Producer: Pentrex
Timeframe: 1940 – 1950s
Locations: USA
Length: 1 hour 35 minutes
Five vintage films from the 1940s and ’50s. Professionally produced by the Railroad organizations of the time. Most, if not all of these have circulated. Convenient to have a group on a single DVD.
A detailed Chapter Menu breaks them down by the five movie titles. A Play All option, as well.
These shall be reviewed by individual title. All are narrated. Full color films.
A roll up and combined rating upon completion.
Burlington Route FT set. One of the myriad of rarities.
On The Track
AAR short film of 1950s era. Dudley Productions. A shared theme of America produces, and ships by rail. Wide variety of railroads passby the camera.
There are a number of famous landmarks. Prosperous, post war America. There are similar films made during this time.
Covers much subject matter in about 15 minutes. Historical look back into time. Heavy industry is one focus.
Plenty of early diesels. F and E units dominate. A few odd, Alco and Baldwin units. Several steam locomotives.
Life – Line of the Nation
Another Carl Dudley Production. Don McNamara has the narrator credit.
An earlier film. Deals with World War 2. The valuable role of US railroads to move the military. The industry to manufacture equipment.
Hence, a National defense theme. Milwaukee Road box cab electrics.
Get busy identifying what you see in all of these shows. Look closely…
Florida East Coast!
Milwaukee Road Hiawatha. Nice runby!
Runs about 20 minutes. Plenty of steam.
Rare, New York Central Empire State Express.
Early diesels in small numbers here.
The might of the US industrial complex, to support the war effort. Cooperation amoung the railroads to move everything.
The responsibility of the railroads to keep the peace time America rolling.
225,000 Mile Proving Ground
A 1958 produced, Association of American Railroads. Dudley Pictures.
The Headline Story of Railroad Research.
The subtitle sums up where this movie short is going. These old films do like to emphasize just how well they are doing!
This Union Pacific Turbine, is the future.
The science of Railroading. Metallurgy, as in more durable rail is one subject. Freight car design and uniform improvements.
Improved refrigerator equipment. Santa Fe.
Modern hump yard. Modern signaling for reliable train movements, is another.
Boxcars are constantly improved.
America’s 225,000 rail miles are the proving ground for so much technology.Suffice it to say, A Chicago headquarters, was at the forefront, of the leading edge.
Railroads and National Defense
Dudley Pictures. Korean War era.
America: with natural resources, industrial might and a strong military. Ready to meet any challenge. Transportation is the key.
This short is packed with early diesels! Missouri – Kansas – Texas E units. MKT.
T
By now, you will notice the recycling of some footage. Remember, the producers were doing these films separately. They would have never dreamed of a single DVD!
Buses move troops to the trains. Going to embarkation areas.
Runs about 12 minutes. Many of the same trains seen previously. Like this Monon.
In a way, seen one, seen them all with these old short films. They vary somewhat. Yet, are quite similar.
Mainline USA
Also an AAR release from the 1950s. Dudley Pictures. Gilmore is this narrator.
Probably the best of this collection. Many diesels. Pennsylvania Baldwin Sharks are shown.
Rock Island TA.
Again with the greatest America.
Same recycled footage. Much new and additional film.
This one contains the largest selection of diesels.
Advances, such as truck trailers on flatcars.
Runs about 20 minutes.
The Heritage Collection, Volume 1
Pentrex has delivered on the advertised. These vintage short films are of a historical nature. Repeat scenes, no extra charge!
Years ago, many old train films were difficult to obtain. Much has surfaced over the decades. There are still some rare birds. Although, only a quick glimpse of each.
Overall, an authentic period collection. Has trains, and much more. One viewpoint of American life. May or may not, be of interest.
Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 