A-1 Video
presents
TRAINS & RAILROADING
Visa, Mastercard or Discover
cards accepted for instant orders use this mail link
or call phone, fax orderline
(716) 731-2389

A - B


AMERICAN RAILROAD MEMORIES
BIG TRAINS ROLLING  1951  At least one shot of every railroad, both steam and diesel.  MAINLINE USA  1955  America rides the rails. See perfection in rail travel. THE PASSENGER TRAIN  1955  A trip on the Santa Fe Chief.
(A-00-MC71) ............ 55 minutes COLOR.............................................$19.95 plus S & H



CHICAGO &  NORTHWESTERN RAILROAD MEMORIES
SONG OF THE PIONEER 1948  The story of a railroad’s beginning, from its inception to the first 10 ton engine, the Pioneer. Witness the first rough passenger train at a speedy 15 mph, the first sleeping cars, dining cars up to the Pullman trains. See the line in 1948, steam and diesel footage, the C & NW yard, modern club cars, and diners. Lots of great shots!  SERVICE TO SHIPPERS (Car Fax, 1956) Take a tour of the railroad in 1956 and marvel at the old computerized system for finding cars. A real oldie. See the diesels, freight yard repair yard, and coaches for passengers. Follow a freight shipment from Council Bluffs, IA to Chicago, IL. with plenty of switching, tracing yards and railroad footage for every train buff.  
(A-00-MC36).........................COLOR .............55 minutes......................$19.95 plus S & H

CONDUCTOR 1492
This is one for train and trolly buffs! Johnny Hines plays Terry O'Toole a young Irishman who arrives in America and gets a job as a streetcar conductor on the Big Red Line. He rescues the son of the company president from death, foils the attempts of crooks (GM?) To gain control of the street railway company and marries the boss' daughter. As an added short subject with some darn good trolly action is added.
(A-472-E) .....................B & W silent with music score...approx 65 minutes...$20.00 plus S & H


D - E - F

 

EASTERN RAILROAD MEMORIES
A rare selection of railroad films. THE STEAM LOCOMOTIVE NYC 1944  The history of the $200,000 Hudson locomotive, shown inside and out, in action an at rest. To quote the film, "Here is mass action, in peace and war. It ties us together." WHISTLES IN THE NIGHT AAR 1945  Railroad film noir emphasizes passenger service in America during war time. Shows steam and early diesel on Pennsy, Norfolk & Western and B & O. Romance on the rails.  SEABOARD: NEW HORIZONS 1948  Colorful   story of the southeast and the Seaboard, a promo for industry to come south with Seaboard being the prime mover. The last of steam and early "Silver Meteor" being shown. Lots of operations, freight and passenger.
(A-00-MC56) ...............58 minutes.........COLOR and b-w..............$19.95 pls S  & H


ELECTRIC RAILROAD MEMORIES
WHY THE SNCF CONVERTED TO ELECTRIC  1957   Shows early steam, maintenance, and all aspects of steam locomotives during that time. Also illustrates building and operation of early electric locomotives in France. Plus, a segment from the TV show You Asked For It about these high speed electric locomotives circa 1955.
(A-00-MC73) ...............50 minutes............ COLOR and b-w............... $19.95 plus S & H


END OF THE LINE
A look back at vanished forms of transportation. "ANGELS FLIGHT" was a unique cable car in Los Angeles that went to the top of Bunker Hill. After 60 years of service the ride was still a nickel. "DESIGNED FROM THE INSIDE" is the story of how the C & O railroad with help from its employees redesigned their main repair shop at Huntington W. Va. You will see rows of steam engines in what was possibly their last overhaul. "THE END OF THE "EL" is about the 3rd Avenue Elevateds and their numbered days after 76 years of service. Pathe news covered the landmark on its last days. "DOUBLE DECK SWAN SONG" is next. It is 1952 and New York City is in the process of eliminating those old-fashioned double deck busses. As a bonus we've added "THE LAST NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD" which, unlike the previous forms of transportation, is still with us! It is the Silverton Railroad in Durango, Colorado.
(A-290-E) Color and B & W ...approximately 40 minutes ...$20.00 plus shipping and handling


ESCAPE FROM LIMBO; A Railroad MaN's NightMare
A seeming forgotten, different and unique safety film from the Pennsylvania Railroad, it's just as entertaining as any half hour television show from the 1950's. It has a solid story line instead of the usual safety speeches.
This is the tale of a fireman, Henry, who gets killed in a hunting accident and ends up in limbo where he is required to go out and collect the souls of other railroad men as they maim and kill themselves preferably with his help.
The screenplay includes action in the yard and on the high iron. Almost all types of accidents are depicted and they actually derail a locomotive for the movie. A forgotten gem about real railroad men, with real railroad men in the movie!
Bonus film; "REPORT TO AMERICA"
Another newly discovered railroad film from 1957. It has a fresh approach on the railroad problems of unfair competition. It presents not only the pro side of the railroads but the cons as well. A classic comment in the narration is "Old time railroad men hate the diesel engine with it's blaring horn"
(A-890-E) ...............approx 1 hr...........b&w............... $14.95 plus S & H


FRENCH & BRITISH RAILROAD MEMORIES
Three interesting selections highlighting European railroads. FRANCE ON THE MOVE 1972  Fascinating scenes of the French rail system. Many shots from the cab with the train going in excess of 100 mph. Take a ride on the Paris-Brussels Express and the Capitole. Includes dining cars with meals and microwaves, sleeper express, and bringing along your car. These advanced trains have automatic doors, air suspension, the ultimate comforts. Spotless modern stations for the Metro trains. See super fast Turbo trains with speeds of 200 mph. Aerotrains with no tracks, and other prototypes. MUSEUM OF BRITISH TRANSPORT (1965) Joe Brown at Clapham. Songs of the railroad and the history, from the "Rocket" up; also rails in Britain. The story of steam unfolds, and a glimpse of the museum primes you for phenomenal archival motion pictures taking you from a London corner in 1899 to switching yards, WWI troop trains, speeding steam and streamliners, including the Silver Jubilee Express and others, railway workshops, and dismantling the steam locos as Diesel takes over. An unusual musical rendition of British railroad history. PACIFIC 231 (1949) Winner of the Cannes Film Festival, this wondrous film captures the days of steam in France--the sights, the sounds, and the beauty of steam train 231 in non-stop action. Recommended!
(A-00-MC55) ...............52 minutes............COLOR and b-w................$19.95 plus S & H



G - M

 

THE LADY VANISHES
This thriller from Alfred Hitchcock takes place on a cross-country train trip where a kindly old lady befriends a young English couple. Suddenly the old lady disappears and the other travelers say she never existed and imply that the young lady's search is a delusional fantasy! The young man (played by Michael Redgrave) is finally convinced of the girl's story and together they uncover the mystery of kidnap, murder and spies!
(A-53) B & W ................approximately 97 minutes...............$12.98 plus shipping and handling


LAST OF THE GIANTS
A tribute to BIG BOY, the last of the Union Pacific's once magnificent fleet. This outstanding documentary thoroughly covers every aspect of this behemoth rails. Also on this compilation is "THE IRON HORSE GETS ASTHMA" a 1944 New York Central instructional film on how to stoke a boiler of a locomotive.
(A-446-E) Color and b & w ....approximately 30 minutes... $20.00 plus shipping and handling


LIONEL the Movie plus Iron Ponies and more
For you model railroading buffs comes this compilation for the colector to see interesting layouts and what those classic model trains on  the store shelves can really do when in action! In LIONEL THE MOVIE, are the rarest and most desired items of the post-WW2 era including the Hudson with Irving cars, Congressional Set, Norfolk & Western, F-3 Diesels, GG-1s and those action accessories. Next is Lionel's 1951 promotional film IRON PONIES with the New York Showroom layout, factory assembly line, Joshua Lionel Cowen and the story behind the creative enjoyment of Lionel scale-model Railroading. Finally, the toy train experience is captured in an excerpt from RAILROAD STORY on this compilation devoted to toy train buffs!
(A-682 )  Color and B & W ......approximately 30 minutes total.....$9.98 plus shipping and handling


LIONEL the Movie II
Featuring Lionel sound effects records and commercials with new video added. PLus three Lionel films --the re-edited WONDERFUL WORLD OF TRAINS (1960)  RAILROAD STORY (1951) and  CAVALCADE OF TRAINS introducing the 1962 Lionel Line. The films include many prototypes and views of the Lionel showroom. This is an exciting, fun to watch video to thrill and delight both the novice and the veteran toy train buff!
(A-889-E )  Color and B & W ......approximately 60 minutes total.....$14.98 plus shipping and handling


MODERN RAILROADING OF THE 1960'S
Practically every line is represented in these AAR films, expertly narrated by Chet Huntley. NEW DIRECTIONS IN MODERN RAILROADING Lots of railroad operations from the period, including welded seamless rails, curve reductions, passenger travel, custom car building, auto transport systems, piggybacks, unit trains and more. SCIENCE RIDES THE HIGH IRON Includes a look at prototypes, including atomic trains, central tracking control systems, and switching.  There is containerization, diesel shops, maintenance & washing, dome cars, and much, much more.  A fine look at 60's railroading.
(A-00-MC111) ...............55 minutes......... COLOR...............$19.95 plus S & H


MOVIN'
This film is about Canada and Canadians- and the CN's steel rails that move the products of Canada. Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot presents a close look at the ribbons of steel that tie the country together. A highly entertaining modern documentary. Also presented is "SAFETY FACTS", a presentation of the Southern Pacific, Western Pacific, Union Pacific and Santa Fe railroads. It shows how crossing accidents happen; fully illustrated.
(A-269-E) Color.....................approximately 45 minutes...$20.00 plus shipping and handling

Paris Express
Claude Rains stars in this well-acted, complex mystery about a man who steals a fortune and his harrowing attempts to escape via a trans-European passenger train. Herbert Lom co-stars.
(A-099) Color ..........approximately 83 minutes... ....$9.98 plus shipping and handling


R



RAILROADING; From HOBBIES to HISTORICAL
Here is a collection of short films on trains ranging from antique toy trains, to model trains and real trains. " TOCATTA FOR TRAINS" is a nice movie of antique toy trains (not intended to look real or to scale like model trains). "A MOST 'N' GAUGING HOBBY" is about building a layout and highlighting the size, detail and realism of 'N' Gauge. "RAILROAD SCRAPBOOK" features several real trains including the narrow gauge Romney-Heath-and-Dimchurch line in 1947. The re-opening of the line was attended by officials and Laurel and Hardy as they clowned around for the crowd at the festivities! "GO SLOW ON THE BRIGHTON LINE" is a short film that features a 765 miles-per-hour tour through the tunnels and English cities ending up in Brighton. "THE VANISHING EL" takes us to old New York as we ride the 3rd Avenue "El" with great shots of the city. "TURBO TRAIN" features an 800 H.P. aerospace-designed 7-car unit which ran from Montreal to Toronto in less than 4 minutes. "NEW TRAINS FOR OLD?" is a documentary about bringing courtesy, efficiency and earning power back to modern American railroads.
(A-259) Color and B & W...approximately 90 minutes ... $14.98 plus shipping and handling


RAILROAD MAN
This is a powerful 1967 documentary of the pleasures and problems associated with working on the railroad. The men reminisce about the good old days of steam and tell tales of a bygone era including the dangers and death involved and how railroading has changed over the years. Railroad buffs will watch this one with great pleasure again and again.
(A-287-E) Color................................................................. $20.00 plus shipping and handling


RAPID TRANSIT
A quartet of films produced by General Electric. As the subtitle on the film reads, "An editorial on coordinated metropolitan transportation" or more simply put, look at the good work we're doing. The first film, "GOING PLACES" (1952) in beautiful color, was the opening shot in GE's decades-long conquest of the mass transit market. It features footage on systems in San Francisco, Shaker Heights, Toronto, Denver, Erie and others. "GETTING YOUR RIGHT OF WAY" (1960) is on the Toronto system. Plus we've included a TV news clip that looks like GE puff. "EVERYONE'S EXPRESS" (1963) is on San Francisco's system. "RAPID TRANSIT" (1966) A San Francisco update shows the BART lab car and early car mockups.
(A-428-E) Color and b & w...approximately 50 minutes... $20.00 plus shipping and handling


RED SIGNALS  (1927)
One of the most action filled railroad features of the silent era, this feature length movie was produced by J.P. McGowan, Hollywood's most prolific maker of railroad-themed films. A series of mysterious train wrecks are plaguing the Santa Fe railroad. Undercover detectives are called in to solve this fast moving melodrama filled with high speed excitement.
(A-473) B & W silent with music scored added.......approx 60 minutes.......$10.00 plus S & H



S


STEAM KINGS AND IRON HORSES
This is a collection of historical footage of railroading. An "Iron Horse Centennial" from 1927 brings out many famous steamers including the Tom Thumb, The Atlantic, The Memnon, Camelback, Royal Blue 1310, Britannia, DeWitt-Clinton and more. Other short films from the 1890's and early 1900's of railroads are included in this look back at the golden age of steam.
(A-96) B & W silent w/ music added...approx. 60 minutes...$14.98 plus shipping and handling

Super Santa  Fe Selections
A wonderful collection of Santa Fe films.  PLAY IT SAFE 1953  is narrated by Fahey Flynn. Fine scenes of the Chicago yards and the story of a young smart alec told by the old timer. Dangerous safety practices are illustrated while you see excellent train footage. Wrong ways of mounting engines, three on a footboard, switching, riding on top, setting brakes are all shown. Look for the 1951 Pontiac portable theater mobile safety unit painted like the trains!  WHEAT  from 1956 features John Ott. It's the story of bread, from its planting to shipping on the Santa Fe. See the freight yards, loading the wheat, switching, 100 or more cars hooked to the Santa Fe diesels. Bread, from field to grocery store.  SUPERCHIEF 1948 
Santa Fe's introduction to the Superchief. Take a ride from Chicago to California and experience the beautiful accommodations, dome cars, and interiors. A wonderful 1940s train trip.
(A-00-MC35) ...............55 minutes...........COLOR...............$19.95 plus S  &  H



T



THEM THAR TRAINS #1
Rare train safety films from the steam days. SAFETY IN RAILROADING from the Nickel Plate Road circa 1947. The story of Fred, a likable guy and a newcomer to railroading, and the seasoned old timer. Fred, it seems, is a bit careless, and some amusing mistakes lead to a tragedy when the mistake nearly costs him his life. The old timer shows how to get on a moving caboose, get off freight cars, how to step down between cars, how to get locomotives safely, both steam and diesel. Some great shots of trains of the period. SAFETY IN RAILROADING from the Missouri Pacific. Lots of trains, looking for moving cars, coupling with engines, steam locomotives, car crossings, near wrecks with 1930s cars, torpedoes, signals, and lots more. (A-00-MC34) ...............50 minutes...........COLOR ................$19.95 plus S & H


THEM THAR TRAINS #2
A fine selection of unique train films.  WHY RISK YOUR LIFE (circa 1945) The Great Northern Railroad showing steam and some diesel plus all their yards from St. Paul to the Northwest. Non-stop train yard footage as you see problems with kids, crossing tracks, getting off engines, switching hazards, sleet, snow, icy conditions, new streamlined passenger cars, stopping train accidents, and lots more! PROGRESS ON THE RAILS  1952  The Pennsylvania Railroad from the Iron Horse of the 1850s to 1952. The development of the train plus today's twin unit diesels, steam and electric trains. See servicing and go along with the engineer in the cab. The auto speed control is demonstrated. Also shown is the dragging equipment detector, working on roadbeds, rail detector cars with x-ray, eliminating tunnels, building freight and passenger cars. The Penn Station in New York in 1950. Famous trains, including Trail Blazer, American, Broadway and more.  Plus, two bonus films: RAILROAD YARDS (Penn Central)  and STEAM ENGINES.
(A-00-MC44) ...............55 minutes....................$19.95  plus S & H



TROLLY TIMES
Here are five films from the 1920's through the 1950's. "GETTING ABOUT" is a 1934 in depth survey of the Detroit Street Railway system. Next is a newsreel, "THE NEW YORK ELEVATED" circa 1925 that includes a hair raising ride on the New York "El". "MANHATTEN" is a most unusual 1920's tour of that borough. It was a lovingly photographed essay with every shot taken from the "El" or has the "El" in every shot. "SAFE HIGHWAYS" is a zany production of the Chicago Surface Lines. It graphically show you that you should not drive around street cars in the roaring 20's! The classic "VANISHING EL" shows the waning days of Manhattan's Third Avenue Elevated when all of it's sisters were gone. A fitting conclusion to this tape of traction gems.
(A-427-E) B & W....................approximately 1 hour ...... $20.00 plus shipping and handling


TROLLY TIMES II - 40 Million Miles a Year
A very through, in-depth look at what it took in 1948 to run a modern transit system. With the consolidation in 1921 of nine lines, the Toronto Transit Commission was formed. History of transit in Toronto is outlined. Then on to daily maintenance, the repair shops, the paint shops, etc. We follow along as a new motorman is trained and goes out for his first run. We go along with the emergency crew to a downed trolly wire. Track maintenance, electric generation, bus maintenance, first aid and more are covered.
(A-891-E) B & W....................approximately 1 hour ...... $9.98 plus shipping and handling

Terror By Night
A group of shady characters on board a passenger train provide the setting for a master criminal named Colonel Sebastian Moran. Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson are also on board to solve a robbery and a murder as the train speeds into the night. This was the last of the series of Sherlock Holmes adventures filmed by Universal Studios starring Basil Rathbone and it holds up quite well with the others in the series.
(A-149) B & W ..........approximately 60 minutes....$9.98 plus shipping and handling


U - V- W


UNION PACIFIC MEMORIES. THE LAST OF THE GIANTS
The age of steam.  A nostalgic look at the BIG BOY...the most majestic and largest of the steam locomotives.  Wonderful railroad scenes of yesterday!  THE HUMAN SIDE 1950.See Union Pacific Railroad operations during this time."Poor Joe" wrongfully abuses customers in various jobs. The ultimate railroader's disgrace  occurs when Joe tells a customer to "take the plane!"
(A-00-MC38) ...............50 minutes............COLOR...............$19.95 plus S & H


WESTERN RAILROAD MEMORIES
A collection unequaled in its rarity  STREAMLINED (circa 1947) 4-8-4 steam locomotives bring the rhythm of the railroad. The Silver Streak, and steam locomotives being "streamlined." The making of and wondrous shots of stainless steel passenger cars, inside and out. Great views from the cab at high speeds in a Santa Fe diesel passenger train. DON'T LET IT HAPPEN TO YOU 1946  Santa Fe. Safety for the right of way worker during the steam days. Running a motor car too fast through the yards, racing autos, not watching for trains. See at night, laying track, railroad bridge work, with steam and diesel footage. STOP, LOOK, AND LISTEN  1945  Santa Fe. The story of George Mathews, a family man who will lose his life in an hour! See proper ways of descending from a steam locomotive, coupling between cars, setting brakes, and lots of yard footage. George is killed by a Santa Fe Superchief. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO HAPPEN 1945  Southern Pacific. Working in the shop, safety equipment, a "hammer gang," the roundhouse, repair on beautiful Southern Pacific steam locomotives, including the majestic "Daylight," driving wheel repair, straightening lumber loads. Danger atop steam locomotives during maintenance. Great scenes!
(A-00-MC41) ...............55 minutes............ COLOR and b-w............$19.95 plus S & H


WITHIN THE OVAL
Produced in 1945 for the New York Central's internal use, it presents the state of the NYC railroad in the post-war era to their employees and their plans for the future. Emphasis is on passenger service. For the train buff, you'll see classic steam, electric and diesel locomotives. A myriad of workers on the job all in beautiful color. Twenty years later in 1967, the New York Central released "THE BIG TRAIN". Again, an overview of the then current condition of the NYC with modern improvements. Passenger service is forgotten!
(A-429-E) Color....................approximately 50 minutes......$20.00 plus shipping and handling

Return to HOME Page