Railroad promotional films have been around for a long time. In our modern age we tend to laugh at pre-technological footage ... minus the bells and whistles. The value of this film collection cannot be measured by today's film standards. Instead, their value must be seen in other ways. They can be viewed for the unique historical glimpses of the past, if ever so brief. In this sense, they give us a geography lesson. They are treasures of major historical events. The films can also be seen as a research tool. Not in the rivet counting sense, but in the idea of understanding the type of equipment used on the railroads and the glimpses of structures and their use. The Burlington Northern films shoud be viewed for the pure enjoyment of railroading of the past, and the near present. Reviewed by Chuck Strom
