Great American Circus and Show Trains

Producer: Pentrex

Timeframe: 1999

Locations: many

Length: 1 hour 20 minutes

The Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus moves by rail, via two trains. An antique Circus World Museum is hauled on a train to Milwaukee, WI.

James E. Strates transports a huge Carnival on the railroad. America’s last one to this. Operating along the Eastern Seaboard. I had never heard of Strates.

Each train has a unique history. In fact, Circus history is as fascinating as Railroad. They run parallel, when they had common goals. Moving the shows.

A detailed Chapter Menu is provided. Very handy to navigate through the material.

Full narration by David Drui. Well scripted. Fine soundtrack. Enviornmental audio with all the sounds needed for a great show.

Circus World Museum. Located in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Has it’s own fine historical base. A premier collection of antique circus wagons. Fred Dahlinger Jr. gives the history.

The wagons are loaded in the traditional, Circus Style. Using horse teams and vintage D2 Caterpillars. One at a time.

Older fans will know, this was formerly moved by Chicago and Northwestern.

Wisconsin and Southern E9 units pull the super colorful train to Milwaukee.

A train chase, is a one of a kind.

The full on parade features live animals in the wagons.

America, is a steam powered Calliope. Rare musical sounds, to pair with this rare wagon.

Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey. Blue train. One of the two, Ringling touring units.

Over 300 people live on the Circus train.

Elephants are featured. 

Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey. Red train. This one is shown in greater detail. As far as the on/ off process.

James E. Strates Shows. Orlando FL.

Perhaps, anti-climatic following the Greatest Show on Earth. Strates has a worthwhile story. Began as a wrestling show, by a group of Greeks. Leave the remainder of this intriguing tale for the show.

The large Carnival has some huge equipment to transport. Rail provides the best solution. Jimmy Strates has excellent personal experience and details.

 Lengthy train moves the goods from site to site. Although his employees room on the train. They differ from the Circus trains. His employees travel via the highways.

Pentrex has a short musical video short. Showcases the James Strates show. Seen at the end of this show. Anderson, SC.

Great American Circus and Show Trains

Here is an outstanding program of Circus and a Carnival trains. The progression from early history to current usage, leads any viewer to be able to understand the transportation aspect of moving the show.

The old techniques, as demonstrated by Circus World are time proven. Similarities to modern loading are readily apparent.

The inclusion of, actual events add much interest to any viewer. Vintage museum loading with horse teams. The Milwaukee parade. Animals with Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Brothers Circus. James E. Strates Carnival video. Excellent!

Perfect show for family viewing!

Rating: 5 Stars