Lots & Lots of Really Big Trains

In this edition of the long-running children’s series, the biggest trains—both vintage steam locomotives and modern diesel-powered ones—are featured in all of their majestic glory. The fast-paced editing captures the trains rolling through beautiful vistas, including forest lands and areas covered in ice and snow (the smoke and vapor billowing from steam trains are especially fun to watch). As with other titles in the Trains series, this one features original catchy songs from singer/songwriter James Coffey. Have you ever wondered what it takes to get a steam locomotive up and running—from the slow chug to full-on track rattling? The answer is found in a segment that looks at details of running these gigantic beasts, including feeding wood and coal into the burners, reading dials and gauges, and adjusting controls (an animated sequence also shows the actual science and mechanics behind how steam and diesel locomotives work). Combining eye-catching visuals with interesting behind-the-scenes explanations, this is recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)