This early Polish train, Smialy, is one of the most famous of the era. The rotating turret on the front helped clear out anything that got in the way.
Here is another shot of Smialy. It was captured by Poland in 1919 but was used in both wars by four different nations: Austria, Poland, the USSR, and Germany.
Extensive armor plating could withstand a lot of punishment.
Each nation's trains were an imposing force.
Over time, the compartments for the soldiers became increasingly secure. This one resembles a fortress.
There was no job too big or too small. Anti-aircraft weaponry was common on many of these trains.
Some of the cannons on these locomotives appear to be a size that would be more appropriate for a battleship.
As we said, the main issue with these trains was that they ran on tracks. Derailments and fires were their Achilles' heel.
During WWII, the Germans derailed this Polish train with a bomb dropped by the Luftwaffe. It was deserted next to the tracks as the German soldiers neared.
Here's another shot of the carnage.
The wartime role of trains has not been totally forgotten. This Russian train, now decommissioned, is part of an installation in its home country.
This is is a replica of a Slovakian armored train, now situated near Zvolen, Slovakia.
Some of the trains are still on display, in Poland.
Battles, and time, have taken their toll.
Here's a classic German news reel of an armored train in action. This is probably the only time you will ever see a train called in as backup.
Trains weren't the only way to get around before World War II
