The Roundhouse

Learn about the preservation work that Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum is involved with, the opportunities and challenges of being based in central Portland, and how they use events to maximize their community outreach. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg… The post Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Rob Gardner, President of American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, provides updates on the restoration of Reading Railroad T-1 2100 and what is planned for the future. This episode is sponsored by Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services and Rail and Road Auctions. Related Episodes… The post 135: Reading 2100 – American Steam Railroad appeared first on The Roundhouse.

The Puffing Billy Railway is a world famous tourist railway near Melbourne, Australia. CEO Peter Abbott speaks with us about the importance of the people connected to it (staff, volunteers, and community), how the railway works to overcome challenges, and… The post Puffing Billy Railway – Sustainability and Success appeared first on The Roundhouse.

The Yosemite Valley Railroad was a connection between the Southern Pacific and Yosemite National Park that brought tourists in by the thousands, and it also hauled a considerable amount of freight. Jack Burgess is dedicated to understanding the history and… The post 133: Yosemite Valley Railroad – Modeling a Historic Rarity appeared first on The Roundhouse.

IMAX film director Stephen Low talks about the process of making Train Time, a documentary looking at the operations of BNSF Railway. He shares how this project was different from Rocky Mountain Express, the methods used to capture some of… The post 132: Train Time! Interview with Director Stephen Low appeared first on The Roundhouse.

The Flour by Rail Project is a unique effort to present Buffalo NY's industrial history in conjunction with its railroads. Charlie Monte Verde, VP of Genesee Valley Transportation and Luke Irvine, Director of the Buffalo USA Foundation, talk about this… The post 131: Flour by Rail Project appeared first on The Roundhouse.

How can you market your tourist railroad, museum, or non-profit organization more effectively? Eric Mencis, Operations Manager for Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, Joey Bryan, Communications Manager for Nashville Steam Preservation Society, and Hal Raven, Owner of the Saratoga Corinth &… The post 130: Marketing in Rail Preservation appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Do you have questions regarding how to get volunteers into rail preservation? Where to find them? How to make them feel like part of a team? Our panel consisting of Wiscasset Waterville and Farmington Railway Trainmaster Ed Lecuyer, Fort Wayne… The post 129: Volunteering in Rail Preservation appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Cass Scenic Railroad is a gem of a tourist railroad in West Virginia. Director of Communications Walter Scriptunas II talks about the history of the line, how they keep their steam logging locomotives operational, and what the future holds with… The post 128: Cass Scenic Railroad appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Do you remember watching Pentrex? The company produced many hour-long videos showcasing different railroads around the continent. One consistent and crucial element of these was the narrator who would describe the history and scenes unfolding. Dave Drui is that narrator,… The post 127: Pentrex Narrator Dave Drui appeared first on The Roundhouse.

At 102 years old, Art Ellis shares many memories from living in Pittsburgh, riding trolleys, working for Pittsburgh Railways, and helping to found the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Related Episodes The Scrapper who Saved Steam Railroad Photographers Lucius Beebe and Charles… The post 126: Pennsylvania Trolley Museum – Founder Art Ellis appeared first on The Roundhouse.

We're continuing to trade spaces with the California State Railroad Museum. Coordinator of Exhibits and Interpretive Programs Kim Whitfield shares some highlights of their impressive collection, how they are embracing digital tools to showcase it, and the significance of storytelling… The post 125: California State Railroad Museum appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad is returning to operation. Western Forest Industries Museum Executive Director Bethan Maher shares her vision of reopening the railroad, how it can represent the history of the Pacific Northwest, and why it's important to so many… The post Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad Returning to Operation appeared first on The Roundhouse.

We are “trading spaces” with the California State Railroad Museum's “The Roundhouse Crosstalk Podcast” by featuring their episode on noted railroad photographers Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg. Tony Reevy, author of “The Railroad Photography of Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg,”… The post Railroad Photographers Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg appeared first on The Roundhouse.

How does one use railroading in meaningful ways to make people happy and strengthen communities? Ken Marty, President of West Coast Railroaders Group, discusses how his company uses speeder cars for everything from fire suppression to partnering with the Make… The post West Coast Railroaders Group appeared first on The Roundhouse.

The Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train is a premiere dining experience in New Hampshire. Owners Ali and Michael French are here to describe the experience of dining on rails, explain how they prepare meals on the train itself, and share why… The post Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Port Jervis NY will soon be home to the Port Jervis Transportation History Center. Carolyn Hoffman, President of Operation Toy Train, discusses this new site, what it means for rail preservation in the region, and what you can expect to… The post Port Jervis Transportation History Center appeared first on The Roundhouse.

What does it take to create an entire musical album on a train? Musician and composer Cheryl B. Engelhardt created her latest album “The Passenger” on a cross-country Amtrak adventure and shares her process with us. Learn more about Cheryl… The post New Age Album Created on Amtrak Train Trip appeared first on The Roundhouse.

We talk with Kelly Lynch about his involvement in Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Headwaters Jct., and FMW Solutions, along with the importance of inclusivity and looking out for others. Related Episode Joliet Rocket Nickel Plate 765 Adventure Question of… The post Kelly Lynch: Fort Wayne, Headwaters Jct., and FMW Solutions appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Dr. Robin Coombes returns to the podcast to discuss earning his Ph. D in Railway Heritage from the University of Birmingham and the thesis he developed as part of his program. He shares the successes and shortcomings of rail preservation… The post Dr. Robin Coombes' Thesis on Heritage Railways appeared first on The Roundhouse.

A rare auto carrier caboose from the Auto-Train is in danger of being scrapped. FLAIRR President Mark Frazier explains how his organization is campaigning to save the car and transport it from California to Florida. Learn more about how you… The post MINI 07: Saving Auto-Train #3 appeared first on The Roundhouse.

The Wiscasset Waterville & Farmington Railway is the sole-surviving “Maine Two Foot” railroad. Director of Marketing & Visitor Interaction Coordinator Stephen Piwowarski discusses the restoration of the railway, their current projects, and what has led to their successes. Train photos… The post Wiscasset Waterville & Farmington Railway appeared first on The Roundhouse.

In its first two months on the market, Railroads Online has generated a great deal of interest for its multiplayer gameplay, mixture of business management and operations, and focus on steam and narrow gauge railroading. We talk to the developers… The post Railroads Online appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Mike O'Donnell, composer for Thomas & Friends, joins us to discuss how he became involved with the TV series, his process for developing music that would fit the characters, collaborating with Junior Campbell, and what the legacy of the show… The post Mike O'Donnell: Thomas the Tank Engine Composer appeared first on The Roundhouse.

What happens when a group of guys get together and say “We should build a Pennsylvania Railroad T1 from scratch”? General Manager Jason Johnson walks us through the history of the Pennsylvania Railroad T1 Trust project, the selection of the… The post Pennsylvania Railroad T1 Trust appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Come along for the ride as we visit N&W 611 during its 2021 visit to the Strasburg Rail Road. We'll interview crew members regarding the operation of the locomotive and experience the sights and sounds of the engine as it… The post 111: Visiting N&W 611 at the Strasburg Rail Road appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Steamtown National Historic Site is well known today, but what led to its creation? Who was F. Nelson Blount, and what exactly was his vision? Rick Kfoury, author of “Steam Trains of Yesteryear: The Monadnock, Steamtown & Northern Story”, shares… The post Monadnock Steamtown & Northern – Early Steamtown appeared first on The Roundhouse.

It's time for those of us in rail preservation to put an end to sexism. Host Nick Ozorak released a survey for women to anonymously share their stories of sexism, harassment, and discrimination. We hear from these women, and Nick… The post Sexism in Rail Preservation appeared first on The Roundhouse.

What does passenger rail advocacy require? We talk with Christopher Parker, Executive Director of Vermont Rail Action Network, about what is helping passenger rail expand in Vermont and how the ‘hybrid' Budd Cars of AllEarth Rail may be part of… The post 109: Rail Advocacy in Vermont appeared first on The Roundhouse.

The Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona PA has announced that they are initiating a campaign to restore Pennsylvania Railroad K4s #1361 to operation. Join us as we attend the press conference and ask Wick Moorman and FMW Solutions President Davidson… The post PRR K4s #1361 Will Be Restored appeared first on The Roundhouse.

The Wisconsin Great Northern is restoring the Mark Twain Zephyr trainset, but there's more to this operation than meets the eye. Director of Passenger Development Robert Tabern and CMO Nick Turinetti talk about this historic trainset, the railroad's freight and… The post Mark Twain Zephyr and the Wisconsin Great Northern appeared first on The Roundhouse.

What is LARP, and what does it have to do with rail preservation? Claus Raasted, an experienced organizer of Live Action Role Playing events, discusses what it is and how it “places you inside a movie”. He shares the history… The post LARP – Live Action Role Play and Historic Railroading appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Scott Jarrett became the Chief Mechanical Officer of the Cincinnati Scenic Railway while under the age of 30. He reflects on his journey which includes time with the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus Train and Amtrak. He shares what… The post 105: Becoming a Chief Mechanical Officer under 30 appeared first on The Roundhouse.

God's Wonderful Railway is a BBC TV series that tells the history of a Great Western Railway branch line through the perspective of children who lived and worked in each era. Avril Rowlands, the author and screenwriter for the series,… The post God's Wonderful Railway appeared first on The Roundhouse.

The Lincoln Funeral Train returns to the podcast. General Superintendent Steve Torrico discusses the plans for this new railroad showcasing the Leviathan steam locomotive and how these replicas showcase 1860s railroad technology. Related Episodes David Kloke & Lincoln Funeral Car… The post Harrisburg Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Rail historian Steve Patterson explains the history of the Ski Train, a Colorado railroad legacy. We're celebrating the train's 80th Anniversary with Railfan and Railroad Magazine. Related Episodes CVSR Observation Car Adventure Iowa Pacific Hoosier State Question of the Day… The post The Legacy of the Ski Train appeared first on The Roundhouse.

What makes a tourist railroad or museum appealing to the general public? Elizabeth Newcamp, family blogger at Dutch Dutch Goose, shares stories about her family's experiences with train travel and her Top 5 tips for tourist railroads and museums. Consider… The post 101: Learning from a Traveling Railfan Family appeared first on The Roundhouse.

We brought together past Roundhouse guests as chosen by you and asked them your questions. Amtrak Engineer Mike Huhn, Strasburg Rail Road Director of Business Development Andrea Biesecker, and East Broad Top Foundation Board Member Bennett Levin join us for… The post Episode 100: Panel Discussion with Selected Guests appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad President John Bush talks about this Colorado Narrow Gauge Railroad, restoring vintage equipment, and preserving the authentic west. Check out this incredible short film about the railroad and John: This episode was sponsored by Age… The post Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Railroad photographer Dennis A. Livesey discusses his career in film production, how that translates to his hobby of railroad photography, and what led to creating his book “Smoke over Steamtown” documenting scenes from Steamtown National Historic Site. Related Episodes Center… The post 098: Dennis A. Livesey: Railroad Photographer appeared first on The Roundhouse.

In Part 2 of our interview with Wick Moorman, the former CEO of Amtrak discusses his philosophy with managing the passenger railroad, why he largely agrees with the business practices of Richard Anderson, and his hopes for the East Broad… The post Wick Moorman: Amtrak CEO Interview appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Executive Director Joe Defrancesco talks about this Altoona treasure, the Horseshoe Curve, PRR K4s #1361, and why preserving the stories of railroaders is a key component of the Railroaders Memorial Museum. Related Episodes Railfan Bed & Breakfast – Station Inn… The post Railroaders Memorial Museum, Altoona PA appeared first on The Roundhouse.

We interview Wick Moorman, former CEO and Chairman of Norfolk Southern and CEO of Amtrak, about how he began his railroading career, what led to him eventually leading Norfolk Southern, the 21st Century Steam Program, Heritage Units, and so much… The post Wick Moorman: Norfolk Southern Interview appeared first on The Roundhouse.

How is the hobby of model railroading doing from the perspective of one of its largest manufacturers and suppliers? Stacey Walthers Naffah, President of Wm. K. Walthers Inc., a longtime Milwaukee-based distributor, manufacturer, and retailer of model trains, shares her… The post 094: Walthers Trains – President Stacey Walthers Naffah appeared first on The Roundhouse.

What compels someone to build fantastic routes in a train simulator? Joe from the YouTube channel Approach Medium discusses why he loves virtual railroading, his many route projects, and how it compares to model railroading. Check out Approach Medium on… The post 093: Approach Medium and Trainz Railroad Simulator appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Want to learn the story of O. Winston Link and his famous steam photography project? O. Winston Link Museum Manager Lynsey Allie details his history and how the museum that bears his name maintains his legacy. Vote for which guests… The post 092: O. Winston Link Museum appeared first on The Roundhouse.

What was it like working for railroads like the Erie Lackawanna and the Delaware & Hudson? Steve Vaughan Sr., a railroader with over 40 years in the industry shares stories from his career and how he fired steam locomotives like… The post 091: Delaware & Hudson Engineer appeared first on The Roundhouse.

The East Broad Top, a historic narrow gauge railroad in central Pennsylvania, has been purchased by a new nonprofit organization. Brad Esposito, General Manager for the railroad, discusses the future of the EBT and what it will take to restore… The post 090: East Broad Top Being Restored to Operation appeared first on The Roundhouse.

How does someone from the world of air transportation transition into railroading? Bob Lowe, owner of three private railcars, talks about how he began investing in commercial shortlines, what led him to own three passenger cars, and how he uses… The post 089: Private Car Owner Bob Lowe appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Are you planning your basement railroad empire? Curious on how an expert compresses entire railroad locations and operations into a small space? Dan Bourque has designed hundreds of train layouts over the past 20 years, and these can be seen… The post 088: How to Design a Model Railroad appeared first on The Roundhouse.

Many preservation efforts have conquered hardship, but how many can say they have triumphed over a flood? Colin O'Brien of the Mid-Continent Railway Museum walks us through the extensive collection, restoration projects including Chicago & Northwestern #1385, and how they persevered through a devastating flood in 2008. The post 087: Mid-Continent Railway Museum appeared first on The Roundhouse.