Little information has been available concerning the role that trains have played in American wars, starting with the Civil War (see also Civil War Trains: The U.S. Military Railroad in VL-4/94) and continuing through Vietnam. This video set presents the definitive history of the contributions and strategic importance of trains in a highly entertaining, informative manner. Volume 1, entitled "Combat Strategies," shows how trains were used as strategic offensive weapons by being able to move men and material to virtually anywhere on a battlefield where railroad tracks had been laid. During the Civil War, the extensive railways came to be used by both the North and the South, but since most locomotives were constructed in the North, the Confederacy found itself at a distinct disadvantage. Of course, rail lines are open to all sorts of sabotage from both the ground and the air, and this is where Volume 2 ("Subvert And Destroy") and Volume 3 ("Air Attacks") take over. Ground destruction of railroads is the focus of Volume 2, and you'll see previously classified CIA films that were used to train operatives in train destruction (sometimes humorous, in that locomotives time and time again resisted attempts to damage them). Volume 3 shows how vulnerable trains were to air attacks, especially during WWII, but also how military personnel were able to repair the most mangled tracks and trestles in an amazingly short period of time. Sure to be popular, this engaging series is recommended. Aud: P. (J. Carlson)
War Trains
(1998) 3 videocassettes. 60 min. each. $49.95. Galloping Pictures. PPR. Color cover. ISBN: 1-893097-04-8. Vol. 14, Issue 3
War Trains
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