Signal Box Archive

Elizabethan Express

January 1954 •English

Originally intended as an advertising short, this film follows The Elizabethan, a non-stop British Railways service from London to Edinburgh along the East Coast Main Line. A nostalgic record of the halcyon years of steam on British Railways and the ex-LNER Class A4.

TGV, la réussite française

June 2017 •French

How to Fix a Railway

March 2023 •English

A multibillion-pound investment is underway to make our railways bigger, better and faster. Over three years, we go behind the scenes with Wales’s newest rail body as they try to make ambitious promises a reality.

Hear That Train a Comin'

June 2006 •English

Meet the crew of the Union Pacific Challenger No. 3985, the largest and most powerful steam engine in the world. This colorful documentary is a behind-the-scenes look at the conductors, engineers and mechanics who keep this fickle train running, an engaging history of steam power, and a scenic tour the Great Plains -- from Cheyenne, Wyo., through Denver and across Nebraska to the Omaha headquarters of the Union Pacific.

The Unreserved

February 2017 •Hindi

The Unreserved is an inquiry into the lives of passengers who use the Unreserved Compartment, the cheapest way to travel across India on the Indian Railways system. The film portrays the passengers’ aspirations, efforts and opinions through conversations and personal stories.

OVERHEIGHT MUST TURN

May 2018 •English

For the past ten years, Jürgen Henn has filmed over-height trucks crashing into the 11foot8 train bridge affectionately nicknamed the "Can Opener." In that time, millions have viewed the crashes online. Regional, national, and international news organizations have dined out on the story and the goofy crash reels. But why do motorists continue to crash despite the many warnings, sensors, and signs? And what is it about these crashes that holds our attention? In this piece, we look for the humanity in human error.

London's Railways in the 1960s

April 2010 •English

The British Railways modernisation programme of the 1960s radically changed the rail network, and the British Transport Films unit and the TV news were there to capture it. Compiled here is never before released colour footage of Southern steam at Waterloo (with Nine Elms depot), all the major London stations, The Blue Pullman and early diesels, The Golden Arrow and Night Ferry service, goods and mail, steam on the Metropolitan Railway and building the Victoria Line.

Massachusetts' Maine Attraction: The Edaville Railroad

January 1991 •English

Massachusetts' Maine Attraction is the only definitive documentary on Edaville ever produced. Through extremely rare archive film footage, you'll learn the history of the Maine two-footers and observe regular-service trains on the Sandy River and Bridgeton & Harrison Railroads. Passenger and freight activities, and even winter scenes, are included. The program then describes the evolution of Edaville, from its planning and construction as a cranberry-hauling freight line to a full-fledged theme park. You'll ride the train and view the railroad from both onboard and trackside perspectives, and see coverage of special railfan events, including night activities.

Last of the Giants

January 1959 •English

A Union Pacific production outlining the Big Boy locomotive and the history of the last great steam engine to rule the rails

Clear Track Ahead!

January 1946 •English

A story of progress in railroad transportation

Wheels of Progress

December 1950 •English

Rock Island Railroad documentary on the role the railroad plays in making everyday life possible

Desert Empire

January 1948 •English

A travelogue, this film provides a guided tour of pre-World War II Utah and of course does not pretend to cinematic greatness. Recommended viewing for those in search of introductory Utah history. Also valuable for persons seeking insight into the state as it would have looked during this time period. Especially informative for those desiring a window into the past for a view of how Utah was in the days of their pre-World War II progenitors living in the state. Those whose Utah ancestors were involved in mining, railroading, sugar beets, and other featured industries; featured towns, sights, recreational attractions, and industries may find this otherwise banal travelogue a quite valuable addition to their family history.

Troop Train

January 1943 •English

Government film on the use of railroads in moving troops to support the war efort.

Beef Rings the Bell

January 1960 •English

The sory of the railroad's roll in getting beef to your local market

Safe Roads

January 1935 •English

A production by Chevrolet from 1935 on safety around trains

The Modern Coal Burning Steam Locomotive

January 1942 •English

Documentary on the evolution and introduction of modern coal burning locomotives on the Norfolk and Western Railway line.

The California Zephyr

January 1952 •English

The tale of The California Zephyr, part of the Blackhawk Railroad Series

The Freight Train

January 1954 •English

EB Films presents a documentary on the life of the freight train in America.

Railroad Man

January 1967 •English

The story of the railroad man in his role in keeping the trains moving on the rails.

Rolling the Freight

January 1947 •English

Film on the movement of material from the Chicago and Northwestern System.