I saw this movie about the life of Woody Guthrie on television the other day. There were many rail scenes. Hopping freight trains played a significant part in the film but one thing struck me as odd. All of the box cars shown were metal. Considering that the period was the 1930s wouldn't there have been a lot of wooden box cars still in use? One shot showed a street running Pacific Electric "Red Car" pass in front on a Los Angeles radio station. Does anyone know where this was filmed?
I happened to catch pieces of the movie, as well. I would certainly surmise that wooden cars would have comprised a good deal of the freight consists of that era, but bear in mind the movie was made in--im guessing the 1970s by the looks of the actors--and the studio probably didn't have many wooden cars available to work with.
I have to assume it was shot in Cali; certain of the motive power was recognizable as that of the Sierra Railroad. Hollywood's famous Sierra No. 3--Petticoat Junction's "Hooterville Cannonball"(currently undergoing restoration)--could be seen, amongst others.