Arkansas PBS > Engage > Pressroom > 'Steel Rails in Arkansas' to premiere on AETN Nov. 22
Posted 13 Nov 2015
"Steel Rails in Arkansas," an original Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) film featuring train action in The Natural State, will premiere on AETN Sunday, Nov. 22, at 3:30 p.m.
Arkansas has more than 2,700 miles of railroad track operated by 20 different railroads, making rail transportation an important part of the state's history, heritage and economy. "Steel Rails" is a family film that explores everything railroad in Arkansas, including trains in action, restored railroad depots, train shows and miniature train layouts.
Among railroads featured in the film are Arkansas and Missouri Railroad, Dardanelle and Russellville Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad, Little Rock and Western Railroad and Amtrak. Also highlighted are restored depot museums at Russellville, McGehee, Brinkley, Hope, Springdale, Van Buren, Mena, Morrilton, Pine Bluff/Jefferson County and the Arkansas Railroad Musuem.
In addition to working trains and historical depots, the film includes the following miniature train layouts: Russell Tedder's Live Oak, Perry and Gulf; Doug Farner's Blue Ridge and Southern; Faulkner County Museum's Missouri Pacific and Union Pacific; Tommy Little's Rock Island; the Lionel Christmas display at Laman Library in North Little Rock; holiday lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens; and the Sugg outdoor train display at Hot Springs.
Other cities and towns featured include: Judsonia, Winslow, Newport, Adona, Mountainburg, Fort Smith, Austin, Palarm, Dumas, Pickens, Perry and Fordyce.
Airing in conjunction with "Steel Rails" Sunday, Nov. 22, at 1:30 p.m. is "Trains Around North America," which traces America's railroad history, telling the stories of the continent's historic and scenic tourist railroads. "Steel Rails" will repeat Sunday, Nov. 22, at 11 p.m.
A photo gallery and ordering information for a DVD with bonus features is available at aetn.org/steelrails.
The Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) is Arkansas's statewide public television network that enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. AETN delivers local, award-winning productions and classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers. AETN depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. For more information, visit aetn.org, or follow the AETN blog at aetn.org/engage. AETN is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), and KETZ (El Dorado).