Working on the Southern Pacific

This collection of rare training and PR films was produced by the Southern Pacific in the 1950s and is presented together for the first time! Early diesels, E- and F-Units, PAs, and FMs, dominate the motive roster, many in Black Widow paint. Films on the DVD:
Men, Wheels and Power
SP takes you on a Grande tour of its motive power and car maintenance departments where you’ll see new car construction, including SP’s first dome car; visit foundries where iron wheels and brass journals are made; 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 SafetyProtecting 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 Piggyback
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.