As in the traditional arts, such as painting, literature, and music, people in film have occasionaly found worthy material in the railroad. Here we have some of music and film in two examples of artistic approaches to railroads in movies:

Of course, it's nice to have some background on some of the principals:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_231

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Honegger

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_231

Our first feature presentation, starring a 4-cylinder compound French 4-6-2 (or 231, as the French count axles), with what looks like valve gear and cylinders modified for poppet valves:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKRCJhLU7rs

From Sweden in about the same time period, "The Train," directed by Gosta Werner:

http://www.answers.com/topic/g-sta-werner

Again, plenty of atmosphere, and some variations on the construction of valve gear:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJZdyto4cV4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avtMR9Pa ... re=related

Wonder how an American approach to the subject in this time would have turned out?

Enjoy.