Great Railroad at Work, A (Part I) (1942)

★★★★★ · A Great Movie of a Great Railroad · NH Chris · 2004-08-17

This movie explains in great visual detail the operation of a modern railroad, the New York, New Haven and Hartford, near the apogee of the steam era. This RR ran most of the trains operated in southern New England, with trackage stretching from Boston to New York City, covering all of Connecticut, much of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and across the Hudson to Maybrook, NY as well. The movie shows a good collection of both steam (Hudson I-5s, I-3 Pacifics, and Mountains) and diesel (Alco switchers, Alco DL-109) engines. The maintenance of steam locos is well presented, with steam engines in…

★★★★ · For Railroad History Fans · DanielH · 2006-08-07

In addition to the other reviews that describe the contents of this film, I would add that this presents a fine time capsule look at railroads, and industry in general in the 1940s. It is especially fascinating to see how trains cars are sorted and switches set before the days of computers and automation.

★★★ · All Aboard! · Spuzz · 2003-09-23

Grand overview of the new England railroad system, from the initial attachments of cars, to the haul of passengers and cargo, this film details how important rail travel was once was. We see two trains, a passegner and a cargo train, and how they are prepared and maintained all throughout the system. Pretty good narration by mt CInerama himself, Lowell Thomas. One of the better train movies I've seen.