TRACKS AHEAD I-IV (2nd Release)


Program #101 Cleveland RTA
The history and present operations of the Cleveland Rapid Transit system are featured. Rather than operating outside residential areas, this system runs through upscale urban areas and is an integral part of the Cleveland area transportation system. Enjoy an HO gauge layout which models the Chicago and Northwestern railroad in the 1950’s, and visit with an amazing wood carver, David Warther, whose talents created remarkable railroad models. Finally, visit with the former owner of the Lionel Corporation, Richard Kughn, and see his collection. Spencer Christian hosts.

Program #102 Indianapolis Children’s Museum
Tracks Ahead talks with toy collector Ed Green about his love of tinplate trains. Also featured is a visit to a premier train collection at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum and a visit to a radio controlled live steam garden railroad in California. Included is a photo essay on America’s continuing love of trains and railroading.

Program #103 Northern Railcar Wheelshop
A visit to the Northern Railcar wheelshop to investigate how maintenance on railroad car wheels and trucks is performed is the initial segment. Visit with Gil Reid, a Wisconsin based railroad artist as he works in his studio. Tracks Ahead visits the Horseshoe Curve and the Railroader’s Museum in Altoona, Pennsylvania and visit an N gauge layout that models the famous Tehachapi loop.

Program #104 Amtrak - Chicago
Tracks Aheadvisits the Amtrak Midwest repair facility in Chicago, Illinois and then visits with railroad photographer Wendell Murphy. We visit an exemplary American Flyer layout and take a look at circus trains, featuring footage of the loading and unloading techniques so common in our recent past.

Program #105 California State Railroad Museum
Tracks Ahead visits an O gauge traction layout belonging to Bob Schwab and talks with railroad artist Rus Porter at his home in a converted Chicago, Joliet and Elgin private coach. Also featured is a visit to the California State Railroad Museum, in Sacramento, CA. The program concludes with a look at an historic Pennsylvania landmark, Roadside America.

Program #106 The Chicago El
The Roaring Camp & Big Trees Railroad in California kicks off this program as we visit a tourist railroad operating Heisler and Shay geared steam locomotives. Also featured is the Chicago Elevated System as we examine the history of the famous “El” and look at the present day operations. We talk with Jim Scribbins, railroad author, and visit a turn of the century HO gauge layout.

Program #107 Moffat Tunnel
Tracks Ahead visits the Denver and Rio Grande’s Moffat Tunnel, just west of Denver, as we explore railroading past and present through the Rockies. We’ll visit the Train Collector’s Association Museum in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, talk with railroad author Bob Baker, and visit a model live steam club operation in Wisconsin.

Program #108 Ward Kimball
Tracks Ahead visits with renown railroad collector and former Walt Disney animator, Ward Kimball. We’ll experience a model railroad set in logging country, visit an operating interurban museum at Trolleyville, USA, and examine a profile on the Milwaukee Road.

Program #109 Scenic Rail Dining
Enjoy the experience of a premier railroad dining experience on Scenic Rail Dining. Then it’s off to visit a Lionel layout at The Train Barn, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. We visit with railroading publisher Don Heimberger, and complete the program with a visit to the William K. Walthers manufacturing company.

Program #110 Global One
Tracks Ahead explores the Chicago and Northwestern intermodal yards, as well as the Santa Fe Piggyback operations in Chicago. We’ll take a look at an operating railroad museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin and visit with the Milwaukee Model Railroad club, one of the oldest railroad clubs in America.

Program #111 Lionel Trains
We visit the Lionel factory to see how toy trains are made, and visit with David Myers, railroad historian, as he talks about the role of railroads as applied to artillery pieces. Tracks Ahead also visits the Cuyahoga Valley Model Railroad club, in Cleveland Ohio, which is built adjacent to the heavily traveled ConRail corridor, and takes a close look at the Milwaukee Zoo Train, a 15 inch gauge live steam railroad circling the Milwaukee Zoo.

Program #112 The MTER&L
We visit with Stan Roy, who can operate twenty-seven trains at the same time on his Lionel layout. and talk with railroad historian J. David Ingles as he discusses Fallen Flag railroads. Tracks Ahead looks at an historical profile of the Milwaukee Electric Railroad and Light operation and visits the Pennsylvania State Railroad Museum.

Program #113 The Minnesota Commercial Railroad
Tracks Ahead visits the O gauge layout at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, and visits an operating session on the old Kalmbach layout, the Milwaukee, Racine and Troy Railroad. Also featured is a profile on the Minneapolis Commercial Railroad. A talk with authors and publishers Tom McComas and James Touhy concludes the program.


Program #201 The LS&I Railroad
The Lake Superior & Ishpemming Railroad, a short line railroad running in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan between the ore mines and docking facilities at Marquette, is featured. This program also profiles country music singer Boxcar Willie; an American Flyer model railroad featuring Plasticville structures; and the Verkershaus der Swiss, a transportation museum in Lucerne, Switzerland. Spencer Christian hosts this 13-part series on the railways.

Program #202 Lionel & Diorama Studios
Tracks Ahead visits the Krupp Mak locomotive building facility in Kiel, Germany, for a look at the construction of diesel-hydraulic DE-1024 engines and a visit with chief designer/director Herr Tretow. The efficiencies of rail travel and the expansion of Amtrak's director of public relations. Bill Volheim and Art Zirul, who worked at Diorama Studios in New York in the late '40s and '50s, discuss their work on the 1949 Lionel showroom layout.

Program #203 The East Broadtop Railroad
In the 1950s, the East Broadtop Railroad in Orbisonia, Pennsylvania, was abandoned. Workers simply locked up the facility and went home, leaving tools and half-finished projects. Tracks Ahead visits the railroad, which is back in operation as a tourist line, offering a historical glimpse into the world of narrow gauge steam operations. This program also profiles Chris Knapton, director of public relations, at the Metropolitan Transit Authority in Chicago and visits the Marklin Train factory and museum in Goppingen, Germany.

Program #204 The Tehachapi Loop
The Tehachapi Loop in the mountains north of Los Angeles is visited. Also a profile of Richard Misunas, an Amtrak conductor with a running commentary. A tour of the Lehmann Company in Nuremberg, Germany, and the Cassler HO layout in Pennsylvania.

Program #205 Germany’s ICE
The Deutsche Bahn's high speed Inter City Express, which connects major German cities. Also a pofile of Bruce Moffat, the author of 40 Feet Below; visit Chuck Brasher’s standard gauge collection, and take a historical look at the Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio.

Program #206 The Rhaetischebahn
The history and present operation of the Mt. Washington Cog Railway in New Hampshire is featured. Gion Caprez, a physicist who joined the Rhaetischebahn after discovering he prefers working outside, now rides the Alba line in the eastern Swiss province of Graubundigen. This episode also looks at a father and son garden railroad operation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the Red Car trolleys at the Orange Empire Railway Museum in Los Angeles.

Program #207 San Diego Light Rail
The red cars of the San Diego light railway system; a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, man who constructed the front end of a Milwaukee North Shore interurban car in his basement, along with the station platform and facade; a garden railway in the San Diego area; and a collection in Duluth, Minnesota, which includes a tank locomotive, a 4-8-8-4 engine, and an extensive collection of railroad china from railroads around the country.

Program #208 Cass (WV) Railroad Park
The Cass Railroad Park in Cass, West Virginia, features rides on Shay Locomotives. Tracks Ahead profiles Greg Mross, a photographer who photographs trains in the Midwest; the McCormick Railroad Park in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Ed Dougherty, a professional golfer on the PGA tour circuit, displays his extensive Lionel train collection.

Program #209 San Francisco’s BART
The shops and routes of the San Francisco area's light rail system are visited. Engineer Steve Lee explains the Union Pacific Steam program in Cheyenne, Wyoming. A former bowling alley houses the Pasadena model Railroad Club's large HO scale model railroad, and the Seashore trolley museum in Kennebunkport, Main, features trolley and interurban railway vehicles.

Program #210 The Harriman Dispatch Center
The Union Pacific Harriman Dispatch Center in Omaha, Nebraska, is visited; artist Howard Fogg demonstrates some of his train paintings and offers insight into how he picks a subject; and an O Gauge Hi-rail layout in Moore, South Carolina, is examined. This program also tours the Midland Railway Center in Ripley, England, where steam engines, including the Princess Margaret Rose are displayed.

Program #211 The Jungfrau Railway
A visit with the youngest station master (or mistress) for the highest railway station in the world - at the top of the Jungfraujoch; a profile of Griff Teller, the artist who created the artwork for the Pennsylvania Railroad calendars of the 1930s and '40s; a look at the four layouts of the San Diego Model Railroad Museum; and a 15-inch gauge operation at the Sandley Locomotive Works at the Wisconsin Dells.

Program #212 The Nostalgic Orient Express
A behind-the-scenes look at Amtrak's major repair and maintenance facility in Beech Grove, Indiana; a trip on the 1930s vintage restored cars of the Nostalgie, Istanbul Orient Express Train deluxe; a profile of John Allen, who built an HO gauge model railroad layout in the 1950s that became the defacto standard for scenery and mountain modeling for many years. Tracks Ahead also takes a route through Arizona terrain which varies from desert floor to Gila River Canyon aboard The Copper Basin Railroad.

Program #213 The Grand Canyon Railroad
Tracks Ahead highlights the Santa Fe Railroad, which ran a feeder line from Williams, Arizona, to the south rim of the Grand Canyon in the early part of the 20th Century. Abandoned in the 1950s, the line now operates as a tourist line. This program also profiles artist O. Winston Link, who captured striking vignettes of humanity framed by the harshness of the West Virginia hills and the lifeline of the railroad.


Program #301
Trucks and trains - the history and future of container shipping is told in this look at Gunderson Corporation, the Santa Fe Railroad, and the TTXCorporation. This program on “TRACKS AHEAD” also profiles the modeling skills of an HO gauge railroad enthusiast, takes the viewer on a ride through California’s Napa Valley on the Napa Wine Train, and profiles pen and ink artist Herschel Scott. Spencer Christian hosts this 13-part series on railroading.

Segment 1 - Intermodal Transit. David DeBoer of the Greenbrier corporation, wrote the book about the history of the intermodal; visit with TTX Corporation, the “Hertz Rent a car of the intermodal business; and visit Gunderson Corporation to see the construction of deep well cars, and look at the
Segment 2 - Visit Neil Thompson of West Bend, Wisconsin and see the HO layout of Roma Ridge. Neil shows how to weather buildings and create window detail with diluted white glue.
Segment 3 - Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train, in Napa, California. It’s a premier dining experience for afternoon or evening and features some of the Napa Valleys best product.
Segment 4 - Artist Herschel Scott decided to kick the corporate life and explore the rewards of pen and ink drawings of railroad engines and rolling stock.


Program #302
As many major railroads ceased operation in the 1960’s, enterprising individuals developed short line carriers to meet local needs. The Wisconsin Central Railroad is a short line success story, and has now expanded to run the New Zealand railroad system. Modular model railroads are an affordable way for people with limited space to participate in the hobby. “TRACKS AHEAD” visits with the Orlando, Fla., modular club, talks with artist Larry Fisher, who paints details with a number one brush and a magnifying glass, and visits two tourist railroads in Hawaii.
Segment 1 - A profile of the Wisconsin Central, a shortline railroad which now also runs the New Zealand national railroad.
Segment 2 - A close look at the Orlando Modular Railroad Club, which operates out of a storefront in an Orlando, Florida, shopping center. We visit with many of the members and see how the many various modules can be expanded into a much larger model railroad.
Segment 3 - Travel to Honolulu, Hawaii to visit the Hawaiian Historic Railroad Society, and visit the Sugar Cane Train on Maui. Both trains offer spectacular Hawaiian scenery, as well as a nice mix of restoration and operations in steam and diesel.
Segment 4 - Larry Fisher, of Las Vegas, Nevada, shows his highly detailed paintings. He paints with a number one brush, using a magnifying glass. A trademark is his attention to detail in all his paintings.


Program #303
Clarke Dunham, nationally known theater set designer, demonstrates his spare time avocation - building train layouts. “TRACKS AHEAD” talks with Clarke at his shop and looks at two of his products. Model railroading as a family hobby is profiled as we examine the Miller Family model railroad. A steam locomotive built in China specifically for an Iowa scenic railroad is featured, as is the art work of Ted Rose.
Segment 1 - Broadway set designer Clarke Dunham demonstrates his techniques for building model train layouts. Two layouts are featured - the former CitiBank layout, now at Dallee Electronics in Lancaster, PA, and the layout at Doug’s Train World, in West Des Moines, IA>
Segment 2 - The Millers are master model railroaders, and demonstrate their layout in Maryland.
Segment 3 - The city of Boone, Iowa, owns a railroad - the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. See how this town backed this successful tourist line, not only from its inception, but through natural disasters and the purchase of one of the last to be constructed steam locomotives from Datoong, China.
Segment 4 - Visit with watercolor artist Ted Rose and his wife Polly, at his studio in Santa Fe, NM. Ted works from slides and pictures for his basic forms.


Program #304
The Little Joe electric locomotives were originally built for use in Russia. But they ended up in Chile, where they work side by side with steam locomotives on scenic lines throughout this South American country. Former CSX Railroad photographer John Corns is featured, as well as the Great Smoky Mountain Tourist Railroad. “TRACKS AHEAD” also looks at an outstanding collection of American Flyer trains - a collection which has become a family hobby.
Segment 1 - Ride four scenic lines in Chili on a variety of locomotives - steam, and early Baldwin Westinghouse, and diesel electric. One interesting locomotive type is the electric “Little Joe’s” which were originally built for Joseph Stalin and the Russian State Railways in the late 1940’s.
Segment 2 - Visit with John Corns, who was until recently the chief staff photographer for the CSX Corporation. John explains his techniques and shows his work.
Segment 3 - The Great Smoky Mountain Railway was originally built with the help of convict labor and saved from extinction by the efforts of Malcomb MacNeill. Visit the railroad for stunning vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Segment 4 - Visit with Warren Frost and his family. They have turned their California garage into a wonderful tribute to the heyday of American Flyer trains.


Program #305
Steam is still king on the narrow gauge Cumbres & Toltec Railroad in Northern New Mexico. Dining on board railroad trains holds fond memories for many. “TRACKS AHEAD” visits with Amtrak’s chef of the year to see how railroad dining is improving. Also featured is the large G gauge layout at the Dallas Children’s’ Hospital, and the large scale layout of a man who raised the roof to accommodate his model railroad.
Segment 1 - Take a step back in time as we ride the steam narrow gauge Cumbres & Toltec Railroad in Chama, NM. There are great views of doubled headed steam in the southern Colorado back country.
Segment 2 - Visit with Larry and Sue Bunce, who discuss the grand days of railroad dining and show their extensive collection of railroad china. Then ride Amtrak’s Coast Starlighter for a look at how good food is making a comeback under the direction of Chef Luis Pena.
Segment 3 - Malcomb Furlow designed a huge G gauge layout for the atrium of the Children’s Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Visit that layout, and talk with the people who operate and maintain it.
Segment 4 - Stay in Texas and visit Barry Bogs, who literally raised the roof of his home to make room for his exemplary G gauge layout in Houston. His engines are all sound equipped.


Program #306
The last frontier in America is Alaska. And the Alaskan railroad offers a utilitarian function as well as a grand way to see the sights of the 49th state. Tinplate Marx trains from the 1950’s are reappearing, and “TRACKS AHEAD” talks with the husband and wife team who are responsible. Also featured are the Baltimore railroad museum and the photography of calendar artist Don Wood.
Segment 1 - Visit Alaska as seen from the perspective of the Alaskan Railroad. The railroad operates a flag service, and, in addition to a singing conductor, offers some stunning views of trains in the 49th state.
Segment 2 - Marx Trains were a favorite with some people in the 1950’s. See how they are making a comeback under the direction of Jim and Debbie Flynn of Chicago, IL.
Segment 3 - Calendar Artist Don Wood talks about his artwork, and the model locomotive engines that were designed from his drawings.
Segment 4 - Visit the birthplace of American Railroading, the Baltimore Railroad Museum. Featured is the totally enclosed and restored circular roundhouse, as well as classic engines from the B&O Railroad.


Program #307
Trains running around and around in circles; trains shaking apart on stands; simulated chemical spills - all this occurs at the transportation test center for the American Association of Railroads. “TRACKS AHEAD” rides to the top of Pikes Peak on the Manitou and Pikes Peak rack railroad. Also featured is a black man whose love of trains and film photography allowed him to capture images from the 1940’s, and a garden railroad that is a family hobby.
Segment 1 - Trains are tested - and tested and tested. See where new designs are put through their paces at the American Railroads Test Center outside Colorado Springs, CO. We see vibration testing, details on new intermodal cars, and a locomotive dynamometer.
Segment 2 - One of the only Swiss style rack railroads in the United States is found at the Manitou and Pikes Peak Railroad, which takes visitors to the summit of Pikes Peak in Rainbow Springs, Colorado.
Segment 3 - Doug Jones was a pioneer railroad photographer in the 1940’s, capturing many western routes on 16mm film. He is also a fine modeler with several scratch built locomotives to his credit.
Segment 4 - Visit with Larry Webb and his family in Southern California. They turned a small California style yard into a show place garden railroad, complete with a waterfall.


Program #308
Step back in time to an era when steam locomotives were fired with wood. It’s an event which is still commonplace in Paraguay, as “TRACKS AHEAD” takes a ride across this South American country. At one time some railroad passenger trains had hostesses to look after the passengers. Meet two women who recall their days of working on the Southern Railroad. The Milwaukee Road 261 steam locomotive has been rebuilt and now runs excursion trips through West Virginia. MicroTrains Corporation builds N and Z gauge locomotives and rolling stock.
Segment 1 - Take an historic ride across Paraguay on the Presidente Carlos Antonio Lopez, a chartered steam locomotive which is still fired with wood. This rather primitive trek visits the main shops in Sapucay, a shop which has belt driven machinery from central line shafts. The train consisted of two wooden turn of the century coaches, as well as a restored wooden dining car with a wood fired stove.
Segment 2 - Visit with two former hostesses who served on the Southern Railway in the 1940’s. Joreka Loomis and Mary Rogers describe their duties and their experiences as they worked on the passenger trains.
Segment 3 - Ride with the Milwaukee Road 261 steam locomotive as it pulls a fan trip through the hills of West Virginia on the New River Gorge Trip.
Segment 4 - Visit the Microtrains Corporation, in Talent, Oregon, and see how N gauge and Z gauge locomotives and rolling stock are designed and constructed.


Program #309
The oldest model railroad in the country is at Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute. It’s student run, and shows the result of extensive research in neighboring areas. The Electroliner was a streamlined interurban train that saved the North Shore Railway Company from bankruptcy. “TRACKS AHEAD” also visits a Pennsylvania tourist railroad where the train wreck from “The Fugitive” was filmed, and visits with a man who has built a scale model of the Lincoln funeral train.
Segment 1 - One of the oldest model railroads in the United States is a student run layout at Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. Visit with the students and their advisor, and see some of the layout detail which is modeled around the local region.
Segment 2 - The “Cat’s Meow” of interurban streamliners was the North Shore Electroliner. This segment features historic footage of the train in operation, as well as a visit to the restored units at the Illinois Railroad Museum in Union, Illinois.
Segment 3 - The New Hope and Ivyland Railroad in Hew Hope, Pennsylvania, has a long association with the movies. Not only was it used as the site for the train wreck sequence in the film, “The Fugitive,” it was also the location for the early silent film, “The Great Train Robbery.” Visit with the operators and ride this scenic tourist line.
Segment 4 - Wayne Wesolowski, a professor at an Illinois college, is an ardent collector of memorabilia of Abraham Lincoln. Wayne has constructed a model of the Lincoln funeral train which is presently on a national touring display. Talk with Wayne and watch some of his construction techniques.


Program #310
A railroad was built in Northern Florida to compete with the Panama Canal. That railroad, the Apalachicola Northern, is still hauling heavy freight today. “TRACKS AHEAD” visits McKinney Avenue, a restored section of old Dallas, which has an added attraction of streetcars. An American Flyer collector tells of his enthusiasm for old toy trains, and a nostalgic look at railroad advertising takes us back in time.
Segment 1 - The Apalachicola Railroad in the Florida Panhandle was originally built as competition to the Panama Canal. It went from hauling freight, to passengers bent on seashore outings, to hauling troops in the second world war. It’s hauling freight today, on a line which is built through the pine woods and swamps of the Florida coast. A local historian describes the history and some unusual features of the line.
Segment 2 - Trolley cars are making a comeback in Dallas, Texas. Visit the McKinney Avenue Line, which is a part of a civic restoration project, and see how the rolling stock has been rebuilt and this volunteer line is operated.
Segment 3 - Bob Board takes us on a tour of his All Aboard Railroad in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. We see some of Bob’s collection of difficult to acquire pieces of this electric train from the 1950’s.
Segment 4 - Take a look back in time as we view some of the railroad advertisements gleaned from the archives of the Burlington Northern and the Norfolk and Southern Railroads.


Program #311
Electric freight railways are still in existence in the Midwest. Visit a freight line in central Iowa which is an offshoot of interurban passenger service. Visit one of the railroading wonders of the world - the Tunkhannock Viaduct, which is the largest concrete span in the world. “TRACKS AHEAD” visits the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, Fla. for an look at the life of one of history’s great railroad pioneers. The next stop is a bed and breakfast that has a special attraction - an extensive 7½inch gauge, live steam operation.
Segment 1 - Electric railroads used to be very popular in the midwest. Visit an operating museum line in Mason City, Iowa. This line uses the facilities of a freight electric railroad, the Iowa Traction Railroad, to provide weekend excursions. This segment offers a look at the freight operation
Segment 2 - One of the largest poured concrete spans in the world is found crossing the Tunkhannock Creek in Nicholson, Pennsylvania. Explore the construction of this historic bridge, and visit with the local historian, Rev. Garford Williams.
Segment 3 - Henry Flagler, was responsible for the overseas railroad to Key West, Florida,. Visit his mansion in West Palm Beach, and learn about the man who had the vision to turn the east coast of Florida into an “American Riviera.”
Segment 4 - An additional attraction in Chappel Hill, Texas, is the Browning Plantation, a restored Civil War plantation which is now a bed and breakfast. An added treat is a 7½ inch gauge live steam operation run by David Hannah. Built in traditional Texas style, this railroad features lots of running area and a steel trestle.


Program #312
This program includes a behind-the-scenes look at one of the oldest streetcar lines in the country in New Orleans and a trip on rail diesel cars through rugged terrain in Brazil. We will visit with railroad photographer John Gruber and also examine an exemplary HO scale model railroad in Portland, Ore. Included as a look at the garden railway exhibit at the Milwaukee Mitchell Park Conservatory.
Segment 1 - One of the oldest streetcar lines in the United States is the St. Charles Line in New Orleans. Ride the street cars, explore the maintenance shops, and take a journey on the new Riverfront Line in the French Quarter.
Segment 2 - Ride through rugged southern Brazil on 1950’s Budd Rail Diesel Cars. These cars have been modified with undercarriage cooling blisters to accommodate the low tunnel clearances.
Segment 3 - Milwaukee area photographer John Gruber talks about his work and what he looks for in a great camera angle.
Segment 4 - Housed in a reproduction railroad station, the Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club of Portland, Oregon, has created a beautiful HO scale layout. It’s designed over a computer floor so that the railroad is easily accessible from underneath. The layout models the Portland and Columbia Gorge area, and is complete with logging operations, high trestles, and a forest fire.
Segment 5 - The design and setup of a garden railroad is examined as the Milwaukee Mitchell Park Conservatory plans it Winter, ‘95 show. A nice look at public display of G gauge trains and the effort that goes into making a garden show.


Program #313
“TRACKS AHEAD” highlights Morrison and Knudsen, one of the few remaining railroad locomotive and railcar builders left in the US. Also featured is a profile on artist Angela Trotta-Thomas, whose nostalgic paintings capture childhood memories of the 1950’s. Step back in time to a restored portion of the Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge route through the Rockies as we visit the Georgetown Loop Railroad. We will meet a man who has a train in his basement - not a model, but a real locomotive cab and passenger car. Final program in the series.
Segment 1 - One of the few remaining locomotives manufacturers in the United States is Morrison Knudsen in Boise, Idaho. We see the construction of new locomotives, as well as visit their stainless steel car operation in Chicago, Illinois.
Segment 2 - The nostalgia of childhood trains is captured by artist Angela Trotta Thomas. Her artwork has a Lionel theme and has been used in several of that company’s advertisements.
Segment 3 - A portion of the old Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge line was the Georgetown Loop. This long trestle was reconstructed by the US Seabees as a training exercise, and is now in service on this scenic line. It’s a nice look at railroading at the seven thousand foot level in the Rockies.
Segment 4 - Meet Dr. Nicholas Muff. Not only is this doctor an avid collector of American Flyer and Kansas City Southern memorabilia, but he has a very special basement. In it, he has constructed a Pullman car as a guest room, and has a full F-7 locomotive cab - complete with lights and horns.


Program #401 Rail Safari
Take a ride on the Rail Safari deluxe in South Africa, visit an old logging railroad in the high Sierras north of Yosemite. View an exciting Houston, Texas, layout that is lighted for night, and visit with New Mexico artist John Coker. Spencer Christian again hosts this 13-part series on railroading.

Program #402 White Pass & Yukon RR
Ride the White Pass & Yukon Railroad in Skagway, Alaska, which has been declared an international historical engineering monument. Look in on the workings of mass transit in Pittsburgh, and talk with Boston modeler George Sellios about his amazing work. Trolley cars were in vogue during the early 20th century. Meet a man who has chronicled their history in word and picture.

Program #403 Connecticut Trolley Museum
The Connecticut Trolley Museum keeps history alive as it maintains a glimpse of early mass transit systems. Learn about the importance of the railroads and the mail as we look at the Railway Post offices. Meet a military man who started a Lionel Railroad Club in each town he was stationed, and visit an Ohio model railroad.

Program #404 Union Tank Car
See how tank cars have evolved and how they are constructed, ride on the movie railroad of the Black Hills. Talk with Mike Kotowski, a California railroad artist with an eye for detail, and visit an N gauge layout in the nation’s capitol.

Program #405 The Little Trains of Wales
Visit England, and ride the narrow gauge lines, as Tracks Ahead visits the “The Little Trains of Wales.” Follow the multimillion dollar restoration of the Pioneer Zephyr, the nation’s first streamlined diesel electric train. Find out where the end of the train has gone, as Tracks Ahead looks at the life and times of the caboose. Also talk with an S gauge modeler whose layout has a complete fictional historical perspective.

Program #406 The Middle Rhine
Experience the castles of the Middle Rhine region of Germany as we tour the area between Koblenz and Mainz. See Steamtown, where steam is still king at the Pennsylvania National Historic Site. Visit a model of Northern Pacific territory in 1950’s Montana, and talk with a Hawaiian businessman whose passion is cast iron trains.

Program #407 Vintage Diesel
Travel back into the wilderness as Tracks Ahead explores the interior of British Columbia on vintage rail diesel cars. You can rent and operate a steam locomotive for a day in Ely, Nevada. Also featured is a vineyard in Napa, California, which has a special place for large gauge trains, and a model railroad in Utah.

Program #408 Custom Building
Huff & Puff Industries builds exquisite custom model railroads, both for the garden and the home. The Louisiana Toy Train Museum is featured, as is a museum quality collection of imported large gauge live steam locomotives. Also profiled is a family model railroad.

Program #409 Rail Motor Cars
Some people collect cars, some baseball cards. A profile shows a new collection in the railroad universe – rail motor cars. The history and operation of the Cascade Tunnel is featured, as is an animated spectacle at the Choo Choo Barn. One couple in California has turned their entire front yard into a garden railroad – much to the delight of the neighborhood.

Program #410 Bailey Yard
The largest rail freight yard in the world is featured as Tracks Ahead looks in on the Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard. Featured are a traction layout and a California State Historic Park that is best known for its role in movies such as “Back to the Future.” Railroad cartoonist Dick Hafer is also featured.

Program #411 Track Maintenance
As a sole is to a shoe, so is the track to a railroad. Tracks Ahead will explore how track is maintained and serviced. One of the most scenic western railroads is featured in a visit to the Durango & Silverton. Engineer and artist Charlie Amos is featured, as well as a Florida garage filling model railroad.

Program #412 Logging
The last logging railroad on the North American continent is found at Canadian Forest Products on Vancouver Island. Enjoy the sights and taste of My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, and ride along the Maine shore on a tourist line. Also featured is a model logging railroad.

Program #413 The Floating Railroad
Soar over traffic as Tracks Ahead visits the historic “Floating Railroad” of Wuppertal, Germany. Meet a master model maker of structures, visit a beautiful model timber railroad, and look in on the man who founded the Milwaukee light rail system.