In the first half of the 20th century, America's railroads were radically

transformed by the innovation of gargantuan steam locomotives.

Pushed by the need to haul ever longer and heavier trains, the nation's

locomotive works responded with the invention of awe-inspiring articulated

engines. Delivering up to 7,500 horsepower, these steel behemoths could

haul mile-long, 15,000-ton trains. In this riveting program, journey back to the

golden age of steam for an up-close look at these legendary locomotives. See

the Union Pacific's famed "Big Boy" in action and ride the rails of the

Chesapeake & Ohio and Norfolk & Western railways. Meet the men who

drove engines like the Allegheny and Yellowstone, and visit the museums

and yards where the largest steamers ever built remain preserved in time.

THE HISTORY CHANNEL' proudly presents this rollicking

retrospective, sure to set any rail fan's heart pounding