VINTAGE RAILROAD FILMS - 4
An assortment of vintage railroad videos.
Please note: More videos at Vintage Railroad Films - 1 and Vintage Railroad Films - 2 and Vintage Railroad Films - 3
The Nickel Plate Story (1953) New York, Chicago & St. Louis
The New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad was known as the Nickel Plate Road. The Nickel Plate Road served parts of the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. Its primary connections occurred in Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Toledo.
This film depicts how the NKP's railroad transportation is important the many cities and states in the Midwest. Number one product transported? Coal. Additionally, a nice look at the railroad's passenger service is also seen.
Better Way for the Santa Fe (1959) M-K, AT&SF
When the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway needed a shortcut and bypass in Arizona, the Morrison-Knudsen Company stepped up to the plate and hit a home run. The film documents all of the amazing things that had to be accomplished in order to achieve this incredible feat, including the use of crawler-type drills, miles of welded rail, and 10 million pounds of explosives. Hampered by winter snows and two weeks of sub-zero weather, the M-K never missed a beat. An absolutely marvelous undertaking not to be missed.
Centenary Pageant of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (1927) Silent Film
In 1927, from September 24th through October 8th, the Centenary Pageant of the Baltimore and and Ohio Railroad was held in Baltimore, Maryland. Dozens of locomotives and trains were paraded for lucky attendees, including a variety of antiques as well as the most modern steam super power at the time. This short, silent film depicts a small portion of the celebration.
"And Then There Was One" - Full Documentary (OFFICIAL)
"And Then There Was One" is a feature-length documentary that tells the story of Southern Railway No. 4501 and the men and women who have cared for her. This documentary was produced by a small group of volunteers who had an interest in telling this story to the public. It has been made available completely free on YouTube for anyone to view. This project was accomplished with absolutely zero outside funding. www.facebook.com/4501film
Railroads In U. S. History (1920) Silent Film
The history of railroads in the United States is illustrated in great detail. From the 1820s, when there were no railroads, through modern railroading in 1920, when this film was made. A very interesting look at how American railroads grew with an emphasis on how important they are to the country.
Silent with intertitle cards and clear illustrations.
Stop-Motion Train Film (Circa 1950s) Central Railroad of New Jersey
A silent stop-motion animation film showing a day and night in the life of a model town and the railroads that serve it, circa early 1950s. An early experimental color film with a combination of stop-motion animation and live action. It was produced by cameraman Henry Charles Fleischer (1925-2010).
The Royal Gorge (1948) MP, DRGW, WP Passenger Train
The Royal Gorge passenger train - "Through the Rockies, not around them", was the slogan for this Missouri Pacific, Denver & Rio Grande Western, and Western Pacific joint operation. From St. Louis to San Francisco, this film depicts all of the places to see along the way and at each end point. The MP and WP both use streamlined diesel-electric locomotives to pull the train, while the DRGW uses modern super power steam locomotives. The train was inaugurated in 1940 and traversed the Colorado Rockies and the scenic Royal Gorge Route, as well as the beautiful Feather River Canyon. The Royal Gorge featured coaches and Pullmans. All in all, this was a wonderfully scenic train for its day.
You and Your Railroad (1950s) Assn. of American Railroads
When this film was made, railroads were known for carrying "everything for anybody". Railroads moved an average of one ton of freight 12 miles every day of the year for every person living in the U.S.A. Railroads also carried 2 million passengers every day of the year. Railroads hauled one-half million express shipments every day and transported nearly all Parcel Post shipments as well as 90% of all intercity letter mail. They also kept a quarter-million miles of railroad free and clear for running operations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all the days of the year, year-in and year-out. So, how on earth did they do it? Many locomotives and trains depicted throughout the film. Produced by Carl Dudley and company.
Men Wheels and Power (1956) Southern Pacific Railroad
Wow! Southern Pacific truly was one of the greatest American railroads ever. The film depicts facilities in El Paso, Tucson, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Oakland, Indio, Brooklyn, Eugene, Klamath Falls, and Roseville, etc. At the Sacramento General Shops we see the foundry where wheels and other parts are made. The Pacific Coast Division shops are shown making Piggy Back cars and refurbishing Waukesha refrigeration units. The SP rebuilt their own cars and made most of their own parts. Of special interest is Dining Car No. 10203 being rebuilt in just 25 days. Also, the SP's first dome car is seen being built and tested.
Dearborn Station Chicago Amateur Films (1959-1961)
An interesting assortment of silent films shot at Dearborn Station (Polk and Dearborn Streets) in Chicago, Illinois. See passenger trains from railroads like the Santa Fe, Norfolk and Western, Erie, CB&Q, and several other "fallen flags" enter and exit the station. Also, looks like some footage was shot at a few other (as of yet) unidentified stations. Dearborn Station (also called, Polk Street Depot) was, beginning in the late 1800s, one of six intercity train stations serving downtown Chicago, Illinois. It remained in operation until May 1, 1971. The station building headhouse now houses office, retail, and entertainment spaces.
