Railway Marvels (DVD)

The steam engine was the most exciting invention of the Industrial Revolution, a remarkable discovery that promised to change the course of human history. But without rails to ride, it was useless. RAILWAY MARVELS tells the story of the race to build the railways that transformed America. Incredible footage and photos capture the struggles and triumphs, innovation and effort that combined to create the quarter million mile network of tracks that crossed the nation by 1920. From the backbreaking tunneling that spawned the legend of John Henry to the technical innovations and engineering breakthroughs that overcame nature's formidable obstacles, RAILWAY MARVELS introduces the people and inventions at the heart of the railroads' remarkable expansion. Stunning photos, expert interviews and footage of some of the most impressive engineering feats ever attempted make this a riveting look at the men and machines that changed America.