EXLNT Points! Good perspective. For the reasons you cite it will be a challenge to do a contemporaneous film. Who has any real apreciation for the US railroads today? Few. But back in the 50s before the jet engine revolutionized transport the railroads were absolutely vital.
I loved Atlas despite Rand's heavy speeches. I liked several characters and found Rand's philosphy about sex provocative.
And she nails the socialists right between the eyes and they HATE HER FOR IT.