New Books From

The Nickel Plate was the place to be in the 1950’s when the next headlight might be a pair of sleek PA’s or a thundering Berk.

£ 42.00 (Incl. UK p&p)

In 2001, Pentrex was proud to release six rare Union Pacific publicity and safety training films that had never before been presented to the general public. Now this classic collection is available to you on one DVD. Produced by the Union Pacific during the 1970s, these films bring you a nostalgic view into the day-to-day workings of a railroading icon. Included on this disc are:
• The Trainmaster: Man on the Move. Travel throughout the UP system to experience the challenges faced by Trainmasters as they keep the railroad running smoothly.
• Wired for Safety. This safety training film for railroad electricians includes glimpses of Centennial locomotive 6902 and E-unit 954.
• Careful, Carman! Employees working on freight cars learn safe practices and procedures in this instructional film.
• Rails on the Move. Follow the progress of a steel rail from its manufacture, through welding into strings, to installation in the field. Watch each machine perform its step in the rail-laying process. Ride on a welded rail train as it curves through the mountains on a Utah branch line.
• Track Team. Produced to instruct track workers about safety procedures, this film covers the use of hand tools, power machinery, and motor cars.
• Freight Car Pit Stop. Visit a mechanized car repair facility and learn how it functions to keep the freight car fleet on the road.
These vintage films take you back a generation yet they are as entertaining and informational today as they were 30 years ago! You’re Workin’ on the Union Pacific!

This collection of rare training and PR films was produced by the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1950s and Pentrex is proud to present them together for the first time ever! Early diesels, including E- and F-Units, PAs, and F-Ms dominate the motive roster, many in Black Widow paint scheme. Included are:
• Men, Wheels and Power. SP takes you on a grand tour of its motive power and car maintenance departments where you’ll observe new car construction, including SP’s first dome car; visit foundries where iron wheels and brass journals are manufactured; explore the shops where freight cars are reconditioned; and visit stations and yards from Eugene to El Paso. 27 minutes. Color.
• One Spot System of Car Repair. The mechanized car repair shed at its Roseville Yard allowed SP to get Bad Order cars back on the rails fast. You’ll see how the three-track shed and its automated systems worked, including a truly speedy truck replacement system! 12 minutes. Color.
• Progress Through Safety. Protecting against the uncontrolled movement of cars and engines is the subject of this safety training film. After looking at the fatal consequences of failing to comply with safety rules, SP operators are shown the precise sequence of steps to follow for securing engines and setting out cars on grades. 15 minutes. B&W.
• The Lost Picnic. The California Highway Patrol and the SP Safety Training Department teamed up to present this public service film that shows viewers what happens when crossing signals warnings are not heeded! 23 minutes. Color.
• This is Piggy-back. Southern Pacific had one of the largest piggyback fleets in the nation and designed its own rolling stock. You’ll see flatcar assembly and specialized equipment such as refrigerator vans, open top vans, and sliding top vans. A trip to a brewery in San Francisco demonstrates how the combined use of truck and train made overnight delivery to distributors in Southern California possible. 23 minutes. Color.