VINTAGE RAILROAD FILMS - 1
An assortment of vintage railroad videos.
Please note: More videos at Vintage Railroad Films - 2 and Vintage Railroad Films - 3 and Vintage Railroad Films 4
On the Track (1948) Assn. of American Railroads
This documentary explores the history of the railroads In America and their potential role in the post war era. It was produced for the Association of American Railroads by Dudley Pictures Corporporation and is narrated by Art Gilmore.
Hoosier Line (1950s) Monon Railroad
Promotional film about Indiana and its railroads made for the Monon Railroad. The Monon Railroad, also known as the Chicago, Indianapolis, and Louisville Railway from 1897 to 1971operated almost entirely within the state of Indiana.
Pay Day (1950s) Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Produced by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, "Pay Day" depicts incidents in the life of a railroad switchman, and offers valuable pointers on the proper care of various types of shipments.
Wheels of Steel (1955) The Pennsylvania Railroad
Wheels of Steel shows the GG1 electric locomotives of the Pennsylvania Railroad in action. All types of services are depicted in many scenes and views, and we see the locomotives being prepared for use on the tracks.
Progress on the Rails (1952) The Pennsylvania Railroad
Progress on the rails is a update about the modern safety features that were introduced to the railroad system in 1952, giving an explanation of some the then recent technological advances such as automatic speed control. The PRR was the largest railroad by traffic and revenues and ranked fifth in total mileage, operating 10,006 miles of track in 13 states.
Railroadin' (1941) Alco-GE
Produced by the American Locomotive Company and General Electric, this film depicts the growth of American railroads and highlights many topics including passenger trains, troop trains, steel manufacturing, livestock cars and other special rolling stock, classification yards, coal handling, car floats, maintenance, snow plows, time zones, express cars, mail, food products, etc.
The Last Clear Chance (1959) Union Pacific Railroad
A public safety film produced by the Union Pacific. The film depicts a law enforcement officer and his interaction with a family that eventually loses a member due to poor driving habits.
What in Blazes? (1955) Pennsylvania Railroad
An instructional employee film produced by the Pennsylvania Railroad. Fire safety and awareness is the main topic. A large assortment of PRR locomotives and equipment are depicted.
New Horizons (1948) Seaboard Air Line Railroad
Agriculture and other industries are an integral part of the economy along the Southeastern Seaboard, and the Seaboard Air Line Railroad's network insures efficient transport of the goods and peoples of the new South.
Safety Facts About Crossing Tracks (1970)
Uses stop-motion photography to illustrate the seven most common driving errors at rail crossings.
The Passenger Train (1940) Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
Every detail of train travel is explained and depicted, step by step. Older film shows sleeping berths, etc., from buying the tickets to arriving at the final destination.
The Passenger Train (1954) The Santa Fe Chief
A step-by-step depiction of a young boy's trip from Chicago, IL to Lamy, NM, aboard AT&SF Train No. 19, the beautiful Santa Fe Chief. We see the train being prepped and passengers boarding, and then a tour of the train's interior.
Lifeline of the Nation (1945) Assn. of American RRs
This film depicts the fine job that American Railroads did during WWII, and as the war was still raging during production, explains why American Railroads need to keep our country moving so that the U.S. and Allied powers can win the war.
Loaded for War (1944) Santa Fe Railway
This film was produced by the Santa Fe Railway and details the war efforts of the railroad during World War II. The film depicts both steam and diesel operations during the transport of military equipment and personnel. Highlights include modern freight service as well as women railroad workers.
Fresh For Health (1956) Santa Fe Railway
Produced by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway by Dudley Pictures Corporation, this film depicts the transportation of perishable produce in railway refrigerator cars from the West and Southwest to the Midwest and East. We see how fresh produce and fruits are cooled in summer and warmed in winter while in transit. Kern County growers and potato crops are highlighted.
A Railroad at Work (1946) The Milwaukee Road
This film depicts locomotive and freight car maintenance, and how some parts are made and stocked from the company's own forge. It also places a special emphasis on the sales department and their use of referral cards. An entertaining look at the railroad's post-war operations.
The Freight Train (1954) Encyclopædia Britannica, AT&SF
Follow a freight train from its origin in the Kansas City freight yard to its destination in Chicago. Depicted are cars from different trains being separated, sent over the 'hump', and then reassembled into new trains, including Santa Fe fast freight number 40, scheduled to travel from Kansas City to Chicago.
Wheels of Progress (1950) Rock Island Railroad
Why we need railroads and an explanation of how they play an important part in the U.S. economy by hauling everything it takes to make up the things we use in our everyday lives.
The Big Train (1950s) New York Central Railroad
Savvy New York Central Railroad president Alfred E. Perlman introduces us to and shows us in detail the complete operations of the New York Central Railroad. Lots of action - trains, shops, offices, labs, etc., it's all there. Perlman also talks about the unfair and out of date taxes placed on railroads. Made a few years after "Within the Oval" and very much worth watching.
Within The Oval (1950) New York Central Railroad
A made for employees film that depicts the entire workings of the New York Central Railroad, inside and out. From the company's properties, to it's people, to its trains, the NYCS needs all the customers it can get to keep people working and the goods, materials, and people moving. Did you know the New York Central placed the largest order for passenger cars, ever?
Flight of the Century (1935) New York Central Railroad
The 20th Century Limited was an express passenger train on the New York Central Railroad (NYC) from 1902 to 1967. The train traveled between Grand Central Terminal in New York City and LaSalle Street Station in Chicago, Illinois, along the railroad's "Water Level Route". This film, created in 1935, highlights the train's new "modern" equipment and amenities, and its high speed steam locomotive which averaged 70 miles per hour. A wonderful time capsule of what was once one of the most beautiful and luxurious trains in the world.
The Steam Locomotive (1940s) New York Central Hudson
The importance of the steam locomotive cannot be underestimated. The New York Central Railroad developed the 4-6-4 Hudson-type in 1927 and eventually had 300 of these units in its "Great Steel Fleet". The units weighed three-hundred tons and cost $200,000 to build. The film depicts function and useage in cutaway and regular views, including the tender, and depicts inspections, servicing, coaling, etc. If you are into Hudson steam locomotives, this is a must-see.
The Freight Yard (1940s) New York Central Railroad
Film depicts how freight is the life blood of our nation, flowing in a never-ending stream, and how skill, loyalty and precise training with modern equipment are combined to make freight railroading safe and dependable. A "Running the Railroad" feature produced by the Motion Picture Bureau, Public Relations Department of the New York Central Railroad.
The Railroad Signal (1940s) New York Central Railroad
The modern automatic signalling system is explained in detail. Arrising out of a need for better trafic control and beginning with written orders, safety and efficiency have been combined through the use of railroad signals. A highlight includes the "maintainers", the men who keep the signals working properly. A "Running the Railroad" feature produced by the Motion Picture Bureau, Public Relations Department of the New York Central Railroad.
The Power Behind the Nation - Norfolk & Western
The Norfolk and Western Railway produced this company film The Power Behind the Nation.
The Modern Coal-Burning Steam Locomotive - N & W
The Norfolk and Western Railway produced a company film in 1944 to describe the operation of the 4-8-4, J-Class locomotives.
Operation Fast Freight - Norfolk and Western
Follow a freight eastward on the Norfolk & Western from Columbus, OH to Norfolk, VA as they make up time freight 86 in the heyday of steam on the N&W.
Pillars of Smoke in the Sky (1957)
Plenty of great Norfolk and Western action from the incomparable Edwin Carrington Eddy 16mm Film Collection, an amateur railfan film from the Spring of 1957.
The Freight Goes Through (1952) AAR [4K]
The Association of American Railroads produced a film a film in 1952 to show the Freight Loss and Damage Prevention section of the Association of American Railroads.
A Great Railroad at Work (1942) The New Haven Railroad
See the New Haven Railroad at its best, as both passenger and freight operations, with scenes in Boston, New Haven and New York City, are depicted. Lots of action on the rails and behind the scenes.
This is "Piggy-Back" (1950s) Southern Pacific Railroad
Piggy Back operations on the Southern Pacific Railroad are shown in detail. Facilities in California and the West along with subsidiary Cotton Belt and facilities in Texas and New Orleans are also depicted. A shipment of beer from San Francisco is our subject matter.
Southern Railway (1950s)
Vintage Southern Railway Film from the 1950's depicting freight train operations, etc.
Meet Uncle Pete - Union Pacific Railroad
Company film from the Union Pacific Railroad to show the viewer how the railroad works, all of the railroads latest technology part of this film takes place onboard a Union Pacific caboose.
Why Risk Your Life? (1940s) Great Northern Railway
This is a fantastic old steam era safety film concerning working around railroad yards and tracks, heavy on switching operations. Produced by the Great Northern Railway.
Clear Track Ahead! (1946) Pennsylvania Railroad
Clear Track Ahead! is a promotional documentary about the Pennsylvania Railroad system during 1946. It follows the activities of the railroad from inception through to the mid 1940's. Many scenes include the railroad's famous 4-4-4-4 T1 steam locomotive and also there are several scenes featuring the GG1 electric locomotive. A must for PRR fans!
Three Giant Steps (1957) New York Central System
This New York Central Railroad-produced film depicts the progress made in three distinct areas – Electronics, Automation, and Imagination. The Centralized Traffic Control or CTC system shown in the film between Buffalo and Erie was the largest in the world at the time.
The Nickel Plate Story (1953) NYC&StL RR
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 to 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.
Assembling a Freight Train (1950s) Santa Fe Railway
Produced by Bisbee-Downer for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, this film tells in simple language how a freight train collects, assembles, moves and delivers goods all over the country.
At This Moment (1954) Assn. of American Railroads
At This Moment was produced in 1954 by Association of American Railroads and the Westinghouse Air Brake Company. When a journalist researching a TV series stops at a diner, he learns the importance of railroads. The patrons at this diner all know more about railroads than the average Joe, so naturally all conversations are about railroads down to the last detail.
Mainline U.S. A. (1957) Assn. of American Railroads
Mainline USA was produced by the Association of American Railroads and is an overview of the industry and its role in the U.S. The film is narrated by Art Gilmore and features several shots of locomotives, including a Santa Fe FT , B&O E units, PRR Baldwin Sharknoses, and an Alco FA-1.
Use Your Head (1950s) Denver & Rio Grande Western
A safety training film produced by the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad.
The Big Little Railroad (1948) Central RR of New Jersey
Produced for the Central Railroad's centenary year in 1948, the film depicts how and where the railroad operates.
The Long Way Home from School (1953) Union Pacific
The Long Way Home from School is a Union Pacific Railroad Train Safety Educational Film produced in 1953.
Big Trains Rolling (1955) Assn. of American Railroads
All about American railroads and how they keep our country rolling. Excellent narration by Art Gilmore.
Challenge for Tomorrow (1950s) Santa Fe Railway
How the Santa Fe Railway has constantly modernized and still has successfully managed to maintain safety while building a better railroad.
The Penn Central 1974 (1974) Penn Central Railroad
The Penn Central was produced by the merger of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central Railroad, now going bankrupt, produced this film to ask for money.
More videos at Vintage Railroad Films - 2, Vintage Railroad Films - 3
