The Golden Age of Steam Trains Part: 01

[@potatohead5910]

OH. MY. GOD. Several years ago I'd watch as a young child, the intro to this at least twice a week, I was fascinated with it. Thank you for posting it here.

[@potatohead5910]

I realize now I've already commented, I don't care.

[@ToritheGSMR1702-mz3rc]

I also watched this when i was little to

[@onemanarmy1990]

Man it's been so long since I've watched this since a kid and it still gets me happy

[@nathancorcoran5347]

I remember watching this video back when I was a young child.

[@TheBrandon40500]

Had this on VHS as a kid. Probably watched it over 1000 times. Never gets old.

[@D0nnyB0y]

I have a VHS copy of this program! I would watch it over and over when I was little! It was my favorite tape!

[@rudyhylton2420]

same bro

[@amitavamanna2696]

Steam locos have Souls. They are mostly gone but they still live in me and will live in me forever. Don't ask me why. All steam lovers know the answer.

[@pradeepgalgali]

Yes I too have the answer

[@ironhorsehistorian9871]

I cry tears of joy whenever I get the chance to see the iron dinosaurs in action. That’s what happened when I visited the Texas State Railroad Museum this past May. As my dad was paying for entrance into the heaven on earth, I had the window rolled down and when I heard the whistle and my heart stopped for a split second. As we approached the steam locomotive I became a 4 year old again and I began to cry tears of happiness since it had been nearly 10 years I had seen one. When the train began to move, me and my dad moved towards the front of the train and I was standing only 3 feet away from the back of the tender. I made a sound recording of the iron dinosaur as it thundered about. It was one of the greatest days of my life and being “baptized” by the excess steam droplets was just the icing on the cake for such an awesome day. I hope to return to the Texas State Railroad Museum before summer ends.

[@petergrossett6763]

Steam forever!

[@bsau145a6]

I have the answer as well.And I know better days when railways where more interesting. In the place where I live railways are being metronized.I wish things can go back to the time when we were actually traveling.I also miss the time when more railway line weren't electrified and the beautiful and gorgeous scenery weren't destroyed

[@Osmium192]

If it weren't for people like us, the memory of these iron giants would fade away.

[@makipsee]

i vote they remaster this movie and sell it on dvd! thanks for uploading this i have been looking for it online for so long!

[@johnmichaels2495]

That would imply that the original masters still exist. Given the fact that the masters to some major rock albums have been lost over the years, I think the chances of finding the original material to remaster this film are very slim.

[@sarmedic8401]

I watched this a million times back when I was little. I wish it was on DVD.

[@MrPatrick2160]

AHHH!!! A little taste of childhood, I used to drive my brother and sister crazy whenever it came my turn to pick something to watch, 2/3's of the time I'd pick this!! Thank you for posting this!!!!!!!!

[@mattheweppley]

Oh my gosh! I had this video as a kid but lost it! I heard the music and was ten years old again!!! Thank you so much for such a pleasant memory from my child hood. :-)))

[@makipsee]

since i found these videos i created a playlist with all 6 videos and have been watching/listening to them about twice a day while im on the comp.

[@gregorycorssino2720]

For anyone who is wondering, the main theme in this vid can be found if you expand the "show more" section. Every part of this documentary has music id'd by YT although not all the tracks have been identified. Most of the tracks can be found on the Firstcom music website.

[@jhcranmer]

This video really takes me back…

[@AZWMKWofficialstarNinjaGeneral]

+jhcranmer i have this on vhs

[@jhcranmer]

You may not believe this. But although this is available on VHS only, I was able to use a special DVD recorder to make my own DVDs out of all 7 America's Railroad tapes.

[@thelordchancellor3454]

This brings back so many fond memories. I used to be obsessed with steam trains, and would watch this over and over again. Love it!

[@JerryDoesThings_1604]

OMG SAME HERE

[@bullfrog1954]

A lot of comments left behind about the background music, but back in that era, that's how films were done! When I was in school in the 60s most films, regardless of subject, had some kind of background music! Still a great film!!

[@MrBrockberg]

I Love this VHS tape i wore this out as a little boy. I Cried everytime when they said about the end of steam. I still get emotional deep inside. Look at these huge machines and look at them drivers & bolts & the lights & whistles & the shape of the engine. It has character it has soul its not cut from the same cookie cutter mold. I drive a diesel truck cause it more better on MPGs then a big block but for as long as ill live ill never see a Diesel electric that impresses me.

[@AZWMKWofficialstarNinjaGeneral]

+brett johnson i have this on vhs as well

[@jceinwechter]

Same! My favorite as a kid and the end was so sad!

[@MichaelTheRead]

8:12 Name of this music is "Spirit of America" by John Cameron, from the album "Panorama."

[@KH990j]

@densmithe Much of this footage didn't originally have sound. Lot's of camcorders if any of them didn't have sound back then. Besides, both the narration and music are amazing. The narrator puts the viewer into the history and the music helps exemplify the emotions.

[@mysteryman2580]

yay im not the only one who owns this video. and i agree that this is one of the best documentary on steam locomotives.

[@drosera88]

I was assuming that you were referring specifically to traditional steam locomotives with pistons and side rods. Turbines of course, as well as electric traction would obviously do no more to the rails than modern locomotives; not to mention that you'd probably cut down quite of bit of the maintenance that went with traditional steam.

[@jeffwads]

Brings a smile to my face noting how greenies are crying themselves to sleep after watching these beautiful soot bellowing beasts.

[@Spaceguard1]

Between 1950 and 1960 I lived 10 yds. away from an N&W railway line.I am 62 yrs. old now and I grew up with steam locomotives until they were no more. With steam you saw the power in the wheels turning, and after the train was gone my sister and I would walk the rails like a tightrope. Those were the days.

[@ironhorsehistorian9871]

That’s awesome

[@kylestrasbourg4885]

This is true nostalgia!

[@MichaelTheRead]

Came back to watch this because I still can't believe they BROUGHT BACK BIG BOY!

[@K4JW]

i had this video when i was a little kid ,loved it

[@southernpacific4346]

Top Reasons to revert back to steam 1. They don't all look the same (Unlike diesels) 2 They are more powerful 3 Their song leaves you with happy memories and a smile on your face.

[@JerryDoesThings_1604]

southernpacific4346 i hate to say this but, even though im a steam fan and would rather see steam than diesel, diesels are much more efficient and less costly. Steam locos are a absolute pain in the ass to take care of and cost much more to maintain. You also have to keep in mind that no one makes steam loco parts anymore (except for the railroads that still operate them). Many steam locos are much stronger than diesels, but not every railroad has an operating steamer and it costs millions to restore one. Many railroads that operate, maintain, and preserve these beasts are predicted to stop their steam excursions and operations around the 2050-2070s due to cost, government, and people. Over time, people have lost interest in steam and sooner or later, the railroads that, again, maintain these locos could go out of business due to lack of money and popularity. Therefore, diesels are running, not ruining, the rails of today whereas steam is to help preserve our heritage, to show people what it was like back then, not to “rule the rails” or pull modern American trains. The time of steam, IS OVER.

[@achmadsyifapapahnyareyhan8674]

@@JerryDoesThings_1604 that's just your opinion...and i don't agree

[@mxferro]

@Dolphindream15 Petticoat junction train was and is now part of the Sierra Railroad collection.. it was filmed out there (it is in cali) and still a tourist railroad.

[@theUP844]

Wow! I can't believe I was actually able to find this here, I have this video on tape and its a really great video.

[@MrBlonde707]

i watched this video over and over again when i was little

[@KH990j]

@3wide4checkers 1. If you check out check out part 4 or 5 of this video, it will show you a device called an Archemede's screw which crushed coal and moved it into the firebox. This allowed to fuel the locomotive faster than what two workers could do. 2. Hmm, the only A/C was how fast you could get the train going. Imagine a 95 degree day, you have to wear full clothing (long pants and long sleeves shirt and a hat) to protect you. You are only sitting about a foot or two from the fire box.

[@hushcolours]

I enjoyed the video and the historical details. Thanks ! Unfortunately here in Portugal they're going to end an historical train track called "Tua"

[@Shipwright1918]

1. On smaller engines like Texas, the fuel is tossed or shoveled into the firebox by hand, depending on the type of fuel used. Big engines like Big Boy had mechanical stokers, although the fireman would still have to fill in the places the stoker missed. Oil burning steamers, which come in all sizes, have a set of pipes that run from the fuel tank to the burners in the firebox, with the flow controlled by a lever in the cab 2. They're freezing in the winter, and bloody hot in summer

[@awildjared1396]

this video with the old time trains this video realy gives me flashbacks to the good old days of 2011

[@Geersification]

I remember the old CB&Q.... The first train bridge across the Mississippi River at Quincy,Illinois in 1867

[@KH990j]

@sitp2 Furthermore you can't bring sand into the picture because diesels have that too along with certain traction control systems. They put those small wheels on the diesel for a reason, better tractive effort; the change in speed from the traction motores is with the reduction gear. I really am starting to wonder where people are finding these fuel stats between diesels and steam, I'd like to see them myself.

[@KH990j]

@KH990j Is that so? I can remember watching this video since I was about 3 maybe earlier, and I've been watching it ever since. After my uncle purchased a DVD/VHS dubber, I came up with this idea to post it on the internet. The narration is amazing like I've said, it puts the viewer into the documentary. How come you only stopped with this video? Not enough profit, if I might ask?

[@Shipwright1918]

Well, the fellow who actuallly made this video told me the music was part of a large library of music, presumably all in the public domain, that he had access to when making the video. It's been so long since then that the names and details have been forgottn, so I'm back to square one. I have heard the opening theme used elsewhere, and the guitar/violin piece used during te D&RG segment elsewhere too, so I know somebody ought to know what the songs' names aree.

[@FRAGIORGIO1]

"The most exquisite creation of the Industrial Age" = a fine phrase.

[@ken.mp372]

I am VERY LATE in viewing this 6-PART SERIES of FILMS-- Even so-- From an old Retired Railroaders view-- This GOLDEN AGE OF STEAM TRAINS Series is one of the most wonderful, nostalgic film series I have ever had the pleasure of seeing !! This Series may have some minor Errors in it's Historical Facts, but this is more than made up for in the delightful Narration and the VERY RARE CLIPS of Steam Railroading "Subjects & Locations" NEVER SEEN BEFORE !!!!!

[@KH990j]

The video talks more about British railways in part 5, but I kindof noticed what you mean, they didn't really discuss much about British railways, even though the video does quote the Britain was where steam trains came from and that the British would refine the art of Steam. The one thing is though is that this video deals mainly with the history of American steam trains.

[@Idkjustgothere]

This takes me back a long time

[@jusjetz]

where do i find the train whistle sound effect from 0:00-0:10?

[@KH990j]

Justin Gamino I use audacity.

[@AZWMKWofficialstarNinjaGeneral]

i was lucky i got this vhs for chistmas way back in the day

[@420glass]

Thanks for posting

[@KH990j]

@southernprideyankee Cheesy? I believe the music helps out the video alot. The purpose of music on videos is to help spark emotion, it states a theme for the setting.

[@KH990j]

@GoneWithTheTobacco Distilled water is not free though and all the testing equipment that comes with it so you're paying for two fuels. Wood is obsolete, it doesn't burn hot enough to make a very powerful steam engine and it's dangerous with its spark problem. Diesels can operate off of biodiesel (which I'm not a fan of) which is renewable because of corn and soy. You still need oil to lubricate the bearings which tends to come out of the system many times.

[@KH990j]

@Throwedcat 50 years ago that would have been true, but diesel techonology has progressed so far since it was introduced. In 1950 a V16 diesel engine could put out about 1,500 hp. Today a larger V16 diesel can put out 4,400+ hp, much more tractive effort and consume far less fuel. Their's a reason why there's an entire tender behind a steam loco, they use a lot of fuel, whereas a diesel has just a tank. Diesels also do not use gas but diesel which is more refined and efficient than gasoline.

[@KH990j]

@GoneWithTheTobacco moonshine a term for bootleg alcohol (making booze in the light of the moon). Ethanol and biodiesel are refined for the use in engines rather than for beverage. They can put out more power than petrol fuel (hence why alcohol is used in Nascar) but you can expect fuel economy to go down and prices up along with food and anything that goes with that food and feed to go up.

[@Shipwright1918]

I know I've probably asked this before, but does anybody know the name of the music that rolls during the opening credits? I've been searching everywhere, but nobody seems to know the tune. Reason I ask is that I'd like the song for my own series on miniature steam trains (first episode to be released shortly), and I think it'd go great during the credits.

[@KH990j]

@sitp2 You're probably wrong about the tug of war, the one thing why diesels were first introduced as switchers was because they were great at that job. A diesel has a significantly higher starting tractive effort than a steam loco. You cannot apply full power on a steam loco when starting because there will be really bad wheelslip due to the large wheels then you lose all traction. Sure you could get one with smaller wheels but than you have a weaker loco.

[@jlvt]

Great, great video! Greetings from Brazil.

[@Shipwright1918]

Yes, they almost did. Their locos were ultra modern by typical steam standards, with roller bearings on all axles, mechanical lubrication for all moving parts and the steam circuit, and other features which lessened the labor costs involved, although diesel still triumphed in the end. The Chinese seem to have beaten everyone in terms of steam's staying power, maintaining regular operations until 2005, although some industrial lines still use steam over there, so far as I know.

[@brucefetter]

You should listen to Jim Corche's great Railroad Song". Captures the spirit of this film perfectly.

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

same, i still have it on Tape

[@KH990j]

They mainly just mentioned random locomotive names. Besides, the Challenger is pretty close to the design of the Big Boy and it has just as impressive a name as the Big Boy. He also would have forgotten Hudson, Pacific, Atlantic, or Northern.

[@KH990j]

@Cockroach2008 quite the instigator, eh. Just great, now I'm going to get negative comments on your comment, thanks man for being considerate.

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

i wish i was around for the golden age of steam, my dad was around for the end of it

[@Shipwright1918]

I'd like to know the name of the title song, right after the big boy shows up, as well as the name of the country style song with the violin solo during the D&RGW segment later on in the film, for I'd love to have them in my music collection. I've watched this vid numerous times on VHS, for it one of the first train videos I ever had. Despite the canned sound effects, it's a good film to start out with for the aspiring railfan.

[@emdman1959]

Love the comment that some steams engines names were more well known than most presidents and usually more usefull.

[@KH990j]

@compukenny if you watch last of the giants they use similar narration in that video too. I think they just combined everything into this video or whatever.

[@salemcripple]

Ask any gearhead, railfan, or fan of any kind of engine anywhere. They'll tell you the same. There's almost nothing more beautiful than a big steamer, billowing smoke and steam as it roars down the mainline at 70 mph. It's one thing all us "motorheads" have in common!

[@Shipwright1918]

Does anybody know the name to the song at the beginning of this? And to the guitar and violin bit later on when the D&RGW is onscreen. I'd love to find the soundtrack to this and have the music..

[@brickmaster24]

you know we hear a lot about the regular recipricating steamers but howcome there aren't any videos of like the steam turbine engines

[@KH990j]

If you know the names to some of the music compositions in this movie, especially the first one, please tell me what they are called.

[@Smedley60]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@KH990j]

@3wide4checkers In winter time, even when it was freezing cold, the engineer could be sweating on his face, but when he touched the back of his neck, he could feel the snow collecting on it. By the 1940s, steam locos had large fire boxes, and they needed to generate a lot of heat considering some boilers ran up to nearly 300 psi, which is alot for any steam engine. 3. One would be trained in railroad operations, the characteristics of the locos and the lines.

[@KH990j]

@akman45304 music expresses can express emotion or a feeling and can sometimes turn even the most boring of motion pictures into something more exciting.

[@ironhorsehistorian9871]

I love these iron dinosaurs. They are awesome and mysterious.

[@mabhekaphansi]

British ... American... wherever ... they are all Grand Ladies! Be glad they travelled the earth, and can still be seen in all their beauty.

[@Shipwright1918]

Anybody know what the song at the beginning is? I've been looking for the title for it, and I can't find it anywhere....

[@Shipwright1918]

A steam locomotive has no "transmission" as such, since the engine is coupled directly to the wheels, negating the need for such a thing. The valve gear, drive rods, etc, are lubricated with graphite grease and good lube oil to reduce any friction to bare minimum.

[@kingtigertank]

same here. I love this movie. too bad when i was little i destroyed the box. anyone know where i can get it on DVD? or even VHS

[@emutiny]

sounds like some stock music possibly produced at the production company or a local musician. I would suggest contacting a musician, play him the tune, and ask him to produce something similar.

[@johnmichaels2495]

Sounds to me like this wasn't digitized well, at least from an audio perspective. It sounds like it was properly mixed, and given the age it was almost certainly mixed in the analog domain (that is to say, mixed using a console). Either way, the distortion (the voiceovers sound particularly bad in this regard) is quite annoying.

[@CodexandCo.]

I have the VHS of this, along with the rest of the collection

[@PS-nf3xw]

Any idea which music tracks are used throughout the documentary?

[@kingtigertank]

whats the name of the song at the beginning of this video?

[@kingtigertank]

I have this movie on VHS, can you get it on DVD?

[@KH990j]

@TerminatorFRA and the F7 Hudson that powered the Hiawatha.

[@csxguy3002]

0:13 Is that the sound from MSTS?

[@Shipwright1918]

The same holds true for diesels, bucko. You can't give a lot of power on the start with diesel either, unless you fancy snapping a coupler, jolting the cargo, or spinning the wheels.

[@mrtrainmaster8007]

My late grandfather used to have this movie.

[@TedNewsom]

@SouthernRR4501 -- Thank you. I wrote it (and narrated it.) I'm tickled so many people have watched this-- amazed, really! There's over 300,000 hits.

[@FRAGIORGIO1]

There was a composition by an American composer about "Engine 94", or something like that, but I cannot find out who the composer was or the exact name. Does anyone know? Thanks. It was imitative of the old steam engines starting up and under way.

[@ZekPatterson]

I said in another video, nothing quite like a steam train. I do prefer European over American, but they are all great in their own ways! Beautiful machines!

[@AndrewTheRocketCityRailfan4014]

Name of the first soundtrack?

[@austenoliviawheeler3993]

I’ve got some neat ways to do creative and imaginative play “any preposition” my book’s pages/artwork/pictures/drawings/pics/masterpieces/paintings with some really cool animations, special effects, designs and graphics along with childish things i will do again more childlike and of course autism and Dallas of you please. •play with toys/play games •order off a children’s menu at the restaurant •every now and then keep the kids’ things •have people in my family with vintage childhood and hair (my family, my glasses, my hair and my childhood) •be/play fair •take turns and share •do my share •have fun •be on my best behavior •sometimes get what i want and have my own way •do all i can to break/know bad habits without being told and try not to do anything wrong again •read books (the ones made for reading) and join in story-time somewhat before bedtime •enjoy all of my wonderful talents •use my imagination that has autism just like me •share my autistic creativity for lots of childlike fun •make everything i love childlike (do and say what’s more childlike) •try to be less talkative/mouthy/loquacious/chatty because these adjectives can cause me to hurt myself or/and others •color/draw/outline/sketch/doodle/do activities/play games on/in activity/coloring books/pages to keep myself/my hands, mouth, mind and body active/busy and To entertain/distract myself with some Clever disguises •inspire my amazing autistic architecture •spend time at/visit/go to fun places in downtown Dallas/the city of Dallas most times at night so i could see all the colorful lights shining and flashing in the nighttime sky. •some of the time learn to overcome my problems, understand my mood or/and deal/cope with my emotions/feelings so I’ll take good care of myself and not get fat/weigh a hundred pounds/carbs/calories which I’m finally getting used to. •”anything or parts of speech” my feelings, my temper, my autism and other stuff my mind’ll get on during day which may/might make me feel bad but help me do what’s right/age appropriate (some of the time do and say what’s little child or more adult) •show a million bazillion silly habits/reactions/behaviors/manners •create/make some fashion models/designs •pop bubble wraps •have even more childlike fun within my very own fun stuff/things at home and at other places •positivity about finishing school and work/the transition program which is pretty much different from/than regular schools but is actually a job skills training thing. •tell how i feel with good things/stuff i realize and come up with messages that say funny/important/good/nice things about anything my mind gets on •make funny noises/sounds/voices with old childhood memories •remember everything from when i was a young girl •surf the web/net and party plan at the same time and then find other ways to do rest of my party planning •watch TV and movies anywhere i want and anytime i like especially online, on actual television, on demand, on VHS, On DVD and/or on any kind of app using an iPhone/a cell phone or an iPad or maybe an apple computer/laptop/laptop computer •be all kinds of community helpers with autism •tell how I’m really feeling when reading my body book/book about sexual abuse aka “it’s perfectly normal” And then my mom will let me and my character pal Hiro Hamada do sexual body stuff in my room all alone with the door shut/closed so people don’t see us naked/our privates/private parts/areas/sex organs including the vagina, penis, foreskin, public hair, clitoris and/or testicles while winning the masturbating/sex organ/private/private area/part enjoying/rubbing/touching/feeling/massaging/“know when genders masturbate” contest •sleep in and be taken good care of because I’m all finished/done with school and the transition program. •creatively/imaginatively/artistically understand a gazillion makings and histories of so many children’s things within the FAQ. •become an ambassador for autism

[@KH990j]

@richardcwood1 I miss the ATSF period and the SP, though when I was a kid, it was older second gen EMD diesels dressed in blue and yellow warbonnet or Kodachrome and the bloody nose.

[@KH990j]

@Justin5637 1. They do look awesome 2: Yeah, right, since when has a steam locomotive ever produced less pollution. That stuff that comes out of the smoke stack, I'm not sure if you know this, but it's a bit more plentiful on a steam engine, just saying. 3. In the 1950s steam locos were more powerful, now we have diesels that put out 4,400+hp with AC traction motors that can craw up a mountain at full power and not lose traction, try that on a steam engine.

[@MrBrockberg]

you cant get that clicky clack or that lonesome howl into the night or the steam & smoke out the stack of a diesel like you can a steam engine. 1 day i will build a model set set in the late 60s with everything i love The Coolness of the 50s & 60s steam Engines & Classic cars & great rocknroll

[@ronthecyborg]

I wish my American Studies teacher made us watch videos like this. MAybe then I would've passed!

[@jacobmorgan7974]

does anyone know the type of locomotive at 4:58?

[@Walschaerts90]

A New York Central 4-6-4 Hudson type.

[@WhyAyeMann]

Same here! I have this video at home.

[@Roncace]

Let's not forget the "Hero's engine" (aeolipile) It was made a long time earlier than James Watt

[@KurtAnsa]

An amazing thing for its time but a steam train it certainly wasn't.

[@Roncace]

True! But, it is something that I still think should be given credit to nonetheless

[@KurtAnsa]

If early pioneers of steam driven devices learned from the aeolipile that steam from heated water provides a "pushing force" then I would agree.

[@Moxin667]

The two people under me don't know what they're talking about. I just watched this for American Studies, though honestly it was more for pleasure after about two minutes. It's nice to hear about motive power outside of Atlas Shrugged; no beliefs being pounded into my head here.

[@murphdog6968]

for the first time i get to see Up 844 class trains double heading 3:24

[@Buynot]

you mean FEF-3 class?

[@FourKaiju]

These Steamn engines are my FAVORITE!!!!!!

[@Sohave]

@Cockroach2008 Are you talking about preserved historic artifacts? Why there has been spend a lot of time and money in preserving them for our children and grandclildren to explore. The excess has already been scraped. Are you building some giant robot to take over the world since you are such interested in getting scrap metal?

[@D0nnyB0y]

Of course I haven't, I was just saying that I used to have the VHS of this certain show.

[@nicholasmedovich1647]

Does anyone have the soundtrack for this film