Discover how the great 19th-century peacetime invention developed into a powerful war machine, forever altering how, when, where, and why battles were fought.
Immortalized by ballad, the Wabash railroad bridged America's East and West Coasts, and became railroad slang for the Midwest's fastest trains. But its history of luxurious passenger and fast freight trains is rife with tales of financial ruin and constant rebuilding. Take a seat on the Cannonball and ride the rough rails of its legend.
In the early days of the railroads, as robber barons rushed to lay more track than their rivals and the lure of commerce pushed the rails further into the wilderness, accidents were commonplace. In 1890 alone, over 6,000 people were killed and 35,000 injured in train accidents. Today, rail travel is much safer, but a surprising number of train trips still end in disaster. GREAT TRAIN DISASTERS is a riveting, disturbing journey through the dark side of rail travel. Period reports and photographs detail the many problems that dogged railroads in their infancy, from exploding boilers to washed-out track. See stunning footage of more modern accidents and their aftermath, and explore what can be done to make trains safer with officials and experts. And hear harrowing tales of disaster from those lucky enough to survive.
Hop aboard the longest privately owned train in the world, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey's circus train.
See the restoration of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad steam train, then hop aboard for gorgeous mountain views. And tour the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad taking in the Scenery, from mountains to meadows.
Experience the engineering marvel known as the Georgetown Loop Railroad in the Rocky Mountains. Next, take Amtrak's California Zephyr before riding the Ski Train up to the base of the Winter Park Ski Resort.
Ride through glorious fall foliage on the Durango & Silverto Narrow Gauge Railroad in this Emmy Award winning film. Plus, travel the Georgetown Loop Railroad, then climb aboard the world's largest operating steam Locomotive.
In this Emmy Award winning film, go inside the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad roundhouse to see how the shop maintains steam engines. Then ride the Cripple Creek Railroad and the Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and see snow country.
Go inside the two year rebuild program of the steam powered Canada Pacific Railroad #2816. See the disassembly and watch as the finishing touches are applied. After light up, be trackside, aboard the train, and in the cab during mainline testing.
Travel with the 2816 on it's five day inaugural run through the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Then, check out a classic eight car consist and a diesel locomotive in Canada Pacific Railroad heritage point. Hop aboard, go trackside, and see the powerful 2816 from above!
Take a trip down memory lane with this look at the last days of steam in Canada during the 1950's. Stories from railroad engineers and footage by the great railroad photographer Newt Rossiter bring the fascinating era to life.
Steam era railroaders share their most memorable tales. Then watch renowned railroad photographer Newt Rossiter's breathtaking footage featuring powerful steam machines in glorious summer landscapes, and winter wonderlands.
See the UK's Bristolian in the days when steam ruled the railroads and watch trains in action on the Lickey incline, the steepest sustained main line railway incline in Great Britain! Then ho on board for the very last train from Abergavenny to Merthyr in beautiful Wales.
Enjoy views on the spectacular ex-GER E4 at Cambridge and the closing of the Wye Valley Line. Next, ride the scenic Skye line, visit a Worcestershire branch line and take a trip to King's Cross shed. Plus, see the Midland Compound 1000 and the Brighton Belle.
Take two Dukedogs to Barmouth, Wales, and then the T9 to Tavistock, a town with medieval roots. Then visit the Perth shed and the Cromford & High Peak lines, and go for a ride on the repainted ex-GN of SR, the Gordon Highlander on the gorgeous Spey Valley line!
Go on a fascinating journey from Bath to Evercreech Junction in England, ride the last train from Bala to Ffestiniog in Wales, and hop aboard the Lancashire & Yorkshire Specials and the Severn & Wye in the Forest of Dean.
See the trains of the Isle of Wight in the English Channel and take a trip from Ryde to beautiful Ventnor. Back in London, ride the Cambrian Coast Express, and then see the Bluebell Railway line in it's early preserved form.
Take in the very best steam scenes from around both northern and southern Europe. See the best French steam trains, breathtaking rack and narrow gauge railways in Switzerland, and a beautiful route from Helsinki to the Arctic Circle! Plus, ride the Orient Express from Paris to Athens!
Enjoy selections of the original BBC series Railway Roundabout. See archive footage of spectacular steam of the early 1960's, including an insider's look at the York signal box, Bewdley station, the new Midland Pullman, and more!
See this special film featuring footage from the original BBC series. See early 1960's steam trains in the UK, plus visit Newton Heath shed, the Marylebone exhibition, and ride from Newcastle to Carlisle with a diesel multiple unit.
Union Pacific's steam locomotive #3985 is the largest operating steamer in the world. Built in 1943, it still runs today! See where this spectacular train is maintained, and ride along through Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois for amazing views!
See exciting steam action as the 484 #6325 and 462 #1293 strut their stuff! These trips were the first photo specials on the Ohio Central Railroad with the #6325. Multiple cameras bring you all the superb run-bys with great sound and smoke plumes galore!
