How to Fix a Railway(2023)

OVERHEIGHT MUST TURN(en)

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.

The Outer Circle: Melbourne's Forgotten Railway(en)

In the 1870s Victorian politicians debated the virtues of constructing a 20km-long railway through Melbourne's east, simply to circumvent a privately-owned railway from South Yarra to Flinders Street Station. By 1878 the private railway had been purchased by the Victorian Government and there was no longer a need to build the orbital railway. But greedy politicians pushed legislation through parliament, authorising the construction of the railway through their own private land holdings. This is the story of Melbourne's Outer Circle Railway.

1917, The Train from Hell(fr)

1917, The Train from Hell is an historical documentary about a train accident during WW1.

Berliner Stadtbahnbilder(de)

Documentation on the Berlin S-Bahn, which threatened to fall into oblivion as a result of the division of the city.

Spains Worst Rail Disaster(en)

Opening a New Frontier(en)

A documentary outlining the railroad's roll in expanding the nation.

Wheels of Steel(en)

Documentary on the railroads that drive the nation written and produced by Jackson Pokress.

Last of the Giants(en)

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!(en)

A story of progress in railroad transportation

The Nickel Plate Story(en)

The story of the independent railroad and its survival against the giants.

Quintinshill: Britain's Deadliest Rail Disaster(en)

Neil Oliver describes the worst ever railway accident in the UK, which happened a hundred years ago on 22 May 1915, in which three trains collided at Quintinshill near Gretna Green. One of the trains was a troop train taking soldiers to fight in World War I at the Battle of Gallipoli: many of the dead were in this train which caught fire due to escaped gas from the archaic gas lighting in the carriages. The cause of the crash was attributed to a catastrophic signalman's error, but Neil examines whether there were other contributory factors and whether there was a cover-up to prevent investigation of them, making convenient scapegoats of the signalmen.

The Steam Locomotive(en)

A Santa Fe Railroad educational film on the steam locomotive in their role in industry and passenger travel.

End of an Era(en)

A documentary on the passing of the steam locomotive as the primary means of transportation in the United States

The Power Behind the Nation(en)

A Documentary on the railways and their role in supporting the United States

Wheels of Progress(en)

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

A Great Railroad at Work(en)

A documentary outlining railroad work and the effects on the lives impacted by the iron horse

Desert Empire(en)

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(en)

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

Big Trains Rolling(en)

A production of the association of American Railroads outlining the wonders of America's rail system.

Mainline U.S.A.(en)

A documentary on the railroads of America produced by the Association of American Railroads