The turbulent years following World War II resulted in dramatic changes to North American railroads. The staid, old Boston and Maine Railroad, which dominates this steam action video went through the wrenching change from steam to diesel power.

We see steam rush hour traffic highballing out of North Station as the first generation diesels appear on the scene...and then visit North Billerica, several times to see steam power being cut up. Then, almost unexpectedly, a dramatic B&M management change resulted in new blue paint and sent ripples throughout the region’s rail network.
A keystone of this video are rare scenes of B&M P4 Pacific No. 3713... now being restored at Steamtown in snow melter service in the winter of 1956, and leaving Boston on the memorable “Farewell to Steam” excursion on April 22, 1956.

Steam action is also witnessed on the Maine Central, New Haven, Central Vermont, and Grand Trunk in New England, and the Canadian National in Quebec. Then in dramatic developments, tourist steam roads briefly appear at Edaville Railroad, Steamtown in New Hampshire, and Vermont, and the American Freedom Train.

Approx. Run Time 45 Minutes
Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Motion Menus