Archival films cover the history and development of the railroad industry in the U.S., from the building of the first transcontinental line to the eventual triumph of diesel over steam.

Documentary.

[Disc 1.] Flight of the century -- The steam locomotive -- The golden spike -- Last of the giants -- Operation fast freight -- Bonus feature: Railroading in the East 1897-1906: Thomas Edison's early steam train motion pictures [Disc 2.] Snow on the run -- Power behind the nation -- Lifeline of a nation -- The big train -- 225,000 mile proving ground -- Bonus feature: Steam train wrecks of the 1920's [Disc 3.] Railroads and western expansion (1845-1965) -- Clear signal -- The Nickel Plate story -- The Milwaukee Road -- End of an era -- Bonus feature: The B & O's 8,000 mile birthday party.