockies with footage of the mountain ranges, lakes and rivers. A journey across Canada through the Rockies aboard the Canadian Pacific.
End of an Era (1962) Rayonier, Inc.
A Rayonier film from 1962 dedicating the new Diesel locomotives and retiring the old steam locomotives used in their logging operations at the time.
The Song of the Pioneer (1948) Chicago & North Western
Educational documentary by the Chicago & North Western Railway produced in 1948 to celebrate the railroad's 100th anniversary.
CN Rail Promo Films (1970's)
Four films produced by Canadian National in the 1970's: Power Movers, Steel Wheels on Steel Rails, A Concrete Decision, Dual Rail Laying. These deal with diesel locomotives, track, use of concrete ties and other railway technologies.
Northwest Empire (1952) Union Pacific Railroad
The Union Pacific Railroad sponsored this 1952 travelogue, Northwest Empire, to promote travel to and around the states of Oregon and Washington. The film highlights the places to visit as well as some of the region’s industries.
See more at: Vintage Railroad Films - 1 and Vintage Railroad Films - 3
