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Docs & Features
Tom McComas' Kidstuff
I Love Toy Trains
Toy trains and accessories in a variety of settings, plus duck jokes, musical interludes and bloopers! From Parents' Choice to New York Magazine, this series charmed even the most jaded viewer.
Parts 1, 2, and 3 -- $19.95 each or all three in a colorful box set for $49.95
The Magic of Lionel Trains
A grand tour of the most elaborate model train layouts (and *that* sure ain't kidstuff) brings you a mix of wistful nostalgia and hardnosed building tips. Tom Snyder couldn't get over them! These are just the latest in a successful series by videomaker turned toy train expert turned videomaker again, Tom McComas.
Parts 1, 2, and 3 -- $14.95 each or all three in a colorful box set for $39.95
Documentaries
RAILROAD CHICAGO RAILROAD FAIR "WHEELS A-ROLLING" PAGEANT 1948.
The Railroad Fair on Chicago's Lakefront in 1948 celebrated 100 years of railroad progress. Wheels-a-Rolling is the Pageant Play of the fair, depicting transportation from 1673 to 1948. The Iron Horse arrives in 1829, with locomotives Rocket, John Bull, and Tom Thumb to name a few. As we travel through time, many vintage trains are shown. See the Pioneer in 1848, the Pony Express, and hitting the golden spike when the Union and Central Pacific join their rails. Famous trains, horse cars, fire engines, autos, and Burlington's Pioneer Zephyr all lead up to a giant steam locomotive and magnificent new diesel of 1948. We include two versions of the pageant, one produced for the Chicago Railroad Fair by Dudley Films, and another produced by John Ott. Although similar in nature, there are enough different scenes and angles to warrant including both versions on this tape. Some home movies of the pageant are also included.
68 minutes, B/W and Color, $24.95
MODERN RAILROADING OF THE 1960'S.
Practically every line represented in these AAR films, expertly narrated by Chet Huntley. Lots of railroad operations from the period, including welded seamless rails, curve reductions, passenger travel, custom car building, auto transport systems, piggybacks, unit trains and more in "New Directions in Modern Railroading." The second selection, "Science Rides the High Iron" includes looks at prototypes, including atomic trains, central tracking control systems, and switching. There is
containerization, diesel shops, maintenance & washing, dome cars, and much, much more. A fine look at 60's railroading.
60 minutes, Color, $24.95
DANGER LIGHTS
(1930 - RKO) With Louis Wolheim, Robert Armstrong, Jean Arthur, Hugh Herbert. Beautifully filmed in several states, this feature film time capsule shows many aspects of the Milwaukee Road during this time. You see everything from maintenance and astounding steam footage, to a railroad race across the midwest at 100 miles per hour to save a dying railroad man! Robert Armstrong (from King Kong) is the man at the throttle... who ends up with the girl (Jean Arthur).
73 minutes, B/W, $19.95
THEM THAR TRAINS #1
Rare train safety films from the steam days. "Safety in Railroading" from the Nickle Plate Road circa 1947. The story of Fred, a likable guy and a newcomer to railroading, and the seasoned old timer. Fred, it seems, is a bit careless, and some amusing careless mistakes lead to a tragedy when the mistake nearly costs him his life. The old timer shows how to get on a moving caboose, get on freight cars, how to step down between cars, how to get off locomotives safely, both steam and diesel. Some great shots of trains of the period. Plus "Safety in Railroading" from the Missouri Pacific. Lots of trains, looking for moving cars, coupling with engines, steam locomotives, car crossings, near wrecks with 1930s cars, torpedoes, signals, and more.
50 min., Color , $24.95
THEM THAR TRAINS #2
A fine selection of unique train films. "Why Risk Your Life" (circa 1945) has the Great Northern Railroad, showing steam and some diesel plus all their yards from St. Paul to the Northwest. Non-stop train yard footage as you see problems with kids, crossing tracks, getting off engines, switching hazards, sleet, snow, icy conditions, new streamlined passenger cars, stopping train accidents, and lots more! "Progress on the Rails" (1952) shows the Pennsylvania Railroad from the Iron Horse of the 1850s to 1952, with the development of the train plus today's twin unit diesels, steam and electric trains. See servicing and go along with the engineer in the cab. The auto speed control is demonstrated. Also shown are the dragging equipment detector, working in road beds, rail detector cars with X-Ray, eliminating tunnels, building freight and passenger cars. "The Penn Station in New York" (1950) includes famous trains like Trail Blazer, American, Broadway and more. Plus, two bonus films: "Railroad Yards" (Penn Station) and "Steam Engines."
60 min., $24.95
FRENCH & BRITISH RAILROAD MEMORIES
Three interesting selections highlighting European railroads: "France on the Move" (1972) has fascinating scenes of their rail system. Many shots the cab with the train going in excess of 100 mph. Take a ride on the Paris-Brussels Express and the Capitole. Includes dining cars with meals and microwaves, sleeper express, and bringing along your car. These advanced trains have automatic doors, air suspension, the ultimate comforts: spotless modern stations for the Metro trains. See super fast
Turbo trains with speeds of 200 mph. Aerotrains with no tracks, and other prototypes. "Museum of British Transport" (1965) Joe Brown at Clapham brings songs of the railroad and its history, from the "Rocket" up; also rails in Britain. The story of steam unfolds, and a glimpse of the museum primes you for phenomenal archival motion pictures taking you from a London corner in 1899 to switching yards, W.W.I troop trains, speeding steam and streamliners, including the Silver Jubilee Express and others, railway workshops, and dismantling the steam locos as Diesel takes over. An unusual musical rendition of British railroad history: "Pacific 231 " (1949) Winner of the Cannes Film Festival, this wondrous film captures the days of steam in France; the sights, sounds, and beauty of the steam train. Recommended!
52 min., Color and B/W, $24.95
SUPER SANTA FE SELECTIONS
A wonderful collection of Santa Fe films: "Play It Safe" (1953) is narrated by Fahey Flynn. Fine scenes of the Chicago yards and the 
story of a young smart alec told by the old timer. Dangerous safety practices are illustrated while you see excellent train footage. Wrong ways of mounting engines, three on a footboard, switching, riding on top, setting brakes are all shown. Look for the 1951 Pontiac portable theater mobile safety unit painted like the trains! Wheat" from 1956 features John Ott. It's the story of bread, from its planting to shipping on the Santa Fe. See the freight yards, loading the wheat, switching, 100 or more cars hooked to the Santa Fe diesels. Bread: from field to grocery store. Also on this tape, "Superchief" (1948), which was Santa Fe's introduction to the Superchief. Take a ride from Chicago to California and experience the beautiful accommodations, dome cars, and interiors. A wonderful 1940s train trip.
55 min., Color, $24.95
AMERICAN RAILROAD MEMORIES
"Big Trains Rolling" (1951) has at least one shot of every railroad, both steam and diesel. "Mainline USA" (1955) showed how America rode the rails. See perfection in rail travel. "The Passenger Train" (1955) is a trip on the Santa Fe Chief.
55 min., Color, $24.95
ELECTRIC RAILROAD MEMORIES
"Why the SNCF Converted to Electric" (1957) shows early steam, maintenance, all aspects of steam locomotives during that time. It also illustrates building and operation of early electric locomotives in France. Plus, a segment from the You Asked For It TV show about these high speed electric locomotives (206 M.P.H.) circa 1955. Also: a railroad yard in Astoria, Long Island, NY, (circa 1960), where electricity is king.
45 min., B/W and Color, $24.95
EASTERN RAILROAD MEMORIES
A rare selection of railroad films: "The Steam Locomotive NYC" (1944) is the history of the $200,000 Hudson locomotive, shown inside and out, in action and at rest. To quote the film, "Here is mass action, in peace and war. It ties us together." "Whistles In The Night Air" (1945) preserves a bit of railroad film noir, emphasizing passenger service in America during war time. It shows steam and diesel on Pennsy, Norfolk & Western and B & 0. Romance on the rails. "Seaboard: New Horizons"
(1948) See the story of the southeast and the seaboard, a promo for industry to come south -- with Seaboard being the prime mover. The last of steam and an early Silver Meteor being shown. Lots of operations, freight and passenger.
58 min., Color & B/W, $24.95
CHICAGO AND NORTHWESTERN RAILROAD MEMORIES
"Song Of The Pioneer" (1948) is the story of the beginning of a railroad, from its inception to the first 10-ton engine, the Pioneer. Witness the first rough passenger train, at a speedy 15 mph, the fist sleeping cars, dining cars up to the Pullman trains. See the line in 1948, steam and diesel footage, the C & NW yard, modern club cars, and diners. Lots of great shots! "Service to Shippers" (Car Fax, 1956) takes a tour of the railroad and marvels at the old computerized system for finding cars. A real oldie! See the diesels, freight yard, repair yard, and coaches for passengers. Follow a freight shipment from Council Bluffs, lA to Chicago, IL, with plenty of switching, tracing, yards and railroad footage for every train bug.
55 min., Color, $24.95
WESTERN RAILROAD MEMORIES
A collection unequaled in its rarity: "Streamlined" (c. 1947) covers 4-8-4 steam locomotives bringing the rhythm of the railroad. The Silver Streak, and steam locomotives are shown being "streamlined." The making of (and wondrous shots of) stainless steel passenger cars, inside and out. There are great views from the cab at high speeds in a Santa Fe diesel passenger train. "Don't Let It Happen to You" (1946) means Santa Fe safety, for the right of way worker during the steam days. Running a
motor car too fast through the yards, racing autos, not watching for trains... See at night, laying track, railroad bridge work, with steam and diesel footage. "Stop, Look and Listen" (1945) is the story of George Mathews, a family man who will lose his life in an hour! See proper ways of descending from a steam locomotive, coupling between cars, setting brakes, and lots of yard footage. George is killed by a Santa Fe Superchief. "It Doesn't Have to Happen" (1945) deals with working in the shop, safety equipment, a "hammer gang," the roundhouse, and repair on beautiful Southern Pacific steam locomotives, including the majestic "Daylight", driving wheel repair and straightening lumber loads. Danger atop steam locomotives during maintenance: Great scenes!
55 min., Color and B/W, $24.95
UNION PACIFIC MEMORIES
For the lovers of steam engines, this film is a must! "Last of the Giants" is a nostalgic look at the age of steam that ended in 1960: the "Big Boy," the workingman's tool; majestic scenes and sounds in the roundhouse; Wyoming Hill; double header smaller locomotives. Many steam locomotives are shown, with six, eight, and ten drivers, leading to the "Big Boy". See the different classes of Union Pacific steam. See servicing, washing, heavy repairs, ride with the
engineer in the cab! Go down hill, brakes asmokin': Sherman Hill, the last use of the "Big Boy". "The Human Side" (circa 1950) is an interesting look at the Union Pacific Railroad during this period. See the ticket clerks, salesmen, delivery trucks, station agents, CTC boards, conductors, porters, passenger trains, and freight yard footage. Humorous situations abound as "Poor Joe" is seen abusing customers in various jobs. It is the ultimate disgrace when he tells a customer to "take the plane!" Wonderful nostalgic memories...
50 min., Color, $24.95
Some Very Rare Train Films
THE LOST EXPRESS (1926)
Dir: J. P. McGowan with Helen Holmes and Henry Barrows.
A complete steam locomotive and its cargo disappear without a trace.
48 min., $14.95
THE OPEN SWITCH (1925)
Helen Holmes, Jack Perrin, Charles Wittaker & Mack Wright
star in this action railroad story of stolen express packages.
50 min., $14.95
PERILS OF THE RAIL (1925)
Helen Holmes, Edward Heam and J. P. McGowan.
One of the best of the action railroad films with great stunts.
61 min., $16.95
EARLY RAILROAD FILMS (1902-12)
The Great Train Robbery (1902-Edison) -- Railroad Smashup (1904-Edison) -- A Railway Tragedy (1904) -- A Mother's Devotion (1910-Vitagraph) -- Railroad Raiders of '62 (1911-Kalem) -- Romance of the Rails (1912-Edison)
50 min., $14.95
EPISODES FROM THE HAZARDS OF HELEN
Produced by Kalem in 1914, this 119 chapter serial did not contain cliffhanger endings.
Each episode is a complete story. The first 3 episodes star Helen Holmes; the last one stars Helen Gibson:
Ep. #9 "Leap from the Water Tower"
Ep. #31 "The Pay Train"
Ep. #33 "In Dangers Path"
Ep. #63 "The Open Track"
56 min., $14.95 each
THE PHANTOM EXPRESS(1932)
Director: Emery Johnson. Cast: William Collier, Jr., Sally Blane, J. Farrell MacDonald, Hobart Bosworth and Lina Basquette.
What forces lay behind the mysterious train wrecks caused by a phantom train?
66 Min, $12.95
THE RETURN OF CASEY JONES (1934-Monogram)
Directed by J. P. McCarthy. Cast: Charles Starrett, Ruth Hall, George Hayes, Robert Elliott, Margaret Seddon, Jackie Searl.
For all you railroad fans we present a great film with loads of fast railroad action. Mastered from a beautiful original print.
64 Min., $14.95
Last updated April 2, 1997.
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